Beer Karma #5: Spruce Tips & Figs | Transparent Brewing's Evolution with Nolan Brown & Chris Ham
About this episode
The episode features a discussion on the evolution of Transparent Brewing with insights from the owner and new head brewer.
It's the 5th annual Beer Karma release at Transparent Brewing! Nigel and Nick celebrate this year's experimental stout featuring spruce tips and figs (yeah, we went there) while catching up on a year of massive changes at one of Kansas City's best breweries. Brewery owner Nolan Brown joins to discuss stepping away from brewing after five years, the transition to head brewer Chris Ham, expanding into canned distribution across Kansas and Missouri, and the addition of their Series Beers lineup. Plus, Nolan reveals his new role focusing on sales and distribution growth during a challenging time in the craft beer industry. New head brewer Chris Ham shares his fascinating journey from Air Force aircraft mechanic to pharmaceutical scientist to professional brewer, including his time at Flying Fish Brewing in New Jersey and brewing school. Chris discusses his brewing philosophy, the story behind Transparent's unique Grisette, and the infamous "Bollocks Up" brown ale that started as a recipe mistake. Special segments include Mystery Beer with Boulevard's Vanilla Imperial Stout, Chad's homebrewed "Flying Blind" Caramel Stout from Last Flight Brewing in Jefferson City, and the crew's…
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