How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery

Sam and Sara Kazmer brought great craft beer to a market they felt was underserved - Atlanta, Georgia when they flipped on the lights at Elsewhere Brewing in 2020. They wanted to produce award-winning beer in a unique, community-event driven taproom. They wanted to create space, community and memories for themselves and every customer that shared in their dream. And, as we'll hear in the 4th segment, they were successful. The whole project was an amalgamation of the experiences they had researching craft beer while traveling the world. Drinking, tasting, connecting and experiencing beer when it's more than beer in other countries and continents. In the 3rd segment we're joined by 6 month-old Sofie as she woke up from her nap. And that's about the time we really get into the struggles they faced at elsewhere Brewing. As their fan starts to really fill up with shit, Sam and Sara knew that they needed to throw a Hail Mary pass quickly. So in the Spring of 2024 they hired a new ops manager, built a team and a strategy around her and did everything they could to rally the ATL community around the beer and the vision of Elsewhere Brewing. They set a July deadline for profitability and as you may have guessed, they are a guest on this podcast because it didn't work. We learn a couple of handfuls of lessons in this episode, including whether you can change the culture of your community/city/region around how, why and how often they enjoy craft beer as part of a healthy lifestyle. To do or do not to do in regards to having a restaurant in your brewery. The management of multiple tasting rooms. And why you can't find someone to do the owner's job for 20K/year. This was a moving episode and a special one for me. So open up your hearts and ears and maybe you'll learn something about How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery. You can reach the Kazmers at Sarakazmer26@gmail.com Samkazmer@gmail.com

Kiernan May is a cool guy. He transitioned from a corporate career to open a brewery in New York with big dreams and a bigger bag of passion. His brewery was built on Kiernan's analytic and logical understanding of the world that surrounded him. He put the pieces and plans together in a way that was structured and strategic. He grew sensibly, understanding his limitations and how to operate within them. He leveraged his contact brewing model and the flexibility that it gave him to utilize other sales channels and distribution options. And he did it before the last huge swell in craft breweries. Opening in 2004 should have (and to an extent it did) given him an advantage compared to the brewery business landscape of 2025. But, as you'll hear, even operating in a climate of just over 1000 breweries didn't protect his business from escaping a fate fans of this show know happens all too often these days. So listen in to the story of Kiernan May and the Landmark Brewery's 8-year run and you might just learn How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery. 5th Anniversary Announcement

You're about to hear the story of Matt Swan and the late Tumbledown Brewery from Farmington, Maine.  Opened in 2014 and closed late 2025, Matt's experience is varied and truly interesting.  His is the first brewery we've talked to from Maine and the only one with a red ale as it's flagship. We cover a lot of ground from distribution, burnout, capitalization and contract brewing. One of my favorite parts of this story is that he opened as the only brewery around for miles and the only brewery in Farmington. But a farmhouse taphouse/restaurant opened right before Covid and put the screws to his business.  How are people still telling me there's always room for one more brewery? Anyways, Matt is a truly cool guy that was open, honest and willing to share everything he learned in 11 years. He and I both hope it helps you to understand a little better, How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery.  Tumbledown Website Tumbledown Insta Tumbledown Facebook Article about opening Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arryved Brewery Software⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Gorman Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Tanglefoot made some solid lagers in an unlikely place. Temple, TX is a town of about 90K people about an hour to Austin. A huge segment of that population has Czech blood in their veins and a thirst for beer from the Old Country.  But as Andy Martinec found out the hard way, that didn't necessarily mean they would support a local business making great examples of Czech lagers. You're about to hear his story of struggling to make beer into a business for a few years before having to announce a final service day in June, 2024.  Tanglefoot was one of my favorite lagers here in TX so this is the interview I never wanted to do. But I caught up with Andy in the brewery a few weeks after closing and he was gracious enough to share his story with all of us. And I know it will help you to understand a little more about HOW NOT TO START A DAMN BREWERY.  Tanglefoot YouTube Tanglefoot Facebook Tanglefoot Instagram Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arryved Brewery Software⁠ ⁠Gorman Smith⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Pono Brewing of Portland Oregon was conceived as a lifestyle as much if not more than a beer brand. The beers were lively, fun, inventive and everything a craft brewery should be.  Larry Clouser and his partners grew from humble beginnings as a contract brewery to statewide distribution to opening a brewpub/restaurant before finally closing the doors in 2023.  Larry's story covers contract brewing in a market that wasn't sure how it felt about it. And partners that struggled to decide how they felt about it. We'll touch on partnerships in general and the financial pitfalls in particular. Hell, we'll even get on Kool-aid beers before we're done talking today.  When Pono Brewing finally poured it's last beer, Larry faced head-on the same anxiety and depression many of of did.  But with the help of friends and family, he overcame the hardships, rose back up and is now on the path to creating a less stressful life for his family. And his openness and honesty will hopefully help you consider the role of your family on your current or future dream of owning a craft brewery.  Thanks to Larry's priceless lessons and advice all of us will have a better understanding of How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery. Pono Facebook Pono Insta Pono Closing Article --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Blue Cat Brewpub was an Illinois icon. One of the state's first brewpubs, they made award-winning beer for 23 years.  After the owners sold and the brewery was rebranded unsuccessfully, the new owners were looking for a way to save the dream. That's where Charlie Cole came marching into the picture.  After working at most of the Quad-city's breweries, hosting a beer-centric radio show and snagging more brewing education than I think anyone on this show has, Charlie decided to parter up with the new owners.  The goal? Recreate the magic of Blue Cat and parlay that success into a distribution strategy to build the brand beyond anything it had ever achieved in it's golden years.  As I'm sure you've guessed, that isn't what happened and the new Blue Cat shuttered in 2023 after calamity ended in catastrophe.  Listen in and learn How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery with Charlie Cole and the Blue Cat Brewing Company.  Blue Cat Facebook Blue Cat Website Blue Cat Instagram Closing Announcement --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

And now for something a little different.  I came across an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, thanks to my sister-in-law, that cited the struggles of the California wine industry. I found the similarities to the struggles that the people behind their beer businesses face to be truly compelling and undeniably relevant.  So I reached out to Megan Bell from Margins Wine because her quotes in the article were honest in ways I see few entrepreneurs able or willing to be.  The path of her winery and the legacy she's built winds through struggle, success, pivots and uncertainty. Her experience educates us on nationwide distribution, the role of DTC sales, club memberships and own-premise sales over the bar.  I was able to grab a few bottles of her wine and found her approach to wine and business to be eerily similar to what my wife and mine was with our brewery. And what many people I talk to either tried before, are trying today or are hoping to try one day in their business.  You have my word that the story of Megan Bell and her story of Margins Wine will not only help you to be a better Bev/alc business owner but will teach you How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery.  Margins Wine Website ⁠Margins Wine Facebook SF Chronicle Article --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

In the span of a decade, Michigan saw a major craft beer boom, going from around 100 craft breweries to upwards of 400.  In the middle of that marketplace Kevin DeGrood opened Michigan's North Center Brewing way back in 2015. He watched a fairly virgin market become deflowered with nearly 30 breweries just during the time he was finalizing his business plan.  His start up was methodical, specific and, by many accounts, the right way to do it. Unfortunately through a mix of employment issues, changing customer tastes and a near-impossible distribution market, his brewery finally closed a few months ago on St Patty's Day.  Kevin's story highlights how the right brewery can still end up on the wrong end of a P&L. He's smart, passionate and, thankfully, open to sharing his story so that we can all learn from him How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

The focus of this show has always been to tell the stories of beer operations that one day turned off the lights for the last time.  I've chosen to be very selective when considering interviewing breweries that are still stirring their mashes. To date, I've only shared 5. There are a lot of reasons why but based on listener feedback, I've decided to look for opportunities to do it where it makes sense to the message of the podcast.  So I am excited, pleased and even a little proud to share the story of Deschutes Brewery with you in this episode.  Deschutes is one of those rare breweries that you can all but guarantee every other mouth next to you at the craft beer bar has tasted at some point in their craft beer journey. And, kinda miraculously, Deschutes still makes beer that appeals to both the young tongue and the seasoned craft beer fan.  Of course, over a 36-year career as a pioneer in craft beer Gary has struggled and failed on his way to becoming number 12 on the Brewer's Association's Top 50 Breweries list.  There was so much I didn't know about one of America's oldest craft breweries. And sitting down with Gary was a true pleasure - after which I walked away better able to tell you How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery.  And now, here's Gary Fish and the story of Deschutes Brewery in Bend (and Portland) Oregon.  ⁠⁠⁠Deschutes Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Deschutes Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Deschutes Instagram⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠BrewBids⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

A few seasons back I realized that to truly tell the story of the business of craft beer, we needed input from other countries. So I reached out to Canadian, Australian, Norwegian, UK and South African breweries. Some of those interviews have already been released.  But the very first international guest I tried to get was Nick Law.  He not only had a beer brand but he'd started a podcast and a consulting company so I knew he brought a perspective we needed to hear from. And he and his businesses are in the UK.  Of course, with all that going on, Nick was quite busy. So he and I played email and phone tag for years, which I won when we finally connected at the end of 2023. We finally got to this interview in early 2024.  Like most of these stories, I go in thinking I know something about the brewery and the guest, only to come out on the other side of two intimate hours blown away with everything I didn't know. And couldn't have guessed.  And with that, Damn Audience, I present you with Nick Law and the story of Emmanuales and Hop Forward. I hope it gives you a little more insight into how NOT To Start A Damn Brewery. In any country.  ⁠⁠Emmanuales Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Emmanuales Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Emmanuales Instagram⁠ Hopforward Website Hopforward Podcast Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BrewBids ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Scott Hedeen was the quintessential beer fan. Back in the days when it was still cool to run all over Hell's left testicle and cellar beers that don't distribute to your state so you can trade them with other nerds of similar or increased nerdocity.  The only thing he may have been more into than beer was (maybe is) music.  But Scott's on this podcast not because he sold his collection of rare beer to open a record label. No, he most likely would have been fabulously rich if he had done that.  Instead he liquidated some pretty amazing music memorabilia and rare records to fund the startup of Burnt Hickory Brewery, Georgia's 8th craft brewery.  In 2012 the beer laws in Georgia weren't exactly conducive to opening a craft brewery. But, like many of us, Scott and team Burnt Hickory sprinkled a heavy dose of ‘fuck it' on their business plan and put the pedal down as hard as they could. This is the story of Scott Hedeen and a little over a decade of Georgia's Burnt Hickory Brewery. Listen in and let him and his story teach you How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery.  ⁠⁠Burnt Hickory Brewery website⁠⁠⁠⁠ Burnt Hickory Brewery Facebook⁠ Burnt Hickory Brewery ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X Burnt Hickory Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Burnt Hickory Brewery Closing Announcement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Rachel Rappa didn't make beer. She imagined into life what grew into a large-scale kombucha brewery on Long Island in New York.  But the similarities between what she experienced growing her fermented sweet tea business to the craft beer industry are startling. She dealt with distributors, retailers, employees, seasonality, limited access to growth capital and packaging issues, just like we do.  She started as an artistic homebrewer and ended up owning 20BBL tanks and brewing primarily core styles. That could be the origin story for 80% of the craft breweries in America.  As you'll hear, I really wanted to ask her about the advantages of Direct To Consumer sales, which turned out not to be the savior so many craft brewers think it is.  What really struck me about Rachel's story was her journey to personal redemption. In the 3rd segment we really dive into why she finally closed her dream and why she's now experiencing a depth of happiness deeper than she's ever known. Her advice earned from her experience should inspire everyone everywhere to linger a little longer in front of the mirror today. So sit back, listen in and let Rachel Rappa and the story of New York's Coastal Craft Kombucha teach you how NOT to start a Damn brewery.  ⁠Coastal Craft Kombucha website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Coastal Craft Kombucha Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Coastal Craft Kombucha Closing Announcement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

When Dennis Espinosa partnered with his mom to open Main and 6 in Jacksonville Florida he had the highest of hopes.  In 2017, like pretty much everyone in craft beer, he only saw victory ahead.  Most people would agree that he was set up for success. He started with award-winning beers, bought the building and hired an designer to make it special. He won more awards for his beer, actually a ton of them from 2019/2020.  In the brewery's 5th year, he won the coveted GABF Brewery of the Year. And was closed down less than 10 months later.  There are a lot of reasons for why his brewery died. Some we've heard before but some will surprise you. So listen in as we share the story of Dennis Espinosa and Jacksonville's Main and 6 Brewing Company so we can learn How NOT To Start a Damn Brewery. Main & 6 Brewing website⁠⁠ Main & 6 Brewing Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Main & 6 Brewing Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Main & 6 Brewing X⁠⁠ ⁠Main & 6 Brewing Closing Announcement⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

In 2023, the Australian Beer market was shocked by the announcement that a beloved brewery that had been awarded close to 40 medals for their beer was shutting down.  After 9 years blazing the path of Australia's craft beer scene, Exit Brewing was planning to exit the brewing industry.  Around 2010, Grum & Frase had been inspired to start a brewery after spending time in Europe immersed in their beer culture. 4 years later they released their first beer, a saison. As their company grew, they expanded to an off-site taproom, followed by national and then international distribution.  But, like most of us, they couldn't seem to find whatever rock profitability was hiding under. They tried rebrands, new beers, new partnerships. Frase left to get a real job.  I sat down with Grum to find out what happened, what went wrong and what the future of the Australian Craft Beer scene looks like. Hint: Grum exited it.  So open your minds and ears and listen to the story of Craig "Grum" Knight and Melbourne Australia's Exit Brewing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exit Brewing website⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exit Brewing Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exit Brewing Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exit Brewing X⁠ Uitgang Bar website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exit Brewing Opening Announcement⁠⁠ Exit Brewing Closing Announcement⁠⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

When Jason and Heather decided to open their brewery in Indiana they, like most of us, decided to do it their way. They looked at what existed and targeted providing their community with something new.  Jason made beer styles that he respected in traditional ways. That meant lower abv beers with flavor and consistency. The couple decided to specialize in their food offerings and target an underserved demographic in their market. That meant building one of the only vegan breweries I've ever heard of.  While their niche within a niche might be smaller than the one you set out to fill, in a way, every craft brewery does exactly this. They look at what they perceive as the boring and stale market that currently exists and dream up something new and exciting that will attract customers and their credit cards.  Jason hit all the road blocks head-on and did so very publicly. After fighting against Covid, toxic masculinity and a suboptimal location, he and Heather finally lowered the curtain on Escape Velocity Brewing in the summer of 2023.    There's a lot to learn here so open up and listen in. This is the story of Jason Behanna and Lafayette, Indiana's late Escape Velocity Brewing.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Escape Velocity Brewing website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Escape Velocity Brewing Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Escape Velocity Brewing Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Escape Velocity Brewing X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Escape Velocity Brewing Opening Announcement⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

When Doug Appeldoorn got the inspiration to open his brewery, he wasn't just any old home brewer.  He and co-founder Pietro first started a brewing collective that hosted events to champion creativity, inclusivity and the homebrew community of Toronto, Canada.  They followed virtually every home brewer's dream and found a permanent space to create a brewery with the dream of taking their homebrew community with them on their journey to go pro. They hosted events for them, maintained taps for their beer and sponsored their everts. All while trying to grow their own fledging craft beer brand.  After opening in 2018 it didn't take long for the financial part of running a brewery to take it's toll on Doug. While his story and the story or People's Pint hits some of the same notes we've heard already, I can assure you that his is a unique perspective that I'm proud to have the opportunity to share with y'all.  So please, settle in and enjoy the story of Doug Appeldoorn and Toronto's People's Pint Brewing Company. ⁠⁠⁠ People's Pint Brewing Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠People's Pint Brewing Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠People's Pint Brewing X⁠⁠ ⁠GTA Brews Homebrew⁠⁠⁠ Club Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

That may have been the moment that solidified the future of Oregon's Flat Tail Brewery.  But the story of success, failure, embezzlement, money laundering and rebirth on the timeline of Dave Marliave's craft beer career has so much more to teach us.  So I sat down with Dave to discuss what he's felt, what he's learned and how you can protect yourself from thieving partners and monopolistic distributors.  While the public demise of Flat Tail still swings in the breeze as one of craft beer's bloodiest white collar true crime cases, the rise of New Spring and Dave's impressive technical achievements are an inspiring look at how we can all make this industry better.  And here is the story of Dave Marliave, the late Flat Tail Brewing and the new New Spring Brewing.  ⁠⁠ ⁠Flat Tail Brewing Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ Flat Tail Brewing Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠New School Beer article about the lawsuit⁠⁠⁠⁠ New Spring Brewing Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠New Spring Brewing Instagram⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

I think most of you would think that if I gave you 2300 shareholders that would invest 2.2 million dollars in your brewery that you could make it work.  If I said you could secure another 400 grand from a state loan and 600K the SBA that your 3.2 million dollars would give your brewery a runway to space travel.  And if I said you could go back in time to when there were only a few hundred US microbreweries you'd think I was crazy. Remember that with inflation, that's like having 10 million dollars cash and you could still be the 3rd or 4th brewery in your state.  Well, back in the 90's, Guy Hagner raised that money and Guy Wagner built that brewery. He opened with a world-class facility, a licensing deal for one of the best pilsners in the world and he closed 7 months later.  He's never spoken publicly about the story of Franconia Brewing until now. The is a special interview that draws similarities to the current market and, if you're paying attention, the business model of craft beer overall. And with that, I'll get out of the way and let Guy share his story.  Where Guy's Brewing Now⁠ Franconia's Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Article about Franconia Closing⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

It's important to me to dig deep and wide into the US craft beer scene. And while I plan to maintain at least 80% of my content domestically, we can't solve the problems of the business of craft beer with a US based myopia.  So I've been searching the globe for stories of craft beer closures in other countries.  That's how I found myself in Steve Dunkley's orbit listening to his story and the story of Manchester's Brewery Nouveaux.  Steve started small as Hell because in the UK you can open a brewery in your garage. You can bottle by hand and you can deliver your beer on a bike. And, apparently, on public transportation.  He created a brewery that researched and resurrected historic styles, incubated other breweries and opened an oasis for the weird.  And if he had it to do all over again, he'd stay in his garage.  Now, what does it say about the industry when the artistic, creative brewers that bring brains heart and soul to their craft and even they can't make the business of beer work? Listen to the story of Steve Dunkley and Brewery Nouveaux and you tell me.  Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Hedgehog Brewing was founded by Jonathan Harris and his brother Chris in April 2019 just outside of Austin, TX.  After home brewing voraciously for years they'd honed their recipes, harvested their own yeast and set about making their unique mark on craft beer. They focused on fermenting beers with wild Hill Country yeast with a core of the business in farmhouse beers. They also did well with their IPA Jonathan echos the sentiment we hear a lot on this show: “Imagining recipes and brewing beer is rewarding, running a brewery fucking sucks.” Hedgehog pivoted repeatedly over the years. They started as distro-only and then opened a public taproom in 2021. They realized that their nano system couldn't generate enough revenue so they started contract brewing select parts of their lineup off-site.  Please enjoy this story of Jonathan's fight to find profitability at his brewery for 4 years before finally hitting the lights and shutting it down.  Hedgehog's Kickstarter Campaign Hedgehog's Twitter (X)⁠ Hedgehog's Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Hedgehog's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Craft Beer Austin's article about Hedgehog Closing⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Zach Rabun opened Mockery Brewing in Denver's ubiquitous RiNO district long before it was cool. Most of you know that it's now become one of the best-known beer destination in the states. After working at Coors and Denver area brewpubs, he set a concise theme for his brewery:  First, take a detailed, educated look at traditional beer styles and rules. And then make a Mockery of them.  This kind of contrarian thinking creates great art and great experiences for the consumer. But, as we hear on this show a lot, niches get stitches and there's not an obvious pathway to profitability with this model.  Zach is about to walk us though his craft beer story. Where his inspiration came from and how it felt to finally let his brewery go after fighting for it for years. And he'll hint at what might be next.  So plug in, zone out and get ready for the story of Denver's late Mockery Brewing. ⁠Mockery Brewing Twitter (X) Mockery Brewing Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Mockery Brewing Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Westwood article about Mockery Brewing Closing⁠⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠⁠Where to get my Damn Book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Fractal Brewing Project opened in 2019 and closed in 2023 in Huntsville, Alabama. Maybe it isn't a song as old as time but the story is one we hear alot. There's this money guy who loves beer, befriends a brewer and gives that brewer a percentage of his new brewery. The money guy overbuilds his vanity project and creates a truly beautiful space with all the toys, the bells and even some whistles. But without the proper guards in place, the business itself flies off the rails and hurtles towards disaster after only a few years. Our interview with Bradley "Robo" Robison covers a lot of ground. From the struggles of craft beer in Huntsville specifically and Alabama overall to how to parry a punch from one of your bartenders. So sit back, listen in and take wat you can from the story of Robo and the Fractal Brewing Project. Beer Guys Radio with Robo on YouTube⁠ Fractal Brewing Project Facebook⁠⁠ Fractal Brewing Project Instagram⁠⁠ Reddit about Fractal Brewing Project Closing⁠⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠⁠Accubrew⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Brewery Direct⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Somnifix⁠⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠⁠Where to get my book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Steven Henderson is a craft beer rockstar. He goes by the moniker Hendo and he's one of the best-known personalities in the Australian craft beer industry. Well-loved and well-respected. And, from what I can tell, well-deserved. He started a contract, or gypsy, brewing brewery called Brewcult. He pushed the boundaries of what people in Australia considered craft beer. He won awards for great beer, expanded distribution and travelled the country living the life of a National beer celebrity.  And then the whole thing came crashing down, leaving a spectacular hole in the Australian craft beer scene. And, of course, a rough patch in Hendo's personal life.  But this story ends with a win as we'll hear in the 5th segment. Hendo has gone back to why he loved the industry in the first place. Selling beer was never his passion, it was making the best beer he could. As Australia's rockstar brewer, it was only fitting that he would start the Rockstar Brewer Academy. Like me, he's focused on making the industry better. Unlike me he's focused on doing it by mentoring and coaching brewers all over the world to make better beer.  And now, here's the emotional, inspiring story of Steve, “Hendo” Henderson” and Australia's late BrewCult Brewing Company.  Reach out to Hendo RockStar Brewer YouTube ⁠BrewCult Facebook⁠ BrewCult Instagram⁠ BrewCult Twitter⁠ ⁠Story about BrewCult Closing⁠ Episode Sponsored by: ⁠Accubrew⁠ ⁠Brewery Direct⁠ ⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠ ⁠BrewBids⁠ ⁠Made To Measure Communications⁠ ⁠Somnifix⁠ (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) ⁠Where to get my book⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Hey guys, today I have a story for you that's very special to me. Lost Abbey is a brewery out of San Diego that needs no introduction. Tomme and the team over there have inspired breweries all over the world to push beyond the ordinary and intentionally create new and exciting beers of circumstance. They were a fundamental part of what created my perception of the expectations I wanted my brewery to live up to and I know I'm not alone in that.  We've talked repeatedly on this show about how specialization is dead. Niches get stitches as I've started saying. 14% abv beers aged in multiple barrels for multiple years, obscure, even historical styles and yes, even mixed culture sour beers have been shrinking in popularity and, subsequently, profitability.  The Lost Abbey was one of the pioneers in the American speciality brewery category. So when I heard that they reduced their square footage, equipment and staff I knew that it was a story I needed to dig into and share with y'all.  Tomme was nice enough to sit with me for two hours, answer my probing questions and share what he'd found out the hard way. There is backstory, pain, business lessons, hope for the future and of course, insights into How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery.  Reach out to Tomme at Tomme@lostabbey.com Lost Abbey Website Lost Abbey Facebook Lost Abbey Instagram Lost Abbey Twitter Story about their growing down Episode Sponsored by: Accubrew Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets BrewBids Made To Measure Communications Somnifix (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

My wife and I finally sold our brewery on Sept 3, 2021. My book and this podcast give deep insights into what happened and why. But I recorded this video available on Spotify and YouTude at DamnBrewery to explain exactly why we sold the damn thing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

If you stab Michael Amann, he'll bleed craft beer. He started in this industry as a fan, landed an entry level distribution job, worked his way to sales and then decided to open a brewery.  Maybe lucky for him that didn't work out but instead, he went where most brewery owners think all the money in the craft beer industry is hiding. The middle tier. He opened Adena Distributing and set about being the grease that lubed the route from a brewery's fermenter to the customer's face.  Adena distributing was the rare distributor that loved the beer, the brewers and the events that promote it. Of course, Michael is telling his story on this show because profitability seems to pass the middle tier by as much as the supplier tier.  And that is the story he's here to tell.  Reach out to Michael at AmannMichaelc@gmail.com Adena Website Adena Facebook Adena Instagram Adena Twitter Story about their closing Episode Sponsored by: Accubrew Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets BrewBids Made To Measure Communications Somnifix (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

James Moriarty and the tale of his brewery should be a cautionary one. So many breweries start up with operators that know far less than James did.  He brewed in multiple facilities for over a decade, went to the Siebel Institute, worked as an engineer assembling and starting up breweries and only then did he leverage that experience to open Urban Brew Labs in Chicago.  But even that resume wasn't enough to take his brewery into profitability.  But James wouldn't go down without a fight. He pivoted, struggled, brewed, raised money and restructured. Like all of us, he wanted his dream to succeed.  But even closing his dream in August of 2022 didn't deter James from a career helping others open their breweries. In some ways it strengthened his understanding of how the business of craft beer works. And doesn't. Now he, like all of my guests, knows how NOT to start a Damn Brewery.  And now here's the story of James Moriarty and Chicago's late Urban Brew Labs.  Reach out to James at James@brokenpaddleinstalls.comUrban Brew Labs Website Urban Brew Labs Facebook Urban Brew Labs Instagram Urban Brew Labs Twitter Story about their closing Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets BrewBids Somnifix (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Judd Belstock and his co-founder, Sam Alcaine, started the first chicha and pulque brewery in the US. They built a beautiful brewery in the heart of one of the beer-y-est cities in America - Denver. The market was large, the customers curious and everywhere you looked, the future for craft beer in 2018 looked as bright as a Rocky Mountain sunrise. And for a few years, Dos Luces did grow. They expanded their product lines, their distribution and their fanbase. But like the story of many of the breweries I interview and, really, even the ones that pretend otherwise, it wasn't enough to consistently hit profitability. As you'll hear, specializing in unique and esoteric products brings unique and esoteric challenges with it. After years of standing tall, fighting for market share and struggling to fight off the slings and arrows of the outrageous craft beer business, Judd finally realized it all just wasn't worth it. Here is the story of the rise and unfortunate fall of Denver's Dos Luces Brewery. Dos Luces Website Dos Luces Facebook Dos Luces Instagram Dos Luces Twitter Story about their closing Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets BrewBids Somnifix (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Today I'm bringing you something different. This is the story Ted Mack and his brewery, Peoples Beer in Wisconsin.  Mr. Mack passed away in 2019 so I'm interviewing Clint Lanier, whose new book, Ted Mack And America's First Black Owned Brewery hit the market a few months ago.  This is a fascinating story of guts and activism that has inspired generations of modern brewers to pick up their mash paddles and make their mark on beer history. As the first brewery in America that was 100% black owned, it stood for something more than just a simple business, it was activism through capitalism. Peoples was only open a few years before Mr. Mack watched the walls literally come down. He fought racism, corruption, illegal and unfair competition and the US government before it was all over.  The brewery closed in 1972 and the similarities to what the team at Peoples faced to today surprised the Hell out of me.  Clint did a ton of research to get the book right and I thought he did a great job, spending years on this project. He started writing it in…..actually I'll let him tell it.  Buy Clint's book Learn About William's brewery in Atlanta Check out where Peoples Beer is made today Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets BrewBids Somnifix (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Jason Santamaria  and his partner Chris Doyle started a brewery in Atlanta back in 2014.  They called it Second Self and they ran it that way. The brewery was a creative expression of the flavors and experiences that shaped their lives.  What you'll hear is how as the market grew and evolved, so did Second Self. Pivoting to find new puddles of profitability, struggling against changing consumer preferences and finally ending up as a primarily contract facility.  I sat down with Jason a week or so before he and Chris closed their doors to hear the whole story. Jason shares how they were inspired to start their brewery, what it was like to build it into a thriving business and the emotions he has presiding over it's dismantlement.  This is the story of the late Second Self Beer Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Much love to the co-founder, Jason Santamaria for sharing it and teaching us How NOT To Start A Damn Brewery.  Second Self Beer Company's websiteSecond Self Beer Company's Facebook Page Second Self Beer Company's Instagram News Story About Their Closing Cirrus CBD Water Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets BrewBids Somnifix (use DAMNBREWERY at checkout for 10% off) Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Today my article on How To Save Your Brewery gets published over at Brewbound. I reached out to industry positivity guy Aaron Gore to debate my opinions and conclusions. Aaron is the business development manager at Bevana, a unique business in the craft beer space. And one I think might be the smartest partner for the coming years. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Eric Addison opened a craft beer oasis West of Fort Worth in Hudson Oaks, TX. Or where he likes to think of as "Michelob Ultra" country. Pathfinder Brewery opened at the height of the brewery building frenzy in TX. After losing not only his original name but lease space to another brewery he ended up building his own building from scratch. Which may wind up being the best case scenario. After opening, he expanded outside the brewery with self-distribution, won a GABF gold and struggled to find relevance among of sea of breweries deserted of craft beer fans. Yes, I said struggled to find relevance AFTER winning a gold medal for his beer.  Not surprisingly, he's got some opinions, thoughts and feelings about his brewery, the Fort Worth marketplace and craft beer overall. I love how introspective and thoughtful Eric is - he's the kind of guy I think should have been more successful but somehow it just didn't play out that way.  Well, I'll let him tell the story…. Pathfinder Brewery's websitePathfinder Brewery's Facebook Page Pathfinder Brewery's Instagram News Story About Their Closing Buy Eric's Equipment Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Philip Davis isn't some mamby pamby little wanker that just opened up the Brewery-builder's playbook and picked one of the 3 standard brewery models. He didn't open up in an industrial park, didn't pimp himself out to a group of stuffed shirt investors and he didn't read the report to find out the moisture content of the endosperm of the grains he brewed with. He sure as fuck didn't use Ai to design his recipes or automation to brew his beers. He was a dynamic artist and he had something to say. Maybe something to scream, whisper and insinuate since he considered himself progressive rock. It took Philip years to dream-up, design and build his farmhouse brewery on 33 acres. But like you'll hear over the next hour and a half, it only took 6 months to learn what the rest of us all know. Specialization is dead. Most of the population doesn't get what we do. Profit isn't in the cards. Philip did things his way on his terms. He was driven, artistic and creative. He also has a likeable personality and an infectious blend of hubris and self-reflection. I think you'll like Philip, but I know you'll love the story of his brewery and what he learned about how NOT to start a damn brewery. And now, on with the show. Hawkins' Website  Hawkins' Instagram  Hawkins' Facebook  Special Appearance by Ruvani de Silva Episode Sponsored by: ⁠Brewery Direct⁠ ⁠Simpson Motorcycle Helmets⁠ ⁠Leapfrog Promotional Products⁠ ⁠BrewBids⁠ ⁠Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Josh Kress is a cool guy that followed his heart, chased his dreams and made his piece of the world just a little bit better. His passion should inspire us all to linger a minute in the mirror today and take a hard look at why we do what we do.  While Husick's Taphouse ended up out of business, twice, he may have changed the landscape of Sacramento forever. He brought in craft for craft's sake to an area that was underserved. He struggled against his lack of business experience and fought to create a business that stood for something.  Maybe his plan was flawed, maybe his goal was off-target. But he never wanted to be rich like most people that open a business. Hell, he wan't even sure he'd stay in business long. But he knew he had to try with everything he had. And to his credit, new owners have taken over Husick's Taphouse and reopened this month.  You may notice my normal voice patterns to be a little slow, sillier than usual and slightly off. It's not my fault, I blame the mushrooms I felt were a good idea to eat before this interview.  So ignore that and pay close attention to Josh share his story. There's something important to learn there and I truly hope you hear it.  Husick's Website Husick's Instagram Husick's Facebook Reach out to Josh email instagram Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

George Thornton had many fantastic milestones in his career in beer. From humble beginnings slinging beer kits to home brewers at a San Diego homebrew store to building a thriving, symbiotic brewery/homebrew hybrid. He won AHA Homebrew Shop of the Year in 2018 for fuck's sake.  George will explain how he sees rampant commercialism and growth for growth's sake as a primary reason for the eventual demise of Home Brewing Company. See, he opened the homebrew shop in 2012, expanded to a brewery a few years later and closed them both in 2022.  He'll share his nightmare landlord stories, his endless pivots and their endless capital requirements. But, I think, most of all he'll share a pointed insight into what an over-crowded market can do to the small guy. He's got opinions and insights from the West coast that are relevant to the beer industry as far away as West Virginia.  I was the most struck by George's attention to detail and almost overwhelming ability slash compulsion to pick apart the status quo, think around the problem and improve incrementally where he could. This in an invaluable piece of the entrepreneur pie. But like we continue to hear, it wasn't enough to keep George and Home Brewing Company in business.  This is the story of George's dream and how the first phase of it ended on May 22, 2022. And we're lucky enough that he shared it with us.  Home Brewing Co's Website Home Brewing Co's Instagram Home Brewing Co's Facebook Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Few people have been or will ever be as connected in the craft beer industry as Chris Black. If you haven't met him or heard of him, then you surely caught wind that Downtown Denver had a little beer bar called Falling Rock Taphouse for 24 years. In 1997 what we think of as the craft beer industry hadn't really begun yet. With only around 800 breweries in the US, opening a beer bar with 69 taps of what we call craft beer was an anomaly. And while it's hard to believe in 2023, opening a craft beer bar in Downtown Denver sounded like a risky and unproven idea. But it's no exaggeration to say that Falling Rock and Chris Black were an integral part of crafting the shape of our industry. While he had a vibrant and loyal business year-round, Falling Rock was a mandatory stop for everyone visiting the Great American Beer Festival down the street from him every year. Unlike the average beer bar in your town, Falling Rock didn't ride the wave of craft beer, it was the moon that created the tides. From humble beginnings in Houston to ascending to the top of the craft beer heap, he has seen and heard more about beer than J. Edgar Hoover did about our personal lives. His understanding of the business of craft beer is as wide as it is deep. And yet, in June of 2021, after steady declines and a grim forecast of the future, Chris, his brothers and their loyal fans and suppliers closed the taps on his iconic taphouse for the last time. This is the story of Chris Black and the rise and fall of what we can only hope was his first craft beer bar - the Falling Rock Taphouse. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed spending a couple hours talking with one of the few people I'd call my craft beer hero. And when you get a guy like Chris to share his time and his insights, you give him a microphone, sit back and interrupt as little as possible. And that's the treat you'll get to experience in the fourth segment. It runs a little longer than I normally do but I couldn't bear to cut any of his opinions and insights. And now, Chris Black. Falling Rock's Website The Death Of The Cool Falling Rock's Facebook Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Mike Detar is a creative motherfucker.  Whatever he did in whichever career in which he did it, he was going to throw passion, fire and grit everywhere he went. Like many of us who are slaves to our creativity, he worked with a mix of attention to detail and a ‘grip it and rip it' philosophy that took him right to the edge of innovation.  When he opened his brewery in Washington State, he quickly found out that he was going to need every one of his unique talents to fight for profitability. Against rising expenses, city permitting, distribution, the beer drinkers in his local market, liquor laws, his partners. And, of course, a worldwide pandemic.  For part of his story he lost his money, his brewery, his friend and even his wife. But now he's on to the next chapter and while not sure where the path leads, he knows he's got the experience and tenacity to walk it with confidence.  Sit back and listen to the story of the rise and fall of Spokane Washington's Hidden Mother Brewery.  Hidden Mother's Facebook Page Instagram News Story About Their Closing Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

Adam Cole got the call that so very many people in this industry dream of.  Some rich asshole picked up the phone and tagged Adam to help him open an overbuilt, beautiful facility with a high-end restaurant. He got to design the brewery, pick out the equipment, set his brew schedule and design his own recipes.  Best of all, he was given sweat equity for his investment of effort, intelligence and management. He was part of the ownership structure with everything that comes with it.  The brewery opened, the beer started flowing and customers started drinking. A lot. They were off to a solid start but I have podcast because of what came next. You know, the part where the nightmare started.  Costs skyrocketed. Labor was a mess. Sales plateaued and then declined. Partners left. The restaurant closed. Then the rich asshole bolted to Florida……. I'll let Adam tell it from his perspective but it's a unique story from the other 40-something I have shared with y'all.  Here is the story of Adam Cole and NewFangled Brew Works from Harrisburg, PA.  Announcement of NewFangled closing Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

In 1993 Alan Sprints opened a brewery in Portland, OR. He did his brewery his way making unique and interesting beers unlike what he found on his local shelves. With a culinary background he was, and is, a true artist, contrarian and inspired creator. Hair of the Dog produced beers that were, and if you're lucky enough to have some in your cellar, still are, full of flavor, high in alcohol and complex in all the right ways. Alan and his brewery were a major part in creating the strong beer category and pushing craft beer away from fizzy yellow crap.  His unique beer and attention to quality and detail took him and his brewery around the world. He collaborated with breweries in multiple countries and sold his beer internationally. As he built his business and his notoriety he had multiple opportunities to sell. He turned down each of them, including the one from Lagunitas.  When he decided to cease operations, drop the mike and ride into the sunset in 2022 he did so with a smile. After nearly 29 years, Hair of the Dog closed with beer in bottles, beer in tanks and beer in the heart of the visionary that created it.  Thank you for joining me as I share the story of Alan Sprints and Hair of the Dog Brewing.  Hair of the Dog's webstore Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/damnbrewery/support

New Orleans is a drinking city. And the brothers Boudreaux -David, Matt and Pat - decided this was the perfect place to open their dream. Well, the dream before the dream at least. See, what they really wanted to be were brewery owners one day but they settled with slinging craft beer bottles and cans in a 2700 sq ft retail shop off Magazine street in the crescent city. And they hooked up with a bottleshop franchise many of us know, Craft Beer Cellar. The neighborhood was made better, the seasonal tourists were made drunker and the brothers fought the fight of craft beer. What they quickly learned is that the retail tier of our industry is bogged down with as much BS, red tape and distributor nightmares as the production side. They figured out that beer isn't where they made any money and that a 35% margin is a slow grind to cover a 10,000 dollar per month rent. They said they might have been able to break even one day but they never counted on the good ol' Covid virus ruing all their plans. Even if they still made the best of the lockdowns. Only a few years after opening they got an offer they couldn't, and, quite frankly, didn't, refuse to get out and get on with their lives. Spoiler alert, they took it but you'll have to listen to the end to find out what they're up to now. They've got a unique perspective Article from when they opened Bad Press about the CBC Franchise Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products BrewBids Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Those of us who pay attention to this podcast know that the future is uncertain for the craft beer industry overall. But the beer people in Abilene, TX are feeling the bubble burst maybe a little bit more than most cities. In the first two months of 2023 Abilene lost half of it's breweries. One in January and the other one in February. The had both fought to stay afloat for years and even knowing the other was leaving, neither felt the market in Abilene could support them. I caught up with Jeff from Pappy Slokum and James from Sockdolager Brewing and they agreed to do a collaboration interview. They both experienced struggle, strain and the eventual collapse of their breweries. They both cited a market that is unsustainable and distributors that didn't put their needs first. And they both wished the next generation of brewery owners the best - even if they weren't sure how they'd get it. Maybe most importantly, both Jeff and James seemed surprisingly at peace with their decisions to permanently lock the brewery doors and saunter away from the businesses they built from the ground up. Even after describing them as their babies. I believe the story of Abilene's Craft Collapse of 2023 is a harbinger of what's to come in the next few years in the US craft beer industry. Listen in and let me know if you agree. Follow Pappy Slokum Facebook Twitter Instagram Follow Sockdolager Brewing Facebook Instagram Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products Advertise your business here and reach the smartest people on craft beer. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Christina and Jesse don't make beer. At least not commercially. They have a palate for bone-dry, flavor-driven ciders and their late project Redwood Coast Cidery was their gift to the hard apple cider drinking world. Or at least to the Bay Area of San Francisco. These guys opened a Cidery in 2015 because they couldn't find the styles of cider they liked to drink - which sounds a lot like every home brewer I knew in the early 2000s. They opened on a responsible budget, grew quickly and expanded when it made sense. They had a plan to be the neighborhood hangout and to serve drinks to their friends, which sounds a lot like most breweries out there. They made a variety of products inspired by flavor, not profit. Brewed to be enjoyed, not ticked off on Untappd. They were passionate about creating a brand that meant something by crafting products that were true to who they were and how they saw the world. And, like entirely too many breweries with a similar ethos and whatever that French phrase is for Reason for Being, they were forced to close their doors. In late 2022 they closed both their production facility and their satellite tasting room. Putting a period, or maybe a comma in the story of Redwood Coast Cidery. I caught up with them about a month after they locked the doors for the last time and they were gracious enough to share their story, the lessons they learned and their advice with each and every one of us. So listen in, Because you're about to learn something. Connect with Redwood: Facebook Instagram Website Article about their closing Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Back in 2013 a lonely frog thought he'd be cute so he hitched a ride on a NASA rocket. It might have been the most excitement that amphibian ever saw in his life but we're pretty sure that the RocketFrog died. Years later twin brothers Richard and David Hartogs named their cool brewing project after that poor dead frog. I actually forgot to ask them why but I guess it doesn't really matter now. Guys, this is one of those stories the craft beer industry thinks doesn't happen. One of the brothers went to craft beer school, the other worked on the front lines of distribution. They methodically and patiently worked on opening for years. When they finally did they won GABF awards and they managed to build a loyal following with both distro accounts and fans. And STILL the business model couldn't sustain itself. I caught up with Richard about 2 weeks after they closed the doors and at the time of this interview, they were still entertaining offers to sell the equipment and assets. It's a great story of doing it right and still ending up out of business. Listen in, there's a lot to learn here. Follow ROCKET FROG BREWING COMPANY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocketfrogbr.. Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocketfrogbeer/ @RocketFrogBeer Instagram: https://instagram.com/rocketfrogbrewing/ Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Part 1 of my Video Blog Series. I explore the ancient concept of Memento Mori and how looking death in the eye can make us better brewery operators. Throughout the ages our art, philosophy and, of course, religion all explored ways for us to share and remind each other of the concept of Memento Mori. Literally, remember death. One day you will cease to exist. No matter how hard you cling to life, to legacy and even to love, your days are numbered. Ashes to ashes and all that. “On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero” - Fight Club Some people think reminding yourself that you're walking a path with a guaranteed end is morbid. Maybe a little creepy. That it gently drapes a black and melancholy shroud over parties and award ceremonies. These people feel that the look Death in the face is to challenge him to a fight you can't win. If you zoom out a few thousand feet, you'll see that what I'm really doing here with my first book, this podcast and what will become my next book is remembering death. At least what I see as the inescapable death of the current structure of the US craft brewing industry. With each interview, my guests and I slap Death straight in the face and challenge him to a duel. Some day, probably sooner than I think, 99% of the US breweries in existence today will die. Most will be bloody and violent affairs with crowds of people getting doused by the overspray. Others will be sweet and inspiring - shaking babies and kissing hands on the way to a better, more balanced life. If we laid all the cards on the table we'd see that so many have already stopped sucking in air and exchanging it for CO2. There are literally thousands of zombie breweries roaming aimlessly and clumsily all over the world. Ones that are rotten and decayed from the inside but somehow never seem to stop twitching, crawling or bleeding. But even through their wax-dipped cans and diabetes stouts the truth of their death is as guaranteed as Stallone doing another Rambo movie. Yeah, and their shitty-ass smoothie sours too. But Memento Mori is about facing death to EMBRACE life. To learn to live by accepting that you will die. Once you accept that the game of life is rigged in favor of the worms and fungi, you can relax a little. You can take a thoughtful breath and enjoy your life more deeply and with more presence. You know for a fact that you can't steal eternity but you can sure as shit suck the marrow out of today. And that's the concept of Memento Mori I'm seeking to emulate. Your life and the life of your brewery has an unavoidable ending. Only you can choose to make the story of it happy or sad......... ................ ................ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Jim and Betsy Pence have been around the ‘ol block a few times. After a love of wine led to a love of craft beer which opened the door to a love of mead, they decided to do what many of you are deciding to do. They wrote a business plan and set about opening their very own craft meadery in Charlotte, NC. They chased after their dream, bought equipment, started brewing and then closed down almost immediately. Then they did it two more times. Jim has joined us to day to share what's he's learned by traversing the rocky road of building a business. Lease problems, real estate negotiations, supply chain issues, budget constraints and everything in-between. Not surprisingly, craft mead faces much of the same bullshit craft beer faces. And after three failed attempts, Jim and Betsy's story and their certainty that they'll never do it again are an important lesson for the rest of us. So listen in and listen up as we share the story of Shepherd's Meadery. Shepherd's Meadery Facebook Page Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Most people only have one spouse. Having more than 2 careers at a time is rare. The world would be far better off if we'd never had a second Crow movie. Or absolutely anything Keanu Reeves ever did other than John Wick. There was only one ring in that book. One goal can win a soccer match. But somehow when it comes to the production of beer today, we think every brewery should make 7 million mediocre beers. One-offs, seasonals, brand extensions, variety packs and special releases. All this to catch the attention of a mass of asses that don't care about beer or the traditional values it once held. Well, Greg Taylor at Canada's Steam Whistle brewing says only hosers would do that. He says it's all wrong. See, Greg and his co-founders started Canada's largest craft brewery in the early 2000's with a single goal: to make one beer and make it really, really well. And they did for nearly 20 years before switching tracts at the roundabout and going Full US Craft Beer Gonzo. They were making various line extensions and new products until one day Greg runs back in the building, rips out the excess and goes back to their motto of “do one thing really, really well.” Before I get too far into it, I'm going to shut up and let him explain his story. https://steamwhistle.ca/ https://beaus.ca/ https://www.newbelgium.com/ Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products Where to get my book --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

I'd like to introduce you to Bob Sylvester, founder, brewer and all-around badass from South Florida's Brasserie St. Somewhere. Bob started brewing back in the early days of this last craft beer explosion. You know, back in 2008 when owning a brewery was still counterculture, hip and a bit radical. He managed to create a unique and interesting lineup of beers that garnered him international acclaim and a loyal fanbase of like-minded craft beer drinkers. He grew from meager beginnings into a beautifully imagined brewery with a separate tasting room and every reason to expect growth and success. And then, just a few years ago, he watched it all crash down around him. First his tasting room and then his worldwide distribution footprint. After trying to hold on, refocus and refinance the business he finally realized it was beyond saving. Today we're going to autopsy Bob's brewery, Brasserie St. Somewhere, to find out what happened and what you can do differently in your own career. Check Out: St. Somewhere Somewhere Else Beer Project Shelton Brothers Importers Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Leapfrog Promotional Products --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Just an update to let you know I'm still here and preparing for a Hell of a season 4 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

People like to say that I don't want people to follow their dreams if they're dreaming about mash paddles and mass distribution. While that's not entirely true, I do think the odds are you'll be living on ramen noodles and stolen Netflix. But if you ARE gonna start a brewery, the point would be to do it right and make some money. And before you get to that point, you have to figure out just how in the world you are gonna pay for it. You'll need hundreds of thousands of dollars, preferably someone else's dollars. My guest today is Jason Sleeman from the Craft Beverage Lending division of United Community Bank. He's sharp, he's experienced and he's on the front lines of the industry. He knows what's worked, what hasn't, what's coming and what's dead. I asked him on the show partly because some you have said that I'm mostly negative. First of all, get over it - this is serious business and my entire goal is to show you the real and honest side of the industry that no one else seems willing to share. But Jason has a perspective centered around how to make a brewery happen, make it profitable and make it valuable. What you're about to hear him share with us over the next couple hours is invaluable. It also happens to be positive so there, are you happy now? Craft Beverage Lending https://www.ucbi.com/business-banking/lending/sba-lending/craft-beverage-lending/ Contact Jason Jason Sleeman | Vice President – Craft Beverage Lending United Community Bank | Woodstock, Georgia Mobile 404-375-3945 Jason_Sleeman@ucbi.com Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Yakima Valley Hops --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Eddie Chimi, or Anderson, or whatever he's calling himself these days, is a craft beer industry veteran. He's damn near an expert on getting beer from the manufacturer to the asshole waiting in line to buy a can of it. You know that I'm always on the lookout for people who've been around the craft beer block and lived to tell about it. And I'm fascinated to have conversations with people who are willing to disagree with me. Eddie fits both of those perfectly. He worked at Goose Island before and after the sale that changed the world. He's been a brewery rep for both large and small players. He narrowly escaped the noose of opening his own money sinkhole-I mean brewery. He's worked at multiple distributors, including one that went out of business. He saw the inside of Shelton Brothers during the collapse. And he managed to get the fuck out of the industry with minimal mental health issues. And through it all, he's managed to stay just a swell fucking guy. His insights and experience shed light, maybe throw a little shade and educate and inform anyone considering a path down craft beer lane. Earthlings, please prepare yourself for my interview with Eddie Anderson. Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Yakima Valley Hops --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support

Molly Ware heads up revenue production at The Infinite Monkey Theorem. I've long said that what other booze producers experience should inform and prepare us for what we face in beer. Molly was kind enough to step away from the highly competitive and unfairly overfunded wine industry to sit and answer my questions today. And I think if you listen to the end, you'll be better for it. I asked her on the show to share the experience of closing 3 of their urban wineries. While the beer industry seems to think tasting rooms will save the world, I expect that Molly would disagree. What I didn't expect was to find a person I respect. She has a competitive surfer's strength and focus, and she attacks her job the way I did. Hearing her talk intelligently about some of her struggles and successes with honesty and integrity was refreshing. I truly feel that I learned something important from my time with Molly and I can't thank her enough for sharing. I hope you enjoy today's episode - because if you don't, you're an idiot. Episode Sponsored by: Brewery Direct Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Yakima Valley Hops --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damnbrewery/support