Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

Latest Episodes:

From the Brewhouse to the C-Suite: The Leadership Challenge Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Making great beer is one challenge; running a successful brewery is another. As today’s industry faces tighter margins, shifting consumer trends, and economic uncertainty, many brewers find themselves taking on new roles as managers and executives.

Our panel today – moderated by Andy Crouch from Schilling’s Oktoberfest - includes decision makers who have run brewhouses and have transitioned to running their businesses, folks who have worked for others and on their own, and have managed all parts of these operations.

They share lessons on leadership, strategy, and the business realities of brewing today.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Calling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.

Stomp Stickers
Stomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer
labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.

Host: Andy Crouch

Guests: Sean Lawson, Basil Lee, Roy Milner, Paul Sayler

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Business, Octoberfest, Work

Photo: Andy Crouch

Selling Lager in the Age of Moderation Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

The Year of the Lager has been predicted for decades, and it is finally coming true. And the timing couldn’t be better. Drinking habits continue to shift and younger audiences are increasingly embracing moderation or even alcohol abstinence. The craft beer industry finds itself at a crossroads. After decades of solid and sometimes explosive growth, craft beer faces both a challenge and an opportunity.

Lager, with its approachable strength and depth of flavor, is uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment. And while craft lager comprises a small fraction of the beer market, it has never been more popular or relevant. Today we’re going to explore how to reframe and sell lager for audiences who value balance, flavor, and authenticity, in a moment when many aren’t reaching for a pint.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Host: Andy Crouch

Guests: Todd DiMatteo, Blake Tyres, Greg Engert

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Lager, Octoberfest, Pilsner

Photo: Andy Crouch

Where to Drink Beer in Denver (2025 Great American Beer Preview) Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

It’s just about that time of year again when the beer faithful travel to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival. But truth be told, there’s so much do to in the Mile High City that even if you don’t go to the convention center there’s endless beer fun to be had. A trio of local experts - Jonathan Shikes of the Denver Post, Tristan Chan of Porch Drinking, and Dustin Craft of Malteurop joins host John Holl to break down where you should go to eat, drink, and be merry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Host: John Holl

Guests: Tristan Chan, Dustin Craft, Jonathan Shikes

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Lager, Denver, Bierstadt, Great American Beer Festival

Photo: John Holl

Neil Witte Wants You to Think About Beer Pours Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Neil Witte wants you to start thinking about how your beer is poured. The Master Cicerone, brewery consultant, educator, and draft technician has long been advocating for clean lines and proper service, but as of late he has been thinking about how beer is presented, what that does for flavor and the customer experience. After listening to this conversation, you’re going to give the man what he wants.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Host: John Holl

Guest: Neil Witte

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Foam, Glassware, Beer, Tradition, Innovation

Photo: John Holl

The Importance of the Beer Culture Center Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

The Beer Culture Center was founded by Liz Garibay, a long-time museum professional. When she sketched it out in 2013 she wanted it to be a place that would look at history and society through the lens of drinking. The idea came to life and has now presented hundreds exhibits and events around the country. It’s important and necessary work, one everyone in the industry should be supporting. The center also hosts the annual Beer Culture Summit, a multi-day, multi-disciplinary experience that tells the story of beer, its people, its history, and its importance. As the center expands, it recently announced its first Beer History Studies Fellow, Onteya Zachary. She will share insight into her research and more.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Host: John Holl

Guests: Liz Garibay, Onteya Zachary

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Chicago, Beer Culture Center, History

Photo:

Making the Long Drive for Fresh Hops: Offset Bier Focuses on Community and Flavor Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

In Park City, Utah, Offset Bier is doing big things. In a state with laws that can make it tough to be a brewer, Conor Brown, the brewery founder, is doing what he can to bring fresh flavorful beer to the people all while creating a welcoming community space. He’s currently working to build out the brewery footprint, bringing in new equipment and adding more space, and at this time of year he finds the time to make frequent trips to Idaho where he loads up on fresh hops to bring back to the brewery for quick turnaround brew days. It's the kind of commitment that bodes well for the future of craft beer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Host: John Holl

Guest: Conor Brown

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Utah, IPA, Hops, Growth, Community

Photo: Aaron Grove

Reassessing a Career in Brewing Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

We’re at a curious point in American brewing. Some talented brewers are choosing to walk away from a career they have loved. It’s not a bad thing, just part of the evolution. This week Derek Gallanosa shares his journey.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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The 5th Ingredient
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Host: John Holl

Guest: Derek Gallanosa

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: San Diego, Brewing, Job

Photo: Matt Furman, Furman Photography

Barrel pH1 Arrives at Off Color Brewing Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

We’re talking about barrels, branding, and business with John Laffler of Off Color Brewing. This is insight from the Chicago brewer that you’re not going to want to miss.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Host: John Holl

Guest: John Laffler

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: History, Ales, Barrels, New Belgium, Chicago

Photo: Dynasty Brewing

What Brewing Historical Beers Tells Us About Modern Brewing Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Host: John Holl

Guest: Favio Garcia, Michael Stein, Peter Jones

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: History, Lager, Ale

Photo: Dynasty Brewing

Drinking Beer for a Good Cause Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Drinking Beer can do good for the world. Rick Lyke of Pints for Prostates is here to talk about his organization and the evolution of the Denver Rare Beer Tasting.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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