This episode James and Shannon share the method behind the madness to their hop growing experiment. James buys more brew gadgets without telling Shannon and gives an update on his homebrew lineup. Plus, what does Shania "Twine" have to do with hops? Featuring @Northern Brewer IPA Hop Rhizome Growing Kit and @Stone Cow Brewery
Jun 27, 2022•41 min•Ep. 73
This week James and Shannon check off the state of Arizona on their quest to speak to homebrewers from across the country. The duo is joined by The Blind Brew Guy, Fred, a homebrewer with low vision. Fred shares his experience with brewing and how he MacGyver's his equipment to continue brewing despite his impairment. Plus find out what guillotines have to do with homebrewing. Special thank you to Fred @TheBlindBrewGuy
Jun 12, 2022•38 min•Ep. 99
James and Shannon are joined by fellow Homebrewer, Ross from Grey Cat Brewing (@Greycat_Brewing), to discuss the challenges of brewing European style beers, logo development, favorite hops and a touching tribute to a late neighbor.
May 08, 2022•41 min•Ep. 98
Welcome back Flocculation Nation! On this special homebrewer highlight James and Shannon puddle jump and interview their first international guest; homebrewer and youtube sensation: Lyndon of @masteringhomebrew. Find out what got Lyndon and James to chant “It’s all about the purge”, homebrewing equipment game changers and so much more. Grab a flight and join us for this very special homebrewer episode. Remember to follow us on Instagram @doublehopbeatpodcast and rate, review and subscribe on you...
Apr 24, 2022•25 min•Ep. 70
On this episode leading up to St. Patrick’s day, James and Shannon brew up an Irish Red Ale and share homebrewing updates. Recent trips to craft breweries are highlighted including Untold Brewing, Mayflower Brewing and Rushford and Sons.
Mar 13, 2022•46 min•Ep. 69
On this special President’s Day episode, James and Shannon dust off the time machine and travel to the 1970's to investigate which President had a hand in legalizing homebrewing. Was he the catalyst behind the craft beer revolution or was it the work of a passionate homebrewer and a thirsty Senator? Fun facts abound! Plus, Shannon shares some beverages enjoyed by past presidents. Sources: John Harry (2019) https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/papazian James Fallows (2010). https://www.theatlantic...
Feb 21, 2022•32 min•Ep. 68
On this week's episode James and Shannon touch base on what's been happening in their home brewing. The equipment James is NOT buying and the duo delve into the world of dry hopping, including the uncertainties that come with it.
Feb 06, 2022•34 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, James and Shannon get wild in the Windy City and share their craft brewery experiences from their trip to Chicago IL. Highlighted breweries include Pilot Project, Half Acre and Solemn Oath. James jokes about the one beer he considered to have the strangest flavor to hit his taste buds. Shannon adds some Chicago brewery history into the mix while James heats up with his first brew day of 2022. Tune in for craft beer news, homebrewer interviews and homebrewing adventures. Follow t...
Jan 23, 2022•53 min•Ep. 66
In this special holiday edition episode, James and Shannon share brewtastic gift ideas to get the homebrewer in your life into the holiday spirit. James gives his top 3 advent beer calendar choices and the pair discuss their latest brews. Give them the gift of your support by rating and reviewing on your favorite podcast platforms and following them on instagram @doublehopbeatpodcast
Dec 12, 2021•41 min•Ep. 65
With the holidays fast approaching its time to shake things up with mead! This episode James and Shannon are joined by Rachel from Crave Mead. Learn how mead is made, what makes it different and how versatile it is. Plus a fun fact about that sweet honey goodness and more jokes from James. @cravemead
Nov 21, 2021•30 min•Ep. 64
James and Shannon are joined by fellow married homebrewers Rob and Corinne of Pratt Brewing Company. The quadruplet talk about how to navigate homebrewing together while keeping your marriage intact. As well as brew day mishaps and advice for new home brewers. A special thanks to this weeks guest @prattbrewing
Nov 07, 2021•42 min•Ep. 63
On this special Halloween episode James and Shannon enter the world of spirits with a haunted brewery, add some beers to the 2021 boneyard (RIP) and highlight a spooky delivery service in Seattle. Plus, if you are in need of dad jokes, James has got you covered. Please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on all your podcast platforms and by following the pulse of brewing @doublehopbeatpodcast on instagram.
Oct 30, 2021•34 min•Ep. 62
The autumn leaves are falling as James and Shannon discuss the perfect beers for the leaf peeping season and some new brews on tap at their basement brewery. Plus, James gives a review of the Spike steam condensing lid. Please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on all your podcast platforms and by following the pulse of brewing @doublehopbeatpodcast on instagram. Today’s beers brought to you by @AtlanticBrewing, @PennyPinchersBrewing @abbrewery and @rasbrewhouse...
Oct 17, 2021•46 min•Ep. 3
To kickstart the fall season in New England, James and Shannon have a brewside chat to talk about hard ciders. On this special guest episode, the duo are joined by Senior Cidermaker Craig Collins from @downeastcider. Collins shares all things apple from the cider making process, flavors and hidden tricks to enjoying your favorite craft cider. Special thanks to our guest Craig Collins and Matt Brockman from Downeast cider. Check out @downeastcider on Instagram and be sure to pick up their tasty c...
Oct 03, 2021•42 min•Ep. 60
Homebrewing is a hobby that can escalate quickly with equipment upgrades. James' homebrewing journey has led him to this moment with his new upgraded system. This episode we talk about James' brew day on his new 20 gallon @ssbrewtech 3V electric 240v system! Shannon brings up a story from James' past time and the pair dive into his new homebrewing system. James shares his game changer accessories and the pros and cons of his new system. Cheers. Remember to follow us on our instagram @doublehopbe...
Sep 19, 2021•29 min•Ep. 59
Shannon is the captain now. On this episode of Double Hopbeat, Shannon finally uses her Pico Brew C to brew up a blonde ale in her first "solo" brew day! The duo share their experience with the system, pros, cons and what to expect if you are looking for a similar system. Plus Shannon coins some new homebrewing terminology. Hop on board the automated brew train!
Sep 05, 2021•28 min•Ep. 58
What up Flocculation Nation? This week Shannon and James are joined by Omega Yeast Lab Manager Bianca Alley to delve deeper into the world of Yeast, the magical beer creatures. Bianca divulges how she got started in homebrewing, a hidden talent, and the nitty gritty of being a yeast lab manager. Also, discover what's in store for the future of yeast.
Aug 22, 2021•30 min•Ep. 57
James gives an update on the progress of his new home brewery including the acquisition of a steam condenser lid (!). Then the duo dive into the downfall of homebrewing in Antartica and the new job posting from SpaceX.
Aug 08, 2021•33 min•Ep. 56
Shannon and James are joined by Sean Fox and Zach Nading, some of the creators of Dadship, to talk about the creative process surrounding both developing a TV series and a great craft beer. To coincide with the season finale of the Dadship series, the group delve deeper into the series inspiration, conception to final product, plus a fun game with the series characters.
Jul 25, 2021•31 min•Ep. 55
On this week's episode James and Shannon investigate what makes a good homebrewing starter kit, share a recent trip to a next level beer hall and highlight some past guest for their accomplishments at the 43rd Annual National Homebrew Competition.
Jul 11, 2021•34 min•Ep. 54
James and Shannon check out a new (to them) brewery. This prompts Shannon to delve deeper into the history of brewing in Worcester, MA. Find out how far back the roots go and what all the cool kids were drinking back in the day (a Wednesday). Plus, they highlight a brewery collective in the city. Breweries mentioned: Rushford & Sons- Upton MA, Baystate Brewing-Worcester MA, Greater Good Brewing-Worcester MA, 3Cross Fermentation Collective- Worcester MA.
Jun 27, 2021•32 min•Ep. 53
On this week's episode James reveals his new homebrewing upgrade, the duo visit one of their favorite breweries and highlight a local craftsman. Plus, hear what they have to say about Hoplark's new line of Hopwater.
Jun 06, 2021•48 min•Ep. 52
It's the second part of the brew off results! James, Shannon, Caitlin and Garreth, have some laughs and critique their respective blonde ales using the Beer Judge Certification Guidelines (BJCG). The quad touch on the creative side of brewing and discuss the name origin and label creation. Plus, Double Hopbeat throws Fenrir Brewing for a loop with a special surprise edition of this limited edition blonde ale. Find out which beer reigns supreme! Special thanks to our brew off guests @FenrirBrewin...
May 23, 2021•47 min•Ep. 51
On this week’s special episode James and Shannon are joined by Garreth and Caitlin Wippel from @fenrirbrewing and @aithoncreative to discuss their homebrewing journey and share experiences from the first Brew off challenge. Recipe development for the Brew off blonde ale and so much more! Keep the brewing session going by subscribing and reviewing on all your podcast platforms and by following us on instagram @doublehopbeatpodcast
May 16, 2021•29 min•Ep. 51
This week James and Shannon are joined by Advanced Cicerone Mandy Naglich (@beerswithmandy). They explore the world of Farmhouse Ales as well as what it takes to become a Cicerone. Plus, the duo put Mandy's knowledge to the test with a beer pairing challenge. Be sure to check out Mandy's new Farmhouse Project #trythisfarmhouse. @beerswithmandy https://beerswithmandy.com/try-this-farmhouse #trythisfarmhouse...
May 02, 2021•40 min•Ep. 50
It's a mixed pack! Crack open a cold one and join Shannon and James for a news round up. The preliminary stats are out detailing the impact of the pandemic on the craft beer industry, Shannon tries to entice James with a new simulator game and the duo break out a new segment highlighting homebrewing equipment.
Apr 11, 2021•41 min•Ep. 49
James and Shannon are joined by homebrewer Jason Lowery from Steele City Brewing. Hear Jason's brewing origin story, how his garage ended up resembling a crime scene, and what the duo thought of his homebrews.
Mar 28, 2021•52 min•Ep. 48
It's the return of Double Hopbeat! New year, new episodes and a whole new look for the independent craft beer and homebrewing podcast. On this episode, James and Shannon get back to basics in their discussion around how their love of homebrewing and craft beer started. James shares his first homebrewing experience and where his brewing is today. Shannon recalls her first brewery experience at Alexander Keith's and how she became interested in craft beer. Plus, a look at what's ahead in the pulse...
Mar 14, 2021•32 min•Ep. 47
James and Shannon look back on 2020 and if their predictions from last year came true. They also explore where craft beer might go in 2021. Plus, the dynamic duo have a big announcement for the New Year!
Jan 03, 2021•33 min•Ep. 46
This week James and Shannon are joined by Founders of Lost Shoe Brewing, JP and Melynda who share an inside look at their new winter indoor space: The Lost Forest. Head brewer JP talks about their latest limited edition brews, Miracle on 19 Weed Street (a spruce IPA) and an imperial stout Say Goodnight Kevin. They also discuss the institution of Lost Shoe's beer delivery service and what its like running a brewery when you are married. Check them out in Marlborough, MA.
Dec 13, 2020•25 min•Ep. 45