2026 Homebrew Con Recap

2026 Homebrew Con Recap

June 28, 2026 · 49 min · Season 8 · Episode 309

About this episode

This episode recaps Homebrew Con and features discussions on the craft malt movement and the importance of local homebrew shops.

Beer In Front – Episode 309 Homebrew Con Returns, Riverbend Malt & The Brew Depot Homebrew Con is back, and this week I'm talking with two people who are helping shape the future of homebrewing.After a quick update on my recent elbow surgery (and an apology to anyone I may have unintentionally offended while under anesthesia), I share a few stories from the beer world before diving into conversations from Homebrew Con in Asheville, North Carolina. First, I talk with Tina Hoffert of Riverbend Malt House about the growing craft malt movement, why locally sourced malt matters, and how malt contributes far more than just fermentable sugars. We also recap Homebrew Con, discuss regional ingredients, and explore how Riverbend is connecting farmers, maltsters, brewers, and homebrewers. Then I'm joined by Joshua Lord, owner of The Brew Depot in Georgia. Joshua shares his journey from homebrewer to homebrew shop owner, discusses why local homebrew shops remain vital to the brewing community, and explains how craft malt is changing the way homebrewers think about ingredients. We also recap Homebrew Con and talk about why the future of homebrewing looks brighter than many people…

People in this episode

Host: Dave Zalatoris

Guests: Tina Hoffert, Joshua Lord

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Riverbend Malt House, The Brew Depot

Places: Asheville, North Carolina

More episodes of Beer In Front

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Beer In Front podcast page.