Beer In Front

This week, Dave chats with Kim Vavrick from Revolution Brewing about everything happening this summer at Chicago's largest independent brewery. First up is Fundraiser Friday on June 26th, benefiting the Brave Space Alliance. Kim explains how the program works, why supporting local organizations is important to Revolution, and how beer lovers can help simply by enjoying a draft beer. The conversation also covers:Fundraiser Fridays and upcoming partnershipsCommunity-focused events like Physical Media Night and the International Language CaféThe new Cold Time Mix PackThe success of Ante Zero, Revolution's non-alcoholic version of Anti-Hero IPADeep Wood Series Season Tickets and what barrel-aged beer fans can expect in 2026Collaborations with Dark Matter Coffee, Private Press, and More BrewingSummer beer releases, Oktoberfest plans, and World Cup watch parties at the taproomHow Revolution continues to strengthen its connection to Chicago through community involvement, partnerships, and great beerFeatured Beers Dave samples all four beers in the new Cold Time Mix Pack:🍺 Cold Time Premium Lager🍺 Cold Time Amber Lager🍺 Cold Time Extra Export Lager🍺 Cold Time Dry Crisp Rice LagerCheck Out Million Podcasts for more top beer related shows! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

🍻 Beer In Front – Episode 288 Guest: Kevin Waltermire, Co-Founder of CommaThanks to a listener assist, Episode 288 is stacked—from THC-infused non-alcoholic beer to industry news, Dry January reflections, and a pair of solid beer reviews to close things out. 🍺 🎙️ This Week’s Interview Dave is joined by Kevin Waltermire, co-founder of Comma, a THC-infused non-alcoholic beer brand built for people who love beer culture but want a different kind of buzz. What you’ll hear in the conversation:Why Comma focuses on “pauses” instead of quitting alcohol altogetherHow Comma differs from THC seltzers (spoiler: it’s actually brewed)The role of THC, CBD, and Lion’s Mane in creating a social, balanced experienceWhy Comma avoids shaming drinkers and embraces beer cultureWhere THC beverages fit into the future of craft beerThoughts on regulation, age-gating, dosage limits, and synthetic THCWhat new beer styles (and even wine 👀) Comma is exploring next🛒 Where to find Comma:Direct-to-consumer at enjoycomma.comChicago area bottle shops including Garfield’sAlcohol-alternative retailers nationwide📰 Beer & Beverage NewsA bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act could lower swipe fees for small businesses, including breweriesAllagash Brewing Company announces a Maine Blueberry Ale coming this springBoulevard Brewing Company releases a Dubai-style chocolate ale (13.5% ABV, limited availability)BuzzBallz launches a pink diamond engagement ring promo for Valentine’s DayFirestone Walker Brewing Company reveals the brewery lineup for the 2026 Firestone Walker Invitational (tickets on sale February 4)🧃 Dry January Check-InDave wraps up his final week of Dry JanuaryDown 7 pounds and feeling good heading into what promises to be a “wet February”🍺 Beer Reviews Non-Alcoholic Review:Galaxy Ripple Imperial IPA from Best Day Brewing65 caloriesWest Coast-leaning bitterness with solid hop characterA standout NA option worth grabbingRegular Beer Review:Farm to Fist Fresh Hop IPA from Revolution Brewing7.5% ABVCentennial, Crystal, Amarillo & Comet hopsA must-buy for West Coast and fresh-hop fans🍻 Final Thoughts From THC beverages and NA beer to fresh hop IPAs and industry policy, this episode hits a little bit of everything. Big thanks to Kevin Waltermire for the conversation—and as always… Sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.Enjoy CommaHemp Beverage AllianceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

Episode 286 of Beer In Front covers a lot of ground, blending beer news, personal updates, product reviews, and a deeper look at the non-alcoholic beer category. Dave Zalatoris opens the show with a Dry January check-in, sharing progress so far—down 4.4 pounds thanks to more water, NA beers, and watching calories. While the scale is moving in the right direction, better sleep hasn’t followed yet, proving Dry January isn’t a cure-all, but it’s still paying off. The episode then dives into beer and beverage news from around the country. Highlights include Kishwaukee Brewing’s elderberry ale made with berries grown at McHenry County College, Goat Patch Brewing reopening the former Pikes Peak Brewing location, and several Denver-area events, including a Belgian beer documentary screening at Bruz Beers. Dave also shares excitement over Great Lakes Brewing expanding their Irish beer lineup, Troegs bringing back Nugget Nectar, Lakefront Brewery’s “My Turn” blueberry peach lager, and Firestone Walker celebrating 30 years with anniversary releases and a refreshed mix pack. A major segment of the episode focuses on the rise of non-alcoholic beer, with a history and perspective on Athletic Brewing Company. Founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and brewer John Walker, Athletic helped redefine the NA category by limiting alcohol creation during brewing instead of stripping it out later. Dave explains how Athletic became the dominant NA brand, why their early success mattered, and why drinkers shouldn’t overlook other breweries now producing excellent non-alcoholic options. Later, Peggy returns to review a THC beverage from Wynk, the Black Cherry Fizz. With zero calories, zero sugar, and a balanced 5mg THC / 5mg CBD dose, it earns a strong recommendation as an approachable alcohol alternative. Dave wraps things up with a non-alcoholic beer review of Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass Hazy IPA—big, dank aroma up front, but solid citrus and fruit flavor in the glass.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

In the final episode of 2025, I'll go solo to recap a packed year for Beer In Front. From major beer news and industry trends to podcast milestones, festival highlights, and standout beers, this episode ties a big holiday bow on everything that made 2025 memorable. Plus, I'll crack open a couple of seasonal favorites and reflects on how beer content—and attention spans—continue to evolve. Featured BeersPollyanna Brewing – Fireside Gap (Winter IPA, 5.8%)A darker, old-school West Coast-style IPA with a great malt-hop balance. Great Lakes Brewing – Christmas Ale (7.5%)A holiday classic brewed with honey and spices—22 years strong and still deliveringBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group