Tap the Craft Podcast - Craft Beer Education

Denny Luce - Kris McKenzie - John Ream
  • 4.8 (48)
  • Food
  • Updated Biweekly

Tap the Craft Podcast is an informational craft beer podcast targeting the everyday beer drinker. The hosts are craft beer enthusiasts whose passion for this hobby comes out in the show. This podcast is focused on talking about the craft beer hobby in layman terms, not elitist speak. Entry into craft beer should not be a daunting and scary endeavor, so we want to help you learn about craft beer so you too can become a craft beer enthusiast. So whether you are well experienced or new to craft beer, there is something you.

  1. Sep 3

    Episode 316 - Soluble Oak with Cal Larson

    On Episode 316 of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris welcome Cal Larson of Soluble Oak to explore a fascinating approach to oak aging that starts with…well, oak! Cal's journey is anything but conventional. Coming from a background in the international lumber business, his experience with white oak eventually led to a question: What if you could extract the desirable characteristics of oak without having to use the entire barrel? That question ultimately became the foundation for Soluble Oak and its all-natural Oak + Nothing extract. We dig into how Soluble Oak got started, what's actually happening inside that bottle, and how brewers can use oak extract to influence flavor, aroma and mouthfeel. Cal explains the differences between American and French oak, how brewers approach dosing and bench trials, and what goes into creating consistent, controlled oak character. We also sneak in a tasting segment with the Resurgence Brewing Buf IPA. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Bold City Brewing Killer Whale Cream Ale Mother Earth Brew Co  Odin’s Ally Hazy IPA Resurgence Brewing Buf IPA Hazy IPA Bert’s Brewing Juke Joint Vol.1 IPA Mother Earth Brew Co Small Swells Session IPA Sockeye Brewing Double Mosaic Single Hop Pale Sierra Nevada Brewing River Ride IPA Pontoon Brewing Pink Skies and LoFi NEIPA  Pontoon Brewing Infinite Smiggles  Wander Back Beerworks Future Proof Pils LINKS TO ARTICLES DISCUSSED: Soluble Oak website

  2. Aug 20

    Episode 315 - Resurgence Brewing with Nick Torgalski

    Buffalo, New York, has a rich brewing history—and today, Resurgence Brewing is helping write the next chapter. In this episode, Denny and Kris sit down with Head Brewer Nick Torgalski to explore the beers, brewing philosophy, and Buffalo culture behind one of Western New York's best-known craft breweries. Nick takes us behind the scenes at Resurgence, sharing his journey into brewing, the brewery's evolution, their approach to recipe development, and how Buffalo's food, traditions, and personality inspire some of their most distinctive beers. We taste Resurgence Cream Ale, Smells Like Buffalo Pilsner, and The Surge NEIPA, digging into the brewing techniques, ingredients, styles, and creative decisions that make each beer unique. We'll also raise a glass to Resurgence's 2026 World Beer Cup Gold Medal for 4 The Ward, exploring what goes into brewing an award-winning American-Style Cream Ale and what that recognition means to the brewery and the Buffalo beer community. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Resurgence Brewing Cream Ale Resurgence Brewing Smells Like Buffalo Pilsner Resurgence Brewing The Surge NEIPA LINKS TO ARTICLES DISCUSSED: Resurgence Brewing website

  3. Aug 6

    Episode 314 - What’s Behind All That Stainless?

    Ever walked into a brewery and wondered what all those shiny stainless-steel vessels actually do? In this episode of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris go behind the brewhouse to explore the different systems that turn grain, water, and hops into wort—and ultimately, beer. And perhaps most importantly: does a bigger, more sophisticated brewhouse actually make better beer? We also do a couple tastings from beers provided by Pontoon Brewing. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Pontoon Brewing Pontoon Punch Fruited Ale Pontoon Brewing Cosmic Voyager NEIPA Gem State Brewing Oat of Office Oatmeal Stout Resurgence Brewing White Ale Witbier Resurgence Brewing Resurgence Cream Ale Von Trapp Brewing & Barriehaus Beer Co collab - North German Style pilsner

  4. Jul 23

    Episode 313 - Pasteurization in Craft Beer

    In this episode of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris explore the science behind pasteurization, explain the differences between tunnel and flash pasteurization, and discuss when—and why—craft breweries choose to use this often misunderstood process. Whether you think pasteurization is a necessary quality-control tool or believe fresh, unpasteurized beer is always best, this episode separates fact from fiction and gives you a deeper appreciation for one of brewing's most important—and debated—processes. We also have two beer tastings, one from Wander Back Beerworks with the Matchday German Pilsner and a second from Pontoon Brewing with the Not Afraid of the Smiggles Super Sour. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Wander Back Beerworks Matchday German Pilsner Pontoon Brewing Not Afraid of the Smiggles  Jim Dandy Brewing Workhorse American Brown Ale Jim Dandy Brewing Juice Break Fruited Sour Resurgence Brewing Citmo 250 NEIPA

  5. Jul 9

    Episode 312 - All About Hop Terpenes

    In this episode of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris take a deep dive into the aromatic compounds that have transformed hop-forward beers over the last decade. You'll learn what terpenes are, where they come from, and why they're responsible for many of the flavors and aromas craft beer lovers crave. We also have two beer tastings, one from Pontoon Brewing with The Smiggles Show Smoothie Sour and a second from Martin House Brewing with the Death by Chocolate Cake imperial pastry stout. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Pontoon Brewing The Smiggles Show  Martin House Brewing Death By Chocolate Cake Tampa Bay Brewing Co Inked Out 3 Floyds Brewing Zombie Ice Wayfinder Beer Original Cold IPA Claim 52 Brewing Wooly Breeches Porter Straight to Ale Velvet Evil Old Ale  Beachcrest Brewing Co Proposal Rock Porter  Bier One Brewing 3 Goats Stout

  6. Jun 25

    Episode 311 - The Biergarten

    Pull up a seat at the communal table as we explore one of the world's most enduring beer traditions—the Biergarten. In this episode, we dive into the history of Bavaria's famous beer gardens, from their origins above underground lagering cellars to the lively outdoor gathering spaces that continue to shape beer culture today. You'll learn what defines a true biergarten, discover the stories behind some of Germany's most famous beer gardens, including the world's largest, and find out why chestnut trees, communal tables, and easy-drinking lagers became the foundation of a tradition that has lasted more than 200 years. Whether you're enjoying a pint at your local brewery patio or dreaming of a trip to Munich, this episode is a celebration of great beer, great company, and the communities built around them.  We also have two beer tastings, one from Pontoon Brewing with The Real Slim Smiggles and a second from H.H. Hinder the Guava Voom. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Pontoon Brewing The Real Slim Smiggles H.H. Hinder Brewing Guava Voom Catharina Sour Barriehaus Beer Co Tivvy Tmave Czech Dark Lager Phase Three Brewing & Brujos Brewing Pixel Demoliri Phase Three Brewing & Parish Brewing Pixel in the Machine Little Harpeth Brewing Chicken Scratch Pilsner Alliteration Ales Remember Remember Irish Red Ale Confluence Brewing Co ChewBOCKa Doppelbock Powderhaus Brewing Second Breakfast American Brown Ale

  7. Jun 11

    Episode 310 - H.H. Hinder Brewing with Mike, Ken & David

    This week we learn about H.H. Hinder Brewing with guests Mike Stroik, Ken Lambert and David Oldenburg. Mike brings the ownership perspective and the vision behind building H.H. HINDER into a destination brewery and community gathering place. Ken helps shape the brewery's identity through branding, events, marketing, and customer engagement. David brings decades of brewing experience, award-winning beers, national judging credentials, and a passion for brewing both classic and modern beer styles. Discover how H.H. HINDER got started, how the brewery has evolved, the challenges of operating a brewery in today's craft beer environment, and how all three of these roles work together to create the H.H. HINDER experience. And we taste two beers from the brewery..a red rye amber lager and a Grätzer smoked wheat beer. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: H.H. Hinder Brewing Roofer’s Delight 2.1 Red Rye Lager  H.H. Hinder Brewing Smokin’ Wheat Grätzer  LINKS TO ARTICLES DISCUSSED: H.H. Hinder Brewing website

  8. May 28

    Episode 309 - 2026 World Beer Cup Recap

    This week we break down the results of the 2026 World Beer Cup—the biggest global beer competition in the world. We dive into the top-entered categories, reveal the gold, silver, and bronze winners in major IPA and lager categories, and explore what the results say about shifting beer trends—including the resurgence of West Coast IPA and the continued rise of precision-crafted lagers. And we do a tasting of the Pontoon Voyager: Odyssey NE IPA. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com, or interact with us on Facebook at facebook.com/tapthecraft and for all our links visit tapthecraft.com/linktree. We have a voicemail number...you can call 208-536-3359 (208-53ODDLY) to leave feedback or questions and have your voice heard on the show. We invite you to visit our website at tapthecraft.com for more craft beer content. If you enjoy our content and want to Toast Your Hosts, then please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/tapthecraft You can follow Denny on Instagram and Untappd @lucescrew. You can follow Kris on Untappd at @K9Hops and on our Facebook page. Find more links at tapthecraft.com/linktree. Discord server at tapthecraft.com/discord  BEERS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Zephyrhills Brewing Co FAFO Von Trapp Brewing Light Lager Pontoon Brewing Voyager: Dank Odyssey NE IPA Barriehaus Beer Co Kessel Run Smoked Lager Pontoon Brewing Sunrise & Lofi Phase Three Brewing Pixel  Half Acre Beer Co Bodem IPA  Confluence Brewing Co Des Moines IPA  Printer’s Row Brewing Bookbinder Blonde Ale Illuminated Beer Works Brain Wash Sour Ale Confluence Brewing Co 13 Degrees Czech Dark Lager Kros Strain Brewing Fairy Nectar IPA

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4.8
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Tap the Craft Podcast is an informational craft beer podcast targeting the everyday beer drinker. The hosts are craft beer enthusiasts whose passion for this hobby comes out in the show. This podcast is focused on talking about the craft beer hobby in layman terms, not elitist speak. Entry into craft beer should not be a daunting and scary endeavor, so we want to help you learn about craft beer so you too can become a craft beer enthusiast. So whether you are well experienced or new to craft beer, there is something you.

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