The Nano segment of craft brewing is growing fast with the majority of new breweries opening up falling into this small-scale, hyper-local segment working on brewing systems five barrels or under. Each month on this podcast learn the business, marketing, and brewing strategies targeted for this smaller-scale sized brewery needs. From strategies to maximizing taproom sales to forecasting brewery budgets to brewing great beer in small spaces, you'll learn from craft beer experts and fellow Nano brewers the tips and strategies for success to improve - or launch - your small brewery. The BYO Nano Brew Podcast is brought to you by Brew Your Own, the leading homebrew magazine as well as organizers of the annual NanoCon event for this small-scale craft beer niche and the monthly BYO Nano Newsletter available by email.
Episode 50 - Human Resources for Nano Breweries
Human Resources might not be the most exciting topic for brewery owners, but it’s important and there are enthusiastic individuals ready to tackle that part of the business. Having the right person in your corner can only help your business operate on solid ground.Emily Cripe, the Senior Director of Human Resources of Chicago’s Half Acre Beer Co. is here to explain. Cripe has 18 years of HR experience across a variety of industries. As an HR generalist by training, Emily’s specialty is working in startups and small-to-medium size businesses and subsidiaries, creating and managing HR from the ground up. She created the Human Resources function at Half Acre, where she has worked since March 2017.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 50 is sponsored by: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 50Host: John HollGuests: Emily CripeContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
2/15/2024 • 46 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode 49 - Brewery Customer Membership Programs to Build Community and Profits
There are multiple ways to build a community around your brewery, and one way is through membership clubs and offering your beer through community supported agriculture-type programs. Two brewers embracing that model are here to discuss their initiatives. January and February can be tough months for brewery taprooms. The collective societal hangover both on the waistline and wallet looms large. It can make running a small brewery even more difficult. But there are some ways to cultivate a loyal audience while also creating beers of note. The brewer-owners of Lady Justice Brewing in Colorado and Stoneman Brewing in Massachusetts are here to share the stories of their membership programs and offer insight on how it might work for your small brewery. Betsy Lay is the co-founder and owner of the social enterprise Lady Justice Brewing in Aurora, CO. She holds a certificate from the Siebel Institute of Technology's Concise Course in Brewing Technology and also earned a Master in Theological Studies from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. In her time off from the brewery, Betsy can be found with a good whiskey, a good book, and a good dog.Justin Korby is the owner / brewer of Stoneman Brewery in Colrain MA. Stoneman Brewery opened in 2012 and started the first beer CSA in the country brewing on a small farm using nearly 100% NorthEast grown ingredients in every batch of beer. Justin was a Stonemason for 10 years before deciding to change careers and take the hobby of home brewing to the next level and start a Nano Brewery. As a one man business Justin also helps raise pigs, chickens and helps weed the homestead garden.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 49 is sponsored by:Fermentis There are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough, you know it! That's why Fermentis gives you All-In-1™, a brand of specifically blended products, which can be made from a mix of micro-organisms, catalysts, nutrients and more. – Available in 500g and 25g. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation visit www.fermentis.com.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 49Host: John HollGuests: Betsy Lay, Justin KorbyContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
1/15/2024 • 1 hour, 7 seconds
Episode 48 - The 2023 Year In Review
The end of a year is a good time to look back, take stock, and to plan for what is to come.For professional brewers and drinkers 2023 is going to be remembered for a number of reasons. There’s a lot of strong feelings and a lot of realities coming to roost, but so much of that rests on the numbers. Bart Watson, the chief economist for the Brewers Association is here for a conversation about the year that was and what the new year might look like. He is the Chief Economist for the Brewers Association, is a stats geek, beer lover, and Certified Cicerone®. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where in addition to his dissertation, he completed a comprehensive survey of Bay Area brewpubs one pint at a time. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BrewersStats.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 48 is sponsored by:Fermentis There are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough.That's why Fermentis gives you All-In-1™, a brand of specifically blended products, which can be made from a mix of micro-organisms, catalysts, nutrients and more. Discover blends for all your needs: Lower-carb dry lagers, dry flavorful beers, very high gravity beers and a new all-in-one yeast and enzyme blend for Dry, complex and Woody beers! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation visit www.fermentis.com.GrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.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 48Host: John HollGuest: Bart WatsonContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
12/15/2023 • 37 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode 47 - Food Options for Nano Breweries
As we head into a cozy season of gathering with family and friends and our attention turns to big meals shared together, we have a trio of brewers here to talk about their food programs. From pairings to working with food trucks, this episode is stuffed with practical tips and insight from nano brewers, for nano brewers. From food trucks to in-house kitchens, food can be an an important part of brewery life and the consumer experience. Three brewers are here to talk about their experiences, the ups and downs, and how to get the most out of pairings. You’ll hear from Will Gomez of Brew Bridge, Harry Arnold of Aristaeus Brewing, and Andrew Frana of Brightside Aleworks. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 47 is sponsored by:Fermentis There are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough.That's why Fermentis gives you All-In-1™, a brand of specifically blended products, which can be made from a mix of micro-organisms, catalysts, nutrients and more. Discover blends for all your needs: Lower-carb dry lagers, dry flavorful beers, very high gravity beers and a new all-in-one yeast and enzyme blend for Dry, complex and Woody beers! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation visit www.fermentis.com.ABS CommercialABS Commercial is proud to be your full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years! They love being able to give back to the industry which is why they have kicked off their ninth Keg Viking Giveaway! The grand prize is their state of the art Keg Viking keg washer PLUS a full pallet of half barrel kegs from G4 Kegs. Check out more details and enter to win at abs-commercial.com.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 47Host: John HollGuests: Will Gomez, Harry Arnold, Andrew Frana Contact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
11/15/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 52 seconds
Episode 46 - Your Nanobrewery Financial Checkup
This is as good a month as any to be thinking about your brewery’s finances - both long term and short term - and the best practices for a check in or to get your money situation in order. Most brewers don’t open a brewery to get into finance, but managing cash flow is a necessary part of the job. Our guest on this episode is Kary Shumway, CPA, former CFO for a beer distributor and current CFO for Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, MA. He’s here with insight and a checklist to help get your brewery finances in order. Shumway has spent the last 20 years using finance to help improve financial results in business. Now, he’s helping other breweries, wholesalers and cideries to do the same. His financial training programs have been developed on a new learning platform in order to deliver the best experience for you. The programs are designed specifically for non-financial people who have the responsibility of either managing or contributing to the success of business. He chronicles it all and offers resources at www.karysfinancialtraining.com.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 46 is sponsored by:Fermentis Coming Soon! Because there are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough, Fermentis is launching All-In-1™ blended products for nanobrewers, in 25-gram sizes! Discover SafBrew™ DW-17, a mix of active dry yeast + enzymes, for the production of very dry and complex beers with fruity, woody and slight acidic characters. Learn more at www.fermentis.com.GrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.Five Star ChemicalsWe all know that brewing is an art, but it's also a science. That's where Five Star Chemicals comes in! They offer a stellar lineup of products designed to simplify and enhance your brewing process. Be sure to check out the PBW Liquid and PBW Tablets. Same cleaning power in a different format! FiveStarChemicals.comBYO 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 46Host: John HollGuests: Kary ShumwayContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
10/15/2023 • 48 minutes, 18 seconds
Episode 45 - Distribution Considerations for Small Breweries
This month we are talking about distribution. Every brewery owner needs to decide if it’s right for their business and to weigh the pros and cons between a distribution partner, self distribution, or keeping your beer sales solely in house.First we’ll hear from Laura Lodge the Owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, Start a Brewery and author of Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer.Then we’ll hear from Will Loring of Lesser-Known Brewing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The co-founder of the Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival, Laura Lodge has been engaged in the craft beer industry since 1997. She’s the Owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, designing events, resort retail programs, and educational programs based on craft beer, and is also the author of Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer.With a passion for beer beginning in college, Will Loring started the beer program in a local Fredericksburg grocer in 2012. This eventually led him to the distribution side where he worked as a sales rep for many years before becoming the area sales manager of Richmond, VA.With over a decade’s worth of experience in the beer industry, Will set off to co-found Lesser-Known Beer Co. which opened in July of 2022. Dedicated to service and keeping it simple, the brewery is focused on traditional styles offered in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 45 is sponsored by:Fermentis Nanobrewers, try adding a cider to your lineup! Whether you want a crisp, sweet or fruity cider, discover the SafCider™ range: 4 cider strains available in 5-gram pouches, the perfect size for you. Just make your choice or try them all! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit www.fermentis.com.ABS CommercialABS Commercial is proud to be your full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years! They love being able to give back to the industry which is why they have kicked off their ninth Keg Viking Giveaway! The grand prize is their state of the art Keg Viking keg washer PLUS a full pallet of half barrel kegs from G4 Kegs. Check out more details and enter to win at abs-commercial.com.Brewers Publications This episode is also sponsored by Brewers Publications — the leading publisher for craft brewers. Now available, Brewery Safety: Principles, Processes, and People, is the first and only safety book for the craft brewing industry. No matter the size of your brewery, author Matt Stinchfield’s insightful chapters will help you evaluate, educate, and execute safety-conscious measures. Order Brewery Safety at BrewersPublications.com/byopod and save 10% with discount code byopod through Dec. 31, 2023.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 45Host: John HollGuests: Laura Lodge, Will LoringContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
9/15/2023 • 53 minutes, 11 seconds
Episode 44 - The 2023 North American Hop Report
This month we are focusing on the 2023 hop crop. From what’s happening in the Pacific Northwest, to the fields of Michigan, we’ll talk about what is already in the ground, how the yield is looking, exciting hops, and how small brewers can foster a relationship with farmers.This is the time of year that we start thinking about the North American hop harvest, and before the farmers got too busy in the fields we invited two of them to share updates from the ground. John Segal Jr. of Segal Ranch is here to give us an update on the Pacific Northwest. Then we’ll hear from Brian Tennis of the Michigan Hop Alliance on what the state crop is looking like and the challenges and promises that smaller regions and states have have on the horizon. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 44 is sponsored by:Fermentis Do you brew 25 to 50 gallon batches? SafLager™ is available in flexible 100g pouches, perfect for your brews! Fermentis offers a wide range of lager yeasts, covering traditional to modern-style lagers, creating floral, fruity, or neutral character as well as enhancing malty or hoppy character.Want to know more about SafLager™ yeasts? For more info, visit www.fermentis.com.Five Star ChemicalsWe’ve got a game-changer to discuss: PBW Liquid from Five Star Chemicals! This stuff tackles those stubborn stains just like the OG powder, but is easier to dose and dissolves quicker. Say goodbye to those scrubbing nightmares and hello to cleaner, happier brewing days. Use Five Star Chemicals today and taste the difference in your brews. FiveStarChemicals.comBYO 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 44Host: John HollGuests: John Segal Jr., Brian TennisContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
8/15/2023 • 54 minutes, 24 seconds
Episode 43 - Festivals and Events for Nano Breweries
This month we are focusing on festivals and events. The summer is the season to get outdoors, mingle, and experience all that your town, state, or region has to offer. Fortunately nano breweries are playing a big role in that space. Beer festivals are at a crossroads right now. It’s harder to get folks to come out and drink beer in a crowd, but there are chances for smaller breweries to make an impact in that setting. Chris Rhodes of Portland, Oregon’s Nano Beer Festival is here to talk about the fest and best practices. Then we’ll hear from Emily and Matt Strysik of Knack Brewing and Fermentation in Illinois. They are getting real good at hosting small scale events at their brewery that brings in artisans of all kinds, and with it, new customers. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 43 is sponsored by:Fermentis Everybody knows that yeast plays one of the most important roles in brewing. It influences flavor, aroma, acidity, brightness, and mouthfeel, all at the same time. And brewing a Lager is no exception! Discover SafLager™ W-34/70, THE STRONG & ROBUST LAGER YEAST! This famous strain comes from Weihenstephan in Germany and is used world-wide within the brewing industry. It brings a good balance of floral and fruity aromas and gives clean flavors and high drinkable beers. Available in 11.5, 100 & 500g sizes. For more info, visit www.fermentis.com.ABS CommercialABS Commercial is proud to be your full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. They’re in this business because they are brewers, and it’s important for them to give back to the industry to help breweries grow and prosper. This summer ABS Commercial is giving back with two special giveaway prizes every month through August. Check out what they have in store and enter to win at abs-commercial.com.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 43Host: John HollGuests: Chris Rhodes, Emily and Matt StrysikContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
7/15/2023 • 57 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode 42 - Malt Insights for the Nano Brewer
Malt is our topic this month. We’ll get a report from one of the larger malting companies on what small brewers can do with grain, and then head to a nano brewery and malt farm for insight on making the most from the land.We spend a lot of time talking about raw ingredients, and rightly so. They are the building blocks of every keg and pint, and having the insight into ingredients makes us all better brewers and drinkers. Our guests are Mike Scanzello, the director of brewing and distilling for Briess Malt and Brett Bullock, the co-owner of Screamin’ Hill Brewery. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 42 is sponsored by:Fermentis Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.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 42Host: John HollGuests: Michael Scanzello, Brett BullockContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
6/15/2023 • 47 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode 41 - Your Brewery & Water
Water is our topic this month. From how a proper education can help you better understand beer’s most important ingredient, to how to properly treat it for your recipes. Then we’ll discuss its other uses around the brewhouse and best practices for effluent. Despite being necessary for life and all around us, water can often be overlooked in breweries. It is hard to explain to drinkers, and is often taken for granted when we simply turn on a tap or valve. However, having a deeper understanding of this compound helps make better beer, and by being conversant can help customers forge a deeper appreciation to the craft. This episode features two guests: John Palmer, the noted author How to Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Great Beer Every Time (2017), and co-author of both Brewing Classic Styles (2007), and Water: A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers (2013) from Brewers Publications. And Steve Parkes the owner and lead instructor of the Director of the American Brewers Guild in Middlebury, Vermont. He’s also the owner and brewer of Drop In Brewery and a sought-after educator and expert on beer styles and history. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 41 is sponsored by:Fermentis Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.Five Star ChemicalsKeep your brewery running smoothly with Five Star Chemicals. Their cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of all home and professional brewers, ensuring that your equipment stays clean and free of harmful bacteria and contaminants. From cleaning fermenters to kegs, they have a solution for every step of the process. Be sure to check out their P-B-W liquid and tablets.Use Five Star Chemicals today and taste the difference in your brews. FiveStarChemicals.comBYO 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 41Host: John HollGuests: John J. Palmer, Steve ParkesContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
5/15/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode 40 - Making the Most of Your Taproom Space
Let’s talk about the taproom experience. From proper flow, how best to decorate, and ways to give your customers a pleasurable visit, our guests will offer insight and tips to doing it right.The good weather is here for most of us around the country and that means people headed out to enjoy their local breweries. Brewers are striving to create delicious and innovative pints, but should be putting equal thought into taproom aesthetics. Having a welcoming taproom is important. The decor should be a reflection on the company ethos and the beer. There should also be thought to flow and comfort. This episode features three guests: Dustin Hauck of Hauck Architecture and Liz L’Etoile and Chris Sellers of The Brewery at Four Star Farms. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 40 is sponsored by:Fermentis Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.GrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.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 40Host: John HollGuests: T. Dustin Hauck, Chris Sellers, Liz L’EtoileContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
4/15/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 41 seconds
Episode 39 - Social Media Strategies for Nano Brewers
Having a virtual presence for your small brewery is imperative to help the physical business grow. We’ll do a deep dive into social media to learn about best practices from a leading expert and we’ll hear how one nano has approached building an online community. We spend a lot of time thinking about physical spaces. Taprooms, brewhouse layouts, beer gardens, that it can be hard to focus on the virtual spaces. But Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and more are important ways to keep a brewery top of mind and to show off creativity. Social Media can be intimidating for some, or a burden for others, but having a plan can ease those worries and bring people to your actual door step. This episode features two guests: Julie Rhodes of Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions and Brian Goodman of Rushford and Sons Brewhouse. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 39 is sponsored by:Fermentis Hey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation in bottle and casks! This yeast strain will help you add a slightly funky, specific phenolic character to your beers. Available in 100-gram and 5-gram packaging. Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 at Homebrew Con 2023, by attending the Fermentis exclusive presentation: “Brettanomyces: From Spoilage Organism to Rising Star!" Learn more at www.fermentis.com.ABS CommercialABS Commercial has been a full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. They’re in this business because they are brewers, so they know the ins and outs of the process and can design the perfect set-up for you. They keep tanks in stock and ready to ship so you can get equipment in your hands sooner. Contact a brewery consultant today! sales@abs-commercial.comBYO 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 39Host: John HollGuests: Julie Rhodes, Brian GoodmanContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
3/15/2023 • 57 minutes, 6 seconds
Episode 38 - Innovation in and Exploration of Yeast
There are innovations in the microscopic world of yeast. From thiols to hybrids this episode will discuss best practices and paths forward.There is so much innovation and excitement happening in the world of raw brewing ingredients. On this episode we’ll go into the research and development lab with Laura Burns of Omega Yeast and into the brewhouse with Adam Cieslak and Roger Cuzelis of Maplewood Brewing in Chicago to talk about how to best put new strains to work for your small brewery and your beers. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 38 is sponsored by:Grainfather Whether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.Fermentis Hey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation. This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character in your beers, and is already available in 100-gram and 5-gram sachets! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains on www.fermentis.com.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 38Host: John HollGuests: Laura Burns, Adam Cieslak, Roger CuzelisContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
2/15/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 11 seconds
Episode 37 - Embracing the Right Customers and Experience
While January can be a slow month for some hospitality-based businesses, it can also be a chance to take a look under the hood to make sure that the customers walking through the door are getting the best possible experience. It’s also a chance to make any adjustments so that the rest of the year delivers a quality experience. This is looking like a tough year ahead for brewers and while there is a focus on the dollars coming in, there are other things that brewers should be looking for to keep business fresh and booming and practical steps that can be taken to stem downturns. To dive into this the BYO Nano Podcast reached out to Michael Varda the Founder of Craft Beer Advisory Services the first and only full-service market research firm exclusively dedicated to craft beer.He began his professional career in market research roles advising some of the nation's top universities on attracting students and several Fortune 50 companies on improving brand perceptions. In addition to CBAS, he also leads brand perception research at a Fortune 100 financial firm. Combining his research skill with a passion for craft beer, CBAS was born in Fall2021. Since its founding, Michael has delivered CBAS research to more than 200 breweries in 40+ states and more than 10 countries.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 37 is sponsored by:ABS CommercialABS Commercial has been a full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. We’re in this business because we are brewers, so we know the ins and outs of the process and can design the perfect set-up for you, whether just starting out or looking to expand. We keep tanks in stock and ready to ship so you can get equipment in your hands sooner. Shop now at abs-commercial.com.Fermentis Hey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation. This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character in your beers, and is already available in 100-gram format and soon in 5-gram sachets! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains on www.fermentis.com.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 37Host: John HollGuest: Michael VardaContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
1/15/2023 • 32 minutes, 12 seconds
Episode 36 - Year End Nano Brewery Review
End of the year wrap-ups are happening fast and furious these days and this show is no exception. As ever, there’s a lot to be thinking about for your small brewery amid new uncertainties in the marketplace, with increased competition, rising costs, and global events disrupting local business. To unpack it all we are joined by two craft beer industry professionals - Audra Gaiziunas and CJ Haines who will unpack what they’ve learned over the last 12 months and share perspective all while looking forward. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 36 is sponsored by:GrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.ABS CommercialABS Commercial. has been a full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. They’re in this business because they are brewers, so they know the ins and outs of the process and can design the perfect set-up for you, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand. ABS keeps tanks in stock and ready to ship so you can get equipment in your hands sooner. Shop now at abs-commercial.com.Fermentis Hey nanobrewers! Wanna add a distinctive finishing touch to your beers? Discover SafBrew™ BR-8, the first dry Brett by Fermentis. Designed for secondary fermentation, SafBrew™ BR-8 provides funkier notes (barnyard, horse, leather…) nicely balanced by refreshing, fruity notes. - Available in 100-gram, and soon in 5-gram sachets! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 and all other Fermentis products on our website www.fermentis.com.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 36Host: John HollGuests: Audra Gaiziunas and CJ HainesContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
12/16/2022 • 59 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode 35 - Creating a Food Program and Providing the Right Merch
From making sure your guests are full and happy to comfortable and stylish, this episode covers the intersection of beer and food and finding options that might be right for your small brewery. It’ll also discuss how merchandise and a well placed gift shop will help to encourage guests to lave with a shirt, glass or specialty item, something that is certainly good for the bottom line.Guests include: Seth Barrows of Farm Road Brewing in Burlington, Vermontand Andrew Coplon of Craft Beer Professionals and Secret Hopper. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 35 is sponsored by:Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is designed from the ground up to generate a quick return on your investment by getting you up and running as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. These systems are versatile and flexible enough to give you room to grow with a modular design that can fit any space. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more about their one to ten barrel brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment.FermentisHey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation,This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character to your beers, and is available in 100g sachets, as well as the whole SafLager™ and SafAle™ yeasts range! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains on www.fermentis.com.Yakima Chief HopsYakima Chief Hops has the tools for your hop playbook, from classic favorites to the next exciting hop product out of the YCH R&D lab. Partnering with growers and brewers to create a robust hop supply chain from propagation to pint, YCH is the source for exciting experimental hop varieties including HBC 586, HBC 630 and HBC 638. Explore novel aroma profiles, discover new recipes and get creative with experimental hop varieties. Learn more at yakimachief.comBYO 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 35Host: John HollGuests: Seth Barrows and Andrew CoplonContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
There are a lot of challenges when operating a small brewery. One of them is trying to stand out among larger counterparts. Be it breweries with state-wide distribution, larger taprooms, or even stadium contracts. But the nano brewery segment is fierce and continues to find ways to make waves and be seen among the country’s thousands of breweries. Our guests today will talk about that, from festival strategies to seasonal releases. - Anne Linehan and her husband Ben are the owners of Brocklebank Craft Brewing in Tunbridge, Vermont. She organizes the annual Vermont Nanobrewery Festival also known. In her day job, Anne is the Director of Graduate Academic Programs at Vermont Law and Graduate School. - Dylan VanDetta was was born in Vermont, raised in upstate New York. He started a coffee distributorship before going into Information technology. He started homebrewing in 2012 and in late 2019, he formed Labyrinth Forge Brewing Company intending to contract most of his beer and sell kegs to bars and restaurants around town. Due to Covid-19 he started making home deliveries and selling in cans to grocery stores and out of his home. Today, he’s actively looking for a retail space to have a taproom and small brewery. - Joel Sheley is the owner and head brewer at Gateway Brewing, a 5bbl “nano” brewery in the Gateway district of Portland, Oregon. With over 20 years of industry experience, Joel not only excels at developing well-made beers but is also savvy in brewery operations infrastructure and the mechanical side of owning and operating a brewery.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 34 is sponsored by:Fermentis Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation. This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character in your beers, and is available in 100g sachets, as is the whole SafLager™ and SafAle™ yeasts range!Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains by attending the Fermentis presentation during NanoCon or go to fermentis.comGrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.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 34Host: John HollGuests: Contact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
10/16/2022 • 37 minutes, 11 seconds
Episode 33 - Buying a Nano Brewery
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we’re talking about best practices and advice for someone who wants to take over a small, existing brewery. The idea came from a listener who wrote: “I'm someone who is overwhelmed by the non-beer aspects of starting a taproom from scratch - legal, regulatory, architectural design and layout, branding, marketing, and a blank sheet of paper. I've explored a couple of taprooms and small brewpubs for sale. What's a smart way to go about this?” That’s a jumping off point and our panel will start with the from scratch aspect then transition into what it takes to acquire an existing brewery. The lessons shared are also applicable to someone just starting out as well. The panel includes: Jon Carpenter who his career as a summer brewing intern at Drakes Brewing Co in 2002 while attending UC Davis, studying Brewing Science. After graduating with a BS in Food Science & Technology (Brewing Emphasis) and a BA in Political Science in 2005, he went on to work for Anheuser-Busch in their Research Pilot Brewery. From there he went onto Dogfish Head, and then to Golden Road followed by Alchemy and Science, the Boston Beer collection of breweries. Today he works at Opensō Consulting, Independent Brewery and Craft Beverage Consulting firm. Michael Brewer, the president of Alcoholic Beverage Consulting Service, a leading alcoholic beverage licensing firm. Alcoholic Beverage Consulting Service represents numerous alcoholic beverage licensees in all segments of the alcohol industry. Brewer was a regulatory auditor for the United States Custom Service and holds a Master’s degree in accounting from San Diego State University. And Matthew McLaughlin, founder of McLaughlin, PC, a boutique commercial law firm specializing in the beverage industry. He has represented breweries and distilleries throughout the United States for nearly 20 years advising clients on business entity formation, ownership structure, startup financing and expansion financing, federal and state regulatory matters, and intellectual property. Matthew has also served as the executive director of the Mississippi Brewers Guild and was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 1322, a bill that expanded retail sales opportunities for breweries in Mississippi and fundamentally changed Mississippi’s brewpub laws. In April 2017 at the Brewers Association’s annual Craft Brewers Conference, Matthew received the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 33 is sponsored by:FermentisHello nanobrewers! Try adding a cider to your brews! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, has made it really easy for you by developing 4 strains specifically for cider. Whether you want a crisp, sweet or fruity cider, discover the SafCider™ range. The 4 cider strains are available in 5-gram pouches, the perfect size for you. Just make your choice or try them all! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit fermentis.comBlichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the right choice for pro results. Whether it’s for your pilot system or production line, their robust systems come fully equipped with everything you need to hit the ground running. Designed for easy setup and intuitive use, their brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment deliver uncompromising quality and reliability backed by a name you trust, so you can focus on what matters most - your beer. Visit Blichmannpro.com today!ABS Commercial ABS Commercial a full-service brewery outfitter, proud to offer brewhouses, tanks, and small parts to brewers across the country. They stock equipment ranging from 3BBL to 90BBL, and offer custom-designed equipment up to 900BBL. Contact one of their brewery consultants today at sales@abs-commercial.com to discuss your brewery project. ABS-Commercial.comBYO 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 33Host: John HollGuests: Michael Brewer, John Carpenter, Matthew McLaughlinContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
9/15/2022 • 57 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode 32 - Brewery Finances
It has been a non-stop grind these last few years and the tough news and situations continue to pile up. Small breweries dealing with the rising cost of ingredients, supplies, and equipment and looking for relief. That leads to tough decisions like the question of what can be passed on to the consumer. There are practical steps you can take to stay afloat, and to even get on better footing for when the economy rebounds. On this episode you’ll hear about all that and more from our expert panel of guests:Noreen Otto, executive director of the Iowa Brewers GuildRick Wehner, founder of Brewery FinanceJamey and Jennifer Ratcliff, owners of Sixth Sense Brewing Co. in Jackson, OhioThe bottom line is more important than ever. With supply chain issues, inflation and general concern about labor and the economy, small brewery owners are facing some sleepless nights. You’re not alone and today’s panel will talk about their own experiences, what they are hearing, and offer advice and practical steps for the coming weeks and beyond.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 32 is sponsored by:FermentisHello nanobrewers! Try adding a cider to your brews! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, has made it really easy for you by developing 4 strains specifically for cider. Whether you want a crisp, sweet or fruity cider, discover the SafCider™ range. The 4 cider strains are available in 5-gram pouches, the perfect size for you. Just make your choice or try them all! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit fermentis.comFive Star ChemicalsMake your next lip-smacking beer with the help of Five Star Chemicals. Like most of you listening, Five Star loves a good drink. That’s why Five Star makes life easier for brewers of all levels and brewing at all sizes. Sign up for Five Star’s Homebrew Club for free seminars featuring big names in the industry, exclusive product testing and 20% off your next order. Raise a glass at FiveStarChemicals.com and sign up now. Yakima Chief HopsYakima Chief Hops has the tools for your hop playbook, from classic favorites to the next exciting hop product out of the YCH R&D lab. Partnering with growers and brewers to create a robust hop supply chain from propagation to pint, YCH is the source for exciting experimental hop varieties including HBC 586, HBC 630 and HBC 638. Explore novel aroma profiles, discover new recipes and get creative with experimental hop varieties. Learn more at yakimachief.com.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 32Host: John HollGuests: Noreen Otto, Jamey and Jennifer Ratcliff, Rick WehnerContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
8/16/2022 • 58 minutes, 37 seconds
Episode 31 - A Craft Malt Roundtable
This is a round table episode that explores the growth, benefits, and flavors of craft malt. John Holl is joined by two craft maltsters - Hillary Barile of Rabbit Hill Farm and Brendan Carroll of CNC Malt - and two nano brewers - Sam Fee of Monday's Brewing and Adam Juncosa of Odd Bird Brewing - to talk about what is new with grain, educational efforts, climate change, and plans for the future. As the craft brewing industry grows so do the number of small farms that support the brewing industry through ingredients. The panel discusses innovation and flavor, the relationship with brewers and growers and consumers, and what is on the horizon for this important category of brewing. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 31 is sponsored by:FermentisHey nano-brewers! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, is now offering dry ale and lager yeasts in flexible 100-gram pouches. Try their SafAle WB-06 yeast in the convenient 100-gram pouch, the perfect solution for wheat based beers! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit fermentis.comBlichmann Pro With superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the smart choice for your bottom line. You won’t find a better match of price, performance and quality. Hit the ground running with equipment you can count on and support you can trust so you can focus on what matters — ROI. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more.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 31Host: John HollGuests: Hillary Barile, Brendan Carroll, Sam Fee, Adam JuncosaContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
7/16/2022 • 49 minutes, 29 seconds
Episode 30 - Fermentation Beyond Beer and Hop Crop Update
In proof that some of the most interesting things in American craft beer are happening on the small scale, we’ll start off this month with a brewery profile on Kulturhaus, a 5-barrel brewhouse in Pismo Beach where they are not only making beers, but fermenting pickles, sauerkraut, and vegetables to extoll the virtues of microbes. The founders Jennifer Harris and Eric Kirchner will join me for a conversation. Then we’ll spotlight hops. As the growing season is well underway and harvest in in sights Gayle Goschie of Goschie Farms in Oregon will join me to talk about the weather, the outlook, what continues to grow well and what she has her eye on. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 30 is sponsored by:Yakima Chief Hops Yakima Chief Hops has been building a robust portfolio of their Cryo Hops® brand products for the past five years. They offer more than 30 different varieties in Cryo Hops® Brand pellets designed to provide intense contributions of hop flavor and aroma allowing brewers to efficiently dose large quantities of alpha acids and oils with less volume and greater beer yields. The fully patented process provides the highest quality and most efficient concentrated lupulin pellet. Learn more at yakimachief.com.FermentisHey nano-brewers! Learn, share, and exchange during one of our Fermentis Academy™ events. Join the session at Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers (Framingham, MA) on July 12th, or the session at the Goose Island Barrel House (Chicago, IL) on July 14th.The program of lectures includes the following topics:- Yeast & fermentation basics- Yeast management in breweries- Latest research from Fermentis R&DFor any additional questions, about these Fermentis Academy™ days, or about any other event, please visit fermentis.com/en/event-calendar/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 30Host: John HollGuests: Jennifer Harris, Eric Kirchner, Gayle GoschieContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
6/15/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 56 seconds
Episode 29 - Nano Brewer Roundtable
Earlier this month at the Craft Brewers Conference held in Minneapolis the pandemic was still the main topic of conversation, but amid the mask and surge talk a new word kept creeping in: inflation. The rising cost of goods is impacting everyone, and small breweries are especially feeling the pinch. For on the ground stories and practical advice we are joined by three nano breweries from Colorado, New Jersey, and Rhode Island to talk about how they are tackling the challenge and what else they are doing to keep the lights on and the business moving forward. The panel includes: - Gretchen Schmidhausler of Little Dog Brewing in New Jersey- Efren Hidalgo of Providence Brewing Co. in Rhode Island - Wayne Burns of Burns Family Artisan Ales in ColoradoAs the world enters into a new phase of the pandemic with additional economic worries they share their experiences and action plans. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 29 is sponsored by:Five Star Chemicals Make your next clean and delicious beer with the help of Five Star’s Homebrew Club Program at FiveStarChemicals.com. Like most of you listening, Five Star loves a good drink. That’s why Five Star makes life easier for industry workers and home brewers. Sign up for Five Star’s Homebrew Club for free seminars featuring big names in the industry, exclusive product testing and 20% off your next order. Raise a glass at FiveStarChemicals.com and click the Homebrew Club banner to join the community.Yakima Chief Hops Yakima Chief Hops has combined their patented cryogenic hop processing technology with cutting edge lab analysis to create Cryo Hops® with a pop! Cryo Pop® Original Blend is a supercharged concentrated lupulin pellet packed with the most beer soluble hop compounds, or compounds that survive the brewing process. It is engineered to bring massive tropical, stone fruit and citrus aromas into your finished beers. Learn more about this new innovative product at cryopopblend.com.Blichmann EngineeringWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is designed from the ground up to generate a quick return on your investment by getting you up and running as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. These systems are versatile and flexible enough to give you room to grow with a modular design that can fit any space. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more about our one to ten barrel brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment.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 29Host: John HollGuests: Gretchen Schmidhausler, Efren Hidalgo, Wayne BurnsContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
5/16/2022 • 43 minutes, 55 seconds
Episode 28 - The Importance of Brewery Location
Location. Location. Location. It’s so important that we say it three times. When you’re thinking about starting your small brewery, moving to a new location, or re-doing your space there is a lot to consider. We have two guests this month with unique perspectives on brewery locations. First up is Dustin Hauck of Hauck Architecture in San Diego. He has advice on layout and look, and how to best make your brewery space a welcoming location for both customers and employees. Then we’re off to Minnesota to talk with Scott Stroh, the co-founder and brewer of Chaotic Good Brewing, a specialized nano that opened up a few years ago in a shed in Stroh’s backyard. From the pros and cons, to his Frankenstein system, to future plans, it’s a brewer’s profile you won’t want to miss. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 28 is sponsored by:FermentisHey nano-brewers! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, is now offering dry ale and lager yeasts in flexible 100-gram pouches. Try their SafAle WB-06 yeast in the convenient 100-gram pouch, the perfect solution for wheat based beers! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit www.fermentis.com. ABS Commercial ABS is a full brewery outfitter offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts. As a part of ABS Commercial’s ongoing give-back campaign, they will be giving away TWO MORE ABS Keg Viking Keg Washers by the end of 2022, so head on over to https://abs-commercial.com/ to enter to win a Keg Viking! No strings attached, just enter and you could WIN! GrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.BYO Nano+ Membership Get 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 28Host: John HollGuests: Dustin Hauck and Scott StrohContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
4/15/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 6 seconds
Episode 27 - Nano Brew Mail Bag
There is a lot to think about, to plan, and to dream towards when it comes to your nano brewery. Sometimes you need a little help, and that’s what this episode is all about. We’ve been collecting your emails and will be answering them in this episode. From recipes and growth, to education and business, our guests are two people with vast knowledge and unparalleled practical experience. As the Co-Founder of the Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival, Laura Lodge has been engaged in the craft beer industry since 1997. She’s the Owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, designing events, resort retail programs, and educational programs based on craft beer, and is also the author of Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer. She is also the co-founder of StartABrewery an educational resource for those dreaming of opening a brewery, those who are taking steps to make their dream a reality, and those who are opening their brewery doors and living it.Steve Parkes is the Brewmaster of Drop-In Brewing in Vermont and the Owner and Lead Instructor of the American Brewers Guild. He’s a regular speaker on the National Craft Brewers Conference and BYO Boot Camp stage. He is a Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup judge. He has hosted the Institute of Brewing Studies “Ask the Expert” Q & A forum and is a former member of the IBS troubleshooting committee and National Board of Advisors. He has written for and been featured in numerous magazines and technical journals, served as chairman of the Northern California Section of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, and Technical chair in California and New England. In 2009, Steve was awarded the Russell Schehrer award by the Brewers Association for Innovation in Craft Brewing.Do you have a question about starting or growing your nano brewery? Email us: Nano@byo.comThe BYO Nano Podcast Episode 27 is sponsored by:Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the right choice for pro results. Whether it’s for your pilot system or production line, their robust systems come fully equipped with everything you need to hit the ground running. Designed for easy setup and intuitive use, our brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment deliver uncompromising quality and reliability backed by a name you trust, so you can focus on what matters most - your beer. Visit Blichmannpro.com today!FermentisHey nano-brewers! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, is now offering dry ale and lager yeasts in flexible 100-gram pouches. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit www.fermentis.com. Yakima Chief HopsYakima Chief Hops has combined their patented cryogenic hop processing technology with cutting edge lab analysis to create Cryo Hops® with a pop! Cryo Pop® Original Blend is a supercharged concentrated lupulin pellet packed with the most beer soluble hop compounds, or compounds that survive the brewing process. It is engineered to bring massive tropical, stone fruit and citrus aromas into your finished beers. Learn more about this new innovative product at cryopopblend.com.BYOGet 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 27Host: John HollGuests: Laura Lodge and Steve ParkesContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
3/16/2022 • 55 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode 26 - Marketing and Creating Demand
February is always an odd month. The newness of a new year has faded, but around most of the country, it’s cold and winter feels endless. It can be hard to get the motivation to get done what needs to be done. In those moments it’s good to take on new projects or to tackle the ones that have sat on a to-do list for so long. To help with that motivation we're talking with Ryan Wheaton at Craft Brew Creative about collaboration inside and outside of beer, focusing on your marketing plan, and ways to shake things up. After that our brewer profile heads to Underground Beer Lab in East Syracuse, New York. Brewer and co-owner Keith Linder shares his pandemic story, the brewery’s strategy for limited hours and big bold IPAs, and finding retail partners. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 26 is sponsored by:FermentisHey nano-brewers! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, is now offering dry ale and lager yeasts in flexible 100-gram pouches. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit www.fermentis.com. Five Star ChemicalsMake your next clean and delicious beer with the help of Five Star’s Homebrew Club Program at FiveStarChemicals.com. Like most of you listening, Five Star loves a good drink. That’s why Five Star makes life easier for industry workers and home brewers. Sign up for Five Star’s Homebrew Club for free seminars featuring big names in the industry, exclusive product testing and 20% off your next order. Raise a glass at FiveStarChemicals.com and click the Homebrew Club banner to join the community.GrainfatherWhether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ barrel batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.BYOGet 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 26Host: John HollGuests: Ryan Wheaton and Keith LinderContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
2/16/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode 25 - Finding a Place and Embracing Technology
The introduction of a new calendar comes with a lot of promise. A blank slate to fill in with projects and goals. Maybe it means revamping a tap room or a recipe. Perhaps it’s finally signing the paperwork on new equipment, new space, or taking the first steps to open your own brewery. Whatever the case, this episode is about making the right moves, finding a place in the brewing industry that suits your self and family, and learning a bit more about tools to help you get the work done - pandemic or not. For our monthly nano brewery profile we're talking with Raven and Travis Kocurek of Hound Song Brewing in Texas. Then we’ll do a technology check in with Clayton Kammerer, the Senior Sales Consultant at Arryved.The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 25 is sponsored by:FermentisFermentis delivers creative and dependable yeasts and technical solutions for the fermented beverage industry. SafYeast for beer is now available in 100 gram packaging perfect for any nano brewer! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation. For more information please visit www.fermentis.com or download their free Fermentis app.Blichmann Pro Brewing With superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the smart choice for your bottom line. You won’t find a better match of price, performance and quality. Hit the ground running with equipment you can count on and support you can trust so you can focus on what matters — ROI. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more. BYOBrew Your Own has a full schedule of live online workshops scheduled this year. Coming up of interest to small-scale brewers: Sour Beer Techniques on January 28 and Small-Scale Hop Growing on February 25. Details on all workshops can be found at byo.com/bootcampsBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 25Host: John HollGuests: Raven and Travis Kocurek, Clayton KammererContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
1/15/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 46 seconds
Episode 24 - Nano Brewers Reflect on 2021
We hope you had a chance to watch, listen, or participate in BYO’s NanoCon held earlier this month. For host John Holl it was great fun to moderate two panels with industry experts, though leaders, and brewers. In addition to their own thoughts and insight we had a lot of great questions and feedback from conference participants, especially during our small brewer panel. For this episode, our last of 2021, Holl wanted to bring three brewers together to talk about shared experiences, how they faced adversity and got through it, and to see what their outlook for 2022 might hold. We cover everything from social media plans, to yeast and hops, customer service, retail, packaging, and more. For you small brewers putting in the hard work day in and day out it can be hard to get outside of your four walls. So hearing from other brewers or owners in podcast form might help a bit to show there are other people in similar situations. Their perspective might help you with insight into your own nano brewery. Our end of the year panelists are : Sara Ridgel of Policy Kings Brewery, she and her husband Dre are working to waking up the pallets of their Community through creative and innovative sessionable style beers. The opened in 2018 and she says the brewery’s main goal is to always deliver a crushable beer. Eric Christensen is a 26 year veteran of the Coast Guard and started Gypsy Brewing Company with his wife, Heather, in May 2017. The two-barrel production only brewery serves local clientele in Southern Maryland through draft accounts, markets, and liquor stores. andRiker Wikoff is a co-founder of Red Clover Ale Co. In Vermont, it’s a small brewery he started with two brothers-in-law, serving up IPAs and more from their taproom. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 24 is sponsored by:Blichmann Pro Brewing With superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is designed from the ground up to generate a quick return on your investment by getting you up and running as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. These systems are versatile and flexible enough to give you room to grow with a modular design that can fit any space. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more about our one to ten barrel brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment.BYOJoin BYO online for a series of four-hour-long workshops with deep dives into topics of interest to small-scale pro brewers including Sour Beer Techniques on January 28, Distilling on February 4, and Brewery Taproom Draft Systems on April 8. Details can be found at byo.com/bootcampsBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 24Host: John HollGuests: Riker Wikoff, Eric Christensen, and Sara RidgelContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
12/16/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 52 seconds
Episode 23 - 2021 Hops Insight, Barley Head Brewing, and Starting a Food Program
No matter the season, hops are always on our mind here at the BYO Nano Podcast. With the 2021 North American harvest over, the farmers have time to rest a bit before preparing for 2022. Eric Desmarais of CLS Farms in Yakima Valley joins us to talk about the season that just ended, building brewery relationships, and some hops to think about in the new year. Our nano brewery profile is on Barley Head Brewery in Mystic, Connecticut. We talk with owner and brewer Drew Rogers about experimentation, distribution, and building a regular customer base in a tourist destination. And finally with food on the mind we’re talking with the Beer Chef Himself, Bruce Paton about what small breweries without a formal kitchen can do to offer a food program to keep customers around longer. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 23 is sponsored by:BSGDid you know that BSG sources hops directly from growers and processes them in their FSSC-certified facility in the Yakima Valley? From Azacca to Zappa, BSG’s hops are pelletized for optimal dispersion in the boiler or FV, and packaged in nitrogen-flushed bags to preserve all those tasty aromatics. To learn more about how your hops go from farmer to fermenter, get in touch with BSG at LetsTalkHops@bsgcraft.comABS CommercialABS is a full brewery outfitter offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers and small parts. As a part of ABS Commercials' ongoing give back campaign, they will be giving away ANOTHER ABS Keg Viking Keg Washer on December 10th, so head on over to abs-commercial.com to enter to win a Keg Viking!Yakima Chief HopsYakima Chief Hops has officially launched their newest product – Cryo-Pop™ Original Blend! YCH has combined their proprietary cryogenic hop processing technology with cutting-edge lab analysis to create Cryo Hops® with a pop! Using this new research to identify the most beer soluble hop compounds that survive the brewing process, they engineered a supercharged pellet that shows massive tropical, stone fruit, and citrus aromas in your finished beers. Learn more at cryopopblend.com.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 23Host: John HollGuests: Eric Desmarais, Drew Rodgers, Bruce PatonContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
11/16/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 46 seconds
Episode 22 - Aluminum Can Insights and Little Animals Brewing
Earlier this month, Yazoo Brewing and Embrace the Funk held its annual Funk Fest. It was a return to somewhat normalcy filled with small pours, familiar faces, and a sense of camaraderie. Amid the socially distanced crowd was Chris Cates. He’s the co-founder and head brewer of Little Animals Brewery in Tennessee. He has a great story and perspective and he will share his story on this episode. Amid the happiness and revelry at the festival, there was also worry about supply chains and ingredient shortages, labor issues and increased competition. One topic that kept coming up was about cans, and so the show reaches out to John Henfer at Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Co. for an update on the industry. ArryvedArryved Point of Sale is your mobile, flexible, solution to save your staff time, and provide the best guest experience on-premise and online. Built by craft beer professionals for craft beer professionals, Arryved is the only P-O-S with no contracts and no monthly fees, and everything your business needs to thrive. Go to Arryved.com/nano to set up a free, customized demo. Blichmann Pro With superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the smart choice for your bottom line. With our turnkey 3.5 barrel gas-fired or electric brewhouse systems starting at only $16,999, you won’t find a better match of price, performance and quality. Hit the ground running with equipment you can count on and support you can trust so you can focus on what matters — ROI. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more!BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 22Host: John HollGuests: Chris Cates and John HenferContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
10/15/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 33 seconds
Episode 21 - Practical Yeast Tips and Recipe Development
Last week there was a scaled down version of the Craft Brewers Conference that happened in Denver and host John Holl flew out for a few days, to walk the expo floor, to see what was new in the world of beer, and to talk with brewers about what is exciting and worrying, and to have a few socially distanced pints. There is movement happening in the industry, new breweries getting ready to shed the planning phase and open, and small brewers are looking to get bigger, or better. Best practices are always important, so on this episode we have two guests that will share expertise and insight. - Kara Taylor the head of operations at White Labs- Dave Green, the assistant editor and recipe editor of BYO Magazine. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 21 is sponsored by:Yakima Chief HopsYakima Chief Hops. has officially launched their newest product – Cryo-Pop™ Original Blend! YCH has combined their proprietary cryogenic hop processing technology with cutting-edge lab analysis to create Cryo Hops® with a pop! Using this new research to identify the most beer soluble hop compounds that survive the brewing process, they engineered a supercharged pellet that shows massive tropical, stone fruit, and citrus aromas in your finished beers. Learn more at cryopopblend.com.Blichmann Pro Check out the latest addition to the Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment line-up: Skid-Mounted Brewhouses. Available in 5 to 15 barrel capacities, these production powerhouses are designed for flexibility, engineered for performance, and built for growth. Experience the convenience you want, from a name you trust, at a price you wouldn’t expect. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more!ArryvedArryved Point of Sale is your mobile, flexible, solution for the best guest and staff experience on-premise and online. Built by craft beer professionals for craft beer professionals, Arryved is the only P-O-S with no contracts and no monthly fees, and everything you need to thrive. Go to Arryved.com/nano to set up a free, customized demo. BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 21Host: John HollGuests: Kara Taylor and Dave GreenContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
9/15/2021 • 54 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode 20 - Managing Finance and Tending to Barrels
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast, host John Holl talks with experts in finance and wood-aged beers. The bottom line of your brewery is always something to be mindful of and after the last year and a half watching every cent is critically important. So, the show starts off with a conversation with Jason Sleeman the Vice President of Craft Beverage Lending at United Community Bank. Then we switch gears to the brewhouse. Barrels are fun, but are also a pain to work with. Andy Parker knows about working with wood. He’s had a career as a barrel herder, first with Avery Brewing and now with Denver Beer Co., which in addition to its larger operation also has a 7-barrel brewhouse where they can mess around and try different things. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 20 is sponsored by:BSG HS-Evergreen™ from BSG Hop Solutions was developed to showcase a blend of citrus, floral, and fruit hop character in American-style craft lagers.HS-Evergreen™ enters with strong suggestions of fresh peach and apricot, bright citrus (lemon candy, orange zest, tangerine), and watermelon candy. Notes of hay and pine round out a classic American craft beer hop profile. Secondary and tertiary notes include menthol, dank, geranium, herbs (basil, dill, thyme), cannabis, and green tea. For more info, please visit bsgcraftbrewing.com/evergreenABS Commercial Are you in need of brewing equipment? ABS Commercial offers full brewhouses, fermenters, brite tanks, keg washers and small parts. ABS has in-stock equipment and has some of the shortest lead times in the industry for custom builds. The ABS team is made up of former brewers, so ABS brings the knowledge and the experience that will help YOU succeed and take your brewery to the next level. Learn more about everything ABS has to offer by visiting www.abs-commercial.com!Blichmann Pro: Check out the latest addition to the Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment line-up: Skid-Mounted Brewhouses. Available in 5 to 15 barrel capacities, these production powerhouses are designed for flexibility, engineered for performance, and built for growth. Experience the convenience you want, from a name you trust, at a price you wouldn’t expect. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more!BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 20Host: John HollGuests: Jason Sleeman and Andy ParkerContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
8/16/2021 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
Episode 19 - Hiring Brewery Staff, Focused Charitable Giving, and Preparing for Business Interruptions
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast, host John Holl starts off by talking with Alison Wisneski, the head of marketing, among other things, at Lady Justice Brewing in Colorado. She has insights into hiring practices for nano breweries, and what they have found works for their brewery, as well as how to focus charitable giving so that it means something to your small business. Then, he talks with Matt Humbard of Patent Brewing in Maryland, a nano brewery in planning which is currently offering lab services to small breweries. At his day job he has been part of the government response to combat COVID-19. As such Holl wanted to talk with him about how to be prepared for any kind of unexpected business interruption whether it be a pandemic, someone being sick, or a natural disaster. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 19 is sponsored by:Blichmann Pro Brewing: Check out the latest addition to the Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment line-up: Skid-Mounted Brewhouses. Available in 5 to 15 barrel capacities, these production powerhouses are designed for flexibility, engineered for performance, and built for growth. Experience the convenience you want, from a name you trust, at a price you wouldn’t expect. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more!Yakima Chief Hops:Yakima Chief Hops has officially launched their newest product – Cryo-Pop™ Original Blend! YCH has combined their proprietary cryogenic hop processing technology with cutting-edge lab analysis to create Cryo Hops® with a pop! Using this new research to identify the most beer soluble hop compounds that survive the brewing process, they engineered a supercharged pellet that shows massive tropical, stone fruit, and citrus aromas in your finished beers. Learn more at cryopopblend.com.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 19Host: John HollGuests: Alison Wisneski and Matt HumbardContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
7/15/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 48 seconds
Episode 18 - Carefully Back into the World
After more than a year of uncertainty and life moving slowly for a lot of us, things have picked up speed in the last few weeks. Taprooms are re-opening for inside service, customers are buying beer for parties, draft beer is coming back to accounts. Where do we go from here, how do small breweries make the most of this time and get on better footing for the future? There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s dive in with our guests:- Audra Gaiziunas the owner of Brewed For Her Ledger, LLC, a management consultancy firm focused on providing guidance to the craft brewing and cider communities. - Paul Leone, Executive Director of the New York State Brewers AssociationThe BYO Nano Podcast Episode 18 is sponsored by:Blichmann Pro Check out the latest addition to the Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment line-up: Skid-Mounted Brewhouses. Available in 5 to 15 barrel capacities, these production powerhouses are designed for flexibility, engineered for performance, and built for growth. Experience the convenience you want, from a name you trust, at a price you wouldn’t expect. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more!ArryvedArryved Point of Sale is your mobile, flexible, solution for providing the best possible guest and staff experience. Go to Arryved.com to set up a free, customized demo with an Arryved consultant and see how a point of sale can make all the difference in your guest experience, staff satisfaction, and bottom-line. A switch to Arryved will save you time, money and headaches. Tracy Bardugon, from Fire Maker Brewing in Atlanta, GA says, “I cannot recommend Arryved enough. Killer customer support, affordable, ability to start tabs without holding cards, keeps track of ounces sold for state reporting, two different ways to report tips, the list goes on. It’s amazing.”BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 18Host: John HollGuests: Audra Gaiziunas and Paul LeoneContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
6/15/2021 • 42 minutes, 15 seconds
Episode 17 - The Importance of Insurance and Water
As late spring moves along, mask requirements are being lifted, people are getting vaccinated, and we are all making tentative plans to rejoin the world and get back into our old familiar ways. As we look forward we here at the BYO Nano Podcast thought we should also look inward to important small brewery infrastructure. This means making sure you are well insured and in the righ way, and taking stock of your brewing water. Our guests on this episode are:With that in mind I’m really pleased to welcome to the show:Malena Farrell - President, COO of Cedar Risk ManagementAnd John Palmer co-author of Water: A Comprehensive Guide for BrewersInsurance is one of those things that you don’t want to think about until you have to think about it. Having the right policy is important and as Malena Farrell the President, COO of Cedar Risk Management will tell you, working with the right company is even more important. We need water for life and beer and it’s sometimes overlooked in favor of more exciting ingredients, like hops. But the more we know about water the better beer can be and the more customers will engage. John Palmer shares his expertise and offers insight on water profiles for Hazy IPA, hard seltzer, and more The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 17 is sponsored by:ABS Commercial: ABS Commercial is giving back to the craft beer community! ABS will be selecting one lucky brewery who will receive a FREE Keg Viking Keg Washer! ABS has given away two keg washers to date, one to Rough Edges Brewing in Pennsylvania and another to Lazy Horse Brewing in Nebraska! The third keg washer winner will be announced on June 4th, LIVE on the ABS Commercial Facebook page. To enter the contest, visit www.abs-commercial.com!Yakima Chief Hops:Yakima Chief Hops has officially launched their newest product – Cryo-Pop™ Original Blend! YCH has combined their proprietary cryogenic hop processing technology with cutting-edge lab analysis to create Cryo Hops® with a pop! Using this new research to identify the most beer soluble hop compounds that survive the brewing process, they engineered a supercharged pellet that shows massive tropical, stone fruit, and citrus aromas in your finished beers. Learn more at cryopopblend.com.BSG Craft Brewing : We present to you a new Hop Solution from BSG, one of the highest pedigree and prestige – Nobility. Specifically developed with lager brewing in mind, Nobility is focused on a balanced noble-style hop character. Enjoy the primary aromas and flavors of citrus, lemongrass, green tea, and herbaceous, with an alluring mixture of floral and spice. Get to know Nobility by going online to bsgcraftbrewing.com.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 17Host: John HollGuests: Malena Farrell, John PalmerContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
5/15/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 44 seconds
Episode 16 - Brewers Plan for Post-Pandemic Business
It’s been a while since we had a good discussion among brewers on the program, so this month we are glad to have two nanobrewery owners and brewers on the show to talk about scrapping business plans, relying on local, learning from the pandemic, and more. This is a conversation with:-Chris Prost of Polyculture Brewing in New Hampshire. -Brad Lawrence of Lost Art Brewhouse in Michigan. Chris Prost started off as a homebrewer and later attended the Siebel Institute Concise Course in Brewing Technology. He and his wife Michelle decided to start a Polyculture Brewing in their barn in rural New Hampshire in 2018. He focuses on sustainable beer that highlights local ingredients.Brad Lawrence started Lost Art Brewhouse in Walker, Michigan with his lifelong friend Mike Smith. They opened in the summer of 2020 with the sole mission of handcrafting beers of the highest possible quality and making them available to their community. In this episode we talk about what is happening inside of their walls, what they are trying to learn and how they are working to adapt. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 16 is sponsored byBlichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is designed from the ground up to generate a quick return on your investment by getting you up and running as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. Experience true turnkey systems that are versatile and flexible enough to give you room to grow and a modular design that can fit any space. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more about their one to ten barrel brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 16Host: John HollGuests: Chris Prost, Brad Lawrence Contact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
4/15/2021 • 50 minutes, 9 seconds
Episode 15: Continuing Education for Small Brewers and the Pink Boots Hop Blend
Spring is a time for renewal and betterment and on this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we're talking about education and collaboration and even allowing ourselves to think ahead to autumn for hop harvest. Our guests this month are:- Steve Parkes the owner and lead instructor of the American Brewers Guild and Drop-in Brewery in Vermont. - Kelly Lohrmeyer, the field marketing manager of Yakima Chief Hops. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 15 is sponsored byBlichmann Pro BrewingSponsored by Blichmann Pro Brewing. With superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the right choice for pro results. Whether it’s for your pilot system or production line, their turnkey systems come fully equipped with everything you need to hit the ground running. Designed for easy setup and intuitive use, their brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment deliver uncompromising quality and reliability backed by a name you trust, so you can focus on what matters most - your beer. Visit Blichmannpro.com today!BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 15Host: John HollGuests: Steve Parkes, Kelly LohrmeyerContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
3/15/2021 • 38 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode 14: Examining Brewery Quality Control and Non-Profit Giving
We're in the dead of winter, a time where we look forward to spring and warmth, and renewal. This time of year can be a blessing however, giving us time indoors to think about what we hope to accomplish and the time to build a roadmap to making it a reality. Our guests this month are: - Amy Todd the Owner and Analyst of Zymology Labs in Vermont- Tim Schwarzauer of Dingo Dog Brewing, a non-profit brewery in North CarolinaThey offer advice, tips, and insight into bringing quality control measures into your brewery and ways to focus on the greater good of the communities around us. There's food for thought in this episode, so dig in! The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 14 is sponsored by BSG Craft BrewingCitiva™ by BSG Hop Solutions. Meet the latest in the BSG Hop solutions portfolio, Citiva™. Strong expressions of stone fruit, floral, and resinous/pine flavors and aromas define this blend, crafted specifically for use in hazy IPAs, and other hop-forward beers. Citiva™ is ideal for aroma, whirlpool, and dry hop additions to Hazy and Juicy IPAs, or for any other hoppy styles where a combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine aromatics are desired. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com to learn more, or call 1-800-374-2739.ABS CommercialABS Commercial is giving back to the craft beer community! ABS will be selecting one lucky brewery who will receive a FREE Keg Viking Keg Washer! ABS has given away two keg washers to date, one to Rough Edges Brewing in Pennsylvania and another to Lazy Horse Brewing in Nebraska! The third keg washer winner will be announced on June 4th, LIVE on the ABS Commercial Facebook page. To enter the contest, visit www.abs-commercial.com!Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the smart choice for your bottom line. With their our turnkey 3.5 barrel gas-fired or electric brewhouse systems starting at only $16,999, you won’t find a better match of price, performance and quality. Hit the ground running with equipment you can count on and support you can trust so you can focus on what matters — ROI. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 14Host: John HollGuests: Amy Todd, Tim SchwarzauerContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
2/16/2021 • 55 minutes, 43 seconds
Episode 13 - Brewing Resolutions for a New Year
We’re kicking off a new year with some suggestions from brewing industry professionals that have some tips that can help your small brewery achieve big things over the next 12 months. January is a time of renewal of resolutions and to set up for success over the months to come. This year feels different because of the pandemic, but it’s still a good time to make positive changes. Our guests this month are: Julia Herz of Herz Muses EnterprisesAnd Jeff Mello of Bootleg BiologyEpisode 13 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is designed from the ground up to generate a quick return on your investment by getting you up and running as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. Experience true turnkey systems that are versatile and flexible enough to give you room to grow and a modular design that can fit any space.Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more about their one to ten barrel brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 13Host: John HollGuests: Julia Herz, Jeff MelloContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
1/16/2021 • 41 minutes, 8 seconds
Episode 12 - Saying Goodbye to 2020 with Strategic Tips
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:We’re closing out 2020 with a panel discussion from experts in and around brewing who share their insights, advice, tips , hopes, and more with our guests:Melissa RomanoOwner of Lake Anne Brew House in Reston, Virginia Rob Fullmer, Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild Laura LodgeFounder of the Big Beers, Belgians, and Barleywine Festival& founder of Customized Craft Beer Programs. And Brandon HernándezThe founder and executive editor at San Diego Beer News Listen in for a spirited discussion on beer life amid a pandemic and hear from experts on what you can to to help your small brewery thrive and grow. Episode 12 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the right choice for pro results. Whether it’s for your pilot system or production line, their turnkey systems come fully equipped with everything you need to hit the ground running. Designed for easy setup and intuitive use, their brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment deliver uncompromising quality and reliability backed by a name you trust, so you can focus on what matters most - your beer. Visit Blichmannpro.com today!BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 12Host: John HollGuests: Melissa Romano, Laura Lodge, Rob Fullmer, and Brandon HernándezContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
12/15/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode 11 - Malt, Digital Strategies, and Discipline
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:We will check in on the current state of craft malt in America and get a preview of what’s to come in the new year. Jesse Bussard, the Executive Director of the North American Craft Maltsters Guild talks about growth, agriculture, and innovation. Then, host John Holl talks with John Kelley the CEO of Craft Peak on how to dial in your brewery’s digital platform and what to think about as some temporary changes become permanent solutions. Finally, the show calls down to Georgia to talk with Jeremy Boucher of Split Fin Brewing on what the Army taught him about running a brewery. From keeping to a schedule, putting down business roots in a small town, and shouldering all the work alone, he shares his insight. Episode 11 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the smart choice for your bottom line. With their turnkey 3.5 barrel gas-fired or electric brewhouse systems starting at only $16,999, you won’t find a better match of price, performance and quality. Hit the ground running with equipment you can count on and support you can trust so you can focus on what matters — ROI. BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 11Host: John HollGuests: Jesse Bussard, John Kelley, Jeremy BoucherContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
11/15/2020 • 51 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode 10 - Making the Most of a Pandemic
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:
It’s getting colder and that brings some new worries for breweries amid this pandemic. Nancy Trigg of Arryved is here to talk about what your small brewery can do to optimize your taproom agility.
Then, host John Holl talks with Warren Bondi, co-founder of Beer Marketeers on what believes are winning Marketing Strategies Mid-Apocalypse.
Finally, it’s off to Montana to talk with Brewer Dave McAdoo of Burnt Tree Brewing on how its putting a little bit of harvest season into his beers.
Episode 10 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 10Host: John HollGuests: Nancy Trigg, Warren Bondi, Dave McAdooContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
10/15/2020 • 50 minutes, 53 seconds
Episode 9 - 2020 Hop Harvest and Seasonal Operations
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast: Let’s dive into the 2020 Hop Harvest and find out what is on deck from the Pacific Northwest. Stan Hieronymous is here to break it all down and offer up some unparalleled insight. Then, we're headed to Cape Cod to talk with one of the owners of Devil’s Purse Brewing about what the summer season was like and what his nano brewery has learned over six months of a pandemic. Episode 9 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 9Host: John HollGuests: Stan Hieronymous, Mike Segerson Contact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
9/15/2020 • 54 minutes, 7 seconds
Episode 8 - A Nano Brewery Roundtable
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:Host John Holl leads brewers and owners of nano brewers around the country in a roundtable discussion on what it has been like running a small brewery in unprecedented times. From talking about supply chain logistics, recipe development, marketing, and ways of managing mental health and family life, the brewers unpack a lot of information. The panel includes:
Bri Burrows, the head brewer and co-owner of Big Rip Brewing in Missouri
Courtney and Derek Guggenberger of Guggman Haus Brewing in Indiana.
Christopher Gandsy owner and brewer of Daleview Biscuit and Beer in New York.
Episode 8 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 8Host: John HollGuests: Bri Burrows, Courtney and Derek Guggenberger, Christopher GandsyContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbellMore from our sponsors:Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the smart choice for your bottom line. With their turnkey 3.5 barrel gas-fired or electric brewhouse systems starting at only $16,999, you won’t find a better match of price, performance and quality. Hit the ground running with equipment you can count on and support you can trust so you can focus on what matters — ROI.
8/14/2020 • 51 minutes, 18 seconds
Episode 7 - Crowler Clubs to Boost Sales and Small-Scale Canning Options
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:- We head to Phoenix Brewing in Ohio to talk with Carmone MacFarlane about how the brewery has come to rely on its 5 barrel brewhouse during COVID-19 and how a crowler club has brought new people to their doors - Plus, if you are a small brewery and just starting to think about mobile canning, Andrew Ferguson of Codi Manufacturing is here to share some steps to ensure you are ready. Episode 7 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 7Host: John HollGuests: Carmone MacFarlane and Andrew FurgusonContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbellMore from our sponsors:Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is designed from the ground up to generate a quick return on your investment by getting you up and running as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. Experience true turnkey systems that are versatile and flexible enough to give you room to grow and a modular design that can fit any space. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more about our one to ten barrel brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment.
7/15/2020 • 35 minutes, 12 seconds
Episode 6 - Understanding Taproom Customers, Finance, and Pivoting for What Comes Next
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast: - Andrew Coplon of Secret Hopper joins us to talk about how small breweries can work to not only survive, but thrive during these times. - and then finance expert Daniel Pische stops by to help you better understand how your money can work for you and steps you can take to get on better financial footing as the economy continues to fluctuate. Episode 6 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 6Host: John HollGuests: Andrew Coplon and Daniel PischeContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbellMore from our sponsors:Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the right choice for pro results. Whether it’s for your pilot system or production line, our turnkey systems come fully equipped with everything you need to hit the ground running. Designed for easy setup and intuitive use, our brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment deliver uncompromising quality and reliability backed by a name you trust, so you can focus on what matters most - your beer. Visit Blichmannpro.com today!
6/15/2020 • 36 minutes, 24 seconds
Episode 5 - Best Pandemic-Related Practices for Small Brewery To-Go Beer & Social Media
On Episode 5 of the BYO Nano Brew Podcast: Host John Holl talks with Neil Witte, the co-author of the Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Manual, the Draught Beer Quality for Retailers, and a contributing author to the MBAA Beer Steward Handbook, as well as a master Cicerone, is here to talk about draft lines and best practices during a shutdown, quality control on to-go crowlers and growlers, and what can be done with any downtime to set your brewery up for success later.Plus, Devon Hoffman of Site Seeker, a digital marketing company, talks about how small breweries can keep customers engaged from a distance and what to plan for with your brewery's social media marketing once restrictions are lifted. Episode 5 is sponsored by Blichmann Pro Brewing and by White LabsBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 5Host: John HollGuests: Neil Witte, Devon HoffmanContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbellMore from our sponsors:Blichmann Pro BrewingWith superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the smart choice for your bottom line. With our turnkey 3.5 barrel gas-fired or electric brewhouse systems starting at only $16,999, you won’t find a better match of price, performance and quality. Hit the ground running with equipment you can count on and support you can trust so you can focus on what matters — ROI. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more.White LabsWhite Labs began 25 years ago with the hobby of homebrewing and the simple desire to make something better. They quickly grew into a team of dedicated microbiologists exploring new ways to advance brewing altogether. Today, White Labs is at the forefront of yeast and fermentation, making its products and services accessible to breweries around the world. White Labs: Advancing Fermentation. Cultivating Community. Visit WhiteLabs.com.
5/15/2020 • 56 minutes, 1 second
Episode 4 - Navigating Beer During Covid-19
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast: - Host John Holl talks with Audra Gaiziunas about what breweries can be doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.- John Snyder of Yakima Valley Hops goes deep on what he hoped to be doing right about now, what’s currently happening in Yakima Valley, and what we can be looking forward to with the harvest. - Dennis Grumm of Oktober Can Seamers talks about how business is booming and shares some thoughts on to-go beer sales. Episode 4 is exclusively sponsored by Blichmann Pro BrewingBYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 4Host: John HollGuests: Audra Gaiziunas, John Snyder, Dennis Grumm Contact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:- We talk with Luke Truman the Facilities Manager at Allagash Brewing Company about managing the liquid leaving the brewery- Patrick Coyne and Ray Mowery, two of the owners behind Punch Buggy Brewing in Philadelphia talk about brewing small and lessons learned after being open for just a few months - and Attorney Peter Lowe sits down to talk about HR Law Essentials for small breweries Breweries BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 3Guests: Luke Truman, Patrick Coyne, Ray Mowery, and Peter LoweHost: John HollContact: nano@byo.comWebsite: BYO.com/nanopodcastMusic: Scott McCampbellSponsors: Blichmann Engineering™ Pro Brewing Now Offering Gas Fired SystemsQUIET. EFFICIENT. POWERFUL. The 3.5 BBL Gas Fired Systems offer automatic temperature control and fully enclosed burner boxes. The burner boxes help keep operating costs low by keeping the heat in your kettle not in your room. Perfect for taprooms & neighborhood breweries. The 3.5 BBL Gas Fired UL / cUL Rated Brewhouses start at $16,999. Order yours today! Visit blichmannpro.com for more information. Again, blichmannpro.com.Vermont TechAre you ready to learn craft distilling as a profession?Content: Check out vtc.edu/distilling to get started. The 5-day course is offered by the Institute of Applied Agriculture and Food Systems and is packed with hands-on experience, lectures, demos, process training and distillery visits. The course brings students into direct contact with a variety of processes involved in building, operating, and working in the distilling industry, while emphasizing scratch distillation from local ingredients. The 5-day course runs May 4-8th in Randolph Center, Vermont. Visit vtc.edu/distilling.
3/15/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 2 seconds
Episode 2: Earth Eagle Brewings, Attorney Advice, Brewing with Spice
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:- Host John Holl sits down with Alex McDonald of Earth Eagle Brewings in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to talk about how his homebrew shop evolved into a full brewery and the styles that still capture his attention and that of his regular customers. - Attorney Matthew McLaughlin joins us to talk about classic legal mistakes a craft brewery can avoid. - We’re talking about brewing with herbs and spices with a brewer who knows a thing or two about it: Jeff Tyler of Colorado’s Spice Trade Brewing. BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 2Guests: Alex McDonald, Matthew McLaughlin, Jeff TylerHost: John HollContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell
2/15/2020 • 50 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode 1: Welcome to the BYO Nano Podcast
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Brew Podcast: - We’re excited to kick off this new project and talk with Brew Your Own Magazine publisher Brad Ring on the current state of nano brewing in the United States and plans for the 2020 NanoCon November 6-7 in San Diego. -Finance expert Audra Gaiziunas talks about Understanding basic financial literacy in the wake of recent closures of breweries the industry might have thought as successful; why understanding the cash flow statement is paramount to running your small business. - Host John Holl sits down with David Levesque of Colorado’s Launch Pad Brewery to talk about going pro, keeping nearly 30 beers on tap, and growing from a 1.25 barrel system up to 5 barrels, but still maintaining that home brewer mentality. Episode 1 is exclusively sponsored by Yakima Valley Hops.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 1Guests: Brad Ring, Audra Gaiziunas, David LevesqueHost: John HollContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbell