It Starts With Beer

South African beer with writer Lucy Corne

In ep 44, we travel to South Africa -- Capetown, to be specific -- and meet travel and beer writer Lucy Corne. We discuss South African beer history and present, what life as a travel writer is like in the time of COVID, and how exactly to pronounce a traditional drink spelled “Umqombothi.” You can follow Lucy on Twitter: @LucyCorne.

This episode was sponsored by Brass Works Brewing, Waterbury, Conn.

Read Corne’s article from Good Beer Hunting: Embracing Tradition--To Create a Style for the Future, South African Brewers Look to the Past

Check out the magazine she edits about South African beer, On Tap. 

The Afterparty track is by Robert C. Fullerton, used with permission. Support his music on places like Bandcamp, Amazon, and Apple Music. 

Background music from Free Music For, featuring Bossa Nova mix.

 

'Beer With Strangers' Host Tony Russo

In ep 43, I got a chance to chat with experienced podcaster, writer, and fellow New Jersey native Tony Russo. We talked about his excellent podcast, Beer With Strangers, and his ventures into podcasts about veterans, writers, and true crime. We chatted in the virtual, "Pub Strange."

You can follow Tony on Twitter: @ByTonyRusso.

Music: "Rock Angel" by Joakim Karud

Writer Tara Nurin

In ep 42, I had the privilege to talk to Tara Nurin, an independent journalist who writes for Forbes and other publications. We talked about her book about the role women have played in the history of brewing, set for publication by the Chicago Review Press in the fall of 2021. We also discussed the world of beer writing, and I got some highlights of her intriguing career. Tara is also a speaker and has great upcoming events, so if you’d like to sign up, here are some links:

Virtual Beer Tasting Class: https://bonbeer.com/tasting-classes/

Craft Beverage Expo Forum: https://www.craftbeverageexpo.com/

Craft Beer Professionals Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/5182876978396534

This episode was sponsored by Labyrinth Brewing in Manchester, Connecticut.

Background music: “Dreams” by Joaquim Kanud, “Bossa Nova Mix” by FreeSound Music, both copyright free.

Firefly Hollow Brewing: Chat and tasting

For episode 41 I hung out on location with Dana Bourque and Justin Dawley of Firefly Hollow Brewing on their beautiful loading dock in Bristol, Connecticut. We chatted about the brewery’s history, what makes their beer stand out, and how they fit into the overall landscape of Connecticut and American beer. I also got to sample several of their beers and you can join me on my flight of fancy. 

This episode is sponsored by Labyrinth Brewing of Manchester, Connecticut.

Send any correspondence to beer.snob@yahoo.com.

Background music: “& Kites” by Kavi and “I Can’t Get Started” by Bud Powell

'Beer and Racism' coauthor Nathaniel Chapman

In ep 40, cohost Jamal Robinson and I interviewed Nathaniel Chapman, a professor of sociology and co-author of “Beer and Racism: How Beer Became White, Why It Matters, and the Movements to Change It.” Chapman said that he and his co-author David L. Brunsma have faced backlash for the book, including death threats, from parts of the web well known for white supremacists. We discuss why he wrote it, what it uncovered, and how we can overcome white fragility and make some honest change in the beer industry when it comes to diversity.

This episode is sponsored by Labyrinth Brewing in Manchester, Connecticut.

Mentioned in this episode: Ale Sharpton, Craft Crew, NEBCO, and the Chicago Newseum.

Background music: “Misha, Monma” by Spiral, “Cafe Music from BGM Channel.”

Julia Herz, beer educator and consultant

Julia Herz has shaped the rise of American craft beer for over 10 years, primarily as the program director of the Brewers Association. In episode 39, this author/speaker/educator/consultant talks about how the beer scene has changed since she joined the association and how being laid off in June has shifted her focus, prompting a vision quest.

After the interview is the Afterparty, when I talk about joining the Hopped Up Network..

Background music: “Encounter with a Mech Patrol Unit” by Ibrahim, “Roundabout” by The Jaguars, and “Uh Oh” by The Imps.

Photo: Brewers Association

Beer quality expert Mary Pellettieri

What do breweries need to do to ensure quality? My guest Mary Pellettieri in ep 38 of It Starts With Beer knows. Join special cohost Chris Sayer of Brewery Legitimus and I for an informative conversation that covers material from her book, "Quality Management," advice for small breweries, and gems of wisdom from Mary, who has taught at the Siebel Institute; worked with Goose Island, Miller, and many other breweries; and written extensively on many beer quality topics. 

Background music: “Lofi Hiphop Mix 2020” and “Piano Bar: Smooth Jazz Club at Midnight Buddha Café”

Athletic Brewing's John Walker

How do you feel about non-alcoholic beer? Why do folks drink it and why is becoming more popular? In ep 37, we meet John Walker, the head brewer at Athletic Brewing Company of Stratford, Connecticut. He explains why his beer tastes unlike any other n/a beer on the market and talks about his journey from New England restaurant kid to Western U.S. blacksmith to seeing his beer being distributed all over the country. 

This episode is sponsored by Brass Works Brewing in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Background Music: “Lullaby” by Joakim Karud, “Joan’s Red Dress” by David Luong

Artist Kat Manning

In episode 36, we meet Kat Manning, the marketing director for the Connecticut Brewers Guild, a photographer with her own Hello Studio, and a label designer for Connecticut breweries. 

We talk about what makes for effective marketing for breweries online and on cans, how she brings her design aesthetic to breweries like Armada Brewing, Marlowe Ales, and Alvarium Beer.

This episode is sponsored by Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Copyright free background music: “Rock Angel” by Joakim Karud, “Not Too Cray” by Huma-Huma, and “The Lounge” by bensound.com.

Reach out to me at beer.snob@yahoo.com.

The Craft Crew

In ep 35, we meet the Craft Crew: James, Jamel, and Antron, who are determined to "widen the demographic" and introduce beer to Black and Latinx drinkers in Connecticut while supporting minority-owned businesses and organizations. They brew, they throw mixers, they make review videos, and they are a lot of fun to hang out with. 

Episode 35 is sponsored by Nod Hill Brewery of Ridgefield, Connecticut and Brass Works Brewing of Waterbury, Connecticut

Mentioned: Blue Moon, Knee Deep Brewing, Samuel Adams, Tree House, NE Video, Unknown Clothing (New Britain), Fishy Tails, My Wife Didn’t Cook, Hog River Brewing, Hanging Hills Brewing, Jamal Robinson, Beer Kulture, New England Brewing Company, 16 Ounce Canvas podcast, The Hops Company, "This Ain’t the Beer That You’re Used To" by Dom "Doochie" Cook, The Sampler in Brooklyn,, Rhythm Brewing, Lady Lager, Urban League of Greater Hartford, and more.

Music: “The Craft Crew Show” theme song by Born(IE), produced by GovMag.

Reach out! I'm at beer.snob@yahoo.com and at beersnobwrites.com