In this special episode, The Brew Daddies sit down with Greg Parnas and Wes Hogentogler from MBBWL (Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws). They dive into the complex world of the laws and legislation that is currently impacting the breweries and craft beer lovers in Maryland. They touch on everything from current restrictions, some that are outright absurd, to the goals of the MBBWL. Throughout the interview it’s clear that there are some serious issues with the laws in Maryland and MBBWL i...
Feb 06, 2019•34 min•Ep. 35
The Brew Daddies sit down with the Bryan, Simon and Cameron, owners of Red Bear Brewing Company . We first spoke with them last summer just before they began the buildout of their new brewery in NOMA DC. Now their space is almost complete and from its intimate feeling to the expedited beer bar to the wall of games featuring over 100 board games, Red Bear clearly intends to create a neighborhood brewpub experience that invites the community to enjoy great beer in an inclusive space perfect for re...
Jan 30, 2019•43 min•Ep. 34
Hey there Brewery Lovers! First off, Richard screwed up multiple times by saying we were in Fairfax, Virginia. We were at Mad Fox Brewery in Falls Church , Virginia. Apologies to everyone for that error. One request from The Brew Daddies: Please take 5 minutes to complete this survey from DCBeer.com to help us plan for major expansion in 2019. In this episode, we spoke with legendary brewer Bill Madden of Mad Fox Brewing Company , who graduated from the Master Brewer Program at UC Davis in 1995 ...
Jan 16, 2019•30 min•Ep. 33
Richard and Adam speak with Tony Prebula, owner and brewer at Saints Row Brewing Company , a family-owned and operated nanobrewery in Rockville, Maryland. Tony tells the Daddies how he got his start, the incredible support he's received from his wife (which makes Adam jealous), and their commitment to providing the very best beer to their community. Saints Row doesn't distribute, so if you want to try their diverse selection of creative and innovative brews you'll have to visit them in person. W...
Jan 02, 2019•40 min•Ep. 32
The Brew Daddies (well, Richard) are joined by special guest John Holl, senior editor of Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine and the co-host of the podcast Steal This Beer, to discuss his recent book Drink Beer, Think Beer: Getting to the Bottom of Every Pint . John weighs in on how the beer scene is changing and how “craft” beer should really just be about “good” beer at a time when there are over 7,000 breweries in business. They also consider the various business models breweries are adopting and...
Dec 19, 2018•33 min•Ep. 31
Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery is a nano brewery in Crofton, Maryland with the mantra “No Flagships”. Since owner/brewer Jon Esposito opened in February, he has brewed close to 130 real ales for his local customers. Adam and Richard sit down with Jon, who started (and sold) his first brewery in the 1990s, to discuss the challenges and thrills of brewing small batch cask ales and experimenting with a variety of flavors. Chesepiooc, which is the Algonquian Indian word for “Chesapeake,” also offers “b...
Dec 05, 2018•25 min•Ep. 30
Astro Lab Brewing Company in Silver Spring, Maryland, opened just a month ago. For founders Emma Whelan and Matt Cronin, the grand opening was the end of one journey and the beginning of another, and the journey is what Astro Lab is all about. They share the ups and downs of nearly two years from concept to customers with Adam and Richard, and talk about what the journey ahead may bring. Though Astro Lab is the second brewery to open in Silver Spring after Denizens , with the impending addition ...
Nov 21, 2018•37 min•Ep. 29
Adam and Richard visit with Kara Capelli, Nick Finney, and Alex Camilliere of Calvert Brewing Company at their beautiful production facility and taproom in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Calvert Brewing is committed to one thing: making the very best beer they can. While keeping a close eye on consumer tastes, they avoid gimmicks and experimentation for the sake of experimenting. That doesn't mean they don't brew some amazing creations, though. Their Oktoberfest, Cream Ale, and Stouts are near-perfec...
Nov 07, 2018•35 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, the Brew Daddies are joined by Patti and The Pottymouth, hosts of the No Crying In Baseball podcast, to talk about the symbiosis of baseball and beer. We talk about how local craft beer is becoming more prominent at Major and Minor League ball parks and some of our favorite ballpark beer experiences. In honor of the 2018 World Series, we focus on some of the best beers from Boston and Los Angeles. Thanks to our monthly supporters Jeff Lucas Micaela Lauren Sean Moffitt Anthony Sc...
Oct 24, 2018•26 min•Ep. 27
Franchise and other laws in Maryland leave craft breweries at the mercy of distributors. In this episode, Adam and Richard talk to Brendan O'Leary of the Supporters of Maryland Brewing PAC about how they are working with state legislators to change the laws to create a fairer system for all. Learn more about the PAC, a subsidiary of the Brewers Association of Maryland, and how you can help them support craft breweries in the state, at https://marylandbeer.org/about-us/pac/ Thanks to our monthly ...
Oct 10, 2018•24 min•Ep. 26
Richard speaks with Kimberly Bender, Executive Director of the Heurich House Museum, about the history of the District's most successful brewer – Christian Heurich. Christian Heurich immigrated from Germany to America in 1866 with $200 in his pocket. He opened his first brewpub in Washington, D.C., in 1872 and became the city's most successful brewer. The Chr. Heurich Brewing Co. was the city’s longest-operating brewery, operating from 1872 to 1956. Kim tells the fascinating stories of how Heuri...
Sep 26, 2018•36 min•Ep. 25
The Brew Daddies visit with Sarah and Jeremy Meyers, owners of Bad Wolf Brewing Company in Manassas, Virginia, a hyper-local nano brewery producing two to three 40-gallon batches of interesting and experimental beer every week. Sarah and Jeremy talk about their approach to small-batch brewing and their experiences with opening, and then closing, a production brewery and taproom. Their dedication to their community is rare inspiring, and we'd love to see more local brewers try nano brewing for to...
Sep 12, 2018•43 min•Ep. 24
Structural engineer Brian Tarantino, the founder of Tarantino Engineering Consultants, has worked on more than a dozen breweries and taprooms in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. His team's expertise has helped Jailbreak, Oliver, Black Flag, Silver Branch, Guinness, Heavy Seas and many more. We talk to Brian about the particular challenges of engineering brewery and taproom spaces and hear some of his stories about the interesting situations that arise in brewery engineering. You can learn more abou...
Aug 29, 2018•20 min•Ep. 23
The Brew Daddies speak with Bryan Van Den Oever and Simon Bee about the brewpub they're opening in NOMA DC, Red Bear Brewing Company. We don't usually feature brewpubs on the show, but Red Bear has had an interesting path to brewing in DC and, with a historic location in a rapidly growing neighborhood, we thought it would be fun to highlight this coming-soon neighborhood gem during DC Beer Week. Notice: Richard's mic malfunctioned and we recorded in a large, open, empty concrete room, so the sou...
Aug 15, 2018•20 min•Ep. 22
We were both traveling so we each visited a brewery. What a surprise. Adam went to Sigma Brewing Company in Houston, Texas, a brewery that likes heavy metal music, comedy wrestling, and has Adam's favorite beer transportation, Crowlers. Richard spent some time at Full Steam Brewery in Durham, North Carolina, which has a mission to celebrate the farm and food traditions of the South. We hope you have a chance to visit one of these great breweries! Thanks to our monthly supporters Jeff Lucas Micae...
Aug 01, 2018•23 min•Ep. 21
Dragon Hops Brewing Company is a brand-new brewery in the boozy town of Purcellville, Virginia — home to breweries, distilleries, and wineries galore. Adam and Richard spent an afternoon with owner James Horris learning how local hop farm Dragon Hops expanded their business into a brewery and talking to head brewer Mitch Pilchuk about his dedication to traditional brewing styles. Dragon Hops Brewing has a big spacious taproom that features live music and stand-up comedy along with a great food s...
Jul 11, 2018•21 min•Ep. 20
If you've ever thought about opening a brewery, listen up! Richard returns to Silver Branch Brewery to talk to Christian Layke and Brett Robison as they prepare to begin the build-out of their brewing facility and taproom in Silver Spring. Christian and Brett talk about the anxieties and thrills as they enter the final stage before opening, and explain their priorities for being a community gathering place. You can be a part of the start by joining their Founder's Club , with premiums, discounts...
Jun 27, 2018•29 min•Ep. 19
The Brew Daddies return to Hellbender Brewing Company in Washington, D.C. A neighborhood favorite, Hellbender has a comfortable game-filled taproom and a well-rounded selection of brews. Co-owner and head brewer Ben Evans shares some of his challenges scaling up canning operations and gives us a preview of some of their summer plans, including experiments with 15 strains of Norwegian farmhouse ale yeast. We can't wait to try them out! Visit them soon, and bring your friends. Find what you need a...
Jun 13, 2018•20 min•Ep. 18
Right Proper Brewing Company in Washington, D.C., is a yeast-forward brewery with a full-service brewpub restaurant in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood and a production facility and taproom in Brookland. Adam and Richard visited the Brookland taproom, a cozy neighborhood place with a fantastic (and shocking) wraparound mural inside. They serve flights, glasses or growlers to go, and a few pre-packaged snacks. If you want real food, they have a food truck out every Saturday or you're welcome to order fro...
May 30, 2018•18 min•Ep. 17
Waredaca Brewing Company in Laytonsville, Maryland, is Montgomery County's first farm brewery. For much of the 20th Century, Waredaca was a camp for area youth ( WA shington RE creational DA y CA mp), and today is a working equestrian farm. This brewery has a cozy tap room with a huge outdoor beer garden and yard, perfect for a family day trip or a romantic outing. They have a great snack menu and filled-to-order 32 oz. cans called "Crowlers," a perfect way to bring their beer home and keep it f...
May 15, 2018•19 min•Ep. 16
Peabody Heights Brewery in Baltimore, Maryland, was the first brewery to open in Baltimore in 35 years. Started as a contract brewery, they now have a great selection of standard and unique brews of their own as well. This brewery has a very inviting tap room with three completely different spaces plus a beer garden in Spring and Summer. Perfect for families, couples, and singles, the combination of great beer, fun space, and a delicious weekend brunch makes this an awesome place to spend a Satu...
Apr 30, 2018•21 min•Ep. 15
In this special episode of Brew Daddies, Richard talks to Christian Layke and Brett Robison of Silver Branch Brewery, a brand new brewery based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Just days before this recording, Silver Branch signed the lease on space for their production facility, taproom, and beer garden, and they plan to open in the Fall of 2018. (They're already releasing collaborations with other breweries!) Christian and Brett talk about the events that led them to decide to open a brewery, the c...
Apr 15, 2018•28 min•Ep. 14
In the very first LIVE episode of Brew Daddies, Adam and Richard visit Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland. The 28th largest craft brewer in the USA, Flying Dog has been innovating the craft beer industry for more than 20 years. Their brewery and taproom offer incomparable hospitality to beer lovers from around the world. The Brew Daddies speak with pilot brewer Todd Kelly about Flying Dog's extremely experimental styles, including pioneering the Belgian IPA. They hear from sales forecaste...
Mar 24, 2018•35 min•Ep. 13
Jailbreak Brewing Company in Laurel, Maryland has been forward-thinking since the founders quit their successful tech companies to build something they love. With a beautiful taproom expanding to a full-service restaurant and 15 beers on tap at any time, this family-friendly pub should be a top destination for anyone living in or visiting the DC/Baltimore area. Brewmaster Ryan Harvey, a 20-yr brewing veteran, tells the Brew Daddies about the Jailbreak's history and brewing philosophy, and their ...
Mar 05, 2018•22 min•Ep. 12
In this "Site Unseen" episode Adam and Richard sample Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford, Connecticut. They introduce you to the 7-days-a-week taproom and taste the Workers Comp Saison Farmhouse Ale, No Limits Hefeweizen, a specialty hop release, and the Road 2 Ruin Double IPA. With a great selection of 3- and 4-stein beers, Two Roads Brewing is high on the Brew Daddies list of places to go. Find the brewery online at TwoRoadsBrewing.com Thanks to our monthly supporters Jeff Lucas Micaela La...
Feb 18, 2018•18 min•Ep. 11
Manor Hill Brewing in Ellicott City, Maryland, produces hop-forward IPAs as well as other popular varieties. As a "farm brewery", Manor Hill has some interesting characteristics, including growing their own hops and sourcing their ingredients locally. Their reservations-required taproom has a 50-person limit, creating an intimate environment with little or no wait to be served. Find them at http://manorhillbrewing.com Thanks to our monthly supporters Jeff Lucas Micaela Lauren Sean Moffitt Anthon...
Feb 06, 2018•21 min•Ep. 10
In another "Site Unseen" episode, featuring breweries we haven't visited (yet), Adam and Richard sample Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Southern California. They try the Union Jack IPA, the Easy Jack IPA, the Luponic Distortion (Evolution 008), and the Pale 31 California Pale Ale. With three taprooms, Firestone Walker is a must-visit brewery for anyone in (or visiting) the Los Angeles area. This episode is also a lesson in checking the "best by" dates on store-bought beer. Find the brewery o...
Jan 27, 2018•20 min•Ep. 9
In the Brew Daddies first "Site Unseen" episode, featuring breweries we haven't visited (yet), Adam and Richard sample Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pennsylvania.They try the Sunshine Pils, the Hopback Amber Ale, the Perpetual IPA, and the Troegenator Double Bock. With a high level of technical artistry in their brewing style and a full-service restaurant for a taproom, Tröegs is high on the Brew Daddies list of must-visit breweries. Find the brewery online at Troegs.com Thanks to our m...
Jan 21, 2018•18 min•Ep. 8
Denizens Brewing Company in Silver Spring, Maryland, produces true-to-style lagers, ales, and more to suit every taste. Their taproom is a true neighborhood brewery experience, able to seat up to 400 patrons in three separate spaces, including a huge beer garden perfect for summertime. Denizens Brewing Company offers a "Regulars" membership society that gets you a free pint every visit and discounts on everything else. Find them at http://denizensbrewingco.com Thanks to our monthly supporters Je...
Jan 13, 2018•24 min•Ep. 7
Adroit Theory Brewing Company in Purcellville, Virginia has produced over 600 brews in the last four years, solidifying a reputation for intense barrel-aged ales, porters, and stouts. In 2017, this nano brewery expanded into hoppy and sour openings, adding IPAs and Goses to their repertoire, and they have big plans for 2018. Find them at Adroit-Theory.com Thanks to our monthly supporters Jeff Lucas Micaela Lauren Sean Moffitt Anthony Scipione johnna infanti Catherine Ramirez Kristin Adam Frank S...
Jan 06, 2018•23 min•Ep. 6
