Hear how Forbidden Root uses rare botanicals and fruit to craft unique beers—and how the same fruit can create different flavors. Phil Zelewsky, Head Brewer at Forbidden Root, shares how Chicago’s first botanical brewery evolved from a root beer experiment into one of the top 10 brewpubs in the U.S. He explains how founder Robert Finkel sources wild ingredients like the “smuggled” Alpine botanical Génépi, Forbidden Root’s approach to using “unusual but appropriate” ingredients, how to determine ...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Executive Producer Cody Gough discusses Crafty Brewers' plans for the next few months—just in time for the 2025 Memorial Day weekend. Tune in this summer for: Forbidden Root, June 5 Suncatcher Brewing, July 10 Ike & Oak Brewing Company, August 14 Season 3 Premiere, September 11 You can learn more about Crafty Brewers and get in touch with us on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to ca...
May 22, 2025•3 min
Hear how Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is reinventing adult beverages, from hazy IPAs to THC seltzers to spirits including fernet and gin. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery’s Adam Cieslak (Co-Founder/Director of Brewing & Distilling) and Roger Cuzelis (Head Brewer) discuss launching Chicago’s first brewery/distillery hybrid, their award-winning Hazy IPAs, and the art of recipe refinement. They discuss why beer awards matter, what strange and unusual ingredients they’ve experimented wit...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Hear how an award-winning Polish Grodziskie helped elevate Sketchbook from brewing in an alley to becoming an industry leader in sustainability. Sketchbook Brewing Company Managing Partner and Head Brewer Cesar Marron discusses his brewery's journey from humble alleyway origins to becoming an award-winning establishment with a strong emphasis on sustainability. He shares the exciting but stressful story of how he won the Sam Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest before discussing the challeng...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Welcome to Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer, where we'll increase your enjoyment of craft beer. Learn more on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA-kNDu43YSV36P6bdG2d0g Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@craftybrewers
Apr 17, 2025•2 min
Learn about the surprising origins of Pollyanna’s award‑winning Lexical Gap IPA, freeze‑distilled Eisbocks, and Snickers‑inspired pastry stout. Brian Pawola, co‑founder, head brewer, and distiller at Pollyanna Brewing Company, shares the story behind Pollyanna’s most unique beers. In particular, he discusses the freeze distilling involved in crafting their Jötunheimr Eisbock Lager, the reluctance behind creating the award-winning Lexical Gap West Coast IPA, and what goes into creating their Dr. ...
Apr 10, 2025•50 min•Ep. 41
Trailblazing women in craft beer discuss the impact of the Vibes Beer Project and how they became innovators in the brewing industry. In a hilarious and candid conversation, Solemn Oath Brewery Director of Hospitality & Operations Charolette Converse and ERIS Brewery & Cider House Co-Owner Michelle Foik discuss the Vibes Beer Project and how the craft beer landscape has changed for women over the years—and what’s next. They explain how the Vibes Beer Project builds community for women, n...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Learn about Guinness’ Chicago location, their beer styles—including Czech lagers and Kentucky Commons—and how Chicago’s water influences their brewing. Guinness Open Gate Brewery (OGB) Chicago Senior Brewer Megan Schwarz and Guinness National Ambassador Ryan Wagner discuss Guinness’ expansion into Chicago, how Megan’s chemical engineering background led to brewing, and the challenges of changing people’s perception of Guinness. They dive into historical and unique beer styles like Kentucky Commo...
Mar 13, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Learn how Off Color Brewing's yeast-first focus makes its beers distinct from the more common hops-focused breweries in the craft beer industry. Off Color Brewing co-founder and head brewer John Laffler shares the science behind his yeast-first brewery and how it stands apart from other more hop-focused breweries. He discusses the revival of forgotten beer styles, focusing on esoteric brews crafted before the Bavarian Purity Law and highlighting his brewery's reputation for challenging conventio...
Feb 27, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Chicago's most award-winning brewpub reveals the secrets of its medal-winning Lagers and a bold malt liquor revival. Keil Weimer, head brewer at Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, discusses brewing award-winning lagers and reviving forgotten styles. He tells the story of winning a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in October for his Door Code Pilsner, sharing insights on what it takes to brew crisp German Pilsners, why patience is key in lagering, and the art of natural carbonation. He a...
Feb 13, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Learn how Soundgrowler’s beers draw inspiration from a variety of art forms, resulting in a blend of rare styles, death metal, and yoga. Head Brewer Jacob Hutcheson and Brewing Operations Manager John Halek showcase Soundgrowler’s vibrant and eclectic brewery, where beer, doom, and tacos come alive in Tinley Park, Illinois. Jacob begins by sharing his passion for the Grodzinski, a rare Polish-style beer that won Soundgrowler a medal at the World Beer Cup — in addition to an even more coveted pri...
Jan 30, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 36
What makes a cider a cider? Explore the fruits and chaos-inspired ingredients behind ERIS’ biggest hits in this cider science deep dive. Michelle Foik, co-owner of ERIS Brewery and Cider House, shares her journey to opening her historic establishment before delving into the art and science of cidering. She starts by discussing how her career took her from Goose Island Brewery and Revolution Brewing to opening the first female-owned brewery and cider house in Illinois in a historic Masonic temple...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Master Brewer Hagen Dost delves into Dovetail Brewery’s traditional brewing techniques, from open fermentation to coolships. Hagen starts by sharing his journey of getting into brewing, with an emphasis on his German heritage growing up and the sensory class that helped him develop skills that he feels would benefit any brewer. He then explains how he became a Certified Master Brewer and discusses traditional European brewing methods, including decoction and the use of a coolship. Plus: the art ...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Hop up your spirits with a barrel of laughs as we close out 2024. Plus: a major announcement that you don’t want to miss! Brian, Katherine, and Cody get together via the internet to have some fun to close out the year, sharing reviews of local beers, making some major announcements, and looking ahead at what’s to come in 2025. Brian starts things off by sharing the huge news that the next episode of Crafty Brewers will feature Dovetail Brewing on January 2, 2025 — mark your calendars! Then, Cody...
Dec 05, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Learn how BubbleHouse Brewing ensures they have “something for everyone” and the story behind the best pub game you’ve never heard of. John and April Miller, owners of BubbleHouse Brewing Company, discuss crafting a diverse beer portfolio, providing unique taproom experiences, and their journey from corporate life to brewing. They discuss the challenges and rewards of brewing clean, simple beers without relying on heavy adjuncts and the importance of community engagement by creating an inclusive...
Nov 14, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Learn how Horse Thief Hollow became the most award-winning brewery on the south side of Chicago, having won 10 major awards (and counting). Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co’s Jake Nelson (Head Brewer) and Adrian Morrison (Brewer and Sales Manager) discuss the fascinating legacy of Horse Thief Hollow Brewing in Chicago's historic Beverly neighborhood, exploring the origins of the brewery's name, its cultural significance, and why the Illinois militia had to run off horse thieves in the very early da...
Oct 31, 2024•50 min•Ep. 31
Learn how Burning Bush Brewery crafts its unique brews, including their spruce tip IPA named after a true story of “tree wrestling.” Burning Bush Brewery’s Brent Raska, owner and brewer, and Scott McElhenney, head brewer, discuss their unique transition from meeting at church to brewing together, the surprising similarities between running a church parish and running a brewery, and the art of crafting kettle sours. They also delve into why they typically have about 12 of their own beers on tap, ...
Oct 17, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Learn how Twisted Hippo recovered from a devastating fire and found a way to thrive while brewing their unique beers. Karl and Marilee Rutherford, co-founders and owners of Twisted Hippo, share the story of their humble beginnings from a homebrewing beer kit from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, to opening a brewery. They explain how they recovered from a devastating fire in 2022, after which the Chicago craft brewery community rallied around them to help them get back on their feet, and the innovative wa...
Oct 03, 2024•49 min•Ep. 29
Learn how Revolution Brewing grew from a small brewery to Illinois’ largest independently-owned brewery — and what makes their beer so special. 03:51 Beer Myth: Do all yeasts ferment the same way? Katherine challenges the idea that top fermenting and bottom fermenting yeasts function in the same way. Learn what yeasts actually do and the role they play in the fermentation process. 09:03 Revolution Brewing Interview: David Blackford, Lead Brewer at Revolution Brewing, explains the difference betw...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 28
Learn how Old Irving became so successful, it needed to open a new production facility — and what went into the expansion. 02:18 Beer Myth: When brewing sour beers, is kettle souring lazy? Katherine has some HOT TAKES about this, and Trevor from Old Irving Brewing Co. explains the science behind what actually creates sour beers. Discover the facts behind this common misconception and learn how kettle souring is a legitimate and skillful method that produces some of the best-tasting sours. Bonus:...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 27
Explore bitter beers with Midwest Coast, including ESBs, English Pale Ales, and IPAs that cater to evolving palates. 01:48 Beer Myth: What’s a “girly drink” when it comes to beers? Katherine and Brian and their guests shatter the myth that some beers are “manly” and others are not. 07:32 Midwest Coast Brewing: Cameron Compton, founder of Midwest Coast, and Timothy Ficken, brewery manager, talk about what brought them together to Midwest Coast. They share the different beer trends that were emerg...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 26
Discover Azadi Brewing's unique fusion of Indian spices and American craft beer, plus debunk myths about coffee beers. 03:23 Beer Myth: Will coffee-infused beer keep you awake all night? Discover how ingredients like coffee and tea are integrated into beers and learn the truth behind the caffeine content in coffee beers. 08:14 Azadi Brewing Company Interview: Bhavik Modi and Gator Schrand from Azadi Brewing talk about the unique origin story of their Indian-infused craft beer company. They talk ...
Aug 08, 2024•52 min•Ep. 25
Mikerphone Brewing’s Mike Pallen talks beer collabs and what goes into brewing a coffee stout like Smells Like Bean Spirit. 01:24 Beer Myth: Does beer make you full, or does it just make you feel full? Learn the truth behind what it is about beer that may be giving you a sensation of fullness, and discover how understanding this can help you enjoy your brews without feeling overly stuffed. Plus: a hilarious and super random tangent about caftans (calf tans?) that really throws everyone for a loo...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 24
Jim Koblish from Hop District Community Brewing Co. shares his unique story of going from distiller to brewer. Plus: Florida’s craft beer culture shock. 01:59 Beer Myth: Does beer taste better in bottles or in cans? Discover the truth behind a persistent craft beer myth and how understanding the science of BPA-lined cans and light exposure can elevate your beer-drinking experience. 08:30 Hop District Community Brewing Co: Co-owner and brewer Jim Koblish shares his unconventional path from distil...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 23
Buckledown Brewing’s Ike Orcutt discusses customer loyalty, raspberry craft beer innovations, and eclectic craft cocktail partnerships. 02:03 Beer Myth: Are dark beers only meant for the cold winter months? Learn whether certain beers like Schwarzbiers, Dunkels and Märzen can be refreshing even in warm weather and broaden your beer palate with your newfound knowledge so you can enjoy rich, flavorful brews all year long. 07:20 Buckledown Brewing Interview: Ike Orcutt, founder of BuckleDown Brewin...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 22
Alarmist Brewing’s hilarious Gary Gulley brings an engineer’s lens to brewing and nerds out about cask ales, clear hazies, and what customers really want. 01:27 Beer Myth: Are cask ales all flat? What is a cask ale, anyway? Gary explains what makes a cask ale a cask ale and the role carbonation plays in it. If you’ve never heard of a firkin, spile, cast breather, or cask wedge, then you’ll walk away with a better understanding of them as only an engineer could provide. Plus: should you drink wha...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 21
Learn about mild ales, the nuances of English hops and the influence of terroir on flavor, and why “beer is for everyone.” 01:33 Beer Myth: Are craft beer taprooms unwelcoming? Katherine discusses the idea that going into tap rooms full of house-produced beers as a novice in the craft beer community is intimidating and you may or may not be welcomed with open arms. Learn the truth behind the intimidation factor of craft beer spaces and how you could use your newfound knowledge to discover new be...
May 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 20
Explore Illuminated Brew Works’ imaginative craft beer creations and unique tap room that’s unlike any other you’ve seen. 01:26 Beer Myth: Is the craft beer market so saturated that now all beer is boring? Learn why some say that craft beer has become monotonous and learn how you can rediscover the diverse and thrilling world of artisanal brews, enhancing your appreciation and enjoyment of every pint. 07:51 Illuminated Brew Works: Jason Monk, Facilities Manager and Assistant Brewer, and Rick Jul...
May 09, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Learn how an eclectic brewery incorporates an incredible range of ingredients in its beers, including algae and Butterfly pea flower. 01:53 Beer Myth: Do all barrel-aged beers have a high ABV? Learn the truth behind whether barrel aging equals boozy brews so you can enjoy a wider range of flavorful beers with your newfound knowledge. 05:09 1840 Brewing Company: Kyle Vetter, founder and brewer of 1840 Brewing, discusses his origins and expansion from a focus on oak-aged and classic styles to offe...
Apr 25, 2024•52 min•Ep. 18
Learn about Eagle Park Brewing Company’s explosive growth, how brewing is like making music, and what’s up with THC seltzers. 01:45 Beer Myth: Is it bad to have a beer after a workout? Learn the truth behind the idea that beer hampers your fitness efforts so you know what you should (or shouldn’t) reach for in your fridge after you get home from the gym. 03:45 Eagle Park Brewing Interview: Jake Schinker, the brewery’s brand director and co-founder, discusses the intersection of brewing and music...
Apr 11, 2024•58 min•Ep. 17
