Beer In Front

Dave Zalatoris
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I'm Dave, a regular Chicago Beer Guy with a podcast about some old school beers and new classics. Sometimes the Beer In Front of you is the best one yet! https://www.patreon.com/beerinfront https://linktr.ee/BeerInFront Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

  1. 6 hr ago

    Lone Star Beer: How It Became The National Beer Of Texas

    Lone Star Beer: The Story of Two San Antonio Breweries This week on Beer In Front, we’re heading to Texas to talk about one of America’s great regional beer brands: Lone Star Beer.You know the red star. You know the slogan, “The National Beer of Texas.” But did you know the history of Lone Star actually involves two completely different San Antonio breweries? My guest is Jeremy Banas, author of the new book Lone Star Beer: A History of Two Iconic San Antonio Breweries. Jeremy helps untangle the story, beginning with the original Lone Star Brewing Company founded in the 1880s with the backing of Adolphus Busch, through Prohibition, and eventually to the second Lone Star brewery that created the beer and Texas identity we recognize today.We talk about how brewery equipment made its way from Mexico to San Antonio, a connection to Pancho Villa, and how Lone Star became intertwined with Texas culture.A big part of that story happened during the 1970s, when Lone Star found a natural home in Austin's music scene. Jeremy explains the brand's connection to the Armadillo World Headquarters, Willie Nelson and the emerging cosmic/outlaw country movement—and how simply making sure musicians had plenty of Lone Star helped turn the beer into a Texas icon.We also get into the myths surrounding Lone Star's supposed 140-plus-year continuous history and why Jeremy believes the stories of the two breweries deserve to be separated.After talking with Jeremy, I crack open a Lone Star Original and give it the Beer In Front treatment. It's a classic, straightforward American lager: light, crisp, crushable and exactly the kind of beer that makes sense ice-cold at a neighborhood bar.Put It In The Cart? You'll have to listen, but let's just say Lone Star understands the assignment. Finally, I have an update on Rogue Ales & Spirits. Roughly nine months after Rogue filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there's interest in acquiring the company's intellectual property—including its recipes, trademarks, yeast strains and, most importantly, Dead Guy Ale. Could Dead Guy eventually make its way back onto store shelves? I take a look at where things stand.In This EpisodeThe surprising story of the two Lone Star breweriesAdolphus Busch's role in the original San Antonio breweryHow Prohibition ended the first Lone StarHow the Lone Star name returned in 1940Moving brewery equipment from Mexico to San AntonioThe Lone Star connection to Pancho VillaHarry Jersig and the growth of the brandAustin's Armadillo World HeadquartersWillie Nelson, outlaw country and Lone StarHow Lone Star became synonymous with TexasJeremy debunks the biggest Lone Star history mythTasting Lone Star OriginalPut It In The CartCould Rogue Dead Guy Ale return?This Week's Guest Jeremy Banas Author of Lone Star Beer: A History of Two Iconic San Antonio Breweries Jeremy has spent years documenting San Antonio's brewing history, including books covering Pearl and the city's larger beer story. His latest book digs into the complicated and often misunderstood history behind Lone Star.Look for Lone Star Beer: A History of Two Iconic San Antonio Breweries through Arcadia Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and participating bookstores. Beer In Front Sometimes the best beer isn't the rarest, newest or most complicated beer.Sometimes it's simply the beer that's sitting in front of you. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    Lone Star Beer: How It Became The National Beer Of Texas

  2. 10 Aug

    The Last Ashtray In America

    The Ashtray, Kishwaukee Brewing & Phase Three Comes to Chicago This week on Beer In Front, we’re looking at something that used to be as much a part of the American bar as the beer taps themselves: the ashtray. For decades, brewery-branded ashtrays sat on bars across the country. Then smoking bans arrived, the ashtrays disappeared, and the neighborhood bar changed with them. We’ll look back at their history, their place in tavern culture, and why those old Pabst, Schlitz, Hamm’s and other brewery ashtrays have become collectibles today.And speaking of collectibles — I have a one-of-a-kind Beer In Front ashtray to give away! Listen to the episode for details on how you can get it. 🍺 Brewery of the Week: Kishwaukee Brewing Company This week we head out to Woodstock, Illinois for Kishwaukee Brewing Company.We’ll talk about Dan and Cara Payson, the brewery they’ve built in McHenry County, their award-winning Bufflehead American Brown Ale, and a Märzen that refuses to follow the calendar.Then I crack open the Kishwaukee IPA, a 6.5% West Coast-style IPA bringing plenty of citrus, pine and something I don't get nearly enough of these days:Bitterness.Put it in the cart.🔔 Last Call: Phase Three Is Coming to Chicago Phase Three Brewing Company is taking over the former Metropolitan Brewing location along the Chicago River in Avondale.That's great news for Chicago beer drinkers — but for those of us who loved Metropolitan, it's also a little bittersweet.I give my thoughts on Phase Three moving into one of Chicago craft beer's most memorable brewery spaces and why my first visit there is probably going to feel a little strange. 🚬 How smoking bans changed American tavern culture 🎁 The one-and-only Beer In Front ashtray giveaway 🍻 Kishwaukee Brewing Company in Woodstock 🏆 The award-winning Bufflehead American Brown Ale 🌲 Drinking a properly bitter West Coast IPA 🏙️ Phase Three Brewing's move into Chicago 💔 Remembering Metropolitan Brewing Grab yourself a beer, pull up a barstool, and let's kick this off.Beer In Front — All Beer Is Good Beer! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    The Last Ashtray In America

  3. 3 Aug

    New And Improved?

    The new and improved Beer In Front is here! This week, Dave introduces a refreshed format featuring new recurring segments, neighborhood tavern spotlights, classic beer advertising history, and, of course, plenty of great beer reviews.On This EpisodeA look at the new direction for the podcast and what's changing.Thanks to listeners for the overwhelming response to the recent Chicago tavern episodes.Updates on Ruby's recovery and Dave's elbow surgery.Beers Reviewed North Coast Red Seal Ale. A longtime classic from California's North Coast Brewing returns to the glass. Dave revisits this West Coast favorite, highlighting its rich malt backbone, assertive hop bitterness, and timeless drinkability. Firestone Walker x Ernie Ball – Electric Eagle IPA. A unique collaboration between Firestone Walker and legendary guitar string maker Ernie Ball. This limited-release West Coast IPA delivers bright citrus, tropical fruit, and classic hop character worthy of its rock-and-roll inspiration. Half Acre Double Daisy Cutter Evergreen. Chicago's Half Acre puts a double IPA twist on one of its most beloved beers. Dave breaks down the balance of malt sweetness, pine, citrus, and tropical hop flavors in this standout seasonal release. Classic Beer Ad Spotlight. Remember the line..."Here's to good friends..." Dave takes a nostalgic trip back to the legendary Löwenbräu commercials of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Learn the fascinating story behind one of beer advertising's most memorable jingles, how Arthur Prysock became the voice of a generation, and why the commercial ultimately became more famous than the beer itself. Tavern of the Week Trinity Pub – Norwood Park, Chicago Dave visits one of Chicago's neighborhood gems, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere, full kitchen, darts, sports sponsorships, and outstanding smash burgers. It's exactly the kind of community tavern that keeps neighborhood bar culture alive.Know a great tavern that deserves some attention? Reach out through Beer In Front—you might hear your favorite bar featured on a future episode. Beer TalknOktoberfest beers are already hitting store shelves...in July.Dave discusses the ever-earlier arrival of seasonal beers, whether it's too soon to crack an Oktoberfest, and why he still can't resist grabbing a few for research. Featured TopicsNew Beer In Front formatNeighborhood tavernsClassic beer advertisingNorth Coast BrewingFirestone WalkerErnie Ball collaborationHalf Acre BrewingLöwenbräu historyOktoberfest seasonChicago beer sceneIf you enjoyed the show, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave a rating or review, and tell a fellow beer lover about Beer In Front. Cheers! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    New And Improved?

  4. 31 Jul

    Last Call for the Neighborhood Tavern (Part 2) with Dave Infante

    Beer In Front Podcast – Episode Show Notes Last Call for the Neighborhood Tavern (Part 2) with Dave Infante Neighborhood taverns have long been more than places to grab a beer—they've served as gathering spots, community centers, and the heart of countless neighborhoods. But are they becoming an endangered institution? In Part 2 of this special conversation, Dave Zalatoris sits down with award-winning journalist, VinePair contributing editor, and Fingers newsletter creator Dave Infante for a wide-ranging discussion about the current state and future of America's neighborhood taverns.The conversation explores why traditional corner bars are struggling while experience-driven venues continue to thrive, how changing drinking habits and GLP-1 medications may reshape the hospitality industry, and why preserving independent taverns may be as important to our communities as preserving libraries or parks.Dave also dives into the history of tied houses, immigrant saloons, Milwaukee's legendary beer culture, and the changing business of beer, from family-owned breweries to multinational corporations.Whether you're a beer lover, tavern regular, or simply appreciate the importance of local gathering places, this episode offers an insightful look at what's at stake. In This EpisodeWhy neighborhood taverns are facing unprecedented challengesThe rise of "experience" bars versus traditional corner tavernsHow GLP-1 medications could permanently change alcohol salesThe role taverns played in immigrant communities and American historyChicago and Milwaukee's unique tavern traditionsThe evolution from family-owned breweries to global corporationsWhy Dave Infante believes neighborhood bars should be treated as a public goodHis favorite tavern to visit—and what he's ordering when he gets thereDave Infante is an award-winning journalist covering the business of beer, alcohol, and hospitality. He is a contributing editor at VinePair and publishes the acclaimed independent newsletter Fingers, where he examines the economics, policy, and people shaping the beverage industry. Follow Beer In FrontIf you enjoyed this episode:Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Leave a rating and review.Share this episode with your favorite neighborhood tavern regular.Follow Beer In Front on YouTube and social media for more conversations about beer, bars, breweries, and the stories behind every pint.Because every beer has a story... and sometimes, the beer in front of you is the best one yet. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    Last Call for the Neighborhood Tavern (Part 2) with Dave Infante

  5. 26 Jul

    The Last Call for America's Neighborhood Tavern

    Episode 313: The Last Call for America's Neighborhood Tavern What happened to the neighborhood tavern? Once the heart of nearly every American neighborhood, the corner bar was more than just a place to grab a beer. It was a hiring hall, a union meeting place, a community center, a second living room, and sometimes the place where lifelong friendships, and lifelong arguments began. In this episode of Beer In Front, Dave Zalatoris explores the remarkable history of the American tavern, with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons. From colonial taverns and frontier saloons to Prohibition speakeasies, neighborhood bars, and today's dive bars, this episode traces how these gathering places helped shape communities—and why so many have disappeared. You'll hear stories about legendary Chicago institutions including the Green Mill, Green Door Tavern, Twin Anchors, Marge's Still, and the Billy Goat Tavern, while examining the economic, cultural, and social changes that have transformed America's drinking culture. Is the neighborhood tavern disappearing forever, or is a new generation beginning to rediscover what made these places special? Pull up a stool and join the conversation. In this episode:The origins of the American tavernWhy Chicago once had over 8,000 saloonsHow Prohibition changed drinking foreverAl Capone and Chicago's speakeasy cultureHistoric taverns that still stand todayThe decline of the neighborhood barCraft beer's impact on traditional tavernsCOVID-19's effect on bars and tavernsWhy younger generations are drinking differentlyThe importance of "third places" in American communitiesCan the neighborhood tavern make a comeback?If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone you'd love to meet at your favorite neighborhood tavern. Cheers! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    The Last Call for America's Neighborhood Tavern

  6. 19 Jul

    The Strange True Story Of Tang

    Beer In Front Podcast – Tang: The Drink That Rode the Space Race Everyone knows Tang was "the drink of the astronauts"...except that's not actually how the story began.This week, Beer In Front takes a detour from beer to explore one of the greatest marketing success stories of the 20th century. Long before astronauts carried it into orbit, Tang was a struggling powdered breakfast drink sitting on grocery store shelves. A timely connection to NASA, a little help from the Space Race, and some brilliant marketing transformed it into a household name.In this episode you'll learn:Why Tang was originally created by General Foods—not NASAThe food scientist behind Tang, Cool Whip, Pop Rocks, and moreHow John Glenn's historic Mercury mission changed the brand foreverWhy astronauts actually used Tang in spaceThe surprising truth behind one of America's most enduring food mythsHow Tang became an international success long after its popularity faded in the United StatesAnd, of course...does Tang still taste good today?To wrap things up, I mix up a glass of the original orange Tang and find out whether this iconic drink still holds up after all these years.If you enjoy stories about food, drinks, advertising, and the fascinating history behind everyday products, this episode is for you.Thanks for listening, and we'll be back next week with a regular Beer In Front episode! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    The Strange True Story Of Tang

  7. 14 Jul

    310 Nicole Bentler From Pocono Mountain Farms

    Beer In Front – Episode 310 Show Notes This week on Beer In Front, we're mixing things up with a conversation that isn't about beer...at least not at first. Dave welcomes Nicole Bentler, founder of Pocono Mountain Farms, to talk about one of the beverage world's most intriguing newcomers: maple water. Nicole explains how this naturally hydrating drink is harvested straight from maple trees before it becomes syrup, why athletes and health-conscious consumers are embracing it, and what it's like running a 450-acre certified organic maple farm in Pennsylvania. From sustainability and fireflies to bourbon pairings and recovery drinks, it's a fascinating look at a product you may not have considered before.Of course, there are plenty of beer discussions as well, including:Pollyanna Brewing's expansion into Chicago and the return of several Alarmist Brewing favorites.Maui Brewing's first non-alcoholic beer, Maui Lite.Firestone Walker and Toppling Goliath teaming up on a collaborative West Coast Double IPA.A preview of Goose Island's 2026 Bourbon County Apple Crisp variant.New Belgium collaborations featuring peach bellini and tropical-inspired summer beers.Beer ReviewsBKS Artisan Ales – Counterculture IPA (Kansas City, MO) A flavorful hazy IPA with bright fruit character, a creamy mouthfeel, and excellent balance. A standout beer from one of Kansas City's top breweries. Revolution Brewing – Supermassive Café Deth A bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout infused with Dark Matter Coffee that delivers rich coffee, bourbon, chocolate, and creamy sweetness in every sip. Another exceptional release from Revolution's celebrated Deep Wood Series. Whether you're curious about innovative beverages, looking for new beers to hunt down, or just want another entertaining conversation from the world of craft beer and beyond, Episode 310 has something for everyone.Grab a beer...or maybe a maple water...and enjoy the show! Pocono Maple Water Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    310 Nicole Bentler From Pocono Mountain Farms

  8. 6 Jul

    310 Chicago Beer History With Andrew Mason

    Chicago Brewing History of the 1990s with Andrew Mason Chicago's craft beer scene didn't happen overnight.This week, Dave sits down with longtime brewer Andrew Mason to discuss his new Kickstarter project, Chicago Brewing History: The '90s, an ambitious documentary series preserving the stories, people, and breweries that built Chicago's modern beer culture. Andrew shares his own journey through breweries including Flossmoor Station, Mickey Finn's, Three Floyds, Solemn Oath, and beyond before explaining why now is the time to capture the memories of the pioneers who shaped one of America's greatest beer cities.They discuss:Why the 1990s were the defining decade for Chicago craft beerGoose Island, Three Floyds, Real Ale Fest, and other influential breweries and institutionsThe brewers whose stories deserve to be preservedHow Chicago's neighborhood tavern culture helped shape today's beer sceneThe challenges facing modern breweries—and why local taprooms remain so importantWhy documenting brewing history matters before these stories disappearAndrew also explains how listeners can support the Kickstarter campaign and help bring this project to life. After the interview, Dave cracks open a classic Three Floyds Zombie Dust Pale Ale and reflects on the beer's legendary status—from the days when it was nearly impossible to find to becoming one of the Midwest's defining craft beers.Dave also gives a recovery update following elbow surgery, previews upcoming episodes on Pocono Maple Water, Tang, and the history of Chicago taverns, and asks listeners to send along future show ideas while he's recovering. Featured Beer🍺 Three Floyds Zombie Dust Pale Ale Learn MoreSupport Andrew Mason's Chicago Brewing History: The '90s Kickstarter project through the links in this episode's description. Have an episode idea or guest suggestion? Dave@BeerInFront.com Follow Beer In Front on social media for new episodes, beer reviews, interviews, and everything happening in the craft beer world.If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow beer lover. It helps more people discover independent beer podcasts.Cheers! Chicago Beer History Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

    310 Chicago Beer History With Andrew Mason
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About

I'm Dave, a regular Chicago Beer Guy with a podcast about some old school beers and new classics. Sometimes the Beer In Front of you is the best one yet! https://www.patreon.com/beerinfront https://linktr.ee/BeerInFront Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Zalatoris
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    286
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beer Media Group
  • Show Website
    Beer In Front