Beervana Podcast
268 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 137 ratingsAuthor Jeff Alworth (The Beer Bible, The Secrets of Master Brewers) and Oregon State Economics professor Patrick Emerson host this engaging podcast about the culture, economics, history, and business of beer and brewing.
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Episodes
Show 114: Hops, Hops, Hops!
July 21, 2020 20:38 - 1 hour - 124 MBWe have recently been shining a light on lagers—and pilsners especially—which is all right and appropriate. But it means we have not been focusing on our other love, those glorious Northwest hops that have changed the brewing industry so profoundly. So today we plan to indulge ourselves by talking all things hops, including nerdy stuff like science, and indulgent, sensual stuff like juicy IPAs.
Show 113: Kevin Davey Talks Lager
July 08, 2020 00:36 - 1 hour - 124 MBOn Show 113 we have a special guest: Kevin Davey, the head brewer at Portland’s Wayfinder Brewery. Wayfinder specializes in lagers, and attentive listeners will recall that it won our Great Oregon Pilsner Taste-Off. We have long wanted to talk to Kevin about Wayfinder, his background, and his approach to making beer, and this seemed like a great opportunity to track him down.
Show 112: Great Pilsner Taste-Off Grand Finale
June 23, 2020 22:44 - 1 hour - 118 MBIn Show 111 and 112 we try something new: The Great Pilsner Taste-Off, a battle royale of all the very best pilsners in the state of Oregon. Over the course of these shows we conduct blind tastings to identify what is surely, definitively the finest example brewed here in the Beaver State. On today’s show we’re broadcasting the final round, in which we reveal the big winner. That plus news and the mailbag.
Show 111: Great Pilsner Taste-Off, Part 1
June 16, 2020 18:11 - 54 minutes - 99.5 MBIn Show 111 and 112 we try something new: The Great Pilsner Taste-Off, a battle royale of all the very best pilsners in the state of Oregon. Over the course of these shows we conduct blind tastings to identify what is surely, definitively the finest example brewed here in the Beaver State. On today’s show we’re broadcasting the preliminary round, and next week we’ll bring you the finals.
Show 110: Oud Bruin
May 26, 2020 22:33 - 1 hour - 133 MBOn today’s show we head to Belgian Flanders today and dig into one of the most interesting categories of beer in the world: brown ales. It is a style both changing and, surprisingly, expanding, and is as much a story of tradition and culture as style. We'll listen to one of the grand old masters of the style, along with a group of young guys embracing the ancient practice.
Show 109: Breakside Brewing at Ten
May 18, 2020 22:21 - 1 hour - 119 MBWe have a special show for you today as we sit down to visit with Breakside founder Scott Lawrence and his brewmaster Ben Edmunds to celebrate the brewery's 10th anniversary. Jeff talks with Scott and Ben about those ten years, how Breakside, born in a different era, has grown and changed, and what is in store for them as their big celebration has been interrupted by world events.
Show 108: A Triumphant Return
May 04, 2020 19:55 - 58 minutes - 108 MBOn today’s show we’re going to play a little catch-up and offer a round table of topics. Among the issues we’ll touch on are a bit of Coronavirus Beeronomics, “entertainment” and the dubious new Netflix sitcom Brews Brothers, higher ed, new brewery initiatives—and probably a few other things along the way.
Show 107: Desert Island (or Pandemic) Beer
April 09, 2020 18:10 - 1 hour - 116 MBOn today’s show we’re going to attempt to distract ourselves from all this pandemic business by thinking about some nice, tasty beer—but, since the virus is dominating all our attention, we thought it was high time for a “desert island” show. That is, if you found yourself on a desert island—or, say, sheltering in place—what beers would you absolutely, positively have to have stocked in the fridge?
Show 106: Pod in the Time of Coronavirus
March 26, 2020 17:26 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBOn pod 106, Patrick and Jeff assess the ramifications to the economy and beer industry of the coronavirus sweeping across the globe in late March. Patrick offers some high-fiber macroeconomics, and Jeff discusses how it's impacting breweries on the ground.
Show 105: Glassware
March 20, 2020 18:56 - 1 hour - 148 MBIf you step into a beer hall in Cologne, you’ll be handed a stange of kölsch. Your bitter will come in a pint glass in London. And in Brussels you might be handed a tulip glass. On today’s show, we plunge into the thorny thicket of beer glassware. We’ve got some on hand and we’ll discuss which is appropriate, as well as some of the features that serve different purposes in each.
Show 104: Ben Edmunds on the Oregon Beer Awards
March 11, 2020 21:59 - 1 hour - 157 MBIn Show 104, we have a special guest in the studio to talk about the Oregon Beer Awards, which recently announced winners for the 2020 competition. He his Ben Edmunds, the competition director of the event and brew master at Breakside Brewing. We will talk to Ben about why this festival is different, why he and the organizers of the OBA reworked style categories, and also what constitutes excellence when comparing beers.
Show 103: Whether and When to Age Beer
February 27, 2020 19:21 - 1 hour - 166 MBOn episode 103, we take a look at a topic of some confusion: aging beer. A decade ago, everyone was doing it, and aged bottles were fetching hundreds of dollars online. Modern juicy IPAs have re-set our expectations about age, however, prompting a renewed focus on freshness. In this episode, we’ll look at the process of aging, what happens chemically inside the bottle, and which beers are suited for cellaring.
Pod 102: The Birth of Mixed-Fermentation Saisons
February 21, 2020 17:05 - 55 minutes - 102 MBIn episode 102 we look at a style that seems like a revival of something much older, but is in fact a modern invention: mixed fermentation saisons. These beers, made by regular fermentation combined with wild inoculation, have great depth and complexity, but are balanced and approachable. They may be the most accomplished beers made in the world today.
Pod 101: Considering Hard Seltzers
February 14, 2020 16:52 - 1 hour - 138 MBOn today’s podcast, we address a trend that has changed direction of the industry and has breweries quaking in their rubber boots: seltzer. Introduced just four years ago, the segment has grown into a $3 billion behemoth. We’re going to explore the topic today with cider maker Nat West, whose Cascadia brand recently introduced a line of seltzer. We’ll talk about their impact on the market, how they’re made, and of course we’ll taste a few.
Pod 100: An Evening with John Harris (LIVE)
February 05, 2020 01:36 - 59 minutes - 108 MBA slightly dodgy mic didn't dampen our excitement in having John Harris join us live at his brewery, Ecliptic, for our 100th episode. The mic problem cleared up after about ten minutes, and we had a wonderful time hearing John's perspective as a veteran whose career started in 1986 at the McMenamins, took him to Deschutes, where he was the founding brewery, and Full Sail before Ecliptic.
Pod 99: Economist Josh Lehner
January 24, 2020 17:46 - 1 hour - 116 MBIn a special edition of Beeronomics, we’ll be welcoming Josh Lehner of the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis. Josh looks at a number of indicators affecting the state, and one of his special interests is beer. One of his recent posts caught our eye, and in this episode, he discusses some of the currents that will be affecting the brewing industry in coming years.
Pod 98: Future Oregon Projects with Ezra Johnson-Greenough
January 16, 2020 23:03 - 58 minutes - 108 MBToday we have a special guest in studio: Ezra Johnson-Greenough, the founder and contributor at the industry website The New School. Ezra is perhaps the most well-connected voice covering beer in Oregon, and he is always the first to suss out the latest news. In this episode, we'll discuss the new brewery projects in Oregon that Ezra recently wrote about. PHOTO: Portland Business Journal
Podcast 97: What Makes a Good Beer City?
January 10, 2020 19:33 - 1 hour - 147 MBToday we’re going to look at a topic of perennial interest: good beer cities. For at least three decades, American municipalities have been heavily invested in touting themselves as great beer destinations. Over time, the competition for bragging rights has only grown as more and more places develop an interest in beer. The problem, though, is that no one can agree on the definitions. Are brewery counts a good metric? Does barley need to grow nearby? What about the availability of imports? We...
Pod 96: It's the End of the Decade (and we feel fine)
January 03, 2020 19:19 - 1 hour - 118 MBAs we record this podcast, it is the last day of the decade—at least as decades are popularly tracked. A lot happened in the 2010s, from changing fortunes in the craft and mass market segments, the emergence of new product categories, and lots of change and evolution in the beer itself.
Pod 95: Bière de Noël
December 19, 2019 23:19 - 1 hour - 131 MBWe are just a few days away from the Christian celebration of Christmas—a big deal in many countries, including of course Belgium. And as with so much, this little country does things differently when it celebrates Christmas, from the steaming mugs of gluhkriek handed out in the Grand Place to the ubiquitous tradition of bière de Noël—Christmas beers. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss these wonderful holiday ales and use them as an opportunity to consider the question of spicing in beer. When...
Pod 94: The Anatomy of Flavor
December 12, 2019 18:30 - 1 hour - 114 MBWhen we taste a beer and our brain tells us “chocolate” or “grapefruit,” what’s happening? Flavor is a composite of what our bodies tell us—our hardware, so to speak—and what our brains do in synthesizing that information into meaning—our software. In today's podcast, we take a look at the very complex processes involved in constructing what we call "flavor."
Pod 93: Jason Barbee and the Joy of Simple Beers
November 22, 2019 21:04 - 1 hour - 113 MBIn episode 93 we were delighted to welcome Level Brewing's Jason Barbee. Jason has impressed us with his love of small, simple beers, and especially those from the British tradition. His brewery, Level, is known for smaller, more balanced beers--and of course the occasional hazy IPA or three. We discuss how brewers appeal to drinkers with something like a Vienna lager or mild ale when all they clamor for are IPAs. PHOTO: THE OUTLOOK
Podcast 92: Making Sense of the Portland Beerpocalypse
November 15, 2019 01:39 - 59 minutes - 109 MBPortland has seen ten brewery closures or sales in the past year--and one was even announced while we were recording this podcast! In Episode 92, Patrick, our resident beeronomist, offers us ways to think about this through the lens of game theory, economies of scope, and more.
Pod 91: The Wondrous World of Lithuanian Beer
November 07, 2019 23:29 - 58 minutes - 107 MBIn episode 91, we conclude Jeff's travels to Europe with perhaps his most interesting stop. Lithuania has one of the most unusual beer cultures in Europe, one that emerges from the country's similarly unusual history. Jeff and Patrick discuss what makes Lithuania so interesting, and of course taste some of the beer.
Pod 90: Talking Lager with Mark Dredge
October 31, 2019 18:11 - 1 hour - 129 MBIn today's episode, we have an interview with UK writer Mark Dredge about his new book: A Brief History of Lager: 500 Years of the World's Favourite Beer. Mark has gone deep and discusses things we didn't know.
Pod 89: On the Ground in Vienna, Krakow, and Berlin
October 24, 2019 17:34 - 1 hour - 114 MBToday we are going to continue on with Jeff through his European travels. After he left Belgium, he made stops in Vienna, Krakow (Poland),and Berlin. In pod 89, Jeff will let us know what’s shaking in the lands of maerzen, grodziskie, and Berliner weisse.
Pod 88: Belgium Rediscovers Its Roots
October 19, 2019 01:30 - 1 hour - 130 MBJeff returns from Europe with fantastic and wonderful tales. In today's pod, he describes how Belgian brewers have reacted to the craft beer incursion--by rediscovering their ancient heritage. He discusses the importance of Brasserie de la Senne in this process, and describes the young brewers at Verzet who are reviving oud bruin. All that, and the regular features.
Pod 87 - An American Beer Writer in England
October 01, 2019 23:45 - 1 hour - 122 MBJeff phones in from Belgium to discuss the adventures he had in the country he just left: England. He discusses the state of heritage brewers, craft brewers and cask ales. Patrick drinks beer.
Pod 86 - Miles Jenner of Harvey's
September 23, 2019 22:45 - 1 hour - 124 MBJeff travels to Lewes in East Sussex, UK to talk to Head Brewer Miles Jenner of Harvey's. Patrick holds down the fort in Portland and through the miracle of modern technology, they communicate!
Pod 85: Harvest Season Podcasting
September 05, 2019 17:21 - 1 hour - 130 MBIn today's pod, we discuss the hop harvest season, a major acquisition in Europe, and unexpected acquisition in America, and an expected acquisition that didn't happen. All that plus the announcement of a new sponsor--pFriem Family Brewers.
Podcast 84: Van Havig Tells the Truth
August 30, 2019 00:45 - 1 hour - 174 MBGigantic Brewing's Van Havig joins Patrick and Jeff in episode 84. Van is one of the most transparent brewers in beer, and he offers his unvarnished opinions about Vienna malt, brewing kölsch, running a business, hoppy beers and more. Warning: salty language herein! PHOTO: Jon Urch/Drinking Classes
Pod 83: Japanese Craft Beer and Cider
August 21, 2019 17:13 - 59 minutes - 109 MBIn this episode, we are joined by Japanese beer expert Red Gillen and cidermaker Nat West to discuss the blossoming world of craft beer and cider in Japan. We discuss the history and development of these beverages, explore Japanese drinking culture, and taste some of the beer and cider Nat brought back from a festival he attended.
Pod 82: Pale Ales
August 13, 2019 18:47 - 58 minutes - 108 MBPity the poor pale ale, once the king of craft styles. Since IPAs supplanted pales in 2011, they have fallen further and further from the center of the beery discussion--but they remain one of the very best expressions of American brewing. In today's episode, we explore the history, brewing techniques, and evolution of the humble pale ale. Long live the king! Photo source: Kegerator.com
Podcast 81: What We Did On Our Summer Vacation
August 08, 2019 20:01 - 1 hour - 116 MBOver the past month, Patrick and Jeff have been rambling around the country on a vacation. In today's episode, they tell us about the delights they found, including a secluded little brewery in the Maine woods that should be on every beer fan's bucket list.
Pod 80: Bend Spotlight - Paul Arney (Ale Apothecary)
July 23, 2019 23:47 - 56 minutes - 103 MBWe conclude our tour with one of the most interesting people in beer: Paul Arney of Ale Apothecary. Paul's approach is incredibly hands-on, with a focus on wood (even the mash tun is wooden!). Paul tells his story, from how he got from Deschutes Brewery to a garage in the Deschutes National Forest.
Pod 79: Bend Spotlight - Tony Lawrence (Boneyard)
July 16, 2019 17:37 - 1 hour - 111 MBIn part four of our visit to Bend, Oregon, we talk to one of the more interesting and unique characters in Bend brewing, Tony Lawrence of Boneyard. Tony has a long history in brewing but got his start in the kitchen at Deschutes decades ago. From his hands on approach to building a brewery from the discarded parts of others (from their 'boneyards'), to the relatively unique situation of selling almost all their been in kegs, Tony's story and brewery is a must listen.
Podcast 78: Bend Spotlight - Larry Sidor (Crux)
July 09, 2019 18:11 - 56 minutes - 103 MBIn part three of our visit to Bend, Oregon, we talk to a living legend in Brewing--Larry Sidor. Larry has been brewing beer since 1973 (!), when he worked for Olympia Brewing. He has had an incredible career, but far from resting on his laurels, he's in the midst of his latest project at Crux Fermentation Project, where he's doing some very interesting things. We taste one product of his experiments on the pod.
Pod 77: Bend Spotlight - Gary Fish (Deschutes)
July 03, 2019 00:08 - 57 minutes - 106 MBIn the first of our spotlight interviews, we speak with the OG of Bend beer, Gary Fish--founder of Deschutes Brewery back in 1988. Gary talks about what it was like to get started, how the brewing industry has changed, and where things are headed. Lots of fantastic anecdotes, including the one rule employees couldn't break back in the early days.
Pod 76: All About Bend, Oregon
June 25, 2019 23:04 - 1 hour - 122 MBPatrick and Jeff recently made a trip to Bend, Oregon on one of their periodic explorations to beery cities. With a population of just 100,000, Bend punches way above its weight with two dozen breweries. Patrick and Jeff give an overview of this small city and what makes it tick.
Pod 75: Firestone Walker's David Walker
June 18, 2019 23:37 - 1 hour - 150 MBWhen Firestone Walker started out more than two decades ago, it had an uber-traditional English brewing system and a slate of English-style ales. Over the years, it has changed, becoming one of the most decorated--and successful--American craft breweries. In this episode, we speak to founder David Walker about what makes the brewery tick. Photo: Firestone Walker
Pod 74: Brewers Talk About Festivals
June 11, 2019 18:30 - 1 hour - 180 MBJeff recently traveled to Paso Robles, CA to attend the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest, one of the country's premier events. While he was there, Jeff interviewed six brewers in attendance. He wanted to hear their thoughts on the evolving nature of the beer festival. We have those interviews, and our own thoughts.
Pod 73: Upright Brewing's Alex Ganum
June 04, 2019 18:11 - 1 hour - 140 MBToday on the pod we have Alex Ganum in studio. Alex is the founder of Upright, which earlier this year celebrated its 10th anniversary. The brewery, known for its fidelity to European styles as well as mixed-fermentation, barrel-aged beers, is routinely cited as one of Oregon's best. We speak to Alex about his approach and taste some of his beer. PHOTO: Willamette Week
Pod 72: The Wisdom of Dick Cantwell
May 28, 2019 19:59 - 49 minutes - 89.8 MBDick Cantwell has been brewing for around three decades, and was one of three co-founders of Elysian Brewing in 1995. He was the lone dissenter when AB InBev offered to buy the company, and left thereafter. Recently he was part of a deal by New Belgium to buy San Francisco's Magnolia Brewing, where he plans to do spontaneous and barrel-aged beers, along with the cask ales the brewery has always made. In our podcast, Dick describes his time in craft brewing, and the lessons he's learned at his...
Pod 71: Making and Enjoying Kettle-Soured Beers
May 21, 2019 18:11 - 56 minutes - 104 MBAs the weather starts to warm, our interests turn to summery offerings. One type that has gained popularity are lightly acidic sour beers, many times made with fruit. These beers are made from a particular method called kettle-souring. Today we’ll explore the technique and some of the beers. Photo: Breakside Brewery
Pod 70: The First Haze Craze
May 14, 2019 19:34 - 52 minutes - 96.5 MBWe are in the midst of a haze craze in beer. But for Pacific Northwesterners, it's not the first. Starting in the 1980s and continuing for a decade, one style dominated brewing with pervasiveness not seen since. The style has almost entirely vanished, but Patrick and Jeff return to their youth to revisit hefeweizen's salad days. Photo credit: Oregon Hops and Brewing Archive (OSU)
Pod 69 - Mexican Lagers
May 08, 2019 05:44 - 58 minutes - 108 MBPod 69 - Mexican Lagers by Jeff Alworth & Patrick Emerson
Pod 68 - The Widmer Way (With a Very Special Guest)
April 30, 2019 00:54 - 52 minutes - 95.4 MBIn episode 68 we discuss Jeff's new book, The Widmer Way, with a little help from a very special guest--one of the brothers that was the subject of the book.
Pod 67 - All the News That's Fit to Pod
April 23, 2019 19:55 - 55 minutes - 101 MBIn the time since our last episode, four major events happened. Patrick and Jeff talk about these news items and discuss the ways they interact and inform one another. Plus, they reveal something new about the pod.
Pod 66 - Dr. J
March 14, 2019 19:22 - 1 hour - 89.2 MBJeff and Patrick interview J. Nikol Jackson-Beckham, a professor recently named the Brewers Associations Diversity Ambassador. Dr. J has been thinking about the intersection of power and beer since her dissertation, and brings rare insight and clarity the subject.
Pod 65 - Trouble In Beervana
February 28, 2019 23:11 - 1 hour - 132 MBJeff and Patrick discuss the recent spate of brewery, brew pub and craft beer bar closings in Portland Oregon and ruminate on what it portends for the rest of the country. Special attention is paid to the failure of BridgePort, a beloved Portland institution that was fundamental in Portland becoming Beervana.