The Beer Hour with Johnathan Wakefield

We're going sky high on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got the Bay Area's Ghost Town Brewing, with cofounder Ryan Nosek giving us a bit of the history of the brewery, its connections to music, and what makes a West Coast IPA.Then we've got Dr. George Zambelli of the famous Zambelli Fireworks family, talking the storied history of the company, what makes their fireworks so special, and how best to celebrate the 4th. Listen in!

We're getting fully caffeinated on The Beer Hour this week! We'll speak with Dean Cycon, founder of Dean's Beans Organic Coffee Company, about getting his start as a lawyer for Native American rights, exploring coffee farms, and why 'organic' is so important when it comes to coffee.

We're going to Cincinnati on The Beer Hour this week! We'll speak with authors Michael D. Morgan and Bret Kollmann Baker about their book Tanked in Cincinnati: Fortune and Calamity in the Beer Business. What was Cincinnati's origin as a beer city, and why did it fall off? And what sparked the resurgence? Listen in and find out!

We're getting some good food and drink on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got OEC Brewing's owner, founder and head brewer Ben Neidhart joining the show to talk their old European style of specialty beers. Then Evan Burgess and Osmel Gonzalez join to talk their Michelin-starred food popup EntreNos in Miami, what inspired their variety of ingredients, and popups versus brick and mortar restaurants.

We're diving into the best combination on The Beer Hour this week: pizza and beer! First up we'll speak with Pipeworks Brewing Company's Gerrit Lewis, learning how the brewery got started, how they deal with capacity, and where trends are going in craft beer.Then we talk to New Columbus Pizza Co.'s Tony Cerimele about all things pizza. What was it like winning pizza maker of the year? And what makes his pizzeria so special and sought after? Listen in and order a slice!

We're getting mighty on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Kelsey McNair from North Park Beer Co. out of San Diego. We'll talk West Coast IPA's, how much hops is too much hops, and even some talk about video games!Then Tim Whitaker from Philadelphia's Mighty Writers joins the show to discuss his career in education, why early childhood writing skills are so important, and ways that everyone can help children get access to great education in their community.

We're heading to the courts on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Lincoln's Beard Brewing Company cofounder John Falco talking the beginnings of the brewery, expanding into new businesses, and the challenges of sustaining a brewery in Florida.Then professional pickleball player, social media personality and content creator for the New York Mets Tara Bernstein joins the show to talk her upbringing in sports, the fast rise of pickleball, and how to make a living as a social media influencer.

We're getting fit and staying true to our resolutions on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got part two of our interview with Keith Villa, legendary brewer who came to fame with the Blue Moon Belgian White. We'll talk his new venture Ceria, non-alcoholic beers infused with cannabis, and what the market for it might be like in the future.Then Miami Beach Fit Camp founder Kristen Smith joins the show to detail her weightloss journey, running on the beach at sunrise, and how we can stay motivated to stay in shape. Listen in!

We're gearing up for the big game on The Beer Hour this week! First up, we've got legendary brewmaster Keith Villa joining the show. The man behind Blue Moon Belgian White talks his history at MillerCoors, what inspired him to create that beer, and the workings of a billion dollar brewery in PART ONE of our supersized interview! Tune in next week to hear part two, about his new venture in non-alcoholic beer Ceria.Then former NFL player and coach Todd McNair joins the show to reflect on his time playing with the Kansas City Chiefs, their chances in this year's championship, and what makes a great coach and recruiter.

We're back on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Nick Panchame, head brewer at HOMES Brewery. He'll talk the beginnings of their brewing, the special campus they began, and what sorts of beers are popular these days.Then we've got friend of Miami and friend of the show Evan Benn joining. Currently Director of Special Projects and Editorial Events at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Evan previously wrote about food and craft beer around Miami. We'll hear his insight into print media, food, and more!

We're getting ready for the New Year on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Jason Perkins, Brewmaster at Allagash Brewing Co., talking about their popular Allagash White beer, the new "Snow Report" brew, and what's in store for the future.Then John Holl of All About Beer Magazine returns to the show to give us the rundown of how 2023 was for the craft beer market, what to expect for 2024, and why hop water might be the wave of the future. Happy holidays!

We're going to Kodiak Island on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Ben Millstein, founder of Kodiak Island Brewing Co. We'll talk starting a brewery in a remote place, adding in a distillery, and the kinds of brews and cocktails that go best in the Alaskan tundra. Then Todd and Celeste Dorman of the Dorman Tree Farm join the show to talk raising Christmas trees in Alaska, and how to best prepare your tree for the holidays. Happy holidays!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll chat with Hardywood Park Craft Brewery co-founder Eric McKay about their origins of their brewery, the challenges in getting a taproom started, and what's so special about their Christmas beers.Then Mitch Allen from Hire Santa returns to the show to talk all about how to find the best Santa for your holiday celebrations this year, and what it's like to spread so much joy!

We're celebrating veterans on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Tactical Brewing Co. founder and CEO Doug Meyer joining the show, talking his time and the service and what inspired him to start a craft brewery. Be on the lookout for their beer collaboration with J Wakefield! Then Veterans Beer Club co-founder Barron Mills joins the show to share his story of service, and why it's so important for veterans to have an opportunity to meet up and share a beer together.

We're going back to where it all began on The Beer Hour this week! Johnathan and Maria are first joined by Cigar City founder Joey Redner and Vice President of Marketing Justin Clark to share the story of the legendary Florida craft brewery, where Johnathan got his start in the business! Then Max Skinner of Movember joins the show to talk about the moustache movement and the importance of raising awareness about men's health.

We're getting spoooooky on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Kate Russell, founder and brewer at Hopkinsville Brewing Co. about her transition from the army to craft beer brewing. What was it like to be the first craft beer in town? And how did Sam Adams help get them going?Then we're joined by JV Johnson and Britt Griffith of Paranormal Reality TV, talking wild ghost encounters! We'll hear about the paranormal across the country, starting a reality television show, and what it means to believe in the paranormal. Happy Halloween!

It's a friends of Charlie episode on The Beer Hour this week! First we'll go down to Mexico to talk with Josh Brengle, Production Manager for Compañía Cervecera Hércules. We'll discuss their unique local flavors, his beginnings at Cigar City and his long career in brewing. Then we've got Ken Sheffield of Sheffield Pecan Company, talking about the history of the Florida pecan growers and what makes pecans so great!

Fall is here on The Beer Hour this week! First of we've got Charlie Meers of Magnanimous Brewing, friend of the show and festival aficionado. They'll go over their shared history and what the European craft beer scene is like.Then siblings Peter and Susan Yi of Brooklyn Cider House join the show to share their story, talk Spanish ciders, and let you know what foods to pair with cider as we head into fall. Hint: apple cider donuts work!

We're back on the rink on this week's Beer Hour! We'll speak with Ridge Rock Brewing co-founder and NHL player Calvin de Haan about what inspired him to open up a brewery, how he manages making beer with time on the ice, and some of the highlights from his career in the NHL. We'll also speak with their head brewer Joel Windich about what great beers we can expect down the road. Listen in!

We're back on The Beer Hour! The summer hiatus is over, and we've got a great guest to kick things back off. Go Brewing founder Joe Chura joins the show to share his amazing story of success from car assembly lines to million dollar software companies, and what inspired him to start a non-alcoholic beer brewery. From humble beginnings with brewing equipment in unused office space to eventually winning gold at tasting competitions, hear all about the burgeoning new space for non-alcoholic brews.

It's man's best friends on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Jay Jones, co-founder and Head Brewer of Woven Water Brewing Co., telling us all about the Tampa brewing scene and how they create beers that are three different colors!  Plus, how did the pandemic affect them, and how difficult would it be to start a brewery today?Then Dee Hoult of Magic City K9 joins the show to discuss her amazing work providing incarcerated individuals the chance to train dogs for adoption from shelters.   Teaching an important professional skill that can be used when reentering society, we'll hear all about their story plus learn about some amazing pups! 

We're going from homebrew to Peru on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Weathered Souls Brewing's Co-Owner and Head Brewer Marcus Baskerville about getting his start with home brewing, his Black is Beautiful project, and what's on the horizon for the brewery.   Then we chat with Itamae's renowned chef and owner Valerie Chang Cumpa about their Peruvian inspired dishes, the family history in restaurants, and the work ethic that drives her. What's led to the success of their multiple restaurants, and how does sofrito differ by country? Listen in!

We're going worldwide on The Beer Hour this week! Voli 305 Vodka CEO and Co-founder Priscilla Perez joins the show to share her story of growing the brand with Armando C. Perez, better known as Pitbull. She gives her insights on how to persevere in a tough industry and knock on every door, and what makes a great vodka. Plus, Johnathan and Maria take a taste test of different vodkas! 

We're getting ready for summer on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Veterans United Craft Brewery Founder Ron Gamble about his journey as a veteran and the important work the brewery is doing in hiring military veterans.  Ron shares what makes Jacksonville special, and why great fundamentals are the key to making great beer.Then Drinking Pig BBQ founder Raheem Sealey shares his story of starting a small-scale barbecue spot during the pandemic, and the amazing growth and success they've seen since then. Plus, how should you grill this memorial day weekend? Listen in and find out!

We're getting nano on The Beer Hour this week! First up Off Site Nano Brewery & Kitchen's Adam Darnell joins the show to talk opening a combo restaurant and brewery during the pandemic, and just what makes their chicken sandwiches "Super Good".  Plus, what types of beers are starting to come back into style after the dominance of hazy IPAs? Then Beverage Director and Partner at the Neighborhood Restaurant Group Greg Engert joins to take us through the history of the organization, what it means for restaurants in various cities to work together, and where it might go in the future. 

We're headed to the beach on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Brooke and Mike Malone of Walking Tree Brewery to hear all about their unique Vero Beach location, how they got their start, and what it was like to win a gold medal for their brew.  Then 'Heal For Us' founder Nedal Ahmad joins the show to discuss the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, his own journey with mental health and ways to stay social and active during tough times.  Whether it's in the restaurant business or on the kickball field, community and support are important towards taking care of yourself. 

It's a beneficial Benedictine Beer Hour this week! We speak with Father Martin Grassel of Benedictine Brewery, housed in Mount Angel Abbey and owned and operated by monks. We'll get a lesson in the history of beer, what it means to be a monk, and what makes Belgian beer so delicious. What's it like working in an abbey? And how does the surrounding landscape and climate influence the brewing? Listen in! 

It's pies, gaming, brews and more on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Davy and Jaime Martin from Orchestrated Minds Brewing to talk the history of their Florida brewery and the commitment it took to switch careers and become a brewer.  Then Fookem's Fabulous Key Lime Pie owner Josh Abril discusses selling pies from a bicycle, the prospect of expanding into brick and mortar stores, and just what makes a perfect pie.  What goes well with guava? And when should you use fresh fruit versus extract? Listen in and find out!

Get your dye ready for The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Horus Aged Ales founder Kyle Harrop about what it's like to work as a dual accountant-brewer, and what drew him to Oceanside, California.  How is the trend towards taprooms changing the industry? And how does climate play a part in the success of a brewery?Then we'll get ready for Easter with Lorin Borba, Director of Insights at Signature Brands, the company behind PAAS dyed Easter Eggs! Find out the fun history of this Easter tradition, and the inventive ways PAAS is eggsperimenting for the future. From volcano eggs to growing crystals, you'll be all set for Easter morning. 

It's all about community on The Beer Hour this week! First up Schilling Beer Co.'s John Lenzini and Jeff Cozzens join the show to discuss brewing in Germany, current beer trends and how they aim to contribute to all of Littleton, New Hampshire by the Ammonoosuc River.  Find out how pilsners and lagers can be so important to the community of a small town!Then the Florida Brewers Guild's Executive Director Sean Nordquist briefs us on the important legislation paving the way for more convenient business for brewers in the state, and some of the roadblocks they face. 

Grab your mead and donuts because we're eating well on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got John Hoolihan from Oakland Park's Brewlihan meadery. He'll take us through his journey from the classroom to the mead hall, and give an education in honey.  Learn how mead brewing is similar to winemaking, and what pairs best with a good glass. Then Amanda and Andy Rodriguez from The Salty detail what makes a great donut, and how they've expanded to multiple states and locations across the country. From one late-night truck to a fleet of brick and mortar stores, they've been bringing guava donuts, maple bacon bars and more to deliciously delight donut fans around the world. 

It's the perfect meal, tacos and lagers on The Beer Hour this week! We'll hear from Knoxville's Xul Beer Co. about where the name comes from and their plans for the future. Cofounder Brad West takes us through the history of the brewery and what the Knoxville craft beer scene is like. Then Eduardo Lara of "The Wolf of Tacos" shares the story of his popup restaurant that's turning heads in Miami. What makes a perfect taco? And how does a popup restaurant survive during the pandemic? Grab a taco and listen in!

The Beer Hour is back! After a little winter hiatus we return to sunny Miami for the Wakefest Brewers Party. We'll speak with an assortment of brewers featured at this year's Wakefest, and go through a lightning round of questions with each. Featured in the hour are: Sam Richardson of Other Half Brewing, Jayson Pizarro of GOAL. Brewing, Zach Page of Belleflower Brewing, Mitch Grittman of Zony Mash Beer, Alex Gonzales of Honey Pot Meadery, James Massey of Two Tides Brewing, and Aaron Schavey of Boneflower Mead. Grab a beer and listen in! 

Breckenridge Brewery & HireSanta.com

It's the holiday season on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Rogue Ales & Spirits' Danny Connors to learn about Oregon's booming beer industry, and what exactly a "Senior Innovation Manager" does.  What inspired them to put tahini in a beer? And what goes into the process of making mash and runoff?Then we've got Collin Street Bakery partner Hayden Crawford joining the show to teach us all about the history of fruitcake, how Collin Street became so popular and survived so long, and why pecans are so important to the process.  Operating out of Corsicana, Texas since 1896, they ship out hundreds of thousands of fruitcakes each year, and the holidays are their busiest season.  Happy holidays!

It's an all art week on The Beer Hour! First up we've got James and Liz Massey from Two Tides Brewing in Savannah, Georgia. They'll tell us all about how they got their start (and how they met!) and what inspired the artsy style of their brewery. What's the brewing scene in Savannah like? And when did fruity sours and hazy IPA's become popular?Then Colombian-born artist Gonzalo Fuenmayor joins to talk about his renowned charcoal drawings, how he became an artist, and what he sees for the future of the art world.   Learn about Art Week in Miami, the "World Cup for art".  And how did Gonzalo make the transition from a business background into the art world? Listen in!

Evil Twin Brewing's Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø joins The Beer Hour for the full show this week! We'll take a deep dive into his career, going from teaching in university to brewing, bottling, and even owning a Michelin star restaurant.  Learn all about the beer scene in Denmark, and what the early beer trading scene was like. Plus, what's the brewery scene like in New York these days? Listen in and find out!

It's a Thanksgiving primer on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Equilibrium Brewery's Brand Director Michelle DeLuca to talk inspiration in brewing and selling beer, and being a woman in the craft brew industry. Hear how she went from being a dental hygienist beer nerd to getting fully on board at a brewery.  Then Aaron Brooks, Executive Chef for EDGE Steak & Bar in Miami returns to the show to give all his tips and tricks for the perfect Thanksgiving feast.  Pumpkin pie or pecan? What is "frog eye salad"? And what beers pair well with your Thanksgiving feast, even if you're not making turkey? Listen in and find out! 

We get extra spooky and scary on The Beer Hour this week! First we'll catch up with Bottle Logic's Lindsay Langton about their annual pumpkin beers and how they celebrate the season. What makes something a "dessert beer"? And what new ingredients and experiments might they try with next year's batch?  Then Damien Leone, director of the surprise horror hit 'Terrifier 2' joins the show to talk killer clowns, the directors that influenced him, and where the series might go next.  From the origins of Art the Clown to the challenges of starting a career in filmmaking, Damien tells his story and gives an expert's view on the current horror landscape. Happy Halloween! 

We've got the legendary Matt Tarpey from The Veil Brewing Co. for the full hour this week! We'll dive into his start in the craft beer scene, trading bottles and traveling abroad to study with the masters, before eventually opening up shop in Virginia.  How did he go from never even home-brewing to being the head brewer of one of the premier craft breweries in the country? What inspires his signature style of experimental flavors and unique ingredients? Listen in and find out! 

First up this week on The Beer Hour we're speaking with Jordan Weisberg, Head Brewer and Co-Owner of Point Ybel Brewing out of Fort Myers, Florida. He'll take us through the Brewery's beginnings and how they found success, and especially what community means to them as they recover from Hurricane Ian.  To donate and help out those recovering from Hurricane Ian in the Southwest Florida area, visit leecountystrong.com or go to https://communitycooperative.com/home/leecountystrong/  Then the brains behind Omega Yeast join the show! Lance Shaner and Mark Schwarz explain what yeast is, its role in the brewing process, and the innovative ways they're trying to create the yeast of the future.  How many generations are there in a typical yeast batch? How does yeast affect the flavor of beer? How does one even become an expert in yeast cultivation? Listen in and find out!

It's baseball all around on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got former minor leaguer and current head brewer at Warwick Farm Brewing, Ryan Seiz. He'll take us through Pennsylvania's beer scene, the journey from athlete to brewer, and the correct way to say "Louisville". He also discusses the importance of the farmland where they grow their own hops and ingredients, and how that improves their brew.Then former Miami Marlins President David Samson talks baseball, finance, and the state of sports in Miami. Host of the "Nothing Personal with David Samson" podcast, he'll give his unfiltered takes on the sports world and his memories of his time with the Marlins.