Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

All About Beer

Drink Beer, Think Beer is a weekly conversation with brewers, growers, and other brewing industry professionals that explores the art, culture, and business of craft beer. Hosted by John Holl and recorded on location, this podcast gets to the bottom of every pint and offers insight into the dynamic world of beer.

  1. 4d ago

    Shelley and Eric Desmarais Talk About Life Among the Hop Fields

    A conversation with Shelley and Eric Desmarais of CLS Farms in Moxee, Washington about the 2026 hop harvest and what life is like for families during the regions busiest time of the year. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This Episode is Sponsored by: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.This episode is brought to you by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, innovators in craft beer since 1980 and still 100% family owned. Experience the finest quality and purest ingredients in person by visiting the iconic Sierra Nevada breweries in Chico, California – where it all started – or Mills River, North Carolina, the country’s only Platinum LEED certified production brewery. Visit Sierra Nevada dot com to learn more. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Still Family-Owned, Operated & Argued Over. All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: John Holl Guests: Shelley and Eric Desmarais Sponsors: Berkeley Yeast, All About Beer Tags: Hops, Harvest, Family, Farming, BusinessPhoto: By John Holl

    Shelley and Eric Desmarais Talk About Life Among the Hop Fields
  2. Sep 9

    Why Bale Breaker Beers Are A (Top)Cut Above

    Back in Yakima for a second week and visiting another brewery. This time it’s Bale Breaker, the famed Washington brewery with its very own hop fields. Don Tse is again in the host seat and sitting down with brewmaster Kevin "Smitty" Smith.  Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This Episode is Sponsored by: Berkeley YeastOur Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It’s super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don’t have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.This episode is brought to you by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, innovators in craft beer since 1980 and still 100% family owned. Experience the finest quality and purest ingredients in person by visiting the iconic Sierra Nevada breweries in Chico, California – where it all started – or Mills River, North Carolina, the country’s only Platinum LEED certified production brewery. Visit Sierra Nevada dot com to learn more. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Still Family-Owned, Operated & Argued Over. All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: Don Tse Guests: Kevin Smith Sponsors: Berkeley Yeast, All About Beer Tags: Hop Harvest, Washington, Brewing, FarmingPhoto: By John Holl

    Why Bale Breaker Beers Are A (Top)Cut Above
  3. Sep 2

    Single Hill Kicks Off the 2026 Hop Harvest in Yakima

    This episode was recorded in Yakima, Washington where the 2026 hop harvest is just getting under way. Lots of brewers and beer fans will be making their way through this city for selection and to taste fresh hop ales, and nearly everyone will come through Single Hill Brewery for pints.  Zach Turner the Head Brewer and general manager of Single Hill joins guest host Don Tse for a conversation. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This Episode is Sponsored by: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.This episode is brought to you by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, innovators in craft beer since 1980 and still 100% family owned. Experience the finest quality and purest ingredients in person by visiting the iconic Sierra Nevada breweries in Chico, California – where it all started – or Mills River, North Carolina, the country’s only Platinum LEED certified production brewery. Visit Sierra Nevada dot com to learn more. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Still Family-Owned, Operated & Argued Over. John I. HaasYou don’t have to travel to Yakima to make hop selection part of your harvest. With RemoteSelection from John I. Haas, your brewing team can evaluate hop samples right at the brewery and select the sensory profiles that best fit your beers. And through Next Gen Selection, minimum commitments start at just 220 pounds per variety, making meaningful hop selection accessible to more breweries. This harvest, make your hops your choice. Contact your Haas Sales Representative or visit JohnIHaas.com/Harvest for more information. All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: Don Tse Guests: Zach Turner Sponsors: Sierra Nevada, John I. Haas, All About Beer Tags: fresh hops, IPA, harvest, Yakima, Photo: By John Holl

    Single Hill Kicks Off the 2026 Hop Harvest in Yakima
  4. Aug 26

    Focusing on Quality, La Cumbre Brewing Stays the Course

    A conversation with Jeff Erway of La Cumbre Brewing on quality, not folding to trends, and being true to the brewer's core mission. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This Episode is Sponsored by: Berkeley YeastOur Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It’s super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don’t have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA. Barrel One CollectiveIn a landmark merger between two pioneers of New England’s craft beer industry, Mass. Bay Brewing Company and Finestkind Brewing LLC proudly announce the formation of Barrel One Collective. The Collective will house 14 total brands, operate eight brewery-taprooms across four states (MA, NH, NY, VT) and have a combined production volume of nearly 165,000 barrels, positioning it as the largest craft producer in New England and 14th largest in the country according to Brewer’s Association 2023 Production Data. All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: John Holl Guest: Jeff Erway Sponsors: Berkeley Yeast, Barrel One Collective, All About Beer Tags: Brewing, Quality, AppleTV, New MexicoPhoto: by John Holl

    Focusing on Quality, La Cumbre Brewing Stays the Course
  5. Aug 19

    The Story of Lone Star Beer

    Beer is soaked into the fabric of American history. There are important and timeless brands that have become a part of communities and can tell the story of a place and a people.  The importance of Lone Star extends well beyond Texas and author Jeremy Banas captures the people, recipes, and essence of this iconic brand in this well-researched book. He shares the story of this iconic brewery in his new book and joins the podcast to talk about the brand history.  Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This Episode is Sponsored by: John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details. Berkeley YeastOur Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It’s super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don’t have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA. All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: John Holl Guest: Jeremy Banas Sponsors: Berkeley Yeast, John I. Haas, All About Beer Tags: Texas, Country Music, Lager, HistoryPhoto: by John Holl

    The Story of Lone Star Beer
  6. Aug 12 ·  Bonus

    One Iconic Beer: Bass Ale

    On this episode, you'll hear the remarkable story of Bass Pale Ale. This story begins at the dawn of the industrial age, and charts Bass’s rise as one of the first global brewing brands. Over the course of two centuries, its pale ales evolved to meet the times, and today we know Bass as one of Britain’s classic cask ales—a beer enjoying a current renaissance among the country’s pubs.  In many ways, in telling the story of Bass, we’re recounting the history of brewing in Britain over the past two centuries: its technological and industrial rise, the collapse that befell the giants over the past generation, and, perhaps, an encouraging revival.  You'll hear from Harry White, who started at Bass in the research and development department in 1977. He would become Director of Quality Assurance in 1989, and stayed with the company until 2007. Today he is the chairman of the National Brewery Heritage Trust in Burton Upon Trent. You'll also hear from Pete Brown, one of the most celebrated beer writers in the world and the author of over a dozen books, including his most recent, Tasting Notes – The Art and Science of Pairing Beer and Music. It’s an amazing brewery and an amazing story, all befitting one of the world’s most iconic beers. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This episode is sponsored by: RahrBSGThis episode of the One Iconic Beer podcast is supported by RahrBSG – trusted supplier to brewers, distillers, and beverage makers across North America.  From the barley field to your brewhouse, we’re proud to support the people behind great beer with the ingredients, expertise, and service they depend on.  Whether you’re brewing the next great American Double IPA or crafting an award-winning continental lager, RahrbSG provides the industry’s finest quality, selection, and support. Behind every great – or even iconic – pint, there is a partner who knows what it takes to make it happen. RahrBSG is proud to keep the beer flowing with you.  Escarpment LabsTired of inconsistent fermentations and off-flavors in your beer? It’s time to strike back with Yeast Lightning Nutrient from Escarpment Labs. Unlike generic nutrients, Yeast Lightning is a balanced blend containing bioavailable zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins designed specifically for beer yeast. It’s been proven to shorten fermentation times and improve final beer flavor. Plus, it helps you get more generations out of your yeast, saving you money on every batch. Whether it's a dry-hopped IPA or a crisp lager, give your yeast the fuel they actually need. Order your first pack today by emailing sales@escarpmentlabs.com. Mention the All About Beer podcast to get free shipping on your first order. Host: Jeff AlworthGuests: Harry White, Pete BrownSponsor:  Escarpment Labratories, RahrBSG, All About BeerTags: Bass AleLogo Design: Jeff Quinn The following music was used for this media project: Lounge R&B PianoBy Music_for_videos https://pixabay.com/music/rnb-lounge-rampb-piano-166431/

  7. Aug 5

    The Evolution of Barrel and Flow

    Day Bracey, the co-founder of the Barrel and Flow Festival is here to talk about the evolution of the community minded gathering. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This Episode is Sponsored by: John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details. Berkeley YeastOur Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It’s super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don’t have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA. All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: John Holl Guests: Day Bracey Sponsors: Berkeley Yeast, John I. Haas, All About Beer Tags: Festivals, Pittsburgh, Food, CommunityPhoto: courtesy of Barrel and Flow.

    The Evolution of Barrel and Flow
  8. Jul 29

    Great Lakes Brewing Co. Continues to Grow and Innovate

    Great Lakes Brewing Co. recently turned 38-years-old and the Cleveland, Ohio brewery continues to innovate and grow. CEO Chris Brown sits down for a conversation about taking on macrobeer, getting into THC, and the juggernaut that is Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events. Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry. This Episode is Sponsored by: John I. HaasWhen every pound of hops matters, brewers need products that work harder in the brewhouse. LupoMAX® was engineered to deliver concentrated lupulin, intense aroma expression, and reduced process loss, helping breweries improve yields while maintaining true-to-type hop character. Available in standout varieties like Citra®, Mosaic®, Krush®, and more, LupoMAX gives brewers a smarter path to bold flavor and operational efficiency. Talk with your Haas Sales Representative or visit lupohops.com for details. Berkeley YeastOur Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It’s super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don’t have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA. All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: John Holl Guest: Chris Brown Sponsors: John I. Haas, Berkeley Yeast, All About Beer Tags: Cleveland, Brewing, THC, Lager, PorterPhoto: by Andy Crouch

    Great Lakes Brewing Co. Continues to Grow and Innovate
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About

Drink Beer, Think Beer is a weekly conversation with brewers, growers, and other brewing industry professionals that explores the art, culture, and business of craft beer. Hosted by John Holl and recorded on location, this podcast gets to the bottom of every pint and offers insight into the dynamic world of beer.