It Starts With Beer

Beer writer Jay C. Williams

Ep 24: Writer Jay C. Williams is Connecticut-based with a background in copywriting. His love of beer has propelled him into freelance opportunities, including writing for Wine Enthusiast, Cuisine Noir, October, and other publications. Listen in as we talk writing for multiple audiences, the expanding "beer scene," and Williams' straight-edge punk past.

Here are some links to Jay's work: October, Cuisine Noir, Wine Enthusiast.

Background music from Saiki Beats and Relax Music Meditation.

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Rhythm Brewing's Alisa Bowens-Mercado

Ep 23: Alisa Bowens-Mercado is used to stepping into unfamiliar territory with confidence and a twist. The owner of Rhythm Brewing -- which is based in New Haven, Conn., but has its lagers brewed at Black Hog Brewing in Oxford, Conn. -- is also the owner of a Latin dance studio. As an African-American woman in a largely white, male beer industry Alisa has decided to focus on quality first, to go along with inclusion. 

Enjoy our conversation from June 11, in which Alisa (aka Lady Lager) describes her passion for beer and shares thoughts about race in America and how beer can bring people together.

Music featured: "Fantasy" by 3D Rhythm of Life

Learn more about Rhythm Brewing at www.rhythmbrewingco.com. 

Follow "It Starts With Beer" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, or wherever you find podcasts! 

Back East Brewing's Tony Karlowicz

Ep 22: I've been a fan of Back East Brewing in Bloomfield, Connecticut, ever since they opened back in 2012, which in Connecticut craft beer years might as well have been the Middle Ages. I'm what's known as a superfan of Back East Porter, so you can understand how happy I was to have Tony Karlowicz on as a guest. Tony is the co-owner of Back East Brewing and we talked about how his brewery is weathering COVID and looking to the future, plus we play The Lightning Round.

Please feel free to give me a Venmo tip: search for william-siss. I also mention in the episode that you should consider giving to ACLU.org and knowyourrightscamp.com if you believe in funding social justice organizations.

Learn more about Back East at www.backeastbrewing.com.  

Follow "It Starts With Beer" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, or wherever you find podcasts!

Mr. & Mrs. Irish Beer Snob

What a fun episode of "It Starts With Beer"! In ep 21, not only do I get to speak to my first international guests, Wayne and Janice Dunne of the Irish Beer Snob podcast all the way from Ireland, but I get to take them to a virtual world of my own design: Pub Americana. From our hologram-realistic barstools, we talk about the state of Irish beer and get to know this lovely couple. Strap on your VR helmets because it's going to be a pixelated ride! Then listen to Wayne and Janice themselves at their Irish Beer Snob podcast.

 

The fellas from Brewheads

Ep 20! Brando, Clinton, and Big Mike make up the trio known as Brewheads. They drink, they review beer, they hang around, and have fun on their YouTube channel. I had a chance to Zoom with them for a while and find out what makes for an entertaining beer review. We learned a lot about each other and came out of this one changed for the better.

Background music by Saiki Beats.

Author Clare Goggin Sivits

In ep 19, enjoy my interview with Clare Goggin Sivits (@beergoggins), the author of an April piece in the website October called “The Beer World Wasn’t Built for Moms." News music background by AudioTrend.

Mass Brew Bros. talk Mass breweries

In ep 18, we find out: What’s happening with Massachusetts breweries? No one knows better than Rob and Bob of Mass Brew Bros, and in this interview we talk about their recent post on MassBrewBros.com about the future of Mass breweries post-pandemic.

Witchdoctor Brewing's Josh Norris

Ep 17: Let's talk music and beer and the simple life in Ohio with Josh Norris of Witchdoctor Brewing in Southington, Conn. But it all starts with beer... in the news. Enjoy the sound effects, and stay in touch at beer.snob@yahoo.com. Make sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher.

Maine Beer Writer Carla Jean Lauter

My interview in ep 16 with Maine beer writer Carla Jean Lauter was a treat. She's been active and effective at informing people about Maine beer, currently as the "Tap Lines" columnist for the Portland Press Herald. As @beerbabe she promotes diversity in beer. We had a chance to talk about her writing evolution and the current state of Maine beer.  

Connecticut Magazine's Erik Ofgang

Erik Ofgang is not only a nice guy, he's a talented writer. Episode 15 starts with beer and beer writing and veers towards Ofgang's other passions: music and magic. Music for this episode is provided by Mactalla Mor. Photo: Elena Wolfe Photography