UnCapped Podcast

Chris Sands
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Food
  • Updated Weekly

A weekly discussion with your favorite brewers and brewery owners.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 397 - Eikiben

    In Episode 397 of the Uncapped Podcast, we sit down with Steve Chu, the energetic co-founder of Baltimore's beloved Asian-Ethiopian fusion restaurant, Ekiben. The episode delves deeply into the grit, humor, and relentless tenacity required to climb from a broken-down food cart to running a highly anticipated multi-location restaurant group. Steve shares stories from his childhood working in his family's restaurants after they immigrated from Taiwan, reflecting on the cultural contrasts in customer service styles between Eastern efficiency and Western attentiveness. He outlines his entry into the culinary field, choosing to become a chef purely to maintain operational power over his business vision. Listeners learn about Ekiben's rough early years—from purchasing a $3,000 un-assembled "North Carolina" hot dog cart that actually shipped from Guangzhou, China, to enduring grueling 110-hour work weeks split between farmers markets and shifts at his father's restaurant. ‍Steve details Ekiben's massive expansion hurdles, including a stressful one-year permitting delay at their new Frederick location after discovering decaying structural layers behind the drywall of a historic building. Additionally, Steve reveals the restaurant's operational philosophy: utilizing hard work as their core value, relying entirely on self-made social media to independently control their PR narrative, and why they prefer the steady growth of brick-and-mortars over unstable food trucks. ‍ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel ‍Follow Chris on Instagram ‍Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland ‍ ‍

    1h 9m

  2. Apr 18

    Episode 396 - Bear Branch Malt

    In this episode of the Uncapped Podcast, host Chris Sands hits the road to Westminster, Maryland, for an on-site interview at Bear Branch Malt. Joined by honorary co-host Keith Marcoux, Chris sits down with proprietor Brad Humbert to explore his fascinating journey from engineering and hop farming to bringing a 4-ton malting operation to his family's historic farm. The group dives deep into the science and craft of malting, discussing the intricacies of working with local grain varieties like Violetta two-row barley and Danko rye. Brad shares his insights on supplying roughly 50 local breweries, the adjustments required when brewing with locally grown malt, and the importance of supporting the regional agricultural ecosystem. Plus, Chris and the crew crack open "Straight Up Grizzly"—a hazy pale ale collaboration showcasing Bear Branch malt—while reflecting on the vital connection between farmers, maltsters, and craft brewers. Tune in to hear Chris uncover the hard work and passion that goes into the foundational ingredients of local craft beer! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland ‍ ‍

    1h 10m

  3. Jan 28

    Episode 395 - Cushwa Brewing

    In Episode 395, host Chris Sands sits down with Garrett Chambers (Co-owner) and Sam Waller (GM of the Columbia location) at the Cushwa Rad Pies Taproom in Columbia, MD. They discuss Cushwa Brewing's upcoming 9th Anniversary celebration, set for February 6th and 7th. The conversation highlights a massive lineup of releases, including a unique whiskey called "Transmuted" (a distilled barleywine collaboration with McClintock Distilling) and a controversial but delicious "Black West Coast Pils". They also chat about the "hidden gem" status of the Columbia location's whiskey program and share laughs over Garrett’s pet peeve: customers asking to fill 5-gallon "party balls". Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

    55 min

  4. Jan 23

    Episode 394 - Olde Mother Brewing

    I’m back at Olde Mother Brewing with founder Keith Marcoux to celebrate their 10th anniversary, even if we are technically a couple of months late. Keith was my very first guest on this podcast, and he’s been on pretty much every year since, so it’s only right that I share some big news with him. In this episode, I officially announce that Uncapped will end next year; I’ve decided to stop at the 10-year mark this coming October. But don't worry, we didn't get too sappy. We spent plenty of time covering: The "Dummy Tax": The expensive lessons learned over a decade of entrepreneurship. New Ventures: Keith’s plans for Charlie Wells Distilling Company, a new distillery and restaurant coming to New Market (featuring sandwiches named after his kids). Throwback Stories: That time they hid the register cash in the microwave because they didn't have a safe. Truck Talk: A very long, unplanned tangent about Keith’s love for old trucks versus Chris’s new Bronco and the joys of going to the dump.  We also discuss the new look for core beers like Hank and Impressionist and reflect on how much the industry, and our lives, have changed since we started. Cheers to 10 years, and let’s make this final year count!

    1h 15m

  5. 12/01/2025

    Episode 393 - Waredecade

    For Episode 393 I caught up with Keith Kohr at Waredaca Brewing Company in Laytonsville, MD as they celebrate their incredible 10th Anniversary! The farm is ready for winter with their awesome new, heated, all-weather, reservable pavilion (it holds up to 100!). The main event is the Waredecade 10th Anniversary Party this Saturday, December 6th! Tickets ($65) include three beers, catered food, a custom glass, and a t-shirt. They are dropping some massive beers: Waredecade (9% Triple IPA, their biggest hopped beer ever). Bonanza (14% Sagamore rye whiskey barrel-aged stout with cinnamon and ancho chilis). Geedie (9% Belgian Triple), which won gold for Maryland’s best Belgian beer. A tattoo artist from Damascus Tattoo will be there offering flash tattoos, and the brewery is paying for Waredaca branded designs!. If you can’t make the ticketed party, join them for Poor House Trivia Friday, December 5th, or come watch the Ravens vs. Steelers game with sound on the huge screen in the heated pavilion Sunday! No reservations required for Thursday, Friday, or Sunday. Huge shoutout to brewer Zach Lloyd, who’s been there almost 10 years (and is currently building a Christmas tree out of kegs!). Come out and support 10 years of great local beer! Find ticket links on Waredaca’s social media. Cheers! 🍻 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland ‍ ‍

    1h 23m

  6. 11/28/2025

    Episode 392 - Burnt Hill

    Why do the best grapes come from the most difficult soil? In this episode, we explore the concept of "struggle" with Drew Baker, co-founder of Burnt Hill Farm. Drew explains why he specifically chose the rocky terrain of Clarksburg, Maryland, to launch his exclusive, high-end wine label, supported by the infrastructure of his family’s Old Westminster Winery. But the struggle isn't limited to the vines. Drew shares his incredible story of survival against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After facing a grim prognosis and undergoing experimental treatments, including two bone marrow transplants donated by his sisters, Drew is here to share his story. Join us for a powerful look at how resilience, both in the vineyard and in the hospital, has shaped Drew's life and created a profound sense of pride in what he and his sisters have built together. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland ‍ ‍

    1h 20m

  7. 10/14/2025

    Episode 391 - Kill The Lights 2024 ep2

    Kill the Lights 2025 is only two weeks away. Here is episode two of stupid questions from Kill the Lights 2024. Here is who participated in this round. Mike Pallen - Mikerphone Brewing Jason Brewer - Wandering Monster Brewing Dave Martin - Orchestrated Minds Brewing Skip Schwartz - Weldwerks Brewing Co Mike Gambino - Vitamin Sea Brewing Doug Meyer - Tactical Brewing Chris Jaccobs - Beer Zombies Corey Campbel - RAR Josh Bauerlein - Mortalis Brewing Co Alberto Cespedes - Spanish Maria Brewery Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

    1h 28m

  8. 09/26/2025

    Episode 390 - Heavy Seas Turns 30 and Wanderland

    In this episode of the Uncapped Podcast, I sat down with Hugh and Caroline Sisson of Heavy Seas Beer to celebrate a their 30 years in craft beer. We dug into how they’re marking the occasion with special releases, collaborations, and a big anniversary party this December. We also talked about the state of today’s beer industry, including shifting drinking habits, rising costs, and why being a legacy brand gives Heavy Seas an edge. Hugh shared insights from three decades in beer, including why adaptability is everything, while Caroline gave a peek behind the scenes at anniversary highlights like the 30th Anniversary Variety Pack, Loose Cannon’s 20th birthday, and the big celebration to come. It’s a fun mix of history, industry insight, and excitement for the future of one of Maryland’s most iconic breweries. Caroline also gave a little preview of Wanderland, a brand-new event from the Brewers Association of Maryland that’s bringing together breweries, wineries, and distilleries from all over the state. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

    1h 16m
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4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

A weekly discussion with your favorite brewers and brewery owners.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Sands
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2016 The Frederick News-Post
  • Show Website
    UnCapped Podcast