About this episode

Hannah Ison discusses the evolving definition of a craft brewery and the challenges of managing production and leadership while raising a child.

Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit — In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we are sitting down with Hannah Ison of Zeroday Brewing Company and the Brewers of Pennsylvania to discuss the evolving definition of a craft brewery. We explore why leaning into the "beverage manufacturer" label might be the move in reaching new demographics and how offering variety—from hand-chopped ginger beer to hop water—is becoming an industry standard. Highlights include: * The logistical reality of managing production scheduling and guild leadership while raising a daughter as a single mother * How to navigate wholesaler acquisitions and the transition from a self-distribution model * Why collaboration and brewery co-ops are unlocking potential for businesses with limited resources This episode offers a grounded look at the grit required to keep a brewery running in 2026 when the traditional "let's grab a beer" culture is shifting. Whether you’re interested in diversifying your taproom lineup or want to hear how the "survival of the fittest" is playing out in the Mid-Atlantic, Hannah’s…

People in this episode

Guest: Hannah Ison

Topics covered

• craft brewery
• beverage manufacturing
• production scheduling
• guild leadership
• wholesaler acquisitions
• collaboration
• brewery co-ops

Keywords

• craft brewery
• beverage manufacturer
• production scheduling
• wholesaler acquisitions
• brewery co-ops
• taproom lineup
• Mid-Atlantic brewing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zeroday Brewing Company, Brewers of Pennsylvania

More episodes of The True Craft Podcast

• Strategic Expansions and Outlasting Tourist Season with Brad Fitzgerald of Swellsa Brewing · April 3, 2026 · 45 min
• E126: Marketing Strategy vs. Execution with Warren Bondi of Wood Foot Beer Co. and Beer Marketeers · March 20, 2026 · 40 min
• E124: Winning in Wholesale with Brian Durand of Asbury Park Brewery · February 20, 2026 · 41 min
• E123: The Entertainment-Driven Brewery Model with Chris O’Neill from One Well Brewing · February 6, 2026 · 1h 2m
• E122: Making the Shift to Contract Brewing with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works · January 23, 2026 · 49 min
• E121: Crafting Award-Winning Bourbon in a Control State with Doug McLaughlin and Mike Orozco of M&O Spirits · November 14, 2025 · 42 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The True Craft Podcast podcast page.