The Brewery Underground Podcast | Craft Beer Interviews, Reviews & Beer Travel

Steve Sullivan and Scott Touron

The Brewery Underground Podcast, hosted by Steve Sullivan & Scott Touron in Nashville, dives into brewery interviews, beer reviews, and the stories behind the people shaping craft beer. Each episode features brewers, meaderies, guilds, charities, and the Brewers Association—highlighting voices from every corner of the industry. From taproom culture to behind-the-scenes insights, it’s fun, real, and built for craft beer fans and beer travelers chasing their next great pour.

  1. 3d ago

    Kelsey Simon on Craft Beer, Viral Social Media & Nashville's Brewery Scene | Episode 133

    Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America with a fun Fourth of July episode as Steve Sullivan and Scott Touron welcome Nashville content creator and craft beer personality Kelsey Simon to Blackstone Brewing Company and Nashville Brewing Company. Kelsey shares her journey from South Florida to becoming one of Nashville's most recognizable beer and lifestyle content creators, discussing how a passion for craft beer, travel, and authentic storytelling helped her build a loyal following of nearly 100,000 people. From winning Nashville's Oktoberfest Beer Queen competition to creating viral social media videos, she talks about the importance of staying genuine, producing engaging content, and building a community around shared experiences. The conversation covers Nashville's craft beer scene, favorite local breweries, Oktoberfest traditions, unforgettable trips to Germany, Guinness in Ireland versus the United States, dive bars, Broadway recommendations, classic lagers, and why Blackstone Brewing remains one of Nashville's most iconic breweries. Kelsey also shares stories behind her vintage vehicles, Dolly Carton and Tanya Trucker, her work with Von Elrod's, ML Rose, White Velvet Chapel, and her newest creative project, The Granny Smiths. Along the way, she gives practical Instagram tips for creators, talks about what makes content go viral, and even demonstrates her now-famous bottle-opening party trick that has to be seen to be believed. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, social media creator, Nashville local, or simply looking for a fun holiday episode, this conversation is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, beer recommendations, and plenty of Nashville personality. Grab a cold beer, celebrate Independence Day, and join us for another great episode of The Brewery Underground Podcast! Cheers! Steve & Scott

    1h 11m
  2. Jun 23

    Streetside Brewery with Garrett Hickey - Complete Episode | Cincinnati Craft Beer, Hazy IPAs & Barrel-Aged Stouts : Episodes 129 & 130 Combined

    In this complete episode of The Brewery Underground Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Hickey of Streetside Brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio, for an in-depth conversation covering the brewery's evolution, creative approach to brewing, and the realities of operating a successful craft brewery in today's market. Garrett shares the story behind Streetside's growth from a neighborhood brewery into one of Cincinnati's most respected craft beer destinations. We discuss the brewery's award-winning barrel-aged stouts, highly sought-after hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and how Streetside balances innovation with consistency across its diverse lineup. The conversation dives into the challenges facing the craft beer industry, changing consumer preferences, brewery expansion, taproom culture, and what it takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Garrett also discusses collaborations, the Cincinnati beer scene, lessons learned through years of brewing, and how Streetside continues to adapt while staying true to its identity. Whether you're a fan of big stouts, juicy IPAs, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful breweries, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, passion, and perseverance that drive modern craft beer. Grab a beer and join us for this complete conversation with Garrett Hickey of Streetside Brewery. Cheers! Steve & Scott

    1h 45m
  3. Jun 12

    Hop In, We're Drinking! Complete Podcast | Homebrewing, West Coast IPAs, Pliny the Elder & Craft Beer Across America

    Welcome to this complete episode (we combined episodes 72 & 73) featuring Joe Crockett and Nick Rotruck from the Hop In, We're Drinking! Podcast — a self-described "podcast about nothing" that proves to be about a whole lot more than that. Joe joins us from Hawaii and Nick from West Virginia, giving us a unique opportunity to explore craft beer culture from two very different corners of the country. We discuss how they launched their podcast, the inspiration behind it, and how they've built a growing show that features everyone from homebrewers and professional brewers to representatives from the American Homebrewers Association. As passionate homebrewers themselves, Joe and Nick share their brewing experiences, favorite styles, and the knowledge they've gained through years of making beer. We also dive into West Coast IPAs, including a discussion about the legendary Pliny the Elder, and why Steve's summer beer adventures might revolve around the style. Of course, no beer conversation would be complete without talking about Untappd. We compare notes on how we use the platform, what we like about it, and how it has impacted the craft beer community. We also explore the brewery scenes in both Hawaii and West Virginia, discussing local favorites, beer availability, and what makes each region unique for craft beer fans. With six time zones separating them, Joe and Nick explain how they coordinate guests and keep their podcast running smoothly despite the distance. Along the way, the conversation takes several entertaining detours, including Nick sharing the bizarre tale of a French pig that was arrested, jailed, and executed during the Middle Ages. Whether you're a fan of craft beer, homebrewing, great podcast conversations, or just hearing friends share stories and laughs, this episode has a little bit of everything. Pour yourself a beer and join us for a fun and wide-ranging conversation with the guys from Hop In, We're Drinking! Cheers!

    2h 6m
  4. Jun 11

    Streetside Brewery's Garrett Hickey on His Brewing Journey, Craft Beer & Cincinnati Beer Culture | Part 2 | Episode 130

    Part 2 of our conversation with Garrett Hickey from Streetside Brewery dives deep into Garrett’s brewing journey, the evolution of Streetside over the last decade, and what it really takes to build one of Cincinnati’s most respected craft breweries. Garrett shares the full story of how homebrewing with his dad led him from minor league baseball in snowy Erie, Pennsylvania to brewing school in England, working at Rivertown Brewing, and eventually opening Streetside Brewery with his family. We get into the differences between English and American brewing techniques, why Streetside chose a direct-fire brewing system, and how modern craft beer trends have shaped the brewery’s approach over the years. We also talk about the creativity behind Streetside’s beer names, experimental brewing philosophy, hype beers, barrel-aged stouts, West Coast IPAs, smoothie sours, and why certain fan-favorite beers disappear for years before making a comeback. Garrett gives incredible behind-the-scenes insight into recipe development, collaboration brewing, Untappd culture, and the balance between making innovative beer and running a sustainable business. The episode also highlights Streetside’s strong community involvement through their “Brew Cause” charity program, Oktoberfest celebrations, and the brewery’s upcoming 10-year anniversary plans — including a massive collaboration beer featuring breweries from around the country. Packed with brewing stories, beer discussions, humor, and industry insight, this episode is a must-listen for craft beer fans, homebrewers, and anyone who loves brewery culture. Cheers!

    1h 3m
  5. Jun 4

    Streetside Brewery’s Garrett Hickey Talks Barrel-Aged Stouts, Hazy IPAs & Cincinnati Craft Beer | Part 1 | Episode 129

    In Part 1 of our conversation with Streetside Brewery owner and head brewer Garrett Hickey, we dive deep into the creativity, experimentation, and passion behind one of Cincinnati’s most innovative craft breweries. Garrett talks about balancing hype beers with classic styles, the evolution of New England IPAs over the last decade, and why Streetside continues pushing boundaries with massive barrel-aged stouts, smoothie sours, milkshake IPAs, and experimental releases. We also get into the realities of running a modern brewery — from brewing schedules and Untappd ratings to festival season, customer expectations, and deciding which wild beer ideas are worth bringing to life. We taste and discuss several standout Streetside beers including the legendary “Speak of the Devil: Decadence” barrel-aged imperial stout, “Spring Breakers” West Coast Pilsner collab with New Groove Artisan Brewery, and some of Streetside’s unforgettable fruited and dessert-inspired creations. Garrett also shares behind-the-scenes stories about brewing mistakes that accidentally became fan favorites, naming beers, social media culture, and how certain releases become part of brewery lore. If you love craft beer innovation, barrel-aged stouts, New England IPAs, Cincinnati beer culture, or hearing how breweries balance artistry with business, this episode is packed with great conversation and beer geek insight. Cheers!

    43 min
  6. Jun 2

    Complete Episode: Ska Brewing Co-Founder Dave Thibodeau: Craft Beer, Ska Music, Brewery Growth & Industry Trends

    This Episode combines Episodes #127 and #128.Join us for the complete conversation with Dave Thibodeau, co-founder and president of Ska Brewing, as we dive into the brewery's remarkable 31-year journey from a homebrewing passion project to one of Colorado's most recognizable craft beer brands.Dave shares the story behind Ska Brewing's founding in 1995, the influence of ska music on the brewery's name and identity, and how the DIY spirit of both punk and craft beer helped shape the company's culture. We discuss the early days of brewing in Durango, the evolution of Colorado's beer scene, and the challenges and opportunities that come with staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry.The conversation explores Ska's award-winning beers, including the success of True Blonde, the brewery's approach to quality and innovation, and the development of styles ranging from Mexican-style lagers and Oktoberfest beers to new low-ABV offerings designed for today's drinkers. Dave also shares his thoughts on non-alcoholic beer, THC beverages, shifting consumer trends, and what the future may hold for craft breweries.Along the way, we talk music, hockey, homebrewing, sustainability, the Legion of Ska comic-book universe, late-night ska shows in the taproom, and the community that has helped keep Ska Brewing thriving for more than three decades.Packed with brewery history, craft beer insights, music culture, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs, this is the complete Brewery Underground conversation with one of craft beer's most entertaining and influential founders. Cheers!

    1h 49m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Brewery Underground Podcast, hosted by Steve Sullivan & Scott Touron in Nashville, dives into brewery interviews, beer reviews, and the stories behind the people shaping craft beer. Each episode features brewers, meaderies, guilds, charities, and the Brewers Association—highlighting voices from every corner of the industry. From taproom culture to behind-the-scenes insights, it’s fun, real, and built for craft beer fans and beer travelers chasing their next great pour.

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