BYO Nano Brew Podcast

Spending some time with beer’s raw ingredients is important. Finding out what is new, exciting, or how other brewers are utilizing them to create world class beer helps make the whole industry stronger and pints taste better. This month, we’re taking a look at malt and speaking with two industry professionals who are intimately involved in the processing and promotion of grain.Andrea Stanley is the co-owner of Valley Malt, a craft malthouse in Western Massachusetts supplying craft brewers, distillers, and bakers with locally grown malts and grain. In 2009 Andrea read an article about local farms and bakeries in the fertile CT River Valley reviving the lost art of growing and processing local grains. As an avid supporter of local food, Andrea saw an opportunity to connect this emerging local grain growing with craft brewing. She reached out to a local vegetable grower in her hometown of Hadley and convinced him to plant 25 acres of barley as a crop rotation.Initially her goal was to prove that malt barley could be successfully cultivated in Massachusetts and malted into an ingredient that local breweries would want to use. In October 2010, Andrea shoveled the first 1-Ton batch of locally grown malt and has since worked with her husband, malting team, and the local farming community to build a supply chain in the Northeast that continues to grow, despite many challenges to overcome. In 2022 Valley Malt underwent a major expansion, adding 1 million pounds of grain cleaning and storage and the capacity to malt 1.5 millions pounds annually. Valley Malt now supports over 700 acres of grains annually in NY, VT, NH, MA, ME and CT with the plan to keep growing in the coming years by installing additional germination bins. On the larger-scale commercial side of malt, Zach Kelly the territory sales manager in Northern California for the Country Malt Group. After a career in the brewhouse - where he worked for companies like Russian River and Hen House, he now helps brewers make smart decisions when it comes to finding the right grain bill for their next brew. Passionate about lagers and west coast IPA, Zach shares insight on what’s exciting, reliable and available. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 78 is sponsored by:NanoCon OnlineRegistration has opened for NanoCon Online. On October 23rd craft brewing industry experts will present a full-day of live seminars covering Brewery Operations, Business Operations & Sales, and Start-Ups for the small-scale, taproom-oriented brewer. Get your questions answered live and have future access to NanoCon Online video recordings and course materials for all sessions. Register now at NanoCon.beer and save $25!BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual digital magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 78Host: John HollGuests: Andrea Stanley, Zach KellyContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbellPhoto: Andrea Stanley

This episode takes a deep dive into malt offerings from both the larger suppliers and those on the craft side. As we take a look at this critical ingredient, experts will share insight on innovation, use, flavor, and more. This episode is in two segments, the first focusing on the larger malt companies, and what they are offering small craft breweries, and then a dive into the craft malt side of things and how your small brewery can best work with local farmers. Guests include Aaron Hyde, the Senior Director of Product Portfolio for RahrBSG, Steve Kurowski, the Executive Director of the Craft Maltsters Guild, and Ian A. Goering, the Director of Operations of the Blue Ox Malthouse in Maine. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 66 is sponsored by:Siebel InstituteWith the famous 12-week International Diploma in Brewing Technology program from Siebel Institute and World Brewing Academy, you will spend 6 weeks covering commercial-level brewing theory at Siebel Institute in Chicago followed by 6 weeks of practical brewing and advanced theory at Doemens Academy in Germany. With the next program starting soon, contact us today to start on a path to build your brewing career.Visit us at www.siebelinstitute.com for complete details.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual digital magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 66Host: John HollGuests: Aaron Hyde, Steve Kurowski, Ian A. GoeringContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell

These are confusing times, and hard times to work in a small business. As Bart Watson of the Brewers Association recently said, beer makers really dislike uncertainty. So, how can anyone plan when the global supply chain is changing minute by minute? On this epidode we talk about how to budget for the unknown. The last few months have seen a fire hose of news coming out of Washington D.C., a lot centered around tariffs and global trade. Admittedly, it’s difficult to do a show on the topic because of the chaotic nature of the rollout from the White House and how seemingly concrete plans crumble minutes after they are announced. This obviously creates uncertainty in the markets and on main street. This episode features two conversations that center around what might be coming and how to best prepare. Bart Watson the president and CEO of the Brewers Association talks about the bigger picture and then Audra Gaiziunas of Brewed for Her Ledger tells us how you can best budget for uncertainty. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 64 is sponsored by:RahrBSG / Gambrinus IPA MaltGambrinus IPA Malt possesses an elusive color falling between very pale pilsner and golden pale ale malt. Tailor-made to complement contemporary West Coast IPAs, it provides balancing sweetness and body in the presence of piney, juicy, and tropical hop profiles. Delivering a delicate profile of bread, toast, grain, and slight nuttiness, Gambrinus IPA Malt is a workhorse base malt. Available now as the latest addition to the premier range of brewing malts offered by RahrBSG. More info at: rahrbsg.com/gambrinus-ipa-malt/ Five Star ChemicalsBig news, brewers—Five Star Chemicals Saniclean PAA Pro is officially launching at CBC. This powerful new acid-based sanitizer combines the best of Saniclean with the strength of per-acetic acid for fast, effective cleaning that keeps your equipment in top shape. Trusted quality, pro performance—now in a PAA formula. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com. Brew better. Brew with Five Star.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual digital magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 64Host: John HollGuests: Bart Watson, Audra GaiziunasContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell

While it is rewarding and exciting to own a small brewery, there is also a lot of worry that comes with it. Over time things can snowball, accumulate, and become a burden. Regular check-ins on mental health are important, and no matter who you are in the brewing space, or your role, taking care of yourself is paramount. That’s the focus on this episode. Everyone is feeling the stress these days. From outside influences to internal worry, everyone is carrying a lot of weight on their shoulders. If you’re running a small business, the worry of your staff is on you as well. While there are many things in our control, there are also a lot of things that are simply not easily dealt with. Finding balance from within and managing what you can is important to mental health. Being pulled in a dozen different directions all at once rarely brings calm, but by focusing on what you can control and finding the moments - or longer - to take a break adds up to a better human experience. Of course there are other considerations to mental health in the beer space, and other challenges to navigate. To get a better understanding on what is available out there and how to best access it, we're pleased to be joined by J Jackson-Beckham, the Director of Member Resources for the Brewers Association, better known in the industry as Dr. J.A former professor of Communication Studies, Dr. J dedicated her academic career to the study of American beer. She is an author, speaker, vocal advocate for the craft beverage community, homebrewer, and Certified Cicerone. In 2018, Dr. J was named the Brewers Association's first-ever Diversity Ambassador. In 2020, she was named Imbibe Magazine's Beer Person of the Year. Today, she helps craft beverage organizations develop practices that drive success, build communities, and empower individuals as the Brewers Association Director of Member Resources.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 62 is sponsored by:RahrBSG / Gambrinus IPA MaltGambrinus IPA Malt possesses an elusive color falling between very pale pilsner and golden pale ale malt. Tailor-made to complement contemporary West Coast IPAs, it provides balancing sweetness and body in the presence of piney, juicy, and tropical hop profiles. Delivering a delicate profile of bread, toast, grain, and slight nuttiness, Gambrinus IPA Malt is a workhorse base malt. Available now as the latest addition to the premier range of brewing malts offered by RahrBSG. More info at: rahrbsg.com/gambrinus-ipa-malt/ BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual digital magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 62Host: John HollGuest: Dr. J Jackson-BeckhamContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell

This is always a good time to reflect and get excited about a new calendar year. To help put the industry into perspective and to think about how to strengthen beer in the year to come, I’ve asked three smart and plugged in folks to share their insights, knowledge, and even offer some homework. If you’re a small brewer navigating these tough craft beer waters, there’s a lot you can learn and hopefully take to heart. Guests:Steve Parkes. He is the owner and lead instructor at the American Brewers Guild Brewing school in Vermont. He graduated from Heriot-Watt University, with a degree in Brewing Science in 1982 and has spent the last 42 years working in small and medium sized breweries on both sides of the Atlantic. He has built breweries from scratch using both used and new equipment, and has years of experience in practical problem solving. He has been a regular speaker at the annual Craft Brewers Conference, is a veteran GABF and World Beer Cup judge, held office at the regional level with MBAA, and at a national level with the AOB board of advisors. In 2009 he was the recipient of the Association of Brewers Russell Scherer award. He is also the owner of Drop In Brewing in Middlebury Vermont.Laura Lodge began her craft beer journey in the distribution tier in the late 1990s working with a small, independent distribution company in the mountains of Colorado. As anyone in small business knows, “everything” is your job description. She shares her experience to benefit the artisanal/craft business owner in Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer. Today, Laura is the owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, a consulting business offering insight and assistance with all things craft beer. With experience over all 3 tiers, she has consulted for breweries and distributors, created retail programs for destination resorts, is the Executive Director for the well-known Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival held in the Colorado Rocky Mountains each year (pre-pandemic), and has participated with the creation and production of educational & experiential craft beer events throughout the country. During the pandemic, Laura became the Co-Founder of Start A Brewery, LLC, a business created to help dreamers, breweries in planning, and growing breweries by pulling together a community of savvy industry professionals and resources across the brewing industry. Free to the public, StartABrewery.com divides the daunting process into phases and breaks it down by category, further augmented by a library of information. Start A Brewery has turned out to also be a resource and connection hub for her participation the Brewers Association Mentorship Program. Laura grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and now splits her time there with home in Vail, Colorado, where she lives and enjoys the outdoor lifestyle.For the last 29 years Ashton Lewis has worked for Brew Your Own Magazine as technical editor and “Help Me, Mr. Wizard” columnist. His day job since December 2016 has been with RahrBSG where he is currently Manager of Training and Technical Support. Prior to working in the world of ingredients, Ashton was the Staff Master Brewer and Brewing Group Sales Manager for the Paul Mueller Companyliving in the world of custom stainless steel. He was also a partner in the Springfield Brewing Company (SBC) in Springfield, Missouri, and SBC’s master brewer from 1997 to 2019. Ashton holds a B.S. in Food Science from Virginia Tech (1991) and a M.S. in Food/Brewing Science from UC Davis (1994), and is currently the MBAA District Great Plains Technical Chair. In his spare time, he enjoys music, cooking,homebrewing, talking about beer, and playing with Excel.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 60 is sponsored by:FermentisHow can you make your NEIPA truly exceptional? While there may not be a single answer, one thing is clear: yeast is key to crafting a recipe with a distinctive character! Discover the Fermentis NEIPA range, designed to help you create the beer you want:SafAle™ K-97: Perfect for delicate and hop-forward beers.SafAle™ S-33: Ideal for a hoppy and fruity profile.SafAle™ S-04: Delivers balanced fruity notes.Available in 11.5g, 100g, and 500g formats.Ready to take your brew to the next level? Visit www.fermentis.com to explore the range!BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual digital magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 60Host: John HollGuests: Laura Lodge, Steve Parkes, Ashton LewisContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell

Autumn has taken hold across North America and it’s a good time to start thinking about the colder months. First, we’ll visit with Evan Watson of Plan Bee, a farm brewery in New York’s Hudson Valley to learn about the land, coolships, and the evolving nature of the business. Then it’s a conversation with Trevor Zumpano of Brewery Branding Co. about merchandise and what your small brewery can be doing to deliver the goods to customers. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 58 is sponsored by:Five Star Chemicals Whether you're brewing small batches or scaling up production, Five Star Chemicals has the cleaners and sanitizers tailored to your needs. With solutions designed to handle everything from tanks to kegs, Five Star has been the go-to choice for brewers at every level. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com and see how they can support your brewing success!FermentisHazy IPA has been an on-trend style for a while now, and you can find it in bars all over the world. So, how can you make yours exceptional? While there may not be a definitive answer, one thing is certain: yeast plays a crucial role in giving your recipe its unique character. Fermentis has your back with 3 strains to help you always be more creative: SafAle™ S-33, SafAle™ K-97 and SafAle™ S-04. Now available in the 100g format! So, are you ready to brew the most unforgettable Hazy IPA ever? Connect at www.fermentis.com2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register by October 17 for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 58Host: John HollGuests: Evan Watson, Trevor ZumpanoContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell

It’s that time of year again: hop harvest across North America. We are going to check in with hop professionals on both coasts to get a better understanding on how the crop is growing, what is coming to market, and how small brewers can make the most out of their relationship with growers. On this episode you will hear from Graham Ollard of Hollingbery and Son and Max Licker of Champlain Valley Hops. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 56 is sponsored by:Five Star ChemicalsBrewers, meet your next cleaning powerhouse: Five Star’s PBW Liquid! The same trusted formula you’ve relied on, but now in liquid form. Make the switch today and keep your brew day spotless – because clean beer starts with clean gear. FiveStarChemicals.com2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 56Host: John HollGuests: Graham Ollard and Max LickerContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell

Malt is the workhorse of every beer, but it doesn’t always get the close attention it deserves. I’ll talk with two people who are intimately involved in malt production and education, on both the large scale and the craft side. We’re talking about malt, both industrial and craft on this episode. From examining trends to learning about continuing education, best practices, and new breeds. GuestsAshton Lewis joined BSG in December of 2016 and is currently Manager of Training and Technical Support. Prior to working in the world of ingredients, Lewis was the Staff Master Brewer and Brewing Group Sales Manager for the Paul Mueller Company living in the world of custom stainless steel. He was also a partner in the Springfield Brewing Company (SBC) in Springfield, Missouri, and SBC’s master brewer from 1997 to 2019. Ashton holds a B.S. in Food Science from Virginia Tech (1991) and a M.S. in Food/Brewing Science from UC Davis (1994). For the last 29 years he has worked for Brew Your Own Magazine as technical editor and “Help Me, Mr. Wizard” columnist. Ashton is currently the MBAA District Great Plains Technical Chair and a member of the MBAA National Technical Committee. In his spare time, he enjoys music, cooking, homebrewing, talking about beer, and playing with Excel.Steve Kurowski is the executive director of the Craft Maltsters Guild. He is a creative, resourceful marketing and operations professional withmore than two decades of working experience with craft breweries, trade associations, and mission-driven lifestyle brands. Previous organizational leadership and communications roles at the Colorado Brewers Guild, Laws Whiskey House, and Breckenridge Brewery; as well as his work as a brewery brand and marketing consultant, have laid a foundation for his appreciation and curiosity about the malting community. Steve lives on Colorado's Front Range where he tries to spend as much time peddling two wheels as possible.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 54 is sponsored by:2024 NanoCon OnlineSave the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 54Host: John HollGuests: Ashton Lewis, Steve Kurowski Contact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell