Episodes
Friday Aug 28, 2020
Pilsner with author Tom Acitelli
Friday Aug 28, 2020
Friday Aug 28, 2020
Ep 31: Tom Acitelli has a lot of experience in writing about alcohol, and when it comes to writing about beer, he’s one of the best. His recent book, “Pilsner,” (Chicago Review Press) is an informative, entertaining look at how this style of beer interacted with history and dominated the world. Enjoy my interview with Tom and then stick around for the Afterparty.
Episode sponsored by Back East Brewing.
Intro music: “Heat It Up” by Will & the George
Background music: “German Music and German Folk Music,” “Manhattan Sky”
Questions? Comments? Just want to unburden yourself? Email me at beer.snob@yahoo.com.
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Farm Brewing with Barry Labendz of Kent Falls
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Ep 30! Interested in farm breweries and farmhouse ale? Enjoy my talk with Barry Labendz, co-founder of Kent Falls Brewing in Kent, Connecticut, which in 2015 opened as the first modern farm brewery in the state.
Barry and his team started out with a farmhouse beer focus, and Barry and I talk about just what that means. We talk about his dedication to local ingredients, from the hops that come from their own farm and nearby Smokedown Farm (subject of ISWB Ep 29), to the grain that comes from local maltsters.
When you’re done listening, get reading some of Barry's recommendations for books that focus on food and the food cycle:
- Third Plate by Dan Barber
- Taste of Place by Amy B. Trubek
- Hungry City by Carolyn Steel
Stay tuned after the interview for The Afterparty.
This episode was sponsored by Back East Brewing in Bloomfield, Conn.
Intro music: “Heat It Up” by The Will-George Experience
Background music: “Picking Banjo,” “Action People #9,” and “Action People #7”
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Hops! With Ally Hughes and James Shepherd of Smokedown Farm
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
It’s almost hop harvesting time, so in ep 29 learn about hop growing from those who get their hands dirty in this episode, featuring Dr. James Shepherd, owner of Smokedown Farm in Sharon, Connecticut, and farm manager Ally Hughes. Shepherd -- an epidemiologist on the front lines of dealing with COVID-19 -- provides some unexpected insight into the connection between virus control and hops, and Hughes discusses how their hops make local beers extra special.
This episode is sponsored by Back East Brewing in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
Opening/closing music: “Heat It Up” by Will and George
Background music: “Eternal Flame” by Lahar
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Phantom Brewing's Jon Patrei
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Ep 28: Phantom Brewing in Hartford, Connecticut, opened in April of this tumultuous year. My guest Jon Patrei and his business partner Bo Kolcio previously ran Beer & Wine Makers Warehouse, and continue to run a similar enterprise in their brewery. Jon and I talk about his background in beer and how opening during a pandemic works when you are prepared and make wise decisions.
Information on the Phantom Ship in the intro comes from “The Ghost Ship of New Haven Sets Sail Shrouded in Mystery” by Michael Hoberman, from ConnecticutHistory.org. Background music: "Chill Lo-fi Hip-Hop Mix [No Copyright]."
This episode was sponsored by Back East Brewing and Witchdoctor Brewing. [Aired 8/4/2020]