Jimmy is kicking off 2024, the 15th year of BSR, from Roberta’s with a heavy hitting crew! In the hot seats tonight are Brandon Hoy, co-founder and owner of Roberta’s; James Tai , principal of Beer Acolyte Consulting and Gun Hill Publick House; Mike Amidei director of operations at Roberta’s; and Jaime Ojeda , Restaurateur and Brew Pub operator from Chile. What’s hot in New York this year? Roberta’s has been a melting pot and genesis point for food and drink culture since the restaurant opened i...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 695
We’ve made it to our last episode of 2023, and what a year it’s been for beer! Jimmy has assembled another crew of experts on the ground who helped bring him the favorite beers of 2023, and helped prove once and for all that craft malt is sexy! Find out why from this esteemed group including Tod Mott of Tributary Brewing Co Kittery, Maine; Joel Alex of Blue Ox Malthouse of Lisbon Falls, Maine; Tyler Fitzpatrick of Lamplighter Brewing Co. in Cambridge, Mass; and Ian Goering, Account Manager at Bl...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 694
It doesn’t get much better than a Colorado-meets-New York show. For this week’s episode, Jimmy is diving into IPAs from two spectacular beer states with a couple special guests. Joining Jimmy are Geoff Wenzel, R&D brewer at Industrial Arts Brewing Co in Beacon, NY, and Dave Thibodeau, president and co-founder of Ska Brewing in Durango, Colorado. Great brewers and great guests, Geoff and Dave have sent Jimmy some awesome beers for a remote, coast-to-coast tasting. Each brewer will introduce t...
Dec 10, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 693
Back to Beers! Jimmy has commissioned a convocation of NYC beer bars experts for this very special episode! The point of discussion is Courtney Iseman’s Good Beer Hunting article regarding the scene, and this group of key players from this very special time are here to dive into this retrospective on NYC beer bar history. In the studio tonight are Courtney Iseman , freelance beer writer with Good Beer Hunting; Chris O'leary, editor of Brew York beer blog and newsletter; Jen Maslanka, GM and part...
Dec 03, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 692
It’s a very special night at the Roberta’s studio! Jimmy is joined by HRN’s The Speakeasy host Greg Benson to co-pilot this ruckus, rockin’ episode! Also joining them are Danny Mena and Arik Torren , co-founders with Jimmy of Bowl of ‘Zole . The group has assembled in honor of October's Bowl of ‘Zole event, along with the recent announcement of HRN’s new executive director, RJ Bee . But that’s not all! It’s truly a party tonight, including Cameron Holck , Arik’s partner at Lot 001 Brands Imports...
Nov 26, 2023•59 min•Ep. 691
One of Jimmy’s favorite guests, Julia Herz, is back to talk about the recent Learn to Homebrew Day Celebration ! Julia Herz is the Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association , and has been busy since she last spoke with Jimmy. Having started as a hobbyist before her lauded career in beer, she is still homebrewing today. Held on November 4th, Julia has the lowdown on the Learn to Homebrew Day Celebration. The day is all about fostering community and helping curious homebrewers-to-...
Nov 11, 2023•48 min•Ep. 690
Joel Shelton is back to take Jimmy and his merry gang on another ICB Tour! Joining the party this week is BR Rolya , BSR MVP and Joel’s partner in crime on Inner Circle Beer Tours ; Bob Weyersberg of Transmitter Brewing and ICB co-conspirator; James Tai, advanced cicerone of Beer Acolyte and Gun Hill Publick House , and aspiring attendee of ICB; Pete Lengyel-Fushimi, brewer at Rockaway Brewing Company and ICB special guest; Robin Fowler of Wild East Brewing , Certified LUKR Tapster, and recent F...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 689
What in the world is scrumpy cider? Close out Cider Week New York 2023 with a history lesson from Elizabeth Ryan, fermenter, pomologist, cider maker, and NY State Cider Pioneer at Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider ’s Breezy Hill Orchard; and also Fee Doyle , bartender, beertender, cider drinker, beer writer, folk musician, and Beer Witch ambassador. With Cider Week coming to a close, this episode is a great accounting of all things cider: Growing apples, making, selecting, and selling cider, and gen...
Oct 15, 2023•58 min•Ep. 688
Always so good to be back at Roberta’s! Joining Jimmy in the studio today are returning guests Shinobu Kato, sake brewer and founder of Kato Sake Works , and Peter Lengyel-Fushimi , beer brewer at Rockaway Brewing . The crew will dive into all things rice, sake, koji, burgers, fermentation, ABV, pairings, and more! What makes what’s in your glass so good? These craftsmen have some unique insight. From Shinobu’s expansion of the sake brewing scene in NYC, to Pete’s advice to producers on what you...
Oct 08, 2023•57 min•Ep. 687
Back to Roberta’s! Being in the studio always gives Jimmy a chance to bring in his favorite folks from the NYC beer community. This week he does just that with Brett Taylor, Co Founder and Head Brewer at Wild East Brewing Company , and Ted Kenny , owner of Top Hops Beer Shops. Every brewery is different, and NYC is home to some very special beers. In this episode, learn about the myth behind Wild East, while tasting some great styles beyond the world of hazy IPAs. Easy drinking, very approachabl...
Oct 02, 2023•56 min•Ep. 686
Cider Week New York is closer than ever! Want to be ready for the event before October 6? Check out this special episode featuring Paige Flori of Boutique Wine, Spirits and Cider from Fishkill, NY, and returning guest Scott Ramsey , Executive Director of the New York Cider Association . Get the scoop from these Cider Week veterans on how the changes to the program over the past 12 years have changed the event for the better. Learn about who is at the cutting edge of New York cider. Hear how Sc...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 685
Tune in for another fun on-site recording with Jimmy at New England Dairy in Boston! Joining him are Allo Gilinsky of Craft Beer Cellar and Trinktisch in Belmont, Mass, and Hilary Walentuk , registered dietitian and senior nutrition specialist, of New England Dairy . On the menu are some familiar themes that BSR has been diving into recently, including cider, dairy, farms, pairings, and more. Learn about the importance of farms and experience some great cheese and cider pairings in this deep div...
Sep 08, 2023•57 min•Ep. 684
Cider Week New York is coming up! Want the scoop on quality hard cider and great pairings? Listen in to this special episode featuring Rachel Freier , Cider Week event producer and cheesemonger at large, and a special appearance from Scott Ramsey , Executive Director of the New York Cider Association . Track the journey of Cider Week here, as the event is set to feature more producers and events than ever before. While the Covid-19 pandemic turned Cider Week on its head, Rachel and Scott used th...
Sep 01, 2023•40 min•Ep. 683
Jimmy’s back at Roberta's in Bushwick for an enthralling episode of BSR that intertwines New York's rich history and beer culture. Carlo DeVito , a renowned wine, beers, and spirits writer and editor, joins us to spill on his exciting new book on these very subjects. Get ready to be amazed as Carlo treats us to jaw-dropping New York beer trivia! As the conversation unfolds, Carlo's passion for the craft shines through, and his expertise in the world of libations is evident. From the city's histo...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 682
This week Jimmy is joined by some great friends from Colorado for a fun convo. Jason Bell, Founder and Owner of Living the Dream Brewing in Littleton, Colorado, shares his journey and experiences in the beer industry. He is joined by Em Hutto, the founder of beer communications brand RadCraft , proud spokesperson of Living the Dream Brewing, and long time friend of the show! The gang takes some time to reflect on the vibrant lifestyle of the Greater Denver area and discuss the significance of fo...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 681
In this captivating episode, Jimmy sits down for a one-on-one interview with Greg Engert , the esteemed beverage director at Neighborhood Restaurant Group in DC, NYC, and NOLA. Known for his exceptional hospitality, Greg's ability to create memorable experiences is why people dine out. Despite starting as a "failed academic" pursuing literature in DC, Greg quickly found his passion in the beer world at the iconic Brickskeller, America's first beer bar. Join us as we uncover Greg's remarkable jou...
Jul 14, 2023•55 min•Ep. 680
Learn about the intricacies of taste from the mouths of the experts themselves! Stepping up to the mics this week on BSR are two esteemed authors and advanced cicerones: Mandy Naglich is a food and beverage journalist, cocktail judge, is certified in several tasting mediums, and is the author of How to Taste ; Em Sauter is the founder of and cartoonist for Pints and Panels , an advanced cicerone, author of two books, international beer judge, and co-host of All About Beer podcast. Check out this...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 679
On this episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy road trips to Greenland, NH, to chat with Pete Endres, Cider Maker / Co-Owner of Bird Dog Cider . Tasting right from the tank, they try a handful of Ciders while discussing the storied history of the property. They also touch upon the culture of agriculture in New England, question how the local climate influences cider-making, dissect which apples are best for what uses, and much more. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast...
Jun 20, 2023•50 min•Ep. 678
Jimmy and his cider buddies unite the East Coast and West Coast in a flavorful exploration of the craft. Joining the discussion are Ron Sansone, president of the Cider Institute of North America ; Dave Carr, owner and cider maker at Raging Cider & Mead Co ; and a drop-in by Anthony Lopez, cider maker (and “yeast babysitter”) at Casa De Oro Cider . The gang discuss irresistible cider varieties and styles, bridging the gap between the coasts as cider pioneers. Tune in for a discussion on every...
Jun 10, 2023•55 min•Ep. 677
Join Jimmy LIVE from Industry City with beer acolyte James Tai , an advanced cicerone and national BJCP beer judge, and Shane McNamara , a master cicerone and Global Director for Beer Passion & Beyond Beer Innovation at AB InBev. Explore the world of beer as a career, while reflecting on Memorial Day and reminiscing about this year’s Rib King competition. Tune in now to BSR for an engaging discussion packed with insights from industry experts and mouth watering inspiration. Cheers to the art...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 676
Cask is back! Jimmy is joined by Steve Hamburg of Cask Marque Americas; Neil Callaghan, beer director of Brick Store Pub ; and Todd DiMatteo, co-owner and head brewer at Good Word Brewing . Together they delve into the world of cask ale for the second time this month, exploring the joys of being on-premise and the niche cask occupies within the craft beer industry. The show also highlights the influence of Cask Marque, an organization dedicated to maintaining the quality of cask ale. Tune in to ...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 675
Join Jimmy in a special episode of BSR as he celebrates the tenth-anniversary edition of " The Complete Beer Course ." With him is Joshua Bernstein , author of the monolithic book in question, and Andrew Thomas , a professional distiller at Halftone Spirits and “reformed” home brewer. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your journey, this episode offers a refreshing look at the evolving beer landscape and the book's content, expert advice, and exploration of trends. Get r...
May 20, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 674
Embark on another exciting on-location adventure with Jimmy in Boston's Time Out Market . Explore a vibrant beer scene with three local guests: Forrest Pettengill from Aeronaut Brewing , Brandon Keating from Trillium Brewing , and Matt Harding, assistant manager of Time Out Market Boston. Discover the market's 15 kitchen concepts, two indoor bars (with an outdoor bar coming soon), and an impressive selection of Boston's finest local beers. Get ready for an adventurous episode filled with the fla...
May 14, 2023•54 min•Ep. 673
Jimmy is back in the field, this time at New England Real Ale eXhibition ( NERAX ) in Boston! He's joined by Mark Bowers, President of the Cask-conditioned Ale Support Campaign ( CASC ) / Brewmaster at Aeronaut Brewing Company; Gary Chopourian, Festival Organizer / beer enthusiast; and Jan Williams, Festival Door Manager and Maine beer acquisition / beer enthusiast. Together, they recap the highlights of the event and share their favorite things about cask ale. This event has been going strong s...
May 08, 2023•57 min•Ep. 672
Jimmy is back in the studio to recap the latest Brisket King with a couple of folks from the event! In the studio we have Misty Banchero, sometimes known as Seattle Butcher's Wife , member of the family-run USDA meat processing facility Mondo & Sons, and Brisket King judge. Joining her is Brisket King competitor and culinary director of Sands Jerk Hut , Darlene Lawrence, to dish on jerk brisket! Plus Jimmy shouts out a special beer he tried at the event: Kent Falls and Hindsight BBQ's collab...
Apr 28, 2023•40 min•Ep. 671
When Emily Hutto of RadCraft beer heard Jimmy was out in Denver to celebrate the Bowl of ‘Zole mezcal and pozole festival, she knew she had to link him up with Sara and Greg Fetzer of Emporium Brewing . The couple paint a picture of the business and beer climate in Denver, and recount the story of their brewery. Later on in the show Jimmy sits down with some of the folks featured at Bowl of ‘Zole to debrief. Joining the conversation is Eduardo Belaunzarán of Wahaka Mezcal ; the Tequila Amatiteña...
Apr 15, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 670
We have made it to the third and final live show from the 2023 Craft Malt Conference ! Jimmy wrapped up his first trip to the special conference in Portland, Maine, by chatting with two proprietors of the most important ingredient in beer and whisky: Malt! This week the focus is on Maine and how the state’s agriculture stewards great malt. Jimmy catches up with Joshua Buck of Maine Malthouse and Joel Alex of Blue Ox Craft Malt on the heels of their talk at the conference. Join Jimmy as he delves...
Apr 07, 2023•57 min•Ep. 669
This week we have Jimmy’s second road-show from The Craft Malt Conference in Portland, Maine, which was held from March 16 to March 18, 2023. Joining Jimmy this time around are three new friends who are making a splash in the malt world. Jeff Bloem is the Founder and Maltster at Murphy & Rude Malting Co. in Charlottesville, Virginia; Jordan Ullrich is with Epiphany Craft Malt , in Durham, North Carolina; and Joe Hamill represents Red Shed Malting in Alberta, Canada. The Craft Malt Conference...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 668
Booyah! Jimmy made it to Portland, Maine for the long awaited Craft Malt Conference, which met for the first time in person in over 3 years! Of course, Jimmy got the people that make it all happen to dish on all things Craft Malt. This week’s episode is the first in a series of recordings from the event. First up we have Branch Rothschild, the brewhouse manager of Allagash Brewing Company , board member of the Craft Maltsters Guild, and the only brewer interviewed in this series; and Ben Clegg, ...
Mar 27, 2023•45 min•Ep. 667
BSR always strives to shine a light on people moving the Beer World forward. Writers and editors are often the most thoughtful, impactful people in the worlds of beer, spirits, and hospitality, and we have two great ones on the show this week. Joining Jimmy is Jeff Cioletti , author of Imbibing for Introverts , and editor in chief of Craft Spirits Magazine ; and Kate Bernot , Missoula, Montana-based reporter on beer, alcohol, and food, and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers . T...
Mar 17, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 666
