Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer Exit Strategy Brewing Company

Alarmist Brewing’s hilarious Gary Gulley brings an engineer’s lens to brewing and nerds out about cask ales, clear hazies, and what customers really want.

01:27 Beer Myth: Are cask ales all flat? What is a cask ale, anyway? Gary explains what makes a cask ale a cask ale and the role carbonation plays in it. If you’ve never heard of a firkin, spile, cast breather, or cask wedge, then you’ll walk away with a better understanding of them as only an engineer could provide. Plus: should you drink what’s on cask while in the UK?

08:15 Alarmist Brewing Interview: Gary Gulley, owner and founder of Alarmist Brewing, shares why he’s passionate about beer and how his former career as a civil engineer prepared him for a career as a full-time brewer. He talks about his experience learning about homebrewing while working at a nuclear power plant, Coors Party Balls, and how his growing appreciation for beer led him to found Alarmist. Gary also shares the story of how his Le Jus became the first-ever Hazy IPA to win a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival and how Alarmist developed other award-winning beers including Pantsless, Bronze Medal Winner for American Pale Ale in 2020, and Midwest Royalty, Bronze Medal Winner for American Style Lager in 2021 and 2022.

After sampling some beers, Gary explains the difference between two-row and six-row malts and how they impact the “grainy” flavor of certain beers. He also breaks down the difference between pale ales, American pales, and IPAs, in terms of both hops and bitterness, and what happens when you put lactose in beer. Gary and Katherine also explain why beer recipes “change all the time” and how that can sometimes lead to happy accidents in brewing. The topic of Le Jus Clear also leads to Gary explaining how he used yeast strains to make a clear hazy IPA. Plus: brewing for customers, not brewers; the seasonality of dark beers and customer demand compared to other lighter styles; and a game you should never play called “The John Wayne Hour.”

1:06:36 Beer Behavior: THC seltzers: how do they work and what does industrial hemp have to do with it? Gary breaks down how delta-9 THC works, the chemical process involved in brewing THC seltzers, and how Minnesota is paving the way for other states to brew it. 

1:14:30 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “Decoction: it’s a lager thing” super-soft shirt, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Decoction soft uni-sexy tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/decoction-soft-uni-sexy-tee 

Decoction Hooded long-sleeve tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/decoction-hooded-long-sleeve-tee 

1:15:10 Mic Flags: Watch Gary literally eat a mic flag. Seriously.

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Alarmist Brewing: Alarmist Brewing is a multiple award winning Chicago craft brewery on the northwest side and the home of Le Jus, the first ever gold medal Hazy IPA at the Great American Beer Festival. Learn more on their website at https://www.alarmistbrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: hazy IPAs, the brewing process, beer engines, Chicago breweries, civil engineering, homebrewing, beer industry trends, clear hazies, lactose in beer, craft beer ingredients, beer fermentation, THC beverages, beer regulations, craft beer business, cask programs, beer myths, brewing challeng

Learn about mild ales, the nuances of English hops and the influence of terroir on flavor, and why “beer is for everyone.”

01:33 Beer Myth: Are craft beer taprooms unwelcoming? Katherine discusses the idea that going into tap rooms full of house-produced beers as a novice in the craft beer community is intimidating and you may or may not be welcomed with open arms. Learn the truth behind the intimidation factor of craft beer spaces and how you could use your newfound knowledge to discover new beers, make friends, and become part of a vibrant community without fear.

09:02 Flipside Brewing: Eric Pizer, owner and head brewer of Flipside Brewing, shares his journey of getting into brewing, including a hilarious story about watching a DVD with a friend and how it’s possible that he’s worked at two completely different breweries located at the exact same address in Tinley Park. He also discusses his experience brewing his first beer, an amber ale, and what led him to the philosophy that “beer is for everyone.” The discussion also touches on the language of beer tasting, common misconceptions about dark beers, the significance of staff education in breweries, brewing with personal flair, and the cultural quirks of craft beer.

During the conversation, listeners are introduced to a variety of beer styles and hops, including the British styles with balanced hop and malt profiles, the nuances of English hops like East Kent Goldings and the influence of terroir on flavor, and unique offerings at Flipside like their inventive mild ales. 

40:16 Beer Behavior: What’s going on with beer in the south suburbs of Chicago? Brian, Katherine, and Eric discuss the beer community that's developed in the region and the customer and brewer behavior that have cultivated it.

49:37 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “I drink and I learn things” hoodie, available in multiple colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/drink-learn-hoodie 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Flipside Brewing: Located in Tinley Park, Illinois, at Flipside Brewing you’ll see a variety of classic beer styles along with current and emerging trends. They strive to provide quality food and beverage in an inviting and friendly space, where the community can gather together over a beer and some wings. Learn more on their website at https://www.flipsidebrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, craft brewing, craft beer community, taproom culture, beer tasting, craft beer trends, beer collaboration, brewing traditions, beer styles, mild ale, sour ales, wild ales, English ales, beer education, beer conversations, craft beer culture, Flipside Brewing, beer myths, beer tasting language, beer jargon, craft beer scene, artisanal beer, beer trends, craft beer collaborations, and local breweries in Chicago’s south suburbs.

Explore Illuminated Brew Works’ imaginative craft beer creations and unique tap room that’s unlike any other you’ve seen.

01:26 Beer Myth: Is the craft beer market so saturated that now all beer is boring? Learn why some say that craft beer has become monotonous and learn how you can rediscover the diverse and thrilling world of artisanal brews, enhancing your appreciation and enjoyment of every pint.

07:51 Illuminated Brew Works: Jason Monk, Facilities Manager and Assistant Brewer, and Rick Julien, Sales Manager of Illuminated Brew Works, explain why their brewery is “the most DIY of DIY” operations, their incredible thriftiness when building their own equipment, and how they took their operation from a basement brewery to a bustling Chicago location. They also discuss the unique ambience of their tap room, how they strike a balance between following craft beer trends versus personal brewing preferences, and why they are tired of the term “craft beer.” Plus: the ins and outs of their favorite beers, including the blueberry-laden Tony's Humble Pie white stout with blueberry puree, lactose, vanilla and cinnamon, and their citrusy Orange Sunshine saison.

38:38 Beer Behavior: Millennials are drinking craft beer, believe it or not, but they have less brand loyalty than previous generations. Jason, Rick, and Katherine discuss what this means for local craft beer communities and delve into other bizarre generational behavior that is driving change across the industry.

47:18 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Buy our merchandise that says “I just want beer flavored beer,” available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Garment-dyed Heavyweight T-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-garment-dyed-heavyweight-t-shirt-1 

Long Sleeve T-Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-long-sleeve-t-shirt-1?variant=44283749236976 

Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-premium-crewneck-sweatshirt?variant=44281814745328 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Illuminated Brew Works: Illuminated Brew Works is a Chicago brewery making beer for interesting times. From big, hazy IPAs, to yeast-driven urban farmhouses, adjunct-rich stouts and experimentally-driven sours and fruit beers, their offerings rotate seasonally to celebrate the annual cycle. Learn more on their website at https://www.ibw-chicago.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, craft breweries, beer innovation, craft beer culture, brewing process, craft beer trends, Millennial drinkers, White stouts, Blueberry Pie Stout, lagers, hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, imperial IPA, Irish Stout, Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA, Trust (a year-round lager), Orange Sunshine (a citrus Saison), Astronaut Juice (a double dry-hopped, double IPA), beer recipes, flagship beers, mash tun, welding, craft beer community, beer styles, beer market, beer operations, beer production, beer branding, craft beer events, local breweries, local beer, beer fermentation, beer ingredients, beer adjuncts, chasing beer trends, craft beer appreciation, and beer styles comparison.

Learn how an eclectic brewery incorporates an incredible range of ingredients in its beers, including algae and Butterfly pea flower.

01:53 Beer Myth: Do all barrel-aged beers have a high ABV? Learn the truth behind whether barrel aging equals boozy brews so you can enjoy a wider range of flavorful beers with your newfound knowledge.

05:09 1840 Brewing Company: Kyle Vetter, founder and brewer of 1840 Brewing, discusses his origins and expansion from a focus on oak-aged and classic styles to offering a diverse range of beers, including light, dark, hoppy, sour, and fruity options. He also explains the historical significance of the brewery's name, discusses the nuanced art of barrel-aging, and the impact of using fruits like cherries in multiple fermentation process. They also discuss the use of unique ingredients and brewing techniques and how they contribute to the complex flavors in his brewery’s beers, the approachability of sour beers for different palates, and the benefits of letting beer aerate to enhance its character. Plus: the anticipation around seasonal releases, the brewery's shift to eco-friendly packaging, and the significance of brewery regulars.

You’ll learn about what it’s like to brew beer with seaweed, the making of 1840’s signature Cashmere Sweater double IPA, the oyster stout that came from a collaboration with a Chicago brewery, their innovative bourbon barrel-aged Saison, milk stouts with Nutella, and the special local touch from Door County that they’ve used in their award-winning beers.

43:48 Beer Behavior: Breweries can’t survive without their regular customers. But there’s a particular behavior that some regulars are guilty of that isn’t so great for breweries. Stick around until the end of this episode .

You can find amazing beer-related merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About 1840 Brewing Company: 1840 Brewing Company is an urban farmhouse brewery located in the historic neighborhood of Bay View in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They craft high quality ales, lagers, sours, and stouts with a focus on barrel aging and blending. Learn more on their website at https://www.1840brewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, sustainable brewing, barrel aging, IPAs, double IPAs, brewing innovation, sour beers, beer myths, Milwaukee brewing, 1840 Brewing, beer packaging, eco-friendly beer sustainability, craft beer community, low-ABV beers, beer history, fruit in beer, Brettanomyces, beer tasting, beer culture, barrel-aged Saison, craft beer production, pineapple passion fruit sour, seafoam beer, spirulina in beer, algae in beer, beer ingredients, unique beer flavors, beer brewing process, beer conditioning, Italian drinking chocolate stout, beer fermentation, craft brewers, and beer bottle designs.

Learn about Eagle Park Brewing Company’s explosive growth, how brewing is like making music, and what’s up with THC seltzers.

01:45 Beer Myth: Is it bad to have a beer after a workout? Learn the truth behind the idea that beer hampers your fitness efforts so you know what you should (or shouldn’t) reach for in your fridge after you get home from the gym.

03:45 Eagle Park Brewing Interview: Jake Schinker, the brewery’s brand director and co-founder, discusses the intersection of brewing and music, revealing the origins of Eagle Park Brewing, the parallels between the creative processes in music and brewing, and how passion has transformed their venture into a successful enterprise. He discusses the absurd amount of time brewers spend cleaning and sanitizing their equipment, the importance of a strong foundation in experimenting with creating new flavors, and some of the massive equipment being used to brew massive batches of craft beer. Plus: exciting expansion plans, a behind-the-scenes look at their lager program, and the balance of respecting heritage while embracing the future.

The conversation touches on various beer styles, including IPAs, sours, and traditional European lagers. Listeners can look forward to learning about the intricate process of brewing beers with unique ingredients like cream of coconut and get an inside look at one of their newer offerings: THC seltzers.

40:34 Beer Behavior: Jake delves into the rapidly growing trend of THC-infused seltzers within the beer industry and the unique challenges that come with brewing beverages that blend THC with seltzer. He discusses the nuances of working with hemp-derived THC, how it’s legally distinct from marijuana-derived THC, and the strategic decision-making that led Eagle Park to innovate with their THC Alto Series despite varying state cannabis laws. He also explains why he doesn’t serve THC seltzers at his bar, since it could lead some consumers to have a bad time.

54:23 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Our LEGO “Building Blocks of Beer” shirts, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Building Blocks of Beer Crew: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/building-blocks-of-beer-crew 

Building Blocks of Beer Long Sleeve Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/building-blocks-of-beer-long-sleeve-shirt 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Eagle Park Brewing Company: A Milwaukee brewery mixing innovation and tradition, you can learn more on their website at https://www.eagleparkbrewing.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: beer, craft beer, brewing, THC-infused beverages, post-workout refreshments, THC seltzers, Eagle Park Brewing Company, Milwaukee Brewing Company, brewery expansion, lager, sours, IPAs, beer industry, homebrewing, beer brewing process, fitness and beer, beer and health, artisanal beer, beer innovation, THC Alto Series, brewing artistry, brewing mastery, craft beer trends, beer education, beverage industry, THC innovations, brewing equipment, mash filter brew house, beer experimentation, beer flavors, craft beer community, beer stories, beer business, brewing foundation, craft beer evolution, and craft beer production.

Get an inside look at Milwaukee’s iconic Lakefront Brewery, from its hilarious origins to its groundbreaking craft beers.

01:28 Beer Myth: Is all craft beer specialty beer? Have you ever wondered if craft beer is too niche or sophisticated for the average beer drinker? Learn the truth behind the idea that craft beer is only for the elite so you can broaden your beer horizons and find new favorites that suit your taste – regardless of your beer expertise.

05:31 Lakefront Brewery Interview: Russ Klisch, President and Co-Founder of Lakefront Brewery, discusses the evolution of craft beer, with specific subtopics including the diverse offerings at Lakefront, the innovation behind their gluten-free beer, the international awards that they value the most, and how they used hops indigenous to Wisconsin in some of their beers. Klisch shares insights on the brewery's operational growth, the challenges of scheduling beer production around consumer trends, and the nuances of yeast management. Plus: an exploration of terroir in beer, a glimpse into future beer consumption trends, and the excitement around limited releases. You’ll learn about the Lakefront IPA, a beer with a devoted fan base and heritage hops; the Hazy Rabbit with its tropical notes and creamy texture; and the Dive Beer, a tribute to Milwaukee's brewing past designed as an accessible lager.

39:03 Beer Behavior: Get ready to raise a glass and chuckle as we dive into "Beer Behavior," a segment where we tap into the changing tides of beer drinking. Discover why your friends are ordering lower ABV brews and what's brewing in the non-alcoholic scene. It's all about sipping smarter, not harder!

51:58 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “Taste the Grainbow,” available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Grainbow T-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/taste-the-grainbow-tee?variant=45212210495728 

Gals Grainbow Tanktop: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/gals-grainbow-tank?variant=45212230189296

Grainbow Crew Sweatshirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/taste-the-grainbow-crew?variant=45212225667312

You can find even more amazing merchandise and learn about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Lakefront Brewery: Since 1987, Lakefront Brewery has brewed Milwaukee's best beers, including Riverwest Stein, New Grist, and countless other innovative and imaginative craft beers. Learn more on their website at https://lakefrontbrewery.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, Lakefront Brewery, craft beer creation, beer tasting, beer making, beer innovation, gluten-free beer, Milwaukee lagers, craft beer trends, barrel-aged beers, craft beer diversity, beer brewing process, beer production, beer aficionados, beer snobs, IPAs, sessionable beers, Hazy Rabbit, beer consumption, beer awards, terroir in beer, beer recipes, home brewing, beer culture, beer industry, limited release beer, beer merchandising, beer education, craft brewery operations, beer styles, beer flavor profiles, craft beer community, local ingredients in beer, beer pairing, beer brewing stories, craft beer myths, small batch brewing, beer marketing, and beer packaging.