Beer Busters

Latest Episodes:

Episode 165: Broken Chair Brewery (or Break the Chair, Save the Beer) Apr 19, 2019

Show notes

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 unpalatable punishment. And we got it on video! Stay tuned to Patreon the Monday after this episode drops to catch the gut-wrenching action!

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.

Episode 164: Pour Man's Brewing (or This Is All Lies) Apr 05, 2019

Show notes

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.

Episode 163: Stolen Sun Craft Brewing & Roasting (or Beer is Every Place) Mar 22, 2019

Show notes

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 in a “to be continued” segment of Know Your Beers, Know Your Hops Part 1. With a caffeine buzz achieved, we embarked upon an epic sampling of Stolen Sun suds throughout.

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.

Episode 162: Stoudts Brewing (or The Wild Red Barn) Mar 09, 2019

Show notes

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!

Episode 161: Lost Tavern Brewing (or Syringes and Dead Bodies) Feb 22, 2019

Show notes

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 patron to get access!

Episode 160: Craft Tastings (or The Elf is Too Mad) Feb 08, 2019

Show notes

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.

Episode 159: Root Down/Tired Hands/East Branch (or The Brew Triumvirate) Jan 25, 2019

Show notes

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 platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

Episode 158: Fermentery Form (or A Trip Down Memory Alley) Jan 11, 2019

Show notes

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! Why not leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice and consider supporting us on Patreon.

Episode 157: Pottstown United Brewing (or Super Cereal) Dec 28, 2018

Show notes

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.

Episode 156: Brewphoria 16 Dec 14, 2018

Show notes

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.

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