Bitter Units: A Beer Podcast

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Bitter Units is a podcast designed to educate all levels of beer drinkers. Topics range from what is the right occasion to drink specific types of beers, to how brewers decide what to make, and whether beer flights are okay or not. With three hosts with wildly different levels of expertise, there is something for everyone who enjoys a cold one.

Wall, Nutt, and Johnson


    • Aug 5, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 27m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Bitter Units: A Beer Podcast

    Talkin bout the weather, Bad Weather w/ Andy Ruhland

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2023 108:34


    On this episode we are joined by Andy Ruhland (@ruhbrewer) of Bad Weather Brewing (@badweatherbrew) in St. Paul, MN. We learn some new vocabulary, Aaron plays the role of JT with a dysfunctional nose, and JT shows up late without the beer. We really crushed this one. Special thanks to our sponsors Revelton Distilling Company and Kyle Lehman of Wintrust Mortgage. www.reveltondistillary.com and www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman

    Hanging a new shingle? w/ Joe Ploof of Hanging Hills

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 127:22


    Joe Ploof of Hanging Hills is back for the 3rd time. I don't know why he subjects himself to this punishment but we sure appreciate it! We talk about all about what's new with Hanging Hills, some random beer stuff, and find out which cities have the most breweries per capita in the US. Also, if you don't like Tim this is your episode. Our West Coast Correspondent Anyaa sat in for him. Special thanks to our Sponsors Revelton Distilling Company and Kyle Lehman of Wintrust Mortgage. You can find them @ https://www.reveltondistillery.com and https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman Find us and our swag @ Https://www.bitterunits.com and Https://www.threebeardsmedia.com

    shingle ploof hanging hills
    Juice Force w/ New Belgium R&D

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 120:35


    Hey were back with Matt Gilliland (@mattysmooth) as he makes a poor decision to become a two-timer on the podcast and he drug his co-worker Cody Reif (@reifstyle). We talk about the formula change on Fat Tire and show off how good we are at our beer tasting segment of the podcast while trying Juice Force. It helps that JT wasn't on this episode and Anyaa Carter subbed in giving real credibility to us. Special Thanks to our sponsors Revelton Distilling Company and Dyle Lehman of Wintrust Mortgage https://www.reveltondistillery.com https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman Find us @ https://www.bitterunits.com and https://threebeardsmedia.com

    Mostly Random Stuff w/ Ryan Nanni

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 113:09


    Hey everyone! This is the first one in a long time that we've done that does not involved an industry guest. Ryan Nanny (@celebrityhottub) and co-host of the Shutdown Fullcast, the worlds only college football podcast, joins us to talk about almost everything but beer. So if you're only here for beer this isn't your episode. If you're here for shenanigans then you're in the right place. We are also joined by our favorite West Coast Correspondent Anyaa for this episode. Thanks again to our sponsors Revelton Distilling Co and Kyle Lehman of Wintrust Mortgage. https://www.reveltondistillery.com https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman find us @ https://www.bitterunits.com and https://threebeardsmedia.com/

    15% Revolution w/ John Carruthers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 97:24


    We are joined on the pod by John Carruthers of Revolution Brewing in Chicago. John is a regular dude. You may have met him, or just a guy with a beard who looks exactly like him. And really, you get the gist either way. You can find him at https://nachosandlager.com and @nachosandlager on Twitter. Please check out our sponsors. We couldn't do this without their support. Revelton Distilling Co. https://www.reveltondistillery.com Wintrust Mortgage's Kyle Lehman https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman Find us @ https://www.bitterunits.com

    The Invention of Sticke Notes?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 92:03


    John Martin is the founder of Confluence Brewing in Des Moines, Iowa. John left the construction industry to turn his love of brewing into a career. Confluence has been a staple of the Des Moines craft beer industry since 2012. You can find out more at https://confluencebrewing.com/ Please check out our sponsors. We couldn't do this without their support. Revelton Distilling Co. https://www.reveltondistillery.com/ and Wintrust Mortgage's Kyle Lehman https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman Find us at https://www.bitterunits.com

    3rd Annual Charity Livestream Audio- ICYMI

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 203:23


    This is long. I've warned you in advance. We did however raise $1600 for Feeding America with our friends over at United we drink (https://www.unitedwedrink.com). Thank you for all the listens and following along with us this year. New episodes coming soon. Thanks to our sponsors Revelton Distilling Co and Kyle Lehman of Wintrust Mortgage. https://www.reveltondistillery.com https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman

    ¿Nachos con Nelson?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2022 47:37


    Tim regaled the guys with a story about a celebrity encounter at a ChiChi's. I mean what else do you need to know? Also we drink Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale for an old classic review. Special thanks to our sponsors. Please visit them at... https://www.reveltondistillery.com and https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman You can find them on twitter @reveltondc and @gohawks275 respectively.

    Welcome to Earf! w/ Brad Miles of Firestone Walker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 76:41


    This episode we are joined by Brad Miles of Firestone Walker. Tim uses his made up language again, while JT and Aaron get lost in the brewers nerd talk. Brad Miles is the R&D/Innovations Manager @ Firestone Walker (www.firestonebeer.com) and a UNLV graduate. He is also 1/5th of the LA Lakers starting 5, The Pentaverate, and The Olympic Rings. As always the episode is brought to you by 3 Beards Media. Special thanks to our sponsors Revelton Distilling Company @reveltonDC and Kyle Lehman of Wintrust Mortgage @gohawks275 and @winmortgage. https://www.reveltondistillery.com https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman

    The Perfection of Beer Flavored Beer w/ Nathan Crane of Chuckanut Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2022 92:48


    Nathan Crane from Chuckanut Beer joins us on the pod to talk about their Mexican Lager and Bohemian Pilsner. I don't want to give away too much here, but we had a lot of fun in this episode drinking beer that tastes and looks like beer. Check them out at https://www.chuckanutbrewery.com As always this episode is brought to you by 3 Beards Media in conjunction with our sponsors. Revelton Distilling Company @reveltondc on social media and https://reveltondistillery.com Kyle Lehman with Wintrust Mortgage @ https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman and on twitter @gohawks275 We also want to invite you on behalf of The Bruery to their 14th Anniversary celebration on August 13th, 2022! Have you been waiting to take a trip to SoCal because you needed an excuse? You're welcome, as we are giving you one here. https://invitational.thebruery.com/ Check out all they have to offer (it's too much to list!) at the above link and get your tickets now!

    beer perfection brewing socal flavored bruery mexican lager chuckanut bohemian pilsner nathan crane
    The brewery Strike(s) back w/ Joe Brenner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 101:23


    The guys are back with Joe Brenner of Strike Brewing in San Jose, California. You might remember that Strike has been on the pod before as it was Joe's favorite brewery before he got into the industry and now he works there. Hear about what it's like to start from zero and end up as operations management. We drink 2 beers with Joe, Strike's Clean Hit Rice Lager and Friday Afternoon Hazy IPA. Please check out Strike at their website www.strikebrewingco.com Be sure to follow our sponsors Revelton Distilling company at @reveltonDc on socials and https://www.reveltondistillery.com and Kyle Lehman with Wintrust Mortgage at https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/kyle-lehman and on twitter @gohawks275 Thanks!

    Bad, Bad, Leroy Bruin w/ Ryan Rost of 515 Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 75:39


    Aaron, Tim, and JT are joined by Ryan Rost of 515 Brewing. Ryan is the owner and founder of 515 Brewing in Clive, Iowa and enjoys "electronic tinkering and the quality control of beer". Though his favorite beer is Mediocré (pale ale) the boys are drinking Bad Bad Leroy Bruin, a flanders brown ale, which is barrel fermented and aged in whiskey and Portugese wine barrels. Follow 515 Brewing @515brewing on Twitter and www.515brewing.com This episode is brought to you by Revelton Distilling Company. Follow them on twitter @reveltondc and at their website www.reveltondistillery.com

    Broadcast system test.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 0:07


    Just a test of the system after a hosting site change...

    2022 Beers of Summer!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 85:45


    JT, Tim, and Aaron all bring a beer they enjoy to the pod and name their official beers of summer. Get involved with #beersofsummer.

    New Belgium Dominga Mimosa Sour with New Belgium Brewing's Joel Winn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 139:08


    Aaron and Tim welcome guest host Joel Kodner to talk to Joel Winn from New Belgium Brewing. They talk about international travel experiences, brewery work culture, and Iowa experiences. Joel Winn is the western Washington and Oregon area sales manager for New Belgium Brewing in Seattle, WA. He has been with New Belgium for the last 14 years and has worked in the beer and wine industry for over 20 years. When Joel isn't selling beer with his New Belgium team, he's often found enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, eating tacos, listening to classic country music, and/or playing with his cat. Follow us on Twitter: @BitterUnits ( https://twitter.com/BitterUnits ) @TimJohnsonMN ( https://twitter.com/TimJohnsonMN ) @aaronlwall ( https://twitter.com/aaronlwall )

    Unmapped Brewing's No Trace IPA with Head Brewer Derek Allmendinger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 95:39


    Aaron, JT and Tim are joined by Unmapped Brewing in Minnetonka, MN Head Brewer Derek Allmendinger. A veteran of the Minnesota brewing scene, Derek has worked at some of the largest breweries in Minnesota. The guys talk about guidance counselors, breweries in strip malls, growlers and crowlers and getting over oneself to make the best beer on the market, the hazy IPA. They also drink Derek's No Trace IPA, and a special nepotistic guest joins for the tasting, too.

    The Kolsch Hard Facts w/ Corey Blodgett

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 97:47


    We talk Kolsch, soft baseball fans, and other things in this episode.Corey is the Head BrewMaster Brewer, ramen lover, and Kolsch Pedant of The Gathering Place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.We know the audio is a little rough in places but hang in there we think it's worth it.

    The 2-Timers club grows while we drink Sunny Little Thing w/ Justin Kendall.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 89:21


    You know him, you love him, he's the editor at Brewbound, and he's back for more tomfoolery. Justin Kendall (@justindkendall) joins us expanding the 2-timers club of people looney enought to talk to us twice.We talk about the changes in the industry during the pandemic and a host of other things.Our West Coast Correspondant Anyaa Carter steps in for an absent JT proving once again if she could replace all three of us it would be a better podcast.Visit us at www.bitterunits.com or www.thetailgatesociety.comCheck out our title sponsor Revelton Distilling Company @ www.reveltondistillery.com

    club drink grows timers brewbound justin kendall
    4 Beer Insanity with the Loudest 900 BBL brewery in the world, Hanging Hills Joe Ploof.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 115:10


    The guys are joined by Joe Ploof of Hanging Hills once again. He promised Tim and Aaron less IPAs before the show then we had 5 IPAs sent to us and one Pils.Joe Ploof is the Founder/CEO/Chief Hack of Hanging Hills Brewery in Hartford, CT.

    Black Butte N/A Beer? No Way... YES Way! w/ Veronica Vega of Deschutes Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 81:54


    Veronica has worked in the craft beer industry for 16 years after switching paths from biological field work. She landed in Bend, Oregon where she got her foot in the door at Deschutes Brewery. She is currently the Director of Product Development, wher she "sells ideas internally" and then works to bring products (mostly beers) from idea to commercialization. She condiders her owl hoot one of her unique talents.

    2nd Shift Brewing's Beer Bonanza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 140:06


    This week, Tim, JT, and Aaron are joined by Libby and Steve Crider, the owners of 2nd Shift Brewing in St. Louis, Missouri. A lot of beer was drank along with welding talk, cat talk, and oh yeah the beer. They are huge beer twitter community supporters with anything from words of encouragement to special delivery beer packages.

    Drinking Orval with Matty Smooth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 95:52


    Matt Gilliland is a Craft Brewing veteran with over 27 years under his belt, most notably 24 years at New Belgium Brewing Company, while also dabbling in writing, podcasting, and beer judging. When not reeking of DMS, Matt enjoys gravity sports in the mountains of CO, or just chilling at home of Fort Collins with his wife, kids, and dogs.

    Off Color Brewing's Gator Time and Reine Des Renards with Co-Founder John Laffler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 80:13


    Aaron, JT and Tim are back with more beers! Yes, they drank two this time, but there were no Coors Light flights. Sorry, JT. They're joined by Off Color Brewing Co-Founder John Laffler. Laffler is the co-founder of Off Color Brewing, an otter enthusiast and the Zoey Deschanel of being cuter and better at their job than Jeremy Danner.

    co founders gator coors light zoey deschanel off color brewing jeremy danner john laffler
    Wooden Ship w/ Co-Owner Josh Oestreich

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 92:53


    This week, the boys are joined by Josh Oestreich, co-owner and lead janitor at Wooden Ship Brewing in Minneapolis, MN. They taste a beer that Tim suckered Josh into collab-ing withhim on and learn what goes into opening a brewery.

    Dubious Claims Brewing Elixir Stout and Black Lager with Head Brewer Taran Winnie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 93:42


    Aaron, JT and Tim are back! They're drinking beer and discussing the finer points of Missouri. They enjoy the finest and newest offerings from Dubious Claims Brewing Co. out of Excelsior Springs, MO. They're joined by Dubious Claims' Head Brewer Taran Winnie. Taran Winnie is the Head Brewer for Dubious Claims Brewing Co out of Excelsior Springs, MO. A nerd, serial hobbyist, and dark beer fan, he doesn't want to reinvent the wheel, just perfect it.

    JT and his horrible takes revealed!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 93:36


    In this episode the guys just drink beers they like and JT lays out some horrible hot takes. Ketchup anyone???

    Toppling Goliath's HOPSMACK! with Head Brewer Eric Hild

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 75:08


    This is episode does not get as chippy as the tease may seem. Eric Hild is Senior Lead Brewer at Toppling Goliath in Decorah, IA. He joins the boys to talk about their Hopsmack! double IPA, discuss the Iowa brewing scene and make hop puns. Follow Bitter Units on Twitter: @BitterUnits ( https://twitter.com/BitterUnits )

    Northgate Brewing: Summit Oktoberfest and Shooting your shot and missing w/ Adam Sjogren

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 101:56


    In this episode we talk with Adam Sjogren co-founder of the now defunct Northgate Brewing. We talk about things to do different and what caused their business to not suceed long term.We also drink Oktoberfest from Summit Brewing.

    Dale's Pale Ale with Certified Cicerone Kyle Schmidt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 79:13


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they are joined by Kyle Schmidt, a Certified Cicerone® and the VP of Operations and Training for Better Beer Society, an organization that provides training and draft beer services to producers, wholesalers and retailers. They talk about draft beer services, what the hell a Cicerone® is, Tim's technical issues, and sample a Dale's Pale Ale.

    Seltzer: That's it that's the title...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 51:11


    We finally try a hard seltzer. It doesn't go well. There ain't no laws in this episode.

    Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin' & Applebee's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 72:19


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they are joined by Patrick Kirk and Nate Grover from Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar. The dynamic duo comprises the VP & Director of Beverage at Applebee's International. These are the brains behind $1 drinks across the United States, folks! The group talk about that promotion at Applebee's, what it was like to learn the ins and outs of beer with Tim Johnson, their desert island beer lists, and other beer and bar things at Applebee's and beyond. They also taste test Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin'.

    Hanging out with Brewmaster Mike and some Duvel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 82:43


    With Aaron absent from the episode Tim and JT stumble through the episode, rudderless, like a broken down pirate ship. Thanks to Mike there is still some good conversation though. Brewmaster Mike is a 20+ year veteran of the craft beer scene. 15 of those years working in various breweries. An enthusiast of beer, wine, and spirits, he continues to learn and experiment to further his understanding in those arenas. Currently helping to run the Winchester Public House and Eatery in West Des Moines, IA

    Deschutes Black Butte Porter w/ Neal Stewart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 84:09


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they are joined by Neal Stewart. Neal is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Deschutes Brewery and has an extensive history in the beer industry working with breweries like Pabst to Dogfish Head. He also went to West Virginia for grad school, which raises a few debates surrouding Morgantown and Ames. In addition to very entertaining banter between the four of them, they sample Deschutes' Black Butte Porter, and Neal breaks some news about what's in the works over at Deschutes.

    Sun Pillar w/ Ariel from Badger Hill Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 95:20


    On this episode we have Ariel Keeton from Badger Hill Brewing and he brough one of Tim's desert island beers. Sun Pillar from Bad Weather Brewing. It's probably for the best that Tim got something he loves in this episode because he took an abolute beating otherwise.Ariel is a brewer @ Badger Hill Brewing in Shakopee, MN. She named all of the tank after Futurama characters the minute Tim left.

    The Sweet Taste of Oreo Speedwagon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 67:37


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they introduce their producer, David Graf, to tell the audience a little bit more about himself. They also play beer balderdash hosted by Mr. Tim Johnson and conduct a taste test with JT's favorite beer, Oreo Speedwagon.

    2 Strikes and we're out!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 59:11


    On this episode we are going back to our roots! It is just the guys tasting two beers from Strike Brewing Co. in San Jose, CA. This is friend of the show @bayareabrenner favorite brewery and he hooked us up. Pop Fly a patersbier and Colossus of Clout a red ale fill our bellies.

    Elysian Contact Haze with The Tailgate Society's Nicole Gustafson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 58:33


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they are joined by The Tailgate Society's Nicole Gustafson. Nicole loves visiting the craft breweries across the Midwest and contributes sports, pop culture, and pretty much anything to The Tailgate Society. The group discuss those activities, her desert island beer list, what Chicago Cubs she would want to have a beer with, and sample Elysian Contact Haze.

    Stone IPA with Badger Hill Brewing's Michael Koppelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 74:42


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they are joined by Michael Koppelman from Badger Hill Brewing ( https://twitter.com/BadgerHillBeer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor ). Koppelman has done pretty much a little bit of everything that you have dreamed about doing from being a sound engineer for Prince to now running his own brewery. The group discusses all of Koppelman's ventures, a little bit of useless information, and samples some Stone IPAs.

    Fat Tire with Brewbound's Justin Kendall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 71:53


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they are joined by Justin Kendall from Brewbound ( https://www.brewbound.com/ ). Kendall provides daily coverage of the beer industry on Brewbound.com, conducts live-streamed interviews during Brewbound's events and co-produces the Brewbound podcast. The group discusses the beer business, seltzers, their Iowa State routes, and wrestling while taste testing New Belgium's Fat Tire.

    Sipping Sierra Nevadas with The Tailgate Society's Ted Flint

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 53:42


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they are also joined by The Tailgate Society's Ted Flint. They discuss overrated superhero movies and where they wish they were instead of inside their homes. For the beer, they're drinking Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, but Ted's probably drinking more than just that. Cheers!

    Let's Taste Test Some Peroni

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 50:07


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In this episode, they discuss how they're staying stocked up on beer while remaining quarantined. Tim leads Aaron and JT through their first "proper" beer taste test with the fastest-growing European import, Peroni. To end the episode, they discuss how and why you should make an effort to support your local and small breweries. Cheers!

    What beer is helping you survive quarantine?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 1970 48:40


    Aaron Wall, a beer dummy, JT Nutt, a beer novice, and Tim Johnson, a beer expert, discuss beer. In the inaugural episode, they break down what beers they’re doing their best to keep stocked in quarantine, how quarantine is affecting the beer business, and explore how the term “crowler” was developed. Cheers!

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