Beer Busters

Our podcast took a trip down the shore for Labor Day weekend to stop in at Ship Bottom Brewery in Beach Haven, NJ. Robert Zarko, returning to the podcast after appearing at the AC Beer and Music Fest this year, sat down with Head Brewer Jake Stablein to chat about the trials and triumphs of this (almost) beach front operation. Plus, an interview with one of the next generation of Yuenglings at America’s oldest brewery, Jen Yuengling. We discussed Yuengling’s newest year-round beer in 17 years, Golden Pilsner, as well as many other exciting facets of an upcoming new chapter for a brand we and our families grew up with. This episode’s edition of Happy Fun Time gets back to basics with a round of Libation or Fabrication hosted by Wayne. Our brains also got a bit more wrinkly as Steph outlined the subtle differences between the Marzen and Oktoberfest styles (while we sampled Yuengling’s seasonal Oktoberfest). All of this and more over two full “wipeouts” of Ship Bottom brews. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course y

This episode we paid a visit to the still-under-construction Workhorse Brewing in King of Prussia to chat with founder and owner Dan Hershberg. Dan is a man with big ideas and an ambitious plan for this rather enormous new brewery. The project is set to include a variety of amenities and events, a solid distribution plan, an eye toward future expansion, and is already pumping out quality beer – thanks to the hard work of award-winning brewer, Nate Olewine, formerly of Devil’s Backbone. We’ve rarely, if ever, been this excited about – and impressed with – an up and coming brewery. After hearing what Workhorse has in store, you’ll be just as stoked for its imminent opening. In the news, Dan reported on happenings in Constellation Brands, the official number of breweries in the US, and a punny cease and desist from everyone's favorite West Coast burger chain. Wayne hosted a round of Brewery or Forgery in Happy Fun Time, and Steph talked about wort aeration in Know Your Beers. All while we sampled Workhorse’s off

Our traveling podcast of wonders finds itself at another Philly brewery this episode, Urban Village Brewing at Schmidt’s Plaza in Northern Liberties. Joining us are Owner and Head Brewer Dave Goldman and Assistant Brewer Christian Ruggeri. We talked about the brewery’s inception and build, canning, events, the food, inklings of future expansion, cinnamon stick advocacy, and much more. In the news, Dan reported on cannibis infused “beers” and some other stuff too. In Happy Fun Time Games, Wayne challenged the assembly to guess bizarre beer ingredients in another installment of There’s Weird in My Beer. For this episode’s Know Your Beers segment, Steph gave us the scoop on the Gose style. All powered by a veritable buffet of Urban Village 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 kick it root down on this episode at Root Down Brewing in the burgeoning beer mecca of Phoenixville, PA, with co-owner and brewer Mike Hamara. In the awesome and impressively sized tap room, we discuss the brewery’s aesthetic, recent expansion of distribution into Philadelphia, various events hosted in the space, and much more. In the news, Dan reported on Constellation Brands’ acquisition of Four Corners Brewing, and beer delivery by text coming to Citizens Bank Park. We took a look at some cantankerous reviews of generally celebrated beers in a round of “Look What You Made Me Brew” for Happy Fun Time. And Steph talked about an up and coming new beer style – Brut IPA – in Know Your Beers. All of this socializing was more than adequately lubricated by several flights of Root Down’s impressive offerings.

On this episode we traveled to the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia to chat (and brew) with Meredith Williams, co-founder of Home Brewed Events – a company that produces tailored, high-end events from small corporate team building events to large-scale festivals. We chatted about the company’s beginnings, services and signature events, as well as the local beer and food scene. Also, we brewed a beer while recording, cause we’re cool like that. In the news, Dan reported on a new collab beer between Motorhead and Arcadia Brewing – including a phone interview with Arcadia’s marketer Steffan. In Happy Fun Time, Wayne hosted a new game all about bizarre beer events. And in Know Your Beers, Steph talked about brewing beers to cellar. Plus, a cameo from one of our patrons, Jill Chivers. All while we sipped a line up of incredible beers…and brewed one too!

Another basement episode. You know what that means. Lots of beer. Patrons in the house. Madness. This time around we lured founding members of Saints Homebrew Club into our dungeon of bottle sharing. Two of them have appeared on the show before, representing various interests. One has not. That one is Brad. He cannot grow a beard. Poor guy. In this episode Dan reports on a baseball fan who chugged a foul ball and brewer Chris Wilson leaving Weyerbacher to join Free Will. Happy Fun Time saw us take another pass at Unlabeled – The Blind Beer Tasting Game. We did better this time…cause we made it easier. And, in Know Your Beers, Steph talked about brewing with honey. Plus, beer. Homebrew. Not homebrew. Just lots of beer. 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.

This episode holds the record for the shortest distance Wayne and Dan have ever travelled for a podcast recording. Just down the road, we spent an evening at Brewery ARS in South Philly with co-founder Sean Arsenault, plus Jon and Micah, founders of brewery tour company Liberty Brew Tours. Our conversation swung back and forth between the history and goings-on at ARS and the history and services offered by Liberty Brew Tours. Dan reported on Stone Brewing cutting ties with punk band NOFX, and a new Sparkleberry Ale from Bell’s Brewery. In Happy Fun Time we again revisited Libation or Fabrication with beer names provided by our patron James Lamberg. In Know Your Beers, Steph went through some of the terms of fermentation in an edition all about the most important brewing ingredient: yeast. All of this, and more, brought to you by an impressive line up of Brewery ARS 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

After far too long, we finally returned to St. Boniface Brewing in Ephrata, PA to sit down with Jon, Mike and Dain. This episode is again short one Beer Buster, as Wayne was otherwise engaged and unfortunately had to miss this episode. We discussed St. Boniface’s expanding distribution, continued offerings in cans, new equipment, tap room updates and more. Dan reported on Sony Pictures lawsuit against Knee Deep Brewing over their Breaking Bad inspired beer. Rich sat in for Wayne to host Happy Fun Time where we played a true or false style alternative facts game all about weird beer news. In Know Your Beers, Steph discussed our friend Josh Weikert’s article in BYO Magazine about saving money by homebrewing. All this, and more, brought to you by an array of luscious Boniface 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 return one again to the culmination of Harrisburg Beer Week, an intimate fest celebrating boozy brews, Little Big Beer Fest. This time, the festivities were held at a new location, the National Civil War Museum. Unfortunately, Dan couldn’t be at this recording, but one of our esteemed Patreon supporters and good friend James sat in as guest host. Our line up of interviewees included some of the founders of Harrisburg Beer Week as well as the peeps pouring beers from several of our favorite Central PA breweries. Some veterans of the podcast, some who haven’t graced our mics for some time, and some newcomers, all sat down to talk and sample the awesome beers available at this unique and amazing festival. 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.

After 102 episodes we finally returned to Naked Brewing in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Despite suffering a possible concussion, owner Brian Sucevic returned to the mic with as much irreverence as ever, joined by newcomer David Wood – now serving as head brewer. We talked upcoming beers, changes since our last visit, Dave’s hatred of glitter beer, Philly Beer Week, some bouts of random trivia, and more. Dan reported on New Realm purchasing Green Flash’s equipment, MillerCoors’ response to Stone Brewing’s Keystone lawsuit, and a creepy crawly burger. In Happy Fun Time we played a 4/20 inspired variation of Libation or Fabrication called Beer or Bud and Steph gave us a rundown of the Flanders Red Ale style in Know Your Beers. During these proceedings we sipped on several Naked brews – from pitchers, because of course we did.   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 wandering podcast found itself once again at the home of Stickman Brews in Royersford, PA. This time we got both Buckman boys on the mics at the same time along with partner-in-crime Kate Sorrento. As per usual, our conversation was dominated by thoughtful, in-depth, and at times depressing, discussion on the current state and future of beer. We also argued about Wawa versus Sheetz food and made many juvenile jokes. Dan dropped some knowledge with the return of the Brewers Association Top 50 Breweries List. In Happy Fun Time we played another round of Libation or Fabrication with content courtesy of our patron James Lamberg. And Steph presented, appropriately, Know Your (Hazy) Beers, with the rundown of the newest, trendy, vague, BJCP categories that are all about that joose. And, of course, we sipped on a variety of Stickman offerings that conjured up a litany of very mixed emotions. Do you love Beer Busters? Of course you do! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and co

There were so many great breweries at this year's Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival that we couldn't possibly fit it into one episode, so here's the exciting conclusion! Joining fellow podcasters South Jersey Beer Scene, Jersey Beer Guys, Fear Of A Craft Beer Planet, Essential Guy Talk, and Over Beers Podcast, we interviewed a long list of breweries on hand at the second largest beer fest in the country. Among a handful of familiar voices were several New Jersey breweries new to the podcast and much, much more. All the while the sounds of the Descendents, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Pepper and others wafted in the background, mingling with the sights and sounds of the crowds, vendors, and countless activities in the giant buzzing space of the AC Convention Center. It was a truly epic weekend, with over 20 interviews, that cannot possibly fit in the confines of a single podcast episode. This is part two, strap in and enjoy!

We were super excited and honored to be picked to record at the 2018 Atlantic City Beer and Music Fest on the newly added podcast stage. Joining fellow podcasters South Jersey Beer Scene, Jersey Beer Guys, Fear Of A Craft Beer Planet, Essential Guy Talk, and Over Beers Podcast, we interviewed a long list of breweries on hand at the second largest beer fest in the country. Among a handful of familiar voices were several New Jersey breweries new to the podcast and much, much more. All the while the sounds of the Descendents, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Pepper and others wafted in the background, mingling with the sights and sounds of the crowds, vendors, and countless activities in the giant buzzing space of the AC Convention Center. It was a truly epic weekend, with over 20 interviews, that cannot possibly fit in the confines of a single podcast episode. This is part one, strap in and enjoy!

We trekked out to Dallastown, PA to chat with Cidermaster Scott, Brewmaster Pete and Marketing Consultant Nate at Wyndridge Farm. Wyndridge boasts an amazing restaurant, beautiful farmland, a cidery and a brewery. We discussed the history of the business and the farm, as well as current and upcoming goings-on. Plus, we got to know our three esteemed guests and their background (and we talked – and learned – a lot about cider). Dan reported on the news, we played a new game in Happy Fun Time involving some interesting reviews of the worst rated beers on Beer Advocate, and Steph taught us about dry-hopped ciders in Know Your Beer. And, of course, we sampled an array of Wyndridge beers and ciders.

In this episode we returned to the Hulmeville Inn, this time to sit down with long-time, acclaimed beer and whiskey writer Lew Bryson. We discussed Lew’s history with beer and writing, including his past published books and current contributions to The Daily Beast, All About Beer, The Full Pint and more. Plus, his well-known Session Beer Project, thoughts on the PLCB and liquor laws, and much, much more. In the news, Dan reported on the recent lawsuit brought against AB Inbev by Stone Brewing. Plus, we played Libation or Fabrication (with all beer names submitted by our patron James Lamberg) in Happy Fun Time. All the while sipping on a variety on (mostly) Pennsylvania brews.

Continuing our longest-running Beer Busters tradition, Greg Orth from Craft Tastings returns for his fifth annual Valentine’s Day-adjacent appearance on the podcast. Greg has continued to innovate new and exciting ways to share his beer pairing expertise. This time, we return to his roots with some chocolate and beer pairing, but with a twist. With a theme of “going in blind” we started with some blind chocolate tasting, followed by a blind pairing challenge. Continuing the theme, we played the new blind beer tasting board game “Unlabeled” in Happy Fun Time, and Steph brought a list of food and beer pairing suggestions from local brewpubs in Know Your Beer.

We hopped across the mighty Delaware river into New Jersey once again, this time to pay a visit to Tonewood Brewing in Oaklyn. Joining us were Co-Founder and Head Brewer Eli along with special guest Kyle McHerron, microbiologist, homebrewer and beer-slinger at Village Idiot Brewing. Our conversation spanned all things Tonewood, including some exciting distribution news. Dan delivered some gloomy brew news, including Green Flash’s distribution pull back and layoffs and Smuttynose Brewing seeking and immediate buyout. In Happy Fun Time, Wayne brought a new spin on the is-this-a-fake-beer genre with some AI generated beer names. And Steph broke down what’s in your wort in a particularly sciencey edition of Know Your Beers. All the while we imbibed a bounty of beautiful Tonewood brews.

In this episode we were on site at Blueprint Brewing in Harleysville, PA. We chatted with owners Kyle the Controller, Cory the Brewmaster and Jason the Salesman about all things Blueprint. Dan got us up to speed with some news including a brewery’s overreaction to criticism on social media and a popular beer style comes full circle with a British brewery releasing a New England Style IPA. In Happy Fun Time we played Band or Beer and Steph gave us a run down of the best beers of 2017 from Draft Magazine along with her own personal picks. All while we sipped on several Blueprint offerings.

Back in the Beer Busters Basement again for another marathon evening with the guys from Breweries in PA, we talked about their upcoming event at Conshohocken Brewing, the Pittsburgh Invades Philly Tap Takeover sponsored by Phoenixvlle Beer & Wine Festival. The event brings some amazing beers from the Pittsburgh area to Philadelphia, where they are not so easy to find. As always (or most of the time) we got up to speed on some brew news, we played a brand new game tentatively titled Look What You Made Me Brew in Happy Fun Time, and Steph gave some tips on how to host a successful bottle share in Know Your Beers. All while we sipped an extensive line up of (mostly) Pennsylvania brews.

This episode we dropped in on Fetish Brewing’s new space at Rock Lititz in Lititz, PA to sit down with co-owners Brandon and Mike. In their yet-to-be-opened new space, our conversation drifted from the cogent to the surreal and back again. Dan reported on a new collaboration beer between Dogfish Head and The Flaming Lips and a (literally) green beer from Maumee Bay Brewing Company in Ohio. In Happy Fun Time we played the inimitable Libation or Fabrication and Steph talked about how to host a successful bottle share in Know Your Beers. All while imbibing a fine selection of Fetish brews.