Spill The Pint Craft Beer Podcast

Spill The Pint Podcast – Episode 13 | Pour Technique Verdict, Victorian Beer Funding, World Beer Cup Wins & Dirty Beer Line DebateIn Episode 13 of Spill The Pint, Adsy and Matt are back with another round of craft beer conversation, Australian beer industry news, brewery discussion, and pub-level debates.We kick things off with Matt’s Cellared Beers, featuring Black Hops Birthday, before moving into a special announcement that sets the tone for the episode.Next up is the Pub Court verdict from Case #PC011, which asked whether different beer pour techniques are unnecessary showmanship or whether they genuinely impact aroma and flavour. The jury delivered another unanimous decision, with 100 percent voting that pour techniques are a legitimate quality metric and should be used when appropriate. We unpack why serving technique matters more than many drinkers realise and where the line sits between presentation and performance.In Australian craft beer news, we discuss the announcement that the Victorian Craft Beer and Cider Strategy has secured funding for the 2026/27 financial year, a major positive sign for the industry and local producers. We also look at Good Drinks Australia reaching a significant milestone, bucking wider industry trends at a time when many breweries are facing tough conditions.In international beer news, we cover results from the World Beer Cup, where brewers from Northern Virginia cleaned up with multiple awards, although the region still was not the highest awarded state overall. We also take a look at the return of SMASH Split Beer Fest in Croatia, a festival celebrating single malt and single hop brewing creativity.Our Brewery Visit Wishlist returns with two iconic destinations. Adsy’s pick is Welde Brewery in Germany, known for its distinctive branding and brewing history, while Matt chooses the legendary Cantillon Brewery in Belgium, one of the world’s most respected lambic producers.This week’s Pub Court case, File #PC012, asks whether venues should be required to disclose beer line cleaning dates for taps. Is this an important consumer right tied to beer quality and transparency, or is it unnecessary overkill for venues already under pressure?To finish the episode, Matt gives the Industry Legend Shout Out to Fergus from Cryer, recognising his contribution to the brewing industry and support of the beer community.In The Last Word, we say goodbye to Helios Brewing, reflecting on another brewery closure and what it means for the Australian craft beer landscape.If you enjoy craft beer podcasts, Australian beer news, brewery industry insights, and honest conversations about beer culture, grab a drink and join us for another episode of Spill The Pint.You can also join the conversation in our community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussiebeervoyage/

In Episode 11 of Spill The Pint, Adsy and Matt are back with more craft beer conversation, Australian beer industry news, and the debates shaping modern beer culture.We kick things off with Matt’s Cellared Beers, featuring the Old Working Title Wheat Wine, diving into what makes this style stand out and why it is worth pulling from the cellar.Next up is the Pub Court verdict from Case #PC009, which asked whether breweries pivoting into cocktails and wine is a smart move or a sign of losing identity. The jury delivered a unanimous decision, with 100 percent voting that it is a survival strategy, highlighting just how much the industry is evolving in response to changing consumer behaviour and market pressures.In Australian craft beer news, we revisit the growing conversation around AI generated artwork in beer branding, with insights into how technology is starting to reshape design and creativity in the industry. We also discuss rumours and reports around Big Shed Brewing recipes potentially being offered for sale, raising questions about intellectual property and what happens to a brewery’s legacy.In international beer and brewing news, we look at developments in Canadian food technology, where AI is again intersecting with brewing and production processes. We also explore data showing that the brewpub model has declined the least in the United States, with many venues holding steady or even growing through 2025, suggesting that on-premise experiences may be more resilient than other parts of the industry.Our Brewery Visit Wishlist returns with two standout destinations. Adsy’s pick is Kiuchi Brewery in Japan, home of the well known Hitachino Nest beers, while Matt is keen to visit Garage Project in New Zealand, one of the most creative and influential breweries in the region.This week’s Pub Court case, File #PC010, tackles a topic more venues are starting to explore: charging a booking fee to reserve a table. Is it a fair way to reduce no-shows like restaurants have done, or does it go against the culture of brewpubs and casual beer venues?To wrap things up, Matt gives this episode’s Industry Legend Shout Out to Stephen from Neumaker, recognising his contribution to the brewing industry and ongoing support of the beer community.If you enjoy craft beer podcasts, Australian beer news, brewery industry insights, and honest conversations about beer culture, grab a drink and join us for another episode of Spill The Pint.You can also join the conversation in our community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussiebeervoyage/

Spill The Pint Podcast – Episode 9 | “Limited” Beer Verdict, Vaccine Beer, Newcastle Beer Fest Sale & 440ml Can DebateIn Episode 9 of Spill The Pint, Adsy and Matt are back with another round of craft beer conversation, Australian beer industry news, and the kind of debates that get settled best over a pint.We kick things off with the Pub Court verdict from Case #PC007, which asked whether calling a beer “limited” while rebrewing it regularly is fair or misleading. The jury delivered a decisive outcome, with 90 percent voting that it is simply marketing spin, not a true limited release. We break down why this struck a nerve with drinkers and what it says about trust and transparency in the craft beer industry.In international beer news, we dive into one of the more unusual stories to hit the brewing world, with a scientist reportedly brewing and drinking a vaccine beer that appears to have worked. It is a wild intersection of science and brewing that raises plenty of questions. We also look at the milestone of Italian craft beer surpassing 30 years, exploring how the scene has matured and carved out its own identity on the global stage.Back home in Australian craft beer news, we discuss a story about someone who has managed to get paid to drink and review beer, and what that says about the growing influence of content, media, and personal branding in the beer space. We also cover the acquisition of the Newcastle Beer Festival by Jerry Schwartz, another sign of consolidation and investment in large scale beer events.Our Brewery Visit Wishlist returns with two great destinations. Adsy’s pick is Karl Strauss Brewing in San Diego, a pioneer of the American craft beer movement, while Matt is keen to visit the Patagonia Brewery in San Carlos, Argentina, known for its stunning location and unique brewing approach.This week’s Pub Court case, File #PC008, tackles a topic many drinkers are noticing at the bottle shop and bar: 440ml can price creep. Are these larger cans delivering better value for money, or are breweries quietly increasing margins under the guise of premium packaging?To wrap things up, Matt gives this episode’s Industry Legend Shout Out to Tom Champion, recognising his contribution to the brewing industry and the wider beer community.If you enjoy craft beer podcasts, Australian beer news, brewery industry insights, and honest conversations about beer culture, grab a drink and join us for another episode of Spill The Pint.You can also join the conversation in our community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussiebeervoyage/

Spill The Pint Podcast – Episode 7 | $18 Schooners Verdict, Beer Festivals, Local Malt Makers & Kids in Taprooms DebateIn Episode 7 of Spill The Pint, Adsy and Matt are back with more craft beer conversation, Australian beer industry news, and the kind of pub debates that always divide the room.We start with the Pub Court verdict from Case #PC005, where the jury was asked to decide whether $18 schooners are a fair reflection of rising costs or outright price gouging. The result was clear, with 70 percent of voters calling it price gouging, while the remaining 30 percent, including us, backed it as the price of survival in today’s hospitality climate. We unpack both sides of the argument and what it means for drinkers and venues alike.In international beer news, we look at the launch of a new podcast called One Iconic Beer, which explores the stories behind some of the world’s most recognisable brews. We also dive into a list of the best beer festivals in the United States, highlighting how large scale beer events continue to evolve and draw crowds in a competitive entertainment landscape.Back home in Australian craft beer news, we discuss insights from a piece on ten lessons learned from a decade of Newcastle beer festivals, offering a behind the scenes look at what it takes to run successful events over the long term. We also explore the rise of local malt makers in Australia, and how regional producers are shaping the flavour and identity of modern Australian beer while strengthening connections between brewers and local agriculture.Our Brewery Visit Wishlist returns with two very different but equally exciting destinations. Adsy’s pick is Clown Shoes in Boston, a brewery known for bold branding and big beers, while Matt is keen to experience Pilsner Urquell at the source, one of the most historically significant breweries in the world.This week’s Pub Court case, File #PC006, takes on a topic that sparks strong opinions in taprooms everywhere: kids running wild in breweries. Are taprooms genuinely family friendly spaces, or is there a line where it becomes the wrong setting? The jury is now open and we want to hear what you think.To wrap things up, Matt gives this episode’s Industry Legend Shout Out to Jos from Hop On Brewery Tours, recognising his contribution to connecting people with breweries and building great beer experiences.If you enjoy craft beer podcasts, Australian beer news, brewery industry insights, and honest conversations about beer culture, grab a drink and join us for another episode of Spill The Pint.You can also join the conversation in our community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussiebeervoyage/

Spill The Pint Podcast – Episode 5 | AI Beer Labels, Influencers Wanting Free Beer, Terella Closing & Brewery Dream VisitsThis week on Spill The Pint, Adsy and Matt are back with another round of craft beer conversation, Australian beer industry news, and strong pub-level opinions.Things start with an unexpected moment where our discussion about Oat_Kream somehow turned into a meme. We are still trying to work out whether that is a proud achievement or a worrying sign for the future of beer discourse.We then return to Pub Court to deliver the verdict from last week’s case, which examined breweries using AI-generated artwork for beer packaging. The jury delivered sixteen votes in total, with the majority siding with the prosecution on the grounds that AI artwork threatens the livelihood of working artists. We unpack the arguments and discuss what this could mean for the future of design in the craft beer industry.In Australian craft beer news, we talk about the upcoming closure of Terella Brewing, which is set to shut its doors on March 15. What began as an approved rural brewery development has escalated into a complicated dispute involving council, a required Material Change of Use application, and a complaint from the property owner leasing the land. It is another example of the regulatory and planning challenges breweries can face.The conversation then shifts to the trend of craft breweries designing beers that closely resemble macro lager branding. Is this clever marketing designed to challenge the big players, or are breweries taking a risk by pushing the boundaries with the major beer corporations?We also look at the RQBA results, share our brewery visit wishlists, and talk about the places we would most like to visit. Adsy’s pick is Firestone Walker in the United States, one of the most respected breweries in American craft beer. Matt chooses Locality Brewing in California, a farm brewery known for its unique approach to growing ingredients and brewing beer.This week’s new Pub Court case, File #PC004, examines a topic many breweries have experienced firsthand: influencers asking for free beer. Is it smart marketing and exposure for a brewery, or does it cross the line into cringe entitlement?To wrap things up, we give our Industry Legend Shout Out, with Matt recognising Dennis Bintani for his long-standing contribution to the brewing industry.If you enjoy craft beer podcasts, brewery industry discussion, Australian beer news, and honest conversations about beer culture, grab a drink and join us for another episode of Spill The Pint.

Spill The Pint Podcast – Episode 3 | Ice in Beer Verdict, BrewDog Sale Rumours, FAFF Beer & “Everything’s Mid Except Hazy IPA”In Episode 3 of Spill The Pint, Adsy and Matt are back discussing craft beer culture, brewing industry news, and the opinions that get people talking in pubs and breweries across Australia.We begin with the Pub Court verdict from last week’s case: Is it acceptable to put ice in beer? The jury has spoken and the result was decisive. Seventy percent of voters ruled that putting ice in your beer is not acceptable, delivering a strong verdict from the beer community. We break down the result and what it says about how drinkers feel about beer traditions versus personal preference.In international craft beer news, we take a look at a viral moment titled “When Nature Calls”, which has been doing the rounds online and sparking discussion across the beer world. We also talk about the news that BrewDog may be looking at a potential sale, a story that could have major implications for one of the most recognisable brands in modern craft beer.Back home in Australian beer news, we discuss the upcoming launch of FAFF Beer and the interesting “brew it and sell it out” model behind the brand. Is this a clever way to create hype and limited releases, or does it raise questions about sustainability and long term strategy?We also talk about Two Bays Brewing, who for the fifth year running are hosting their “Free The Taps” event, encouraging venues to support Coeliac Awareness Week by tapping gluten free beer and helping bring more attention to accessibility in the beer industry.Another story catching attention is the Padre brewery site on the Gold Coast being listed for sale, a move that highlights both the opportunities and challenges currently facing the Australian craft beer market.This week’s Pub Court case takes aim at a phrase that has become common across beer discussions and social media: “Everything’s mid except Hazy IPA.” Is the industry overusing hazy IPAs at the expense of other beer styles, or are they simply giving drinkers exactly what they want?To wrap things up, we give our Industry Legend Shout Out, where Matt recognises Jezza from Cheeky Peak for his contributions to brewing and the wider beer community.If you enjoy craft beer podcasts, brewery industry discussion, Australian beer news, and honest conversations about beer culture, pour yourself a beer and join us for another episode of Spill The Pint.You can also join the conversation in our community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussiebeervoyage/

Spill The Pint Podcast – Episode 1 | Trailer, Craft Beer News, RQBA, GABS H100 & Introducing Pub CourtWelcome to the very first episode of Spill The Pint, a new craft beer podcast hosted by Adsy and Matt. This first release started as a quick trailer so we could get the podcast online and sort out all the platform settings, but like most good conversations about beer, it ran a little longer than planned.In this introductory episode we talk about who we are, our backgrounds in the brewing industry, and how we both ended up behind microphones talking about beer, brewing culture, and the Australian craft beer scene. It is a relaxed first chat that sets the tone for what listeners can expect from the podcast going forward.Along the way we touch on a few pieces of local craft beer news, including discussion around the RQBA and the well known GABS H100 craft beer poll, two topics that regularly spark conversation in the Australian beer community.We also introduce C6 Crack The Code, a project connected to Carbon 6 Brewing that we are excited to talk more about in future episodes.One of the biggest additions to the show is a new recurring segment called Pub Court, where a beer industry topic goes on trial and the community gets to help decide the verdict. Expect plenty of opinions, debate, and the occasional controversial take as we put beer culture questions before the jury.We wrap things up with a quick last call and a thank you to everyone who checks out this first episode of the podcast.If you enjoy craft beer podcasts, Australian beer news, brewery discussion, and conversations about beer culture, this is just the beginning.You can also join the conversation in our community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussiebeervoyage/