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.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
285 Happy New Year
Jan 500:15:21Tap to summarizeDry January Doesn’t Mean Ditching Your Local Brewery Happy New Year! I kick off 2026 with a Dry January check-in and a reminder that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean abandoning your favorite breweries — especially during one of the toughest months of the year. I'll share smart, simple ways to support breweries without drinking, including buying merch and gift cards, ordering NA beers or hop waters, showing up for events, grabbing food, leaving reviews, and being the designated driver for friends. The episode also touches on the most unexpected beer news of the week: the Pop-Tarts Bowl, complete with beer and pastry pairings. Plus, I went down a tech rabbit hole after testing ChatGPT’s ability to generate a Midwest-style hazy IPA recipe — raising the question of whether AI should ever play a role in brewing. 🍻 Beer ReviewsSierra Nevada Trail Pass Golden (NA) – Looks the part but falls flat on flavor.Central Waters Rift IPA – A well-balanced, flavorful IPA with great hop character and a clean finish.As always, I'll wrap things up by encouraging listeners to keep showing up for local breweries — pint or no pint. Sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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284 Beer In Review
Dec 2200:23:03Tap to summarizeIn the final episode of 2025, I'll go solo to recap a packed year for Beer In Front. From major beer news and industry trends to podcast milestones, festival highlights, and standout beers, this episode ties a big holiday bow on everything that made 2025 memorable. Plus, I'll crack open a couple of seasonal favorites and reflects on how beer content—and attention spans—continue to evolve. Featured BeersPollyanna Brewing – Fireside Gap (Winter IPA, 5.8%)A darker, old-school West Coast-style IPA with a great malt-hop balance. Great Lakes Brewing – Christmas Ale (7.5%)A holiday classic brewed with honey and spices—22 years strong and still deliveringBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group
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267 Firestone Walker Mix Pack
Aug 11, 202500:17:28Tap to summarizeFirestone Walker was kind enough to send over their new Mix Pack featuring 4 great IPA's, I'll have them all this week. That, plus all the news and details on the Oak Park Microbrew Review next Saturday the 16th! Firestone Walker Mix PackOak Park Microbrew ReviewBeer Media GroupBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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266 Illinois Brewing Summer 2025
Aug 4, 202500:45:54Tap to summarizeIllinois Brewing Magazine is a quarterly publication that features the finest in craft beer in our great state. Each issue is filled with everything you need to know about Illinois Breweries. The Summer 2025 issue is available now. I’ll also have offerings from Brothership Brewing and Old Irving Brewing this week. Illinois Brewing Magazine Illinois Craft Brewers Guild Brothership Brewing Old Irving Brewing Beer Media GroupBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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Episode 265 Revolution & Phase Three
Jul 27, 202500:14:44Tap to summarizeFighting a summer cold so quick show this week featuring two iconic Illinois Breweries. Revolution and Phase Three! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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#264 Dogfish Head 90 & Marz Gay IPA
Jul 15, 202500:18:44Tap to summarizeTwo great beers this week, the iconic 90 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head and the fabulous Gay IPA from Marz Brewing in Chicago! All that and the unedited Lee Elia rant in honor of his passing on this edition of Beer In Front! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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Episode 263
Jun 30, 202500:17:17Tap to summarizeSolo show this week. I’ll provide all the news of the week plus have some beers from CraftHaus, Athletic, Phase Three, and Half Day Brewing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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The Stovepipe Can
Jun 24, 202500:31:17Tap to summarize19 is the new 22. Or, 19.2 oz is the new bomber. The large format can known as the stovepipe is growing in popularity around craft beer and it’s not just the big players like New Belgium and Goose Island utilizing the format. Local Chicago breweries like Revolution, Half Acre and Maplewood have put their beers in the single serving can. I sat down with acclaimed writer Kate Bernot and we discussed the growing popularity of the Stovepipe. All that and more on this edition of Beer In Front.SightlinesBluesky FeedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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Five Corners Beverage Company
Jun 17, 202500:40:06Tap to summarizeFive Corners Beverage Company is a local Chicago based company that has one of the most unique tasting beverages I’ve had. They are a husband-and-wife team making small batch products right here in the Midwest. I sampled their Salted Lemonade over at Bottles and Cans a few weeks ago and had to buy it on the spot. I’m so happy to welcome Benno Nelson the co-founder of Five Corners today.Five Corners Beverage CompanyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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Belgian Import Festival Recap With Space Castle
Jun 11, 202500:27:08Tap to summarizeThis week, I’ll recap the Belgian Import Festival held last weekend at Bruz Beers. Joining the show this week is my good friend D.T. who hosts the fantastic Space Channel Show over on YouTube! I sat down with Co-Owner Charlie Gottenkieny and had the terrific Diablo Colorado over at Bruz as well!Bruz Beers Space CastleBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
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