It's Friday Somewhere

Ep. 54 -- A Study of Bulls

Ep. 53: Malt Mania and the $18 Manhattan

For Episode 53, Ed and Bearcat are joined by Matt and Chadd from Breweries in PA. We discussed the Malt Mania event from March, its impact on brewers and why some people cannot understand the concept. We discussed the Malt Mania brewday at Pour Man's, price sensativity, Year #2 of the Lager, and, Pittsburgh's craft beer evolution, and what breweries interest us right now. Be sure to visit Breweries in PA for their constant flow news regarding all thing beer in PA. Links: Adapt and Ove...

Ep. 52 -- Guinness Closes the Gate

Ep. 51: Post-Modernism Social Media RTDs

Bearcat and Ed jump back on the mic to discuss Post Modernism Craft Beer, Elon Musk's impacts on #Craft Beer, and what is to be made of these RTDs?

Ep. 50: One Bar of Battery on the West Shore

For episode 50 Ed and Bill hit the road visiting two West Shore of Harrisburg classics. The White Hill Tavern for a morning sip and then to Evergrain. Cheers!

Ep. 49: Lititz Craft Beer Fest

Ed and Bearcat were invited to the Lititz Craft Beer Fest and had the pleasure of interviewing a number of brewers. Special thanks to the volunteers on behalf of AMBUCS for puttin gon this exceptional event. It is not only one of the best beer events in central PA, it is a must attend event for Lancaster County. Be sure to check out the breweries that joing the show: Zero Day Brewing Company Cox Brewing Company New Trail Brewing Co. Old Thunder Brewing Company Bulls Head Public H...

Ep. 48: What are Edwin and Bearcat Doing?

This is a pretty free flowing discussion. We talk over our beers about Dogfish Head, Jim Koch telling people about happiness, the continued fall out from @ratmagnet and Craft Beer's #metoo moment, and the upcoming Lititz Beer Fest. Links: Ash Croce for VinePare Mich Ultra Wins Week 1 of the NFL Season Lititz Craft Beer Fest -- Buy Tickets AMBUCS

Ep. 47: Everyone Sold Out

For this Episode Ed and Bearcat discuss, Troegs at 25 (now with more parking), Bearcat's trip Maine (Allagash and Narragansett), Stoudts sold to Evil Genius, Penn Brewery sold to Yinzer transplant real estate magnet/Batman villian, and Wigle sold to Bob Nutting. Thanks for listening.  

Ep. 46: Breweries in PA

In this episode, Bearcat and Ed are joined by Matt and Chadd from Breweries in PA. We discussed how Breweries in PA started and how the website has evolved over the years. We debated Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia brewing, PA vs. NJ, and contract brewing. Be sure to visit Breweries in PA's very nice website: https://breweriesinpa.com/, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Also, check out and join their Facebook (Group) where you should contribute only good posts and comments. Speci...

Ep. 45: Third Time Uploading is the Charm

Ep. 44: Good Beer Hunting with Michael Kiser

In this episode, Ed and Bearcat sit down with Good Beer Hunting founder, Michael Kiser. We discussed small business financing, GBH's SMBX attempt, the current and future state of craft beer, Guinness and the GBH partnership with them, the state of labor unions within craft beer, and the Oxford comma. Be sure to follow Michael on Twitter at @mpkiser, and follow his work at Good Beer Hunting. Show Note Links: SMBX GBH's Compound Interest GBH Guinness Podcast Kate Bernot's very good ...

Ep. 43: Fat Crispy

For episode 43, Ed and Bearcat traveled to Tröegs to sample the still in development Oatmeal Stout with friends of the show John Trogner and Lew Bryson. Our wide-ranging talk included old-school beers, elegant whiskey glasses, the changing landscape of beer and spirits, what happens when you make everything important, and the secret of 19.2 ounces. Links: Buy Lew’s Excellent Book, Whiskey Master Class and follow his PLCB enthusiast blog Why the PLCB Should Be Abolished you can follow ...

Ep. 42: There's Nothing Left to Lose

Ed Grohl and Bearcat talk about Tröegs BBA Triple Nator, Ed drinks a bomber, we talk parking, and Ed eulogizes Taylor Hawkins. Links: Top 50 Craft Breweries by Size  

Ep. 41: The Terroir of Funk

In this episode, Ed and Bearcat are joined by Norm from Funk Brewing Company and we discuss everything from contract brewing, to opening a new taproom, to the shifting landscape of craft beer. Check out Funk at https://www.funkbrewing.com/ Also... check out the blog post that brought this conversation to light here: https://bearcatonbeer.com/2022/02/25/the-terrior-of-funk/  

Ep. 40: Gratitude for a Hair of the Dog in Modern Times

Bearcat and Ed discuss: recent Craft Beer news including the announced closures of Hair of the Dog and several Modern Times locations, friend of the show, Scott Smith's annual Gratitude Day, we discuss a local craft beer tour in York and Hanover, Ed finally drinks Tröegs Hop Horizon, Bearcat downs some Vermont IPAs, finally we talk movies of 2021.

Ep. 39: The Many and Varied Blue Road Signs of Pennsylvania

Ed and Bearcat jump on and discuss: Troegs Independent Brewing's new Spring seasonal, Hop Horizon IPA, Bell HopSlam, Inflation and Craft Beer, Roundabout Brewing in Pittsburgh PA, as well as Pittsburgh Toilets, and the blue highway signs of Pennyslvania. If you like the show, please subscribe and tell your friends.

Ep 38.: Are We Back?

Ep. 37: Triple Nator with John Trogner and Lew Bryson

Ed and Bill are joined by friend of the show John Trogner and new to the show, writer/journalist/author/man of many great words Lew Bryson. We discuss the new release of Tröegs Triple Nator, maltly brews, German-style brewing, and "bullshit fruit bombs." Be sure to pick up a four-pack of Triple Nator from Tröegs in Hershey on 3-25-2021. Also, check out Lew's work at the following spots: The Daily Beast The Full Pint Craft Spirits Magazine Seen through a Glass Why the PLCB Should Be...

Ep. 36 -- KupCOVID

Ed and Bearcat are joined once again by friend of the show, Jeff Kupko. We discussed distribution, Tröegs spring releases (present and past), and other beer-related and not beer-related topics.  Cheers!

Ep. 35 Hype Trains and Wack Albums

Ed and Bearcat breakdown the Double Nugget Nectar release imbroglio, Foo-Fighters and the art of the wack album, and Bearcat has been car shopping.

Ep. 34: Smellavision with John Trogner of Tröegs Independent Brewing

Ed and Bearcat go long with John from Tröegs Independent Brewing in what is a windy and interest look at the current state of Tröegs, PA Craft Beer, the constraints of the pandemic on brewing, and trends in beer consumption.

Ep. 33: Open Air Quesadilla

Ed and Bearcat discuss the newest Tröegs releases Impending Descent and the new once-a-year Hop Cyclone, pandemic thoughts, movies, TV, sports, and other non-sense from their beer-addled minds.

Ep. 32: Black is Beautiful

Ep. 31: The Kitchen Sink

Just one link for the show notes: CDC Guide: Disclosure 101 for Social Media

Ep. 30: The Lost Art of Not Killing a Brewery

Ed and Bearcat welcome back prodigal guest Jeff Kupko who joins us for a marathon podcast. Cheers!

Ep. 29: How Not to Relaunch a Podcast

Ed and Bearcat are back to relaunch the IFS Podcast. If you hated the old show, wait until you listen to our new format!

Ep. 27: Selling Out

In Episode 27, Ed Grohl and Bearcat drink a few Troegs beers and discuss recent news in craft beer; mostly the sale of Dogfish Head to Sam Adams parent company Boston Beer Company. No links… this time around and about as free flowing a conversation as we have ever had on the show.  Cheers.

Ep. 26 - the 2019 717 Collab Beer for HBW

In Episode 26, Ed Grohl and Bearcat were kindly invited to join the Harrisburg Beer Week team and all the brewery collaborators on the 2019 717 Collab Beer brew day at Tröegs. As the brew was working it’s way to the fermentation tank, Ed and Bearcat sat down with each brewer and finally with the Harrisburg Beer Week team. We discussed the process of collaboration, Harrisburg as a “beer town,” this year's very cool logo, and why 717 is not just a good beer but #BeerForGood. Be sure to follow...

Ep. 25: Untappd Festival

In Episode 24, Ed Grohl and Bearcat welcome back friend of the show, Greg Avola of Untappd to discuss their recently announced Untappd Festival taking place May 4, 2019, in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte N.C. We also discussed the future of the Untappd platform, recent changes in leadership and the wild guesses from the Internet leading up to their big announcement. Be sure to stick around for the After Show where we discuss Ed’s sister learning about the birds and the bees, “Bearcat’s...

Ep. 24: You Need to Spend a Week as a Carny

In Episode 24, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat sit down with Boulevard Brewing Company’s Jeremy Danner to discuss his role as an Ambassador Brewer, Craft Beer Twitter, the Labor of Brewing and Ed… well... Ed brings the house down once again. What Were We Drinking: Bearcat: Boulevard Brewing Company - Smokestack Series Whiskey Barrel Stout and Bourbon Barrel Quad Dave: Boulevard Brewing Company - Brett Saison and Lavery - Duchess Meara Gelato Ed: Tröegs Independent Brewing - Scratch 3...

Ep. 23: First Squeeze and a Solid Sendoff

In Episode 23, Ed Grohl, and Bearcat sit down in the Midtown Tavern in Harrisburg during a Troegs First Squeeze Nugget Nectar Release to talk about what else, Nugget Nectar. We also talked about Troegs’ 2019 line up and some significant changes, we catch up on all things Harrisburg Beer Week with friend of the show, Tierney Pomone, we talk with special guest Kayla Bryer about her First Squeeze artwork, and Bearcat continues his struggles with basic pronunciation. Link Dump: First Squeeze ...

Ep. 22: Opening the Gate at Guinness

In Episode 22, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat sit down with Oliver Gray of Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House in Baltimore, Maryland. We discuss, the opening of their very impressive new facility, what patrons can expect to find, Guinness’ ambitions in the Baltimore and the New World, their commitment to hiring a diverse workforce, and Bearcat's struggle with basic pronunciation. A very special thanks to Oliver Gray for taking the time to sit down with us for what was a far-r...

Ep 21: South County Brewing's JR Heaps

In Episode 21, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat sit down with South County Brewing Owner and Head Brewer, JR Heaps to discuss all the founding of the brewery, York County’s impressive beer scene, buying hops, their recent rebranding and brewing NE IPAs. A big thank you to JR for taking the time to sit down with us. Be sure to follow South County on Twitter and Instagram. What are we drinking? Ed:  Jackson Flavor -- Mexican Lager Dave: South County Steller Phase & Dancing Gnome - J...

Ep. 20: 3, 30, 300 with Brian Reed

In Episode 20, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat sit down with Master Cicerone and MillerCoors Trade Brewer Brian Reed. During this episode, the guys and Brian discuss the torture of passing the Master Cicerone test,  the 3, 30, 300 rule for beer, band-aids in your soup, and getting out of the carny life. You can follow Brian on Twitter and Instagram. What are we drinking? Ed:  Molson XXX and Sierra No Middle Ground Dave: Terrapin Richland Reserve and Fantome - Ghost Turtle Bearca...

Ep. 19: Finding the Giant with John Trogner

In Episode 19, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat sit down with John Trogner of Troegs Independent Brewing Company to discuss their ever-evolving Scratch Beer program, the expansion of the Splinter Series, parking, trademarks and the release of Nimble Giant. If you like this episode you will really love Troegs’ social media accounts. You should follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Special thank you to John for taking the time to sit down with us. We learned a ton and we hope you do to...

IFS Live Panel: Craft Beer & Social Media

In Episode 18, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat, took the show before a live audience. We were joined for a panel discussion by Greg Avola, co-founder of Untappd, Tierney Pomone of Stouts and Stilettos and the legendary Jeff Kupko. We discussed Untappd and its role in craft beer as a social media platform, user privacy, and the role of other social media platforms within the industry. First, we want to thank everyone that made this show possible: St@rtup Harrisburg and Adam Porter. I ...

Ep, 17: Team Coffee Beer

In Episode 16, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat, welcome Joel Kodner, of West Palm Beach Brewery and Wine Vault in West Palm, Florida.  In this episode, we discuss getting into switching to a new brewery, starting up a brewery, Craft Beer’s copy right problems, and Team Coffee Beer. You can follow Joel on Twitter @FloriduhBrewer and you can learn more about West Palm Brewery and Wine Vault at their very nice website. Be sure to stick around for the After Show. What we were drinkin...

Ep. 16: Quality Liquid

In Episode 16, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat, welcome Shane Lohman, President of Steel City Beer Wholesalers, a distributor focused on the quality craft beer.  In this episode, we discuss getting into wholesales for beer, pitching a brewery, the importance of freshness and volatility for some craft beer, Mario vs. Zelda, and Ed gets nuked by our guest. You can follow Shane on Twitter and his very nice and smart delivery drivers on Instagram. Be sure to stick around for The After S...

Ep. 15: The Beer in Review

In episode 15, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat, welcome back "friend of the show" Jeff Kupko, to do our year end review of some of our favorite beers from 2017. We also took the time to discuss trends we would like to see end, strategy when playing the board game Risk and which of us is the Wilt Chamberlain of Untappd. We went really long so no After Show this week. What are we drinking? Dave:  Jester King - Atrial Rubicite, Sixpoint 4 Beans Hornswaggler (Double Espresso) Ed: Bo...

Ep. 14 Partly Claudy

In episode 14, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat, welcome Scott Smith, founder, and owner of East End Brewing Company. In a far-ranging conversation, we discuss the brewery,  Barleywine (#BIL), the trials of starting a brewery 15 years ago, and the sad lonely death of a keg of beer. Be sure to follow East End Brewing on Twitter, Instagram and read Scott’s very nice blog. Also… stick around for the After Show. What We Were Drinking: Dave - East End Brewing Gratitude (2015), The Veil...

Ep. 13: Grand Cru

In episode 13,Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat, discuss our recent sit-down interview with John Trogner from Troegs Independent Brewing, the ATF-COLA letting go of the reigns, death by pastry stouts and NE IPAs and then things get wrapped up with a review of their our Black Friday adventures and hotel room irons. Beers We Drank: Easy Pretzel - Still Striving by The Veil Brewing Co. Ed- Creature Comforts Tropical IPA, IPA Hop-Lanta by Red Brick, Bellwood Evil Twin Helles Lager by Othe...

Ep. 12 -- Awesome Brewing Company

In episode 12, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat welcome Jon (Norm) Norman from Funk Brewing Company.  We discussed starting brewery, opening and running multiple locations, NE IPAs, distribution and the allure and difficulties of hyped up can releases, and why it's not called the Norm Brewing Company. Beers we drank: Bearcat: Silent Disco -- Funk Brewing Company Ed: Bravo -- Firestone Walker Brewing Dave: Silent Disco and M-43 -- Old Nation Brewing Company Jon (Norm) Norman: Bam Bier...

Ep. 11: We Are Bringing Micro Back

In episode 11, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat welcome back, friend of the show, Jason Notte. We took a deep dive into the Brewers Association's new Independent certification, picked apart AB Inbev's The High End video response, branched off into the craft beer black market, and Jason has some tough love for Pittsburgh's Craft Beer Week. Be sure to follow Jason's very good Twitter account (@Notteham) and read his fantastic work for Marketplace.com and TheStreet.com.                  ...

Halftershow: Hot Sauce Committee

Before we talk about the show, IFS wants to offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Josh Wissler. Josh was part of the Harrisburg craft beer community before there was a Harrisburg craft beer community. The consummate nice guy leaves behind a wife and two young boys. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family. In this special episode, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, Bearcat and Tech Support discuss Brooke Mihoces’ visit to the show in Ep. 10, bad beer bars, Bearcat’s terrible tast...

Ep. 10: Distributing Independence

In this episode, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat welcome Ms. Brooke Mihoces from DOPS Inc. an independent craft beer, wine, and spirits distribution company. Brooke was a great guest and let us peek behind the curtain of the distribution business with wit and candor. A little about DOPS Inc.: DOPS, Inc., established in 1984, distributes beer, wine, and spirits in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Delaware. It is a family owned and operated company which concentrates on family owned winer...

Ep 10. Teaser

Just for our subscribers... a teaser for episode 10.

Ep. 9 : John Kruk's Batting Helmet

In this episode, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat welcome Ms. Sara Bozich of GK Visual to discuss their in-production documentary Poured in PA. Then the guys discuss the RateBeer.com controversy, Bearcat gets incensed about nothing, Ed brings us some new beer names for The Wilson Scale, and Tech Support drinks some 'buch with a bit of stank on it. Link Dump: Noble Stein Brewing Company Poured In PA GK Visual Harrisburg Beer Week Brewers of PA (BOP) North County Brewing Boneshire Brew ...

Ep. 8: Lucky Lindy and the West Coast

In this episode, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat return to the podcast to do some old-timey radio and old-timey west coast breweries, Dave goes to a Michelin Three Star laundromat, we hydrate with some beers, and Ed introduces The Wilson Scale. Lucky Lindy addresses IFS listeners about water beer. Link Dump: Russian River Brewing Company City Beer Store, San Francisco Anchor Brewing The French Laundry Omni William Penn Hotel East End Brewing Stella Artois Stella Artois' Beer Knif...

Ep. 7: Wicked Shame, Stinky Coolers & #FABQ

In this episode, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat discuss the ABI purchase of Wicked Weed, Lagunitas’ news dump about going Dutch, South African hops are apparently a thing, and we answer some of Tasting Nitch’s Frequently Asked Beer Questions.   Beers we were drinking: Ed: Flying Dog Brewery -- Chocolate Habanero Stout Bearcat: Wicked Weed Brewing -- Some Pumpkin Rum Barrel Ginger Bullshit, and Pizza Boy Brewing Co. -- Glitter, Spandex, and Egos IPA Dave: Treehouse Brewing Co....

Ep. 6: Expensive Basil and Gang Signs

In this episode, Ed Grohl, Easy Pretzel, and Bearcat take the show on the road and record at the Harrisburg Beer Week Kick Off party. We had a bunch of guests. We talked about Harrisburg Beer Week, the train station, expensive basil, and we drank a bunch of the new (717) Collaboration Lager. A quick shout out to Tierney, Sara Bozich, Chelsie Markel, Colleen Nguyen, Jimi Werner and all the other volunteers for all their work pulling HBW together for the benefit of the Harrisburg River Rescu...