Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company , also known as LIBCo, is indeed intruding – in the best way possible. As the first black-owned brewery in Prince George’s County, founders Andrew and Jasmine Dill are looking to disrupt the brewing market in Southern Maryland. Andrew Dill lost his job at a beer bar when the COVID-19 lockdown began, and he was left with a lot of time on his hands. What came next was a nudge from his wife Jasmine Dill, a desire to homebrew, and a widow donating her late husband’s ...
Jan 06, 2023•23 min•Ep. 155
We’re wrapping up a year of beer, so we recount the beer happenings we loved most in 2022, the ones we loved least, and the ones we can’t wait for in 2023. Then, Mike celebrates anniversaries with Thor Cheston of Right Proper Brewing Company . Right Proper Shaw is turning nine, while their Brookland location turns seven. Huzzah! Thor shares the accomplishments of Right Proper he’s most proud of and discusses their efforts to reenergize the Right Proper neighborhood after a negative downturn. The...
Dec 23, 2022•35 min•Ep. 154
Well, there’s good beer news, and there’s bad beer news. We’ll start with the bad news. And that is, beloved Rocket Frog Brewing is closing their doors this weekend. Richard Hartogs joins the show to tell us about the last few years for Rocket Frog , the highs, the lows, and the difficult economics of brown ales. Richard and Jake discuss: if brown ales are hard to sell off the shelves, what can you do if you make a killer brown ale? And, does barleywine bring life or death for a brewery? But abo...
Dec 09, 2022•36 min•Ep. 153
We love when Maryland gains a new brewery, especially in Prince George's County. We’re so excited to welcome Black Beauty Brewery, PG County’s second Black-owned brewing company. Jordan sits down with Sheldon Goins, founder of Black Beauty Brewery , to hear how a setback during the pandemic led to starting a brewing company. Sheldon graduated with a criminal justice degree and found himself working in IT. But when he comes home, brewing calls his name. We talk about navigating the challenge of l...
Nov 25, 2022•23 min•Ep. 152
Mike remembers years ago when Hellbender was just a new brewery in town. Today, Hellbender is now one of our elders in the DC beer scene as they celebrate their 8th anniversary this weekend. We’re jazzed that Hellbender has been around for us all these years, so we have co-founder Ben Evans on the show. Ben and Mike look back on the first story DC Beer wrote on Hellbender’s opening and reflect on where the journey has taken them. Ben shares what the 8th anniversary beer will be and what’s on dec...
Nov 11, 2022•29 min•Ep. 151
It’s a competitive time to be a brewery, and Hugh Sisson knows this well. Hugh started Heavy Seas Brewing (formerly Clipper City) 27 years ago and has watched the craft beer scene evolve. In this episode, he shares his wisdom and insights on navigating the craft beer market and making the best damn tasting beer you can. You might know of Hugh Sisson, but you might not know that the Maryland craft beer scene is flourishing today because of the advocacy Hugh did on behalf of the beer community yea...
Oct 28, 2022•33 min•Ep. 150
We may be recovering from DC’s biggest beer weekend, but we’re gearing up for more festivities. In this episode, we check in with some favorite DC breweries about their recent victories and triumphs. First, we talk with Daniel Vilarrubi of Atlas Brew Works about their recent bronze medal for best American Pilsner at the Great American Beer Festival and what it means to be a true American-style pilsner. Then, we dissect beers with Daniel Terrones of Other Half Brewing DC . Other Half is celebrati...
Oct 14, 2022•28 min•Ep. 149
American Latinos have long been a part of America’s beer history. Today, they’re pushing the beer industry forward with beers brewed with unique ingredients (hello, piloncillo), generations of brewing families, and inclusive taprooms. Mike got to pick hops with Dr. Theresa McCulla, curator of the American Brewing History Initiative , and heard more stories about the role of American Latinos in our beer history. Dr. McCulla also gave details on an upcoming event at the Smithsonian Museum of Ameri...
Sep 30, 2022•30 min•Ep. 148
In Mike Stein’s stein was Reasonably Corrupt, a Schwarzbier from Great Raft Brewing . So it was only fitting that we talked with former DC resident, DC Beer editor emeritus, and co-founder of Great Raft, Andrew Nations. Jake and Andrew talk about why seasonal beers come out earlier and earlier every year, the hectic race breweries must endure to be the first pumpkin beer on the shelves and why that even matters, and which beers Great Rafts has up their sleeve for Snallygaster 2022 . In other new...
Sep 16, 2022•30 min•Ep. 147
It’s September. Some would say fall has arrived, but that’s up for debate. More importantly, we’ve entered DC’s biggest season for beer. DC beer lovers are getting jazzed for one event in particular – Battle of the Barrel-Aged Beers, the event that sets off DC Beer Week. Woop woop! Jake sits down with Colin McDonough of Boundary Stone to hear what the 2022 throwdown holds for our favorite local breweries, and how they will battle and joust to brew the best barrel-aged beer. Colin and Jake also d...
Sep 02, 2022•29 min•Ep. 146
It may be a scary time for breweries in DC right now, with closings and partners parting ways. But one team isn’t afraid. DC, welcome your newest neighborhood brewery, Lost Generation. Brandy sits down with co-owners Annie and Jared and lead brewer Cody to hear all about what Lost Generation Brewing has in store for us. They tell us the story behind the name, what beer styles they’ll be focusing on, what they’ll do to make Lost Generation a community-driven, neighborhood staple, and, most import...
Aug 19, 2022•27 min•Ep. 145
Brandy was roaming the Maryland Beer Festival when she overheard people raving about an Italian pilsner. She followed them to Landmade Brewing’s tent, the DC Beer Crew tasted the pilsner, and it quickly became the favorite beer of the day. Landmade opened six months ago and completely flew under our radar! So today, Brandy sits down with owner Gabe Scott and head brewers Matt and Kyle to hear the story of how these three came together to start Landmade Brewing on a farm in Poolesville. They talk...
Aug 05, 2022•31 min•Ep. 144
For a lot of us at DC Beer, there’s nothing like finishing up the work week, heading to the local brewery for a fine brown ale, and headbanging to your local favorite heavy metal band. Years ago, the DIY metal scene of DC was looking for a place that metal fans could call home. Where did they find it? DC's beer scene. The DC Beer ecosystem goes far beyond the brewers and taprooms. In this episode, the DC Beer Crew talks with Metal Chris, founder of DCHeavyMetal.com , to hear the story of how DC ...
Jul 22, 2022•30 min•Ep. 143
It’s July in DC AKA it’s hot and muggy. So grab your most refreshing beer and slip slowly with us as your neighbors light off their leftover fireworks. In this episode, we’re sharing what beers are quenching our thirst driven by summer’s heat and catching up on the most exciting things that are going down in DC’s beer scene, including a beautiful collaboration between Soul Mega and 3 Stars , the outcome of the MD Craft Brewers Games of 2022, and a sneaky release of the potential date for DC’s fa...
Jul 08, 2022•27 min•Ep. 142
50 episodes ago, beloved hosts Brandy, Jake, and Mike took the microphones and relaunched the DC Beer Show. Since then, it’s fair to say that the DC Beer scene has gone through a lot 一 a global pandemic, fighting to keep each other safe while keeping our businesses afloat, and confronting discrimination in our local industry 一 it hasn’t been easy. But together, we’ve overcome much. And in this episode, we celebrate! The gang comes to you live, in-person, TOGETHER from The Dew Drop Inn , the site...
Jun 24, 2022•31 min•Ep. 141
Slowly but surely, our favorite annual beer events of the past are making a comeback after taking a pandemic pause. What are we especially excited about? Savor . Savor is an experience for beer lovers and foodies that pairs flavor-forward, independent craft beer with small-plated culinary delights. Jake sits down with Bill Butcher of Port City Brewing to get the story behind Savor and hear why it’s so worth attending this year. Bill is also a member of the Brewers Association and dives into wher...
Jun 10, 2022•30 min•Ep. 140
It’s patio season. Dunkels and tripels are overflowing. But you know what we’re most excited about? One of our favorite neighborhood breweries is back. Mike sits down with Ben Evans and LT Goodman from Hellbender Brewing Company after the brewery’s period of intense trials. Back in March, Hellbender lost their ABC license and was unable to operate. But they are back! Ben and LT tell us about the reopening process, the triumphs they’ve seen, and the challenges they still face. Ben also shares abo...
May 27, 2022•27 min•Ep. 139
‘Twas the day before the Maryland Craft Beer Festival, and all throughout the DMV, DC Beerists were getting restless, waiting to travel for beer and Maryland’s finest yeast. Brandy ventures outside the DC border to get a sneak peek taste of Maryland’s delicious beer, and talks with Earl Holman from Crooked Crab . Crooked Crab beer has been booming in the DC area over the last year. But the last time we talked with Earl, it was just before the pandemic started, and we had no idea what was ahead o...
May 13, 2022•28 min•Ep. 138
Carly and Brian Ogden met on a blind date that started going south quick. Until beer saved the day. And along came beloved Attaboy Brewing . Brandy sits down with Carly and Brian, founders of Attaboy Brewing in Frederick, MD. Carly and Brian recount that fateful night of their first date and share how they made it from the Bay Area to Maryland, and how Frederick became the unexpected surprise of a location for Attaboy. They share the story behind the name “Attaboy” and the shenanigans that come ...
Apr 29, 2022•30 min•Ep. 137
There are towns where everything feels right. Sperryville is the little town tucked in the Shenandoah mountains where you run to when you need to escape the city. Yet a trip to Sperryville is only made whole when you taste the goodness of the native beer, natural cider and wine of Pen Druid Fermentation . Mike sits down with Jennings Carney, co-owner of Pen Druid Fermentation . Jennings is one of three Carney brothers who operate the company. He shares about the evolution from Pen Druid Brewing ...
Apr 15, 2022•31 min•Ep. 136
Winter is ceasing its ugly gloom, and behold! Spring is upon us! Commence the release of cherry blossom beers, baseball beers, and best of all, beer festivals. Beer events in the DMV have been on hiatus since the pandemic started, making the upcoming festivals all the more special. In this episode, Jake talks about the upcoming Maryland craft beer festivities with Brett Snyder, president of the Brewers Association of Maryland and co-founder of Waredaca Brewing Company . Jake and Brett also discu...
Apr 01, 2022•27 min•Ep. 135
Alfred Rotimi was studying all things psychology, biochemistry, and neuroscience when he decided to start a brewing business with his family. Right after they launched, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and Alfred quickly had to pivot his business. To hear this story, Jake sits down with Alfred, founder and president of Joyhound Beer Company in Baltimore. Alfred shares how his background in biochemistry influenced him to get into brewing back in his college days, how confusing it can be to start a bu...
Mar 18, 2022•32 min•Ep. 134
We hear a lot of claims in the beer world, but Bryan Roth is here to set things straight, especially when it comes to the hard seltzer vs beer debate. Jake sits down with Bryan, director of North American Guild of Beer Writers and writer for Good Beer Hunting . Jake and Bryan discuss the upcoming domestic challengers to Guinness as St. Patty’s Day approaches, the mind of the craft beer drinkers, how Americans can’t stick to just one type of alcohol, if hard seltzers are beating beer in the marke...
Mar 04, 2022•34 min•Ep. 133
The roots of beer run deep, going back to before America’s beginning. Unfortunately, some of these roots have damaged our beer culture. But, people are tearing down the bad and rebuilding for good. To discuss this, Mike talks with Jamaal Lemon , award winning writer for Good Beer Hunting , good friend of DC Beer, and long-time pourer of beers in the DMV. Jamaal tells us an important story about the roots of American beer culture, starting in South Carolina at a festival called Schützenfest. Schü...
Feb 18, 2022•32 min•Ep. 132
One year ago, we were itching to travel, but we couldn't. So we used beer to venture outside the DMV. While travel may have opened up since then, beer is still the most accessible way of trying the various brewing styles from all over the world. We're back in the Alps with Jeff Ramirez, Chief Beer Officer of Denizens Brewing . Denizens will be releasing a new edition of their Hike the Alps series, and Jeff shares which delicious beers will be making a comeback and which will be new. Jake and Jef...
Feb 04, 2022•28 min•Ep. 131
Even in the midst of the pandemic, we have things to celebrate. Today, we raise a glass to the recently founded, first Black-Woman owned brewing brand in DC. Mike sits down with Eamoni, aka the Vibe Queen , and now CEO and co-founder of Urban Garden Brewing . Eamoni's story has captivated the DC beer scene. In this episode, Eamoni shares what it was like starting her business in her uncle's backyard, the most difficult and discouraging parts of starting a brewing brand, the most positive moments...
Jan 21, 2022•29 min•Ep. 130
Everyone should feel welcome in the craft beer scene. But does everyone feel they have a seat at the table? A movement is making sure they do. Brandy sits down with Charles Rominiyi, co-founder of the Black Brew Movement . The Black Brew Movement works to connect Black American culture with craft beer culture. Charles shares the story of how he, his wife, and close friends began noticing peculiar things about the demographics of craft beer drinkers, how they used sociology to introduce new consu...
Jan 07, 2022•31 min•Ep. 129
It’s time for merry shenanigans in the DC area, and that means an overflow of holiday events and the festive beers that come with them. Brandy sits down with friends from Red Bear Brewing , co-owner Bryan Van Den Oever and resident drag queen Desiree Dik . Bryan and Desiree spread holiday cheer as they announce Red Bear’s upcoming seasonal beers and events, including drag shows, a New Year’s Eve Drag Ball complete with go-go dancing, and the first ever Red Bear Brunch that’s hitting DC with a de...
Dec 10, 2021•30 min•Ep. 128
Just over the Bay Bridge lies a brewery that people across the nation have tasted the goodness of since 1995. That brewery is Dogfish Head . Today, Jake sits down with Dogfish Head’s Mariah Calagione and Andrew Greeley. They recently published The Dogfish Head Book: 26 Years of Off-Centered Adventures that shares the story of Dogfish Head, the lessons learned, the first beers, and the stories of employees who have made the dreams of Dogfish come true. Mariah and Andrew bring back the memories of...
Nov 29, 2021•27 min•Ep. 127
This week, we dive into some of the most creative and passionate beers you’ll find in DC一 Soul Mega . Mike sits down with Elliott Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Soul Mega . Soul Mega operates as a contract brewery. Elliott explains the challenges they’ve faced operating as a contract brewer during the COVID-19 pandemic, reveals if they’ll eventually open a brick and mortar facility, and lets us know where DC beer drinkers can find Soul Mega beers. Elliott and Mike also discuss what beer trends h...
Nov 12, 2021•27 min•Ep. 126
