Episoder
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Guest: Jonas from Cabin Brewing
Summary: In this episode, Darren and Azlan sit down with Jonas from Cabin Brewing, their first guest from Alberta. Jonas shares how his passion for homebrewing evolved into co-founding Cabin Brewing and creating their flagship beer, Super Saturation. They explore Alberta’s craft beer scene, standout beers like ‘Fuego’ and ‘Sunshine Rain,’ and industry trends like higher hopping rates and smaller packaging formats. Collaboration, brewing education, and innovation are key themes throughout the conversation.
What You’ll Learn:
How Jonas transitioned from homebrewing to professional brewingThe journey of Super Saturation from one-off to flagship beerInsights into Alberta’s growing craft beer sceneThe importance of quality ingredients and innovative hopping techniquesThe role of collaboration and education in brewing successTrends shaping the future of craft beer, including experimental stylesKeywords: craft beer, brewing, Alberta, Cabin Brewing, homebrewing, Super Saturation, beer trends, brewing techniques, craft beer scene, beer awards, hopping rates, West Coast IPA, Sunshine Rain, Fuego, Parkside Brewing, brewing innovations, new brewers, Alberta craft beer
Connect with Us:
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Guest: Jeff Kurkowski, Head Brewer at Godspeed Brewing
Topics Discussed:
Jeff’s journey through the brewing industry, including working at multiple Ontarian breweries of various sizes.His music career and experiences touring North America with bands.Brewing Czech-inspired lagers and the creative challenges they present.Using Saaz hops and the agricultural difficulties associated with them.The craft of working with pitch-lined barrels and the re-pitching process.Exploring cask culture and its roots.British beer history and brewing with traditional ingredients.Changes and trends in the Ontarian beer industry.Fun and fulfilling aspects of making brewing a career.What keeps Jeff busy and inspired outside of the brewery.Key Takeaways:
This episode introduces our first guest from outside BC and teases an exciting series of interviews with guests from beyond the province. Jeff’s story is a fascinating blend of music and brewing, and his insights into traditional and innovative beer-making will inspire craft beer enthusiasts everywhere.Connect with Us:
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Guest:
Noëlle Phillips, Ph.D., Professor at Douglas College and author of Brewmasters and Brewery Creek.Topics Covered:
Introduction to Noëlle Phillips and Her WorkHer background as a professor at Douglas College.Overview of her new book Brewmasters and Brewery Creek: a story about independent brewing in Vancouver.Medieval Beer CultureNoëlle's interest in medieval beer culture.The historic role of beer in medieval societies.Raven's Cream Ale and Its Historical LinksDiscussion on Raven's Cream Ale.Connection to Shaftesbury Cream Ale and its place in beer history.The Evolution of the Beer IndustryInsights into the roots of the independent brewing scene in Vancouver.Perspectives on where the beer industry is heading next.Closing Thoughts and RecommendationsNoëlle's hopes for the future of craft brewing.How listeners can learn more about her work and her book.Connect with Us:
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Guest: Simon Barna, Nelson Brewing Company
Main Discussion Points:
Simon’s Journey in the Brewing Industry: Simon takes us through his journey from a small pub in Ontario, traveling worldwide, and ultimately landing in Nelson, BC, where he has been part of the local brewing scene for over ten years.Spotlight on Faceplant Winter Ale: A deep dive into Faceplant Winter Ale, Nelson Brewing’s popular seasonal brew. Simon discusses its components, how it has evolved over time, and what makes it a local favorite.Resurrecting a Beer from the Archives: Simon shares which beer he’d love to bring back from Nelson Brewing’s history, explaining what made it unique and why it deserves a revival.Hop Selection in Yakima: Simon recounts his experiences in Yakima during hop selection, sharing how this hands-on approach influences his creative process and helps him stay ahead of brewing trends.Simon’s Perspective on the BC Beer Industry: A conversation on the state of the BC craft beer scene, Simon’s thoughts on the opportunities for growth, and his passion for experimenting with new ingredients and innovative brewing techniques.Tune in as we explore the rich history of Nelson Brewing and the creativity behind each of Simon’s brews!
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Guest:
Tessa Gabiniewicz, Land and Sea BrewingMain Discussion Points:
Tessa’s journey in the brewing industry, including her experiences living and working in unique places across BC that influenced her career.Spotlight on Glacier Cream Ale: A discussion of Land and Sea’s popular and award-winning Glacier Cream Ale, its unique profile, and why it resonates with BC beer lovers.Foraging for ingredients: Insights into Tessa’s use of locally foraged ingredients like spruce tips and pineapple weed, including how these elements contribute to distinct flavour profiles in their beers.Collaboration with Hook Norton Brewing: A recap of Tessa’s 2020 trip to the UK, where she collaborated with Hook Norton Brewing, and how this experience impacted her brewing approach.Foeders and The Red Earth Bock: An exploration of Land and Sea’s use of foeders, including a focus on their first foeder-aged release, The Red Earth Bock, and its place in their lineup.Tessa’s perspective on the BC beer industry: A discussion on the current state of the industry, the challenges and innovations she’s observing, and her hopes for its future.Life beyond brewing: Tessa shares what keeps her busy outside the brewery, from personal hobbies to other pursuits that keep her inspired.Connect with Us:
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In this episode, we chat with Ken Beattie, executive director of the BC Craft Brewer's Guild. Ken shares his journey in the beer industry, from his early days at Molson, to Okanagan Springs, and finally to leading the Guild. We dive into his role at the Guild, the diverse membership it serves, and the projects currently underway to support BC’s craft brewers. Ken also talks about the key challenges facing the industry today and how the Guild is fostering collaboration across Canada, working with other provinces to strengthen the craft beer community.
Connect with Us:
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Guest:
Nick Fengler, Old Yale Brewing
Main Discussion Points:
Nick’s career in craft beer, starting at established breweries like Dead Frog Brewing.Opening new breweries, including his role in helping to launch Raven’s Brewing.Steering the ship at Old Yale Brewing and how he transitioned into his current role.Featured Beer Segment:
Sasquatch Stout
A discussion of the rich pedigree of Sasquatch Stout in the BC beer landscape, including its history, flavor profile, and significance.Additional Discussion Points:
Old Yale’s expansion into Abbotsford and their newest project opening in Beaumont, Alberta.How Old Yale is trialing new ingredients and perfecting their core beers.A chat about the BC Beer industry, the challenges, and opportunities in the market.Finding the perfect work/life balance while navigating the demands of the brewing industry.Connect with Us:
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Guest:
Mitch Warner, Dageraad BrewingMain Discussion Points:
Mitch’s journey from working in the film industry to becoming a brewer in the craft beer world.The early days of brewing, where Mitch brewed copious amounts of homebrew, laying the foundation for his future in beer.An exploration of Belgian brewing traditions at Dageraad, with a focus on maintaining authenticity and quality.The intricacies of bottle conditioning and how it plays a crucial role in Dageraad's Belgian-style beers.Featured Beer Segment: Dageraad BlondeA deep dive into what makes Dageraad Blonde a standout beer in their lineup, including its ingredients, flavour profile, and brewing process.A look into Dageraad’s lager program, including beers like Dagerlaager and Dagvar, and how they approach crafting lagers.Innovation through yeast: How Dageraad uses innovative yeasts to create bold and flavourful IPAs while staying true to their Belgian roots.The state of the BC brewing industry, the challenges Dageraad has faced, and the strategic pivot from bottling to canning.Connect with Us:
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In This Episode:
Join us as we chat with Thom Riley, General Manager of Vancouver Island Brewing, about his unique journey from aspiring astrophysicist in Scotland to becoming a key figure in the craft beer world. We dive into Thom's career path, including his roles at Stanley Park Brewing and Labatts before his return to the craft scene at Vancouver Island Brewing.
Thom shares his love for British rock music and how it inspires beer names, talks about the challenges of brewing new styles on an older brewhouse, and his dedication to perfecting core beers. We also explore Vancouver Island Brewing's annual release of their famous Hermannator Ice Bock and get a taste of Islander Lager, a classic beer they've been producing for years.
What You'll Learn:
Thom's journey from astrophysics to brewing.Insights from his time at Stanley Park Brewing and Labatts.How British rock music influences their beer names.The story and tradition behind Hermannator Ice Bock.The challenges of innovating on an older brewhouse.Thom’s philosophy on focusing on core beers.A deep dive into Islander Lager, a staple for Vancouver Island Brewing.A glimpse into Thom’s life outside the brewery.Not Covered:
Recent changes at Vancouver Island Brewing regarding production relocation.Connect with Us:
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Hosts: Darren Binnema & Azlan Graves
Guest: Kerry Dyson, Head Brewer at Brewhall, VancouverIn this episode of Why This Beer?, Darren and Azlan sit down with Kerry Dyson, the talented head brewer at Brewhall in Vancouver. With a wealth of experience in the brewing industry and a string of award-winning beers to his name, Kerry brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the table.
Episode Highlights:
Slice of Paradise Yuzu Wit Beer: Kerry shares the story behind this unique and refreshing brew, discussing the inspiration and process that led to its creation.Brewing with Fruit: We explore Kerry’s approach to incorporating fruit into his beers, striking the perfect balance between flavor and drinkability.Collaboration Beers: Kerry talks about the art of collaboration, what makes a successful partnership, and how to innovate while staying true to the core of each brewery’s identity.Keeping the Zest Alive: With dozens of new beers released each year, Kerry reveals his strategies for maintaining passion and creativity in the brewery.Czech Republic Trip: A glimpse into Kerry’s recent trip to the Czech Republic, where he experienced the local drinking culture and drew inspiration for future brews.BC Beer Industry & Education: The conversation rounds out with Kerry’s thoughts on the current state of the BC beer industry and the importance of ongoing education for brewers.Bonus: While it wasn’t mentioned during the episode, it’s worth noting that Kerry has been nominated for Brewer of the Year by the Brewer’s Journal of Canada in both 2022 and 2023.
Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or a craft beer enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear from one of BC’s most dedicated and innovative brewers.
Connect with Us:
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Show Notes:
Guest: Octavio Pauley, Founder of Beva Brewing and Blending
Episode Overview:
In this episode, we sit down with Octavio Pauley from Beva Brewing and Blending, one of the newest breweries in North Vancouver. Octavio shares his unique transition from studying jazz to brewing award-winning lagers and pilsners.
Topics Discussed:
Beva Brewing’s Beginnings: An introduction to Beva Brewing and Blending, one of the newest additions to the North Vancouver craft beer scene.Octavio’s Journey: From aspiring jazz musician to master brewer, Octavio’s path to creating exceptional lagers.Award-Winning Pilsner: The story behind Beva Brewing’s Old Days Pilsner and how Octavio makes award-winning pilsner.Mixed Fermentation Beers: Insights into Beva’s approach to crafting mixed fermentation beers.Tasty Sandwich Program: A look at Beva Brewing’s delicious sandwich offerings and how they complement their beer.Featured Beer - Old Days Pilsner: A deep dive into the ingredients and brewing process of Beva’s Old Days Pilsner.Lager Fermentation Profile: Octavio’s techniques and fermentation profile for producing top-notch lagers.Underberg Love: A fun discussion about the appreciation for Underberg.Farmhouse Festival: A brief chat about the upcoming Farmhouse Festival in Vancouver and what attendees can look forward to.Key Takeaways:
The diverse backgrounds that can lead to a successful career in brewing.The meticulous process of creating award-winning lagers and pilsners.How mixed fermentation can add complexity and uniqueness to beers.Announcements:
Stay tuned for future episodes featuring more insights and stories from the craft beer industry.Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.Connect with Us:
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Show Notes:
Guest: David Bowkett, Founder of Powell Brewing
Episode Overview:
Join us as we chat with David Bowkett, the mastermind behind Powell Brewing. Discover how this brewery, which started on a nano scale system, has grown into an award-winning establishment known for its innovative and classic beers.
Topics Discussed:
Powell Brewing’s Origins: Learn about the humble beginnings of Powell Brewing on Powell Street in 2012, where they started on a nano scale system. Growth and Success: Powell Brewing moved to its current location in 2014 and has been producing award-winning beers ever since. Fun fact: This is where Azlan first learned to brew professionally.Classic Beer Lineup: A deep dive into Powell Brewing’s classic beers, including their celebrated Old Jalopy Pale Ale.All Good Series: Introduction to their new All Good series, featuring low-calorie beers that don’t compromise on flavor.Dry Goods: Discussion about Powell Brewing’s latest innovation—a line of non-alcoholic beers called Dry Goods.AI-Generated Labels: Exploring the creative and technological aspects of their AI-generated beer labels.Key Takeaways:
The journey from a nano scale system to a prominent brewery.The importance of innovation and staying ahead in the brewing industry.Insights into creating low-calorie and non-alcoholic beers without sacrificing quality.Connect with Us:
Instagram: @whythisbeer Facebook: Why This Beer Website: www.podcast.whythisbeer.com -
Show Notes:
Guest: Julia Hanlon, Head Brewer at Steamworks Brewing
Episode Overview:
In this episode, we welcome Julia Hanlon from Steamworks Brewing to discuss the intricacies of their John Oliver IPA. Julia shares her unique journey from a chemical engineering background to becoming a leading figure in the BC craft beer industry.
Topics Discussed:
John Oliver IPA: An in-depth look at the ingredients and brewing process that make this IPA unique.Career Journey: Julia’s transition from chemical engineering to the world of craft beer, and her experiences working at Molson.Transition to Steamworks Brewing: The challenges and opportunities Julia encountered moving to Steamworks Brewing.Scaling Recipes: Insights into Julia’s approach to scaling recipes for large production while maintaining quality.Hop Extract in John Oliver IPA: How hop extract is used in the brewing process and its impact on the final product.Clear IPA Nostalgia: A discussion on the resurgence of clear IPAs and their place in the current beer market.Work-Life Balance: Julia shares her strategies for balancing a demanding career with family life.BC Beer Industry: The exciting developments and challenges facing the BC beer scene today.Steamworks Anniversary: Celebrating milestones and reflecting on the journey of Steamworks Brewing.Beer Conferences: Julia’s experiences traveling to beer conferences and the knowledge gained from them.Excel Skills: A lighthearted segment where Julia brags about her impressive Excel skills and how they aid her brewing process.Key Takeaways:
The importance of innovation and adaptability in the brewing industry.Practical tips for maintaining quality when scaling beer recipes.The role of community and continuous learning in achieving brewing excellence.Announcements:
Stay tuned for our next episode featuring another industry expert.Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.Connect with Us:
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Show Notes:
Guest: Azlan Graves, Head Brewer at Main Street Brewing
Episode Overview:
In this episode, we sit down with Azlan Graves from Main Street Brewing to uncover the secrets behind their celebrated Naked Fox IPA. Azlan shares his fascinating journey in the craft beer world, starting from his father’s love of home brewing to his experiences at renowned breweries like Powell Brewing and Steamworks Brewing.
Topics Discussed:
Craft Beer Journey: Azlan talks about his early influences, his father's home brewing passion, and his professional journey across various breweries.Hop Love: A deep dive into our mutual admiration for Cascade and Amarillo hops and why they’re so special.Main Street Naked Fox IPA: Dive into the ingredients and brewing techniques that make Naked Fox IPA stand out.Cask Beer Program: Discover the nuances of Azlan's approach to cask beers and what sets his program apart.Traditional British Ingredients: Learn about the unique traditional British ingredients Azlan uses in his brews.BC Beer Scene: What’s exciting Azlan about the current trends and innovations in the British Columbia beer scene.Community and Collaboration: How Azlan has leaned on the community of brewers to refine his beers, including insights into the Babe Brew and The Beer Babes family collaboration project.Young Brewer of the Year: Azlan's recent nomination for Young Brewer of the Year and what it means to him.Key Takeaways:
The importance of quality ingredients and meticulous brewing techniques in crafting a standout IPA.The value of community and collaboration in the brewing industry.The exciting developments and future trends in the BC beer scene.Announcements:
Don’t miss our upcoming episode with another exciting guest from the craft beer world.Follow us on social media to stay updated on new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.Connect with Us:
Instagram: @whythisbeer Facebook: Why This Beer Website: www.podcast.whythisbeer.com
