Beer In Front

Dave Zalatoris

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CRAFTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

18 HRS AGO

300 Episodes

🎉 300 Episodes In Dave looks back on six years behind the mic and the evolution of the showEarly beer memories: Vienna lagers, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Dovetail BrewingFrom COVID-era rants to today’s more balanced formatListener feedback welcome as the show continues to evolve🍔 Chicago Beer & Food Stop Visit to Hop Butcher for a charity collab eventSmashburgers from “Biker Dude” supporting Meals on WheelsVerdict: absolutely worth the trip—“that flipping good”📰 Beer & Beverage News 🔥 Big Industry Move Firestone Walker acquires Stone BrewingProduction shifting to California; major restructuring of facilitiesPart of a busy acquisition streak for Firestone Walker🏆 World Beer Cup Highlights Illinois breweries bringing home medals:Go Brewing (NA category wins)Adams Street BreweryGoose Island (including Bourbon County Brand Stout)Cruz Blanca, Phase Three, Industry Ales🍺 Beer Reviews – Craft Macro Series Dave kicks off a new segment reviewing “craft macros”—easy-drinking beers from craft breweries. Pipeworks – “Beer” Style: Light lager (4.4%)Score: 31/50Notes: Classic macro vibe, clean but middle-of-the-roadVerdict: Solid, drinkable, not a standoutRevolution Brewing – Cold Time Lager Style: Premium lager (4.8%)Score: 35/50Notes: Balanced, flavorful, crushableVerdict: “Put it in the cart” — strong everyday option Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

17 min
21 APR

299 Revolution Changes The Game

🍺 Episode Overview Episode 299 is a quick solo run with Dave—no guests this week, but plenty of beer news, industry insight, and a deep dive into one of the most interesting trends in craft beer right now: non-alcoholic versions of flagship beers. From brewery closures to new collaborations and a standout NA release from Revolution Brewing, this episode covers the current state of the beer world, plus a few “put it in the cart” recommendations. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

23 min
13 APR

298 A Barrel Aged April

🎙️ Beer In Front Podcast – Episode Show Notes Barrel-Aged Season… in April? Spring in Chicago… and somehow we’re talking barrel-aged monsters like it’s late November. This episode dives into a surprise wave of fresh barrel-aged releases from three legendary Chicago breweries, plus a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the best in the game. Dave sits down with Marty Scott (Barrel Program Manager at Revolution Brewing) for an in-depth look at blending, wood, and the philosophy behind one of the country’s most respected barrel programs — including a sneak peek tank pour of a brand-new Deep Wood release. Also: industry news, new (and questionable?) beer releases, and a bittersweet beer rumor that hits close to home. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

55 min
6 APR

297 The Reviews Are In

Week of April 6, 2026 A packed episode this week with a heavy focus on what really matters: the beer in front of you. 🍺 Expect a streamlined format loaded with reviews, plus some news, events, and a few things you might want to… put in the cart. 🍻 What’s On Deck A stacked lineup of beer reviews featuring:Dragon’s Milk (New Holland)Midwest Coast BrewingNew BelgiumSound GrowlerSierra NevadaBeer news from around the worldChicago-area event spotlightMidwest Beer Show preview Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

18 min
30 MAR

296 Ska Brewing

🍺 Beer In Front – Episode 296 Guest: Ska Brewing co-founder Dave Thibodeau 🎙️ Episode Summary Dave Zalatoris is joined by craft beer OG Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing for a conversation that hits the sweet spot between beer, music, and staying true to your roots. From the early “punk rock” days of microbrewing to today’s ultra-competitive craft landscape, this episode dives into how Ska Brewing has stayed relevant for over 30 years. Plus: beer news, industry trends, and a review of Ska’s brand new West Coast IPA. 🍻 In This Episode 🎤 Interview: Dave Thibodeau (Ska Brewing) The origins of Ska Brewing and its deep roots in punk, ska, and DIY cultureWhat early craft beer was really like (hint: not always good… and nobody noticed)How today’s drinker has changed—and why you can’t get away with mediocre beer anymoreThe evolution of IPAs—from no IPA at all to flagship statusBrewing innovation: cryo hops, biotransformation, and modern West Coast IPA techniquesThe wild story of opening (and closing) a location in 71 minutes due to COVIDWhy “beyond beer” (seltzers, RTDs) still feels off-brand for many legacy brewersCraft beer shakeout: who survives and whySka’s experimental “Mod Project” beers—including the unforgettable Pink Vapor StewThe importance of community and Durango’s role in Ska’s identity🍺 Beer Review Ska Brewing – New West Coast IPA Aroma: Mango, guava, bright tropical notesAppearance: Clear, classic West Coast look with solid foamFlavor: Balanced hop profile with noticeable bitterness (in a good way)Takeaway: A modern West Coast IPA that respects tradition while using new-school techniquesVerdict: 👉 “Put it in the cart.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

38 min
24 MAR

295 Admiral Maltings & Firestone Walker Sunglider

Yeah… we’re talking about malt. This week I’m joined by Ron Silberstein from Admiral Maltings, and if you think malt is just the thing that shows up on an invoice… this one might change your mind. We get into: 🌾 Why malt is the backbone of beer 🍺 Craft malting & California-grown barley 🔥 Floor malting vs the big guys 🍻 Why lagers are having a moment Plus—I crack open Sunglider from Firestone Walker 👉 Bready, biscuity, super clean 👉 Easy crusher when the weather finally warms up Bottom line: If you see Sun Glider… put it in the cart. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts #BeerInFront #CraftBeer #DrinkLocal #LagerLove #BeerPodcast #FirestoneWalker #AdmiralMaltings #ChicagoBeer Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

1hr 5min
17 MAR

294 The Craft Beer Concierge

🎙️ Beer In Front – Episode 294 Craft Beer Concierge + Chicago Merger News Dave is back with a packed episode featuring a deep dive into the evolving beer scene, a great conversation with the “Craft Beer Concierge,” and a couple of beers worth putting straight in the cart. What’s On Tap This EpisodeA major Chicago beer merger that could reshape the local sceneA conversation with Allo Gilinsky, aka the Craft Beer ConciergeBeer reviews featuring a Perennial saison and a classic Irish red from BegyleIndustry news, trends, and what’s next in craft beerAllo Gilinsky Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

38 min
3 MAR

293 The Wildest Story In Beer

🍺 New Episode – Beer in Front 🎙️ Quick solo show this week (yes, I sound a little congested 😅), but we’ve got a LOT to cover. 🚨 Chicagoland Closures We’re up to six brewery closures in two months. It’s a tough stretch for Illinois craft beer. If you’ve got a favorite spot — now’s the time to support them. 🌎 Beer NewsBrewDog sold to Tilray for $40M (once valued near $2B 😳)Pickle beer collab: Grillo’s x PBRFirestone Walker dropping a dragon fruit sourRevolution expanding the Cold Time lineup🐟 Deep Dive: Ballast Point From a homebrew shop… To a $1 BILLION sale… To being sold for a fraction of that… To fighting its way back to independent roots. One of the craziest stories in craft beer history. And yes — we revisited Sculpin IPA 🍊 Still bitter. Still balanced. Still holds up. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

25 min

TRAILER

Trailer

Sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet. I'll talk about some old school beers that maybe you've forgotten about. Some new beers that have the potential to be a classic. I'll also talk to various people around the beer world and get their stories all about beer. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support. Beer Media Group

01/09/2023

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1 min

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.

Creator

Dave Zalatoris
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

269
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Beer Media Group
Show Website

Beer In Front

Comedy

Comedy

Updated Weekly