Home Brew Rock Stars Podcast

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Podcast: Craft brewing chatter from Carson Souza at Pig Minds This episode features a remote podcast with Pig Minds Brewing head brewer Carson Souza. We do our best to extract his beginnings and discover out he's been brewing to his own soundtrack, and then some! It's a wild ride through some deep conversation from a bright and rising star in the craft brewing scene. We also do some tasting of his newest beer called Juicy Minds, a clear and clean version of the New England IPA...or perhaps, it's the Midwest IPA?! Add another tasty treat with a very solid Hefeweizen, and we finished the night off with a spicy sipping of Kent's Chipotle Porter home brew (which incidentally, blended fabulously with Carson's Maple Porter...just saying). We also put Pig Minds operations manager, Shane Johnson, to the test with a "Real or Fake - Bands and Brewery Collaborations"...yes, Kid Rock, ACDC, Pearl Jam and Warren Haynes all drop into the trivia fun. Speaking of collaboration beers, we do a fun tasting of Wood-Aged Bitches

Download: Podcast: It's a March Madness Beer Tasting featuring Cinderella Brews, DMS clues and a trip to the Holy City This home brew podcast episode features Mike's interview with Holy City brewer Chris Brown and his most famous patron (Pete!).  Chris tells us a little bit about how he got into brewing and what's going down at the Holy City brew scene in Charleston, SC. We also partake in some tastings of some very under-rated beers, including Sparkling Princess from Holy City (Sour IPA), Barroom Hero from Magic Hat (a Pub Ale collab with the Dropkick Murphys), Depth Charge from Wisconsin Brewing Co., One-Eyed Jack from Off-Kilter, and Barrel-Aged Joe Daddy Imperial Coffee Stout from Pig Minds. Adding to the phi-slamma-jamma is our "Real [not Fake] list of  Cinderella Beers and Brew Cities". PLUS... the Home Brew Rock Stars team delves into D.M.S. in your home brew, how to detect it and some smart tricks on how to prevent it...what is that creamed corn?...gat tha fach outa hare! The show also showcases sh

Podcast: Steve Lenox & Shawn Steiner from Prairie Street talk St. Patrick's Day Beers and What's Next for Them This podcast episode features head brewer Steve Lenox from Prairie St. Brewing Co. and his assistant brewer Shawn Steiner, talking about what's next for this young brewery. We also imbibe some Irish style beer, a little St. Patrick's Day history and indulge in some local music from Havana Honey. Tastings feature Central Water Ouisconsing Red Ale, Prairie St. Irish Stout and Feather Eye RyePA (aka Kelly RIPA) and a special home brew feature Nelson Sauvin and Hallertua Blanc hops!!! Adding to the shenanigans is our "Real or Fake: St. Patrick's Day Facts". The Home Brew Rock Stars team throws questions to Steve and Shawn about their craft brewing process and what might be changing in the near future..."can" we say distribution!? We also talk a little about their Pilot Series beers and that process where they brew experimental one barrel beers for their steady patrons to try out, adding a nice option

Podcast: Beer Startups, Brewery Disasters, Pig Minds New England IPA and Jon James This podcast episode features brewery founder Brian Endl from Pig Minds Brewing Co., covering a gamut of brewery startup topics, and a little history on some brewery disasters. We also do craft beer tastings from the Pig Minds featuring their Dirty Souls New England IPA, their tasty Friends, Family & Forever Belgian Tripel, plus a Bourbon Barrel QUAD from Boulevard and a home brew gusher brewed with gobs of Lemonhead candy. The show features can't miss tunes from guitar virtuoso, Jon James (Minneapolis transplant via Rockford native). Kent and Brent quiz Mike and gBrian with "Real or Fake: Brewing Disasters". Then, the crew throws questions to Brian about brewery startups, some of the hiccups, celebrations and infusing vegan food into a brewpub. If you're thinking of starting a brewery someday, this is a nice retrospect of the good, bad and bright shiny lights on the horizon. Share this podcast with your friends (below) and

Podcast: Beer News, Brewery Taxes, Inert vs. Living Ale and Revolution DB VSOD ... 17% ABV This podcast episode explores the latest beer news with fellow home brewer guest, Matt Berthiaume, covering a gamut of short discussions with recent beer and brewery news, a history of brewing related taxes and a wrangle about real ale. We also do craft beer tastings from the Revolution Deep Wood Series (Double Barrel VSOD-Very Special Old Deth, Ryeway to Heaven and Straight Jacket), Bell's (HopSlam 2018), Pig Minds (Flap Jacks Maple Porter) and some delish pear-infused IPA home brew. The show features pre-release tunes from the dazed electric 3-piece band PURPLE HELL (Rockford, IL). Kent and Brent quiz Mike and guest Eric Johnson with "Real or Fake: History of Beer Taxes". Then, Mike and Matt face off in a "Drunk Debate" on Inert vs. Living Beer pursuing to agree, or disagree, on whether filtered beer is better than real ale..we'll find out soon enough at the 2018 Day of the Living Ales festival in Chicago on March 3rd

Podcast: Beer Tips for your new year's fitness, health, resolutions and brewery This podcast episode explodes with 2018 new year's beer resolutions from Beer Advocate forums community, plus brewers fitness tips (equipment) and beer health facts. We also review beer from Two Brothers (In the Flesh), Surly (Hell), Pig Minds (Joe Daddy) and Founders (Blushing Monk-2015). Who knew beer could be so damn good for you? The show features pre-release tunes from Blue collar punk rock band Go Go Torpedo (Rockford, IL), including a killer cut from their first single, Ray Gun. Kent and Brent quiz Mike and guest Eric Johnson with "Real or Fake: Light beer has more calories than...?". Mike run through some great tips for home brewers to get their equipment in shape for a new brewing season. And Brent shares "8 ways beer is good for your health". Share this podcast with your friends (below) and send us your feedback for what you'd like us to talk about. Plus...tune in for our next episode as we a review of the new beers com

New Year's podcast with a 2017 brew review, beer tastings and radical holiday hangover remedies! This podcast episode focuses on "Best of Brewing in 2017" and a historical look at hangovers and rumored panacea. We also tap into tastings from Founders (Backwoods Bastard), Begyle (Hophazardly), 3 Floyds/Mikkeller (WarPigs Lazurite), Pig Minds (Idol the Lil "Agave" Braggot) + Kent's super-delicious Chipotle Porter home brew. #yummy Home Brew Rock Stars' very own Kent Runte gives us a rundown of some of the popular hops and brewing ingredients used in 2017 by breweries and home brewers alike, including some trends that arose and others to look for in 2018. Mr. Mike Sears follows with the 5 Stages of a Hangover (you don't want to venture in the fifth range....trust us!), some general things you can do to alleviate your hangover and readiness to prepare your body for a drinking binge. Mike also reviews an odd, if not hilarious list of international concoctions (dried bull penis, deep-fried canary, etc) to cure your

NEW format - This home brew podcast features a long overdue chat with accomplished home brewer Mike Bohn, as we dive into making meads, brew-in-a-bag and Mike's infamous mead-infused Toga Parties. We also do a tasting of Pig Minds' kettle sour, Tart Life and finish it all off with a yummy tasting of B. Nektar - Kill all the Golfers ... that live in a van down by the river. Mr. Bohn gives us some insight to his thoughtful brewing process, as well as sharing 4 tasty meads during this home brew podcast episode, including a sample of his first ever mead, a tart cherry mead that's a super smooth and tipsy sipper at 12 ABV. We also do a short REAL or FAKE segment focusing on historical Toga Party trivia (if you know these you're full of sheet!), and close the show with a discussion regarding the 2018 Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame Nominees, including the Moody Blues, Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine. It's a Matt Foley motivational  listen, so #drinkitup !!!

Ahhh, Octoberfest Beer, that delicious malty sweetness shared once a year. This podcast we taste test 7 different Octoberfest beers from a variety of craft brewers around the USA (see list below). We put Pig Minds' Briieetkraut to the test (an Oktoberfest German Marzen style Lager) with a sound bite from master brewer Carson Souza. ...AND we "talk-over" a bunch of HILARIOUS unedited short interviews with home brewers and craft brewers and beer festival fans...they get a much better "slurry" towards the end...worth the listen and a laugh...Prost!!! Oktoberfest (German pronunciation: [ɔkˈtoːbɐˌfɛst]) is the world's largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair). Although there are smaller Oktoberfest celebrations all over the world, the main event takes place in Munich, Germany. More than 6 million people attend the city's celebration, making it the biggest beer festival in the world Octoberfest Beer Lineup: O'Dell - Oktoberfest Urban Chestnut - O-KATZ Oachkatzlschwoa New Glarus - Staghorn Octoberfes

  This podcast episode is all about Home Brew Clubs with an intimate interview with Mike Sears, President and veteran home brewer with the Forest City Brewers. We cover our "Real or Fake" segment with Home Brew Club Names (how good are you?) and drink some tasty craft beers from the likes of 3 Floyds, Toppling Goliath and Pig Minds Brewing Co., as well as a special home brews from a 3 year old barrel-aged home brew collaboration and a haze-bent New England IPA. Eric Jonson sits in to lead our Brewers Talk segment, putting the screws to Mike Sears with some home brew club history and retrospect for how to keep your club relevant, passionate and fun! All while we sip on Toppling Goliath Rover Truck Oatmeal Stout, Pig Minds Talk is Cheap Citra PA (an ode to NYC Ska band The Toasters) and followed by a tasting of 3 Floyds massive hopped Arctic Panzer Wolf...an Imperial IPA with killer artwork from  Tim Lehi. All this and more accompanied by samples of fresh tracks from Rockford-based musician Micky Rosenquist. D

  This podcast episode features the creators of the Screw City Beer Fest, Aaron Sleger and Chris Wachowiak. We preview the their 7th fest which is happening on Sep. 9, 2017 which features 55 breweries, Forest City Brewers and their 16 home brews, and food, music and fun, We also dip back in time to find out how this popular event (it sold out in 22 minutes) got its start and what it took to make it work...and keep it in-demand. The show also includes awesome discussion and tastings of some highly-coveted craft beer from Mikerphone - One Man Wrecking Machine, Pipeworks - As You Wish, Marz - The Machine, Metropolitan  - Heliostat, Pig Minds - Sweep the Leg, as well as some home brew and other libatious donations. All of these breweries will be present and accounted for at this year's Screw City Beer Fest - here's the full line-up. All this and more accompanied by samples of fresh tracks from Rockford-based band, Law & Love. DRINK IT UP!

Special Beer Festivals Podcast featuring Scott Freeman This podcast episode focuses on "Festival Pours with Scott Freeman", craft beer expert at Rural On Tap and creator of the Rocktown Brewdown Beer Festival. We tap into Scott's world as a former Miller Brewing Rep and craft beer marketer, as well as taste some top shelf beers from festival standout breweries like Maplewood (Lemon Drop), Firestone Walker (Parabola, Bravo), Pig Minds (South Bitch Slap). Home-brew Rockstars also break out a stand-out German Pilsner called Stammtisch from Urban Chestnut featuring the new large pop top lids (these are awesome!). All with music samples of some Acid Jazz/Funk classics from Chicago's own Liquid Soul, led by the one and only Mars Williams. The ROCKTOWN BREWDOWN 2017 Beer Festival on Saturday August 19 at 4:00 pm features all the the breweries mentioned above as part of 25 in total and more than 10 exclusive home-brews from Forest City Brewers. This inaugural event offers early VIP (3:00 pm) to a limited number of be

Flanders Red Sours, Big Reds and Old School Funk A RED (white and blue) Home Brew Podcast featuring Tim Lundquist, his Flanders Red Merlot Barrel-Aged project and a look into the mind that operates a "big" home brew setup. Plus we do craft beer tastings of Lagunitas Lucky 13, ODell Flemish Giant, New Glarus Raspberry Tart, Pig Minds Southy Bitch Slap and flurry of sour home brews. HomeBrew RockStars dive into brewing traditional Belgian Sours. Guest home brewer Tim Lundquist has a ton of experience brewing all kinds of beer and shares some key techniques for brewing sour beer and barrel-aging. We also sample Tim's fabulous Kriek Lambic and a couple other home brews he talks about brewing. All this above accompanied by Pig Minds Brewing Southy Bitch Slap on the pool table with a review of the new Cheap Trick album, We're All Alright and a funk-spattered blast from the past via Fluid Oz. DRINK IT UP!!!  

Special #FathersDay Podcast featuring Zak Rotello, resident craft beer authority at the Olympic Tavern, who shares his generational tract in this 72 year old family restaurant business. Plus we take on an Anchor/Revolution Collaboration called Fist of Liberty and listen to trap from the latest Miles Nielsen offering, Heavy Metal. HomeBrew RockStars dive into the craft beer industry, brewery rankings , its survival vs. larger breweries and what it all means to beer drinkers. We also talk 72 years in the family restaurant business, gardening for the menu, traveling to other breweries and other things that make Zak's grundle quiver. This episode also zeros in the Anchor Brewing history, their Liberty IPA, Revolution Brewing's Fist City and the story how a Chicago Cubs - SF Giants bet brought us an advance tasting of the Fist of Liberty collaboration. We gave it 4.5 drones! All this above accompanied by Pig Minds Brewing Vanilla Royal Bitch Slap on the pool table and a "Rusted Hearts" serenade.

Podcast features "outside-the-box" approach to brewing, the craziest beer ingredients ever, Pig Minds and Three Floyds tastings ... and a listen to Name the Moon Cory Ellis (Forest City Brewers) takes center stage as Brent, Mike and Kent explore the mind of a forward thinking home brewer, while sampling Cory's well-aged Olive Ale and his all-Oats brew. Tasty stuff, indeed! The show spins around the book from beer science guru Randy Mosher, Radical Brewing, and that process to brewing beer beyond BJCP styles. The gang also digs into a segment of Real or Fake: Craziest Beer Ingredients. Tastings the episode include Royal Bitch Slap (a big Elijah Craig bourbon barrel-aged 5th Anniversary offering from Pig Minds) and the "world-class" Dreadnaught Imperial IPA from Three Floyds Brewing. All while taking in the new album from Name the Moon. Please SHARE this post with your friends (buttons below)! Or better yet... [mc4wp_form]

Big Brew 2017 – Forest City Brewers gather to brew some big beers HomeBrewRockStars hits the road for a May Brewers Guild at Steve Anthony's  with the Forest City Brewers for National Home Brew Day...aka #BIGBREW2017. This podcast episode follows Steve on his awesome all grain system, Jerry Machula brewing a 5 gallon brew-in-a-bag (w/high-tech setup) and Mike Coisman & Tim Lundquist pushing the Brew Master system to the max while cloning Pliny the Younger. What a day for brewing beer and hanging with your peeps!!! We also dabble into a group tasting of Holy City's Bourbon-barreled Pilsner called "Smells Like Rick" (or was that a horse in the Derby?) as well as a mother group tasting of Founders Redankulous, and an assortment of home brews and special reserve craft beer. You gotta hang on for a hilarious skit for "is that a race horse or a beer name" and killer interviews from the days rockstar brewers! It's Big Brew 2017 ... DRINK it UP.

An #EarthDay podcasts featuring Honey Bees, Pig Minds, Ommegang Game of Thrones, Rochefort 10 ... and 5 Yard Load meets The Last Vegas Listen in on Brent, Mike and Kent as they spend some time with Mike Gifford (Forest City Brewers) talking beekeeping, brewing (and tasting) Belgian style ales and discussing why there's so many varieties of honey (even marijuana honey). The show delves into earthy subjects as the boys taste an assortment of well-aged Belgian beers from the likes of Ommegang, Trappiste Rochefort 10, St.Bernardus Abt 12, Pig Minds Brewing Co. Belgian Golden Ale and guest brewer Giff's 4 year old belgian home brew. Giff shares a clone attempt from harvesting Bell's Hopslam yeast, Kent talks about brewing with New Zealand hops and Mike shares some "buzzy" wisdom from none other than Albert Einstein. The show features cuts from an old 5 Yard Load record and we discuss other music from The Last Vegas, Name the Moon and Mana Kintorso. Please SHARE this post with your friends (buttons below)! Or bette

New England IPA, Maplewood, Heist, Pig Minds, Billy Gibbons and more w/guest brewer Blake Aper Follow Brent and Mike during an exclusive "get-toknow" with BLAKE APER (Forest City Brewers) to explore his #homebrew process on the PICOBrew Zymatic system (also used by Denny Conn and many other home-brew rock stars), as well as other insights from Blake as we prod his head on just how he creates his award-winning beers. Along with sidekick Kent Runte, this episode also features a tasting of some New England IPA-like styles including Death Grip IPA from our sponsor, Pig Minds Brewing, a tasty NEIPA called Blurred from Heist Brewing (Charlotte) and a mouth watering finale with Maplewood Son of Juice, the oat-soaked hoppy little brother to their infamous Juicy Pants. Our popular “Real or Fake?” segment tests Mike and Blake on HOP names (not as easy as you think!), this week's “Drunk "non" Debate" discusses New England IPAs…and we take some closure from “what ya been listening to” with news on Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top),

SMaSH Beer, Toppling Goliath, Two Brothers Coffee, Black Country Communion...and more! Join Brent and Mike for a fun chat with JOE MONGAN (Forest City Brewers) about his #homebrew process and other thoughts, like adding Two Brothers Coffee to a soured barrel-aged brown...tasty!!!! Along with guest Kent Runte and a tasting of the Toppling Goliath single hop SMaSH beer called PseudoSue (generous helping of Citra hops), we tackle our "Beer News: Real or Fake?", "Drunk Debates: Juicy Hops"…and a quick dabble into "what ya been listening to" with some news on classic rock and the super-group, Black Country Communion! [mc4wp_form]