Podcast
Beer In Front
Hosted by Dave Zalatoris · EN
I'm Dave, a regular Chicago Beer Guy with a podcast about some old school beers and new classics. Sometimes the Beer In Front of you is the best one yet!
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https://www.patreon.com/beerinfront
https://linktr.ee/BeerInFront
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
306 Merican Light Beer With Israel Dominguez
4d ago00:40:52Tap to summarizeThis week on Beer In Front, I sit down with Israel Dominguez, President of Merican Light Beer, to talk about building a modern lager brand with old-school appeal. After nearly a decade at Anheuser-Busch, Israel took what he learned from one of the biggest beer companies in the world and launched a brand focused on authenticity, community, and a simple mission: make a great American light lager.In This Episode:Israel's journey from Anheuser-Busch executive to beer entrepreneurThe inspiration behind Merican Light BeerWhy nostalgia, familiarity, and Americana are central to the brandHow Merican grew rapidly through community-focused marketingThe challenges of building a beer brand in today's crowded lager marketExpansion into North Carolina and Tennessee and plans for future growthMerican's commitment to supporting veterans, family farming, clean water initiatives, outdoor recreation, and youth sportsWhy light lagers continue to be one of the strongest segments in beer todayBeer Review: I get my hands on a can of Merican Light Beer and puts it to the test. The verdict? A crisp, crushable lager with subtle notes of wood and apple that make it stand out from the crowd. It's a perfect summer beer and could become a future fridge staple once it reaches Chicago.Also On The ShowBirthday weekend recap at Old Irving BrewingAn update on the upcoming elbow surgery and recovery plansA preview of next week's special solo episode examining how GLP-1 medications are changing alcohol consumption and impacting the food and beverage industries.Learn More Visit the official Merican Light Beer website: MericanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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305 Run The Bulls With Devon
2w ago00:29:39Tap to summarizeDave is back with a Memorial Day weekend episode featuring beer news, craft beer chatter, and a wild conversation with Devon Douglas, the man attempting to convince Jason Kelce to run with the bulls in Pamplona by drinking a Garage Beer every single day until the event. Dave also checks in with updates on his elbow recovery, birthday week plans, and dives into some of the latest stories from around the beer world.Kelce To PamplonaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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304 Emrys Beer & Mead Works
2w ago00:30:22Tap to summarizeIn episode 304 of Beer In Front, Dave heads to Washington State for a conversation with Emrys Beer & Mead Works founder Thomas Croskrey. The discussion dives deep into the world of mead, historical brewing traditions, local sourcing, and how Emrys is blending beer, mead, and elevated pub food into one unique destination. Dave also reviews a new Korean-style lager from Hopewell Brewing Company and says goodbye to an old favorite with one final Schlitz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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303 Craft Beer Week
3w ago00:15:25Tap to summarizeThis week on the Beer In Front podcast, Dave celebrates both Illinois Craft Beer Week and American Craft Beer Week with a packed episode full of beer news, local brewery updates, playoff beer gimmicks, a killer lager from Goldfinger Brewing Company, and finally… a long-awaited review of the legendary Zima. Plus, a quick detour into punk rock with thoughts on the new album from Social Distortion.In This EpisodeCelebrating Illinois Craft Beer Week and American Craft Beer WeekIllinois Craft Beer Week passport program and brewery promotionsThoughts on the new Social Distortion album Born to KillBrewers Association concerns over tariff refunds and aluminum pricingBall Corporation’s can supply reportedly committed through 2030Illinois brewery updates from Hop Butcher For The World and Maplewood Brewery & DistilleryMichigan brewing collaboration between Brewery Vivant and Saugatuck Brewing CompanyNew West Coast pilsner “Boat Plane” from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.Beer bats, hockey beer skates, and playoff drinking vessels taking over sportsAB InBev posts first quarterly beer sales increase in three yearsNew NA collaboration “Baller Melon” from Go Brewing and Hop ButcherTHC beverages arriving at select Target Corporation storesSummer release preview from Goat Patch Brewing CompanyBig-format Chelada releases from ModeloBeer Review: Goldfinger – Danube Swabian Dave cracks open Danube Swabian, an historical Vienna-style lager from Goldfinger Brewing. Rich toasted malt character, balanced hop spice, and classic lager drinkability make this one an instant winner. If you see the red can, Dave says one thing: “Put it in the cart.” Retro Review: Zima Returns After years of searching, Dave finally gets his hands on Japanese-market Zima thanks to a hookup from a coworker and friends at Japan Airlines. Does the iconic lemon-lime malt beverage still hold up after all these years? Spoiler alert: absolutely. Expect nostalgia, carbonation, and zero tolerance for people putting Jolly Ranchers in it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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How 2020 Changed Beer
4w ago02:21:42Tap to summarizeIf you didn't catch the livestream last week, here is the audio part of the Midwest Beer Show. I along with Rod J talked about how beer has changed since 2020. We spoke to people from The Brewers Association, Hop Butcher, and WildEdge Brewing Collective! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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301 Tate Huffard From Best Day Brewing
May 400:44:54Tap to summarize🍺 Episode SummaryDave is back for Episode 301 with a conversation that might just change how you think about non-alcoholic beer. This week’s guest is Tate Huffard, founder of Best Day Brewing—a company proving that NA beer doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. From the evolution of drinking habits to the explosion of the NA category, Tate breaks down how Best Day is creating beers that stand on their own—full flavor, real craft, just without the alcohol. Plus, Dave puts a few Best Day beers to the test with honest, no-BS reviews. 🔥 In This EpisodeThe origin story behind Best Day BrewingWhy non-alcoholic beer used to fail—and what’s changedThe biggest technical challenge in making great NA beerHow lifestyle (not sobriety) is driving the categoryWhy NA beer is showing up everywhere—from Target to taproomsThe future of NA beer (draft lines, new styles, and more)🍻 Beer Reviews (Dave’s Take) Wild American (Pilsner-style)Clean, crisp, classic beer flavorBalanced malt + subtle hopsNo weird NA aftertaste“Lunch beer approved.”KolschLight, refreshing, highly drinkableSlight citrus note on the finish“Exactly what you want this style to be.”Electro-Lime (with sea salt)Bright lime upfront, super refreshingPerfect warm-weather crusher“Summer beer. No doubt.”👉 Bottom line: “It’s not NA beer—it’s just beer.”Go to https://bestdaybrewing.com/ Use the code INFRONT for 20% off your first order! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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300 Episodes
Apr 2800:16:45Tap to summarize🎉 300 Episodes InDave looks back on six years behind the mic and the evolution of the showEarly beer memories: Vienna lagers, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Dovetail BrewingFrom COVID-era rants to today’s more balanced formatListener feedback welcome as the show continues to evolve🍔 Chicago Beer & Food StopVisit to Hop Butcher for a charity collab eventSmashburgers from “Biker Dude” supporting Meals on WheelsVerdict: absolutely worth the trip—“that flipping good”📰 Beer & Beverage News 🔥 Big Industry MoveFirestone Walker acquires Stone BrewingProduction shifting to California; major restructuring of facilitiesPart of a busy acquisition streak for Firestone Walker🏆 World Beer Cup HighlightsIllinois breweries bringing home medals:Go Brewing (NA category wins)Adams Street BreweryGoose Island (including Bourbon County Brand Stout)Cruz Blanca, Phase Three, Industry Ales🍺 Beer Reviews – Craft Macro Series Dave kicks off a new segment reviewing “craft macros”—easy-drinking beers from craft breweries. Pipeworks – “Beer”Style: Light lager (4.4%)Score: 31/50Notes: Classic macro vibe, clean but middle-of-the-roadVerdict: Solid, drinkable, not a standoutRevolution Brewing – Cold Time LagerStyle: Premium lager (4.8%)Score: 35/50Notes: Balanced, flavorful, crushableVerdict: “Put it in the cart” — strong everyday optionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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299 Revolution Changes The Game
Apr 2100:22:55Tap to summarize🍺 Episode Overview Episode 299 is a quick solo run with Dave—no guests this week, but plenty of beer news, industry insight, and a deep dive into one of the most interesting trends in craft beer right now: non-alcoholic versions of flagship beers. From brewery closures to new collaborations and a standout NA release from Revolution Brewing, this episode covers the current state of the beer world, plus a few “put it in the cart” recommendations.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
Transcribe →298 A Barrel Aged April
Apr 1300:54:51Tap to summarize🎙️ Beer In Front Podcast – Episode Show NotesBarrel-Aged Season… in April? Spring in Chicago… and somehow we’re talking barrel-aged monsters like it’s late November. This episode dives into a surprise wave of fresh barrel-aged releases from three legendary Chicago breweries, plus a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the best in the game. Dave sits down with Marty Scott (Barrel Program Manager at Revolution Brewing) for an in-depth look at blending, wood, and the philosophy behind one of the country’s most respected barrel programs — including a sneak peek tank pour of a brand-new Deep Wood release. Also: industry news, new (and questionable?) beer releases, and a bittersweet beer rumor that hits close to home.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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297 The Reviews Are In
Apr 600:18:22Tap to summarizeWeek of April 6, 2026 A packed episode this week with a heavy focus on what really matters: the beer in front of you. 🍺 Expect a streamlined format loaded with reviews, plus some news, events, and a few things you might want to… put in the cart. 🍻What’s On DeckA stacked lineup of beer reviews featuring:Dragon’s Milk (New Holland)Midwest Coast BrewingNew BelgiumSound GrowlerSierra NevadaBeer news from around the worldChicago-area event spotlightMidwest Beer Show previewBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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