Beer In Front

🍺 Episode SummaryDave is back for Episode 301 with a conversation that might just change how you think about non-alcoholic beer. This week’s guest is Tate Huffard, founder of Best Day Brewing—a company proving that NA beer doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. From the evolution of drinking habits to the explosion of the NA category, Tate breaks down how Best Day is creating beers that stand on their own—full flavor, real craft, just without the alcohol. Plus, Dave puts a few Best Day beers to the test with honest, no-BS reviews. 🔥 In This EpisodeThe origin story behind Best Day BrewingWhy non-alcoholic beer used to fail—and what’s changedThe biggest technical challenge in making great NA beerHow lifestyle (not sobriety) is driving the categoryWhy NA beer is showing up everywhere—from Target to taproomsThe future of NA beer (draft lines, new styles, and more)🍻 Beer Reviews (Dave’s Take) Wild American (Pilsner-style)Clean, crisp, classic beer flavorBalanced malt + subtle hopsNo weird NA aftertaste“Lunch beer approved.”KolschLight, refreshing, highly drinkableSlight citrus note on the finish“Exactly what you want this style to be.”Electro-Lime (with sea salt)Bright lime upfront, super refreshingPerfect warm-weather crusher“Summer beer. No doubt.”👉 Bottom line: “It’s not NA beer—it’s just beer.”Go to https://bestdaybrewing.com/ Use the code INFRONT for 20% off your first order! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

🍺 Beer In Front — Episode 289 Wet February Begins, Brewery Closures, Zima Dreams & Barrel-Aged Beers Episode 289 kicks off with Dry January officially in the rearview mirror and Wet February underway. Host Dave Zalatoris reflects on dropping 10 pounds during January, the success of his non-drinking month, and a massive surge in YouTube growth—even without beer-heavy content. But it’s not all good news. Dave talks about troubling brewery closures in the Chicago area, urges listeners to support local breweries while they can, and dives headfirst into beer and beverage news from across the country. And yes… the quest to Get Dave a Zima is officially on. 🍻 This Episode Covers:Dry January results, weight loss, and keeping things balanced in Wet FebruaryRecord-breaking YouTube growth and why non-beer content helpedChicago brewery closures, including Alarmist and Short Fuse BrewingWhy supporting local breweries matters more than everThe nostalgia, history, and comeback attempts of Zima—and why Dave needs one nowBeer and beverage news from around the country📰 Beer & Beverage News Highlights:Short Fuse Brewing (IL) closing after 10 years due to lease and cost pressuresGreat Lakes Brewing teasing an Apple Pie variant of Eliot NessBell’s Brewery announcing Citrus Hopslam (10% ABV)Craft Maltsters Guild hosting an advanced malt production course at Montana StateTHC beverages arriving at Chicago’s United CenterBeatBox Beverages layoffs following Anheuser-Busch acquisitionNew Voodoo Ranger x Invincible Blood Orange IPAAlesmith, Societe Brewing & Modern Monk Coffee collaborationGreat American Beer Festival moving outdoors in DenverYes… a beer brewed with bear scat (and Dave has thoughts)🍺 Beer Reviews:Revolution Brewing – Deth Urana (Deep Wood Series)Barrel-aged imperial stout with cinnamon, coconut, and maple notes👉 Verdict: Put it in the cart immediatelyFirestone Walker – Double Barrel Ale (DBA)Oak-fermented classic celebrating Firestone Walker’s 30th anniversary👉 Verdict: Crushable, balanced, and outstandingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

Data, Dollars, and the Business of Beer (feat. Matt Gacioch, Brewers Association) Host: Dave ZalatorisNetwork: Beer Media GroupCraft beer isn’t just passion projects and taproom vibes — it’s big business. On Episode 287 of Beer In Front, Dave digs into the numbers, trends, and realities shaping today’s beer industry with Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association. From rising costs and tighter margins to non-alcoholic growth and why January is brutal for breweries, this episode takes a clear-eyed look at where craft beer stands in 2026 — and where it’s headed.What You’ll Hear in This Episode The State of Craft Beer in 2026Why craft beer has shifted from “If you build it, they will come” to a Moneyball-style, data-driven industryWhat a “maturing market” actually means for breweriesWhy neighborhood taprooms and hospitality matter more than everCosts, Tariffs, and Tight MarginsHow aluminum, equipment tariffs, and inflation are squeezing breweriesWhy many breweries can’t raise prices without losing customersThe looming impact of 10-year lease renewals from the 2010s boomClosures vs. Openings: Context MattersWhy more closures than openings sounds scarier than it really isThe difference between individual brewery pain and industry-wide healthWhy shuttered brewery spaces are staying empty longerWhat Business Models Are WorkingWhy hyper-local, hospitality-focused breweries are holding up betterHow large regional craft breweries benefit from economies of scaleWhy distribution is harder — but not impossible — for new entrantsNon-Alcoholic & Low-ABV Beer GrowthWhy NA beer still has major runwayThe importance of occasion-based drinkingHow local breweries making NA versions of flagship beers could push the category forwardThe Rise of the 19.2oz StovepipeWhy high-ABV stovepipes make sense in today’s economyGen Z drinking myths vs. what the data actually showsSurviving Dry JanuaryWhy January is always the toughest month for breweriesProgramming, community, and creativity as survival toolsWhy breweries need to offer more than “just beer” in winterReasons for OptimismCraft beer’s role as a social connectorWhy community still wins — even in uncertain timesWhy beer isn’t a fad, and never has been🍻 Beers Featured on the Show Beer In Front (NA Edition)NA Ninja vs. Unicorn – Pipeworks Brewing CompanyA standout non-alcoholic double IPA with real body, foam, and bitterness — proof that NA beer keeps getting better.Additional Beer ReviewTurbo Reaper IPA – Three Floyds BrewingA West Coast-leaning IPA with bold can art, solid hop character, and easy availability (yes, even at Target).📰 Beer & Beverage News HighlightsDos Equis brings back The Most Interesting Man in the WorldGoose Island announces a new barrel-aged stout Ska Brewing enters the low-dose THC beverage spaceDogfish Head collaborates with Survivor on a new IPAAmerican Airlines adds Athletic Brewing NA beer to flightsSierra Nevada doubles down on sustainabilityAlarmist Brewing announces closure — a tough loss for Chicago beerBrewers AssociationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

Dry January Doesn’t Mean Ditching Your Local Brewery Happy New Year! I kick off 2026 with a Dry January check-in and a reminder that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean abandoning your favorite breweries — especially during one of the toughest months of the year. I'll share smart, simple ways to support breweries without drinking, including buying merch and gift cards, ordering NA beers or hop waters, showing up for events, grabbing food, leaving reviews, and being the designated driver for friends. The episode also touches on the most unexpected beer news of the week: the Pop-Tarts Bowl, complete with beer and pastry pairings. Plus, I went down a tech rabbit hole after testing ChatGPT’s ability to generate a Midwest-style hazy IPA recipe — raising the question of whether AI should ever play a role in brewing. 🍻 Beer ReviewsSierra Nevada Trail Pass Golden (NA) – Looks the part but falls flat on flavor.Central Waters Rift IPA – A well-balanced, flavorful IPA with great hop character and a clean finish.As always, I'll wrap things up by encouraging listeners to keep showing up for local breweries — pint or no pint. Sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

Today’s guest is one of the true originals of American beer education — Marty Nachel. Marty is an award-winning author, longtime beer educator, and Certified Beer Judge who has spent more than 30 years helping people understand and appreciate beer. Marty has a new book out now titled The Beer Story Project available now for any beer lover on your holiday gift list. Marty brings a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth passion that makes beer accessible to everyone.The Beer Story ProjectAmerican Craft Beer Hall Of FameBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

This week on Beer In Front, I’m shining a spotlight on a style that refuses to die quietly: the Black IPA. Once a cult favorite, then a near-extinct curiosity, the Black IPA is suddenly popping up again in breweries across the country — and I couldn’t be happier to see its comeback. In this episode, we dig into where the style came from, why it faded away, and why it deserves a spot back in your regular rotation.I'll have the fantastic Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker, and have local Illinois ones from Midwest Coast and Half Acre!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

In Episode 279, Dave dives into the rise, fall, and lasting legacy of Anchor Brewing, one of the true pioneers of American craft beer. From its 19th-century roots to the steam beer that helped kickstart the modern craft movement, this episode looks at how Anchor shaped the industry — and why its story still hits so hard today.Main TopicsThe History of Anchor Brewing A full walkthrough of Anchor’s incredible journey, including:Its founding during the California Gold RushThe near-collapse in the 1950s and 60sThe Fritz Maytag rescue that changed everythingHow Anchor Steam became a craft iconThe challenges leading up to its 2023 closure• A Taste of the Past: Our Special Ale Dave revisits an old review of Anchor’s 2020 Our Special Ale. • Beer News of the Week The latest headlines, industry shifts, and brewing world stories worth knowing — delivered with the usual no-nonsense commentary.• Is PBR Extra Any Good? At $4 for a 30-pack, Dave puts PBR Extra to the test and gives a straight, honest verdict.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

THC beverages are everywhere right now, but not everyone’s thrilled about it. This week on Beer In Front, I break down why the attorneys general are pushing back — and what it means for drinkers. I'll also have some great beers this week from Bruz and Sierra Nevada! Beer Media GroupBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group