Beer Busters

Our podcast heads back to our hometown to check out Saucony Creek Brewing’s soon-to-open new location in the beautifully restored historic Franklin Street Train Station in Reading, PA. Joining us were friend-of-the-show and Saucony Founder/Owner Kirby Powell and Head Brewer Nick Micio. Also, stepping up to the mics later in the evening were Sales Rep Jeff Fulmer, Executive Chef Martha Cavarretta, and General Manager Robin Pritz. In the news, Dan reported on the return of Reading Premium Beer (revived by Sly Fox) and some sobering news regarding the Brewers Association top 50 breweries. Wayne hosted a new hybrid game, Is There Weird in My Beer? in Happy Fun Time. And Steph continued her Know Your Hops series with more “c” hops – but not the ones you’re thinking of. All the while we sipped on some fine Saucony Creek offerings. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

Our friends at Hop Hedz Gear put together an insane music and extreme sports event so intense it could only be contained in an airport hangar at Capital City Airport in New Cumberland, PA. Featuring live performances by some of the nation’s top BMX bike stunt riders from BMX Trickstars, and local skateboarding teams, along with food, booze, and an amazing lineup of music acts, this was a party only the Hop Hedz crew could have thrown. Performers included Drew & the Blue, Gallowglas, Anthrophobia, and the nation’s #1 Beastie Boys Tribute Band – The Brass Monkeys. In between jamming to the tunes, we got to sit down and catch up with some old friends in the house, and meet some new faces. This event was epic, a hell of a time, and we hope it turns into an annual thing, we will definitely be back. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

Another Harrisburg Beer Week has come and gone, and that means another Little Big Beer Fest! For the fifth year running, we return as podcasters-in-residence for this incredible jewel in the HBG Beer Week crown that features a limited array of high-ABV beers. As usual, our guests include a roster of longtime friends of the show with a few new faces sprinkled in. Beer Busters would not be what it is today without the support of all of these fine folks, the breweries they call home, and – of course – the wonderful people that founded the ever-expanding beer week in our state capitol. This event is one we look forward to every year, and it is always an amazing time. Great beer, great food, great people. Need we say more? Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

In this episode we hit up Schaylor Brewing Company in Shillington, PA to chat with Co-Owners Joe and Lucan. Opened in early 2018, Schaylor proudly “brews outside the lines,” featuring a range of unique brews from fruited sours to stouts infused with breakfast cereal. We chatted about the brewery’s history, philosophy, upcoming plans and more. In the news Dan reported on the closure of two Ballast Point locations and other cutbacks at the Constellation-owned brewery, and we stifle tears as we talk about the imminent closure of Saint Benjamin Brewing in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Their last day of operations is literally the day after this episode releases, if you are local and have the time, we highly encourage you to stop by this awesome spot while it’s still around. Onto lighter affairs, Wayne hosted a round of Libation or Fabrication in Happy Fun Time. And Steph continues her blockbuster franchise with Know Your Hops Part 4. All of this, and more, as we sip flights from some of the cooles

We hunker down back in the Beer Busters Podcast Basement to welcome owner of Broken Chair Brewery in West Reading, Todd Bray. Todd chats with us about the inspiration and story behind the young brewery, the advantages of being in West Reading, some interesting tidbits about the building the brewery inhabits, and more. Plus, we finally get a chance to try some of the gluten-free beers from Holidaily Brewing in Colorado, and they do not disappoint! Listeners may remember when we interviewed Holidaily owner, Karen Hertz, back in episode 160. Dan reported on some data from the Brewers Association about the state of beer in 2018, plus a Pabst Blue Ribbon Whiskey, and another Harpoon and Dunkin’ collab beer. Wayne hosted a round of Bottom of the Barrel on BeerAdvocate in Happy Fun Time. And, in Know Your Beers, Steph continues her series all about hops with Know Your Hops Part 3. PATRONS! You won’t want to miss this episode’s Last Call segment, in which the loser of Happy Fun Time is subjected to a rather unpalata

This time around we are on location at Pour Man’s Brewing in Ephrata, PA. We sat down with the trio of owners, Ryan, James and Sam to chat about the story behind the young brewery, the flexibility in experimentation as well as the trials and tribulations that come with a very small batch operation, and much, much more. No news this time around, as this episode was recorded waaay before its release (and also the day after Dan was to urgent care for a rather unceremonious injury.) Wayne hosted a round of There’s Weird in My Beer in Happy Fun Time, and Steph followed up last episode’s edition of Know Your Beers with Know Your Hops Part 2. All the while imbibing a not insignificant amount of beer. For our patrons, be prepared for some freestyle rapping in the shit show that is this episode’s Last Call segment (available to Patreon supporters only). Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

Every once and a while on the podcast we get to talk about a liquid other than beer. Whether it’s cider or kombucha or even soda, it can be a nice change of pace. This time, we got to learn a whole lot about coffee. We set up our brand new mixer (eternal thanks to our patrons) at Stolen Sun Craft Brewing & Roasting Company in Exton, PA. Don’t worry, we did drink and chat about a lot of their great beers, but we also discussed the nuances of our second favorite beverage with owner Jon Zangwill and partner Travis Bailey. From traveling the world to select the best beans, to roasting techniques and more, we took a dive into what makes great coffee. We also talked about the brewery, the beer, and the idea of a hybrid coffee shop/tap room. Dan reported on basketball announcer Kevin Harlan calling a fan’s beer mishap and Sony trademarking the homebrew from Breaking Bad, Schraderbräu. Wayne hosted a round of Libation or Fabrication (along with some interesting podcast statistics). And Steph chatted about hops i

It’s been a long-time coming. We finally make it out to record at one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and best known craft breweries, Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown. With founder, brewer and pioneer Carol Stoudt, along with Event Coordinator and master-of-breads-and-cheese, Elizabeth Stoudt, we talked about the long and storied history of this landmark establishment. We also discussed the importance of the seemingly fading concept of flagship beers and “Flagship February”, an initiative to celebrate and rekindle the love for mainstay brews. Plus, a sneak peek at upcoming beers, packaging, and other plans for the Stoudts complex. In Happy Fun Time, Wayne hosted a round of There’s Weird in My Beer. And Steph talked about the English Bitter and ESB styles in Know Your Beers. All while enjoying a buffet of beautiful brews. Want to hear Carol Stoudt talk about mowing down emus with a machine gun? Don’t miss out on this episode’s Last Call segment. Sign up to become a patron to get access!

In this episode we sit down with Lost Tavern Brewing Co-Owner and Head Brewer Anthony Gangi, Co-Owner and Head of Marketing Kenny Rampolla, and Assistant Brewer Derek Lutz, at the brewery in Hellertown, PA. We discuss the company’s history and exciting expansion and growth plans, as well as their partnership with local businesses, musical talents, and more. Plus, Dan and Wayne hop on the phone to interview Kirk Richardson, the author of a series of books covering his travels to the best breweries in North America. The first volume, Craft Beer Country: In Search of the Best Breweries from the South Pacific to the Pacific Coast, released in October 2018. Wayne challenges everyone to fill in the blanks of bad beer reviews in Happy Fun Time Game. And Steph talks about the California Common style in this episode’s Know Your Beers segment. Also, there is beer. We drink it. Don’t miss out on this episode’s installment of Last Call, in which we sample an upcoming brew straight from the barrel. Sign up to become a pat

Our annual Valentine’s Day tradition continues for the sixth year running, as we hang in the Beer Busters Podcast Basement with Greg and Mike from Craft Tastings, a company that specializes in unique beer pairing events. This year, the fantastic flavor duo treated us to an array of popcorn pairings from a cool new shop in Lancaster called the Pop’d Shop – that specializes in all things that “pop” from soda pop, to popsicles, to popcorn and more. Plus, we hopped on the phone with Karen Hertz, founder of Holidaily Brewing Co. in Golden, CO, the only certified dedicated, gluten-free brewing facility in the state of Colorado. In Happy Fun Time, we played a music-themed version of Libation or Fabrication, and Steph gave us the scoop on beer and salt in Know Your Beers. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

In this unusual episode, we returned to Root Down Brewing in Phoenixville, PA for a rotating panel of guest from three breweries that share a unique friendship. Root Down owner Mike Hamara returned to the mic along with brewer Steve Bischoff. Founder of Tired Hands in Ardmore, Jean Broillet joined us next, followed by Sean, Dylan and Kevin from East Branch in Downingtown. Over a lineup of brews from each brewery, this eclectic group of friends discussed their relationship, the local beer scene, the state of craft beer, and – of course – a bit about each of their respective establishments. Roughly broken into three segments, this episode stayed a lot closer to the rails than was expected – though we devolve toward the end in traditional Beer Busters fashion. Also, for our Patrons, keep an eye out for the Last Call segment of this episode, you will have more voices in your head than you ever believed possible. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast pla

This episode we travelled down a dark alley to the hidden gem tucked away in West Kensington, Philadelphia that is Fermentery Form.  With Ethan Tripp, founder, brewer and blender, we talked about Form’s unique position as a “blendery” – the beer is brewed at other local breweries, than aged and blended (and served) at the taproom. We talked about the business’ history and growth, including being named one of the 50 best new breweries by Beer Advocate, and learned a ton about Belgian style approaches to beer and brewing, including the rich tradition of the Lambic style. Dan reported on a study by Founders Brewing comparing the characteristics of lager versus ale drinkers, and the Brewers Association end-of-year report on the state of the craft beer industry in 2018. In Happy Fun Time, Wayne hosted a “Lambic only” edition of The Beer Cellar, and Steph gave us a look at the Belgian Lambic style in Know Your Beers. Plus, we sipped a short but amazing list of brews. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Wh

After five years and 140 episodes, we finally catch up with our old friend Steve Armstrong, at his current home at Pottstown United Brewing. We reminisce on old times, discuss the road from Armstrong Ales to PUB, get to know this awesome new digs, and much more. In the news, Dan reports on a new beer made by Kellogg’s from reject Cornflakes, CANarchy’s acquisition of Lexington Ave Brewery, and Sierra Nevada’s nationwide collaboration project, Resilience IPA – providing relief for wildfire victims in California. There’s Weird in My Beer makes a return in Happy Fun Time Games, and Steph talks about the Kölsch style in Know Your Beers. Plus, we do our due diligence in sampling some rather large pours of many of PUB’s offerings Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

It’s that time of year again for our favorite hometown beer fest: Brewphoria at Canal Street Pub in Reading, PA. This intimate local beer fest is one of our longest-running traditions on Beer Busters, and is always a great time. Though this is the second Brewphoria that was without founder and former Canal Street Bar Manager Dusty, we got a chance to catch up with Dann Steffans, who has stepped into the role without missing a beat. What was particularly exciting this year is we got the chance to welcome a number of Brewphoria (and podcast) first-timers to the mics. As usual, the beers were amazing, the buffet was killer, and Brewphoria continues to be a gem of a beer fest that should not be missed! Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

We venture out of our comfort zone in this first ever episode devoted entirely to cider. Joined by Co-Owner and Head Cidermaker, Joe Getz, we set up shop at Kurant Cider in Philadelphia. It was an amazing learning experience for all of us as we talked about the cider making process, history, and of course the story and goings-on of Kurant. Dan reported on some news, including companies getting on on these “high times”. In Happy Fun Time, Wayne hosted an all cider edition of Libation or Fabrication. Steph kept the educational theme going with an edition of Know Your…Cider. Plus, we sampled an array of Kurant’s offerings – including a very special tasting in this episode’s edition of Last Call (available only to patrons.) Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

First off, STEPH IS BACK! Our crew is complete once again as we hit up the First Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Brewers Fest at the Reading Liederkranz German Club in our hometown. This unique beer fest featured home brews from three area homebrew clubs: Bruclear Homebrew Club, Berks Homebrew Club and Lancaster Brewers – alongside commercial beers from area breweries. There was live music and awesome German food as locals sampled the craft of the regions finest home brewers and professionals alike. We chatted with members of the various clubs, as well as some of the commercial breweries on hand, and more. The weather was just right, not too cold but still felt like autumn was in the air, for this awesome event that we hope to return to in the future. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

You knew it was only a matter of time before we came back to Evil Genius to get our podcast on. The impetus for our visit to the fine establishment in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philly this time was to discuss the brewery’s commitment to sustainability and use of 100% wind power through Inspire. Once we got that covered, and without Steph to keep us in line, we pretty much just had an awesome hang with Evil Genius owner and longtime friend of Beer Busters, Trevor Hayward. Joining us for a bit in the middle was brewery General Manager Garrett Williams. We drank a bit too much and bounced from random topic to goofy reference to dirty joke. Good times. Also in this episode, a phone interview with Brendan Sindell, CEO of House Beer in Venice Beach, CA. House Beer has “One Beer, Done Right,” a premium crafted lager. In Happy Fun Time, Wayne proctored a quiz on the environmental impact of beer – a relatively no-nonsense topic that still managed to turn into a cavalcade of shenanigans. Though Steph had to unfortu

Suburban Brewing is a young brewery – open only about eight months – in the small town of Honey Brook, PA. We sat down with co-founders Eric Yost, a long-time chef and restauranteur, and Corey Ross, brewmaster and home brew shop proprietor, to chat about the paths that led them to opening a brewery, the ups and downs of brewing on a small scale, the local community, and more. Also in this episode, a phone interview with Anchor Brewmaster Scott Ungermann, in which we discussed their new Frog Breaker IPA, their annual Christmas Ale, and the long history of the brewery. Unfortunately, Steph was unable to join us for this episode , but we persevered! No news segment or Know Your Beers this time around, but in Happy Fun Time, Wayne hosted a round of Band or Beer. All while sipping on some fine Suburban brews. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

We again made the trek to our state’s capital to hit up the Millworks, part restaurant, part art gallery/studio, and – most importantly – part brewery, in Midtown Harrisburg. Brewer Jeff Musselman joined us to discuss exciting upcoming plans and events (including expansion to a second location), the story behind the brewery and amazing beers, and more. In the news, Dan reported on a new beer from IHOP, er, IHOB, Bud Light rewarding a long-awaited sports victory in Cleveland, and a recent change in New Jersey law that severely restricts the operation of small breweries (learn more and sign a petition here). Wayne presented a rousing bout of Weird in My Beer in Happy Fun Time, and Steph gushed about German Pils in Know Your Beers. Don’t forget to check out our Patreon to get access to Last Call, a bonus patrons-only segment; in this edition we cracked open a very special bottle Jeff found in a dark corner of the brewery.

Fore our mini-milestone 150th episode we returned to Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg, PA and brought along an entourage of our patrons. Returning to the podcast were co-owners Francisco Ramirez and Greg Kendig, and making their debut were brewer Sean Raney and manager Tom Shuler. Over samples of every single beer on tap (that’s 15, if you’re keeping score), we chatted about Mad Chef’s recent accolades, expansion plans, and much more. Dan reported on Dogfish Head’s new sour series, a $5 craft beer at a football stadium (!), and the last Blockbuster store releasing its own beer. Wayne hosted another edition of Brewery or Forgery (with entries provided by our patron, James Lamberg). And, in Know Your Beers, Steph discussed brewing with chocolate.