Podcast
Midwest Microbrew
Hosted by Henry Nosek · EN
Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. We go beyond the tasting notes to share the untold stories behind the Midwest's best craft breweries.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 26: Scott Whitson, Co-Owner of BIT Brewery
4w ago00:29:23Tap to summarizeScott Whitson, head brewer and owner of Bit Brewery in Central City, Iowa, returns to Midwest Microbrew to break down exactly what's working (and what's not) in small-town craft beer marketing. From wrapped golf carts that flopped to a "brewer in training" program that's bringing in new customers every month, Scott shares real numbers and real lessons from six years of running an independent brewery.In this episode, we cover:🍺 The story behind the "Best in Three" (Bit) brand identity🍺 Which marketing channels actually move the needle — social media, local radio, and word of mouth🍺 Why Google's "breweries near me" searches matter more than paid ads🍺 A $2,500 golf cart marketing swing that didn't pay off (and what he learned)🍺 How their homebrew competition and mug club programs build community🍺 The "brewer in training" experience that lets customers help brew their own beer🍺 What it means to lean into a true Midwest, small-town identityIf you love craft beer, small business marketing, or Iowa brewery stories, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.📍 Bit Brewery is located in Central City, Iowa, about 25 minutes from Cedar Rapids.🔗 Find Bit Brewery on Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram — search "Bit Brewery."🎧 Subscribe to Midwest Microbrew for more interviews with the brewers, owners, and innovators shaping the Midwest craft beer scene.#CraftBeer #Homebrewing #IowaBreweries #MidwestMicrobrew #SmallBusinessMarketing #BitBrewery #CentralCityIowa #CraftBeerPodcast #BreweryMarketing #IndependentBrewery
Transcribe →Episode 25: Sam Goerdt, Co-Owner at Goerdt's Brewhaus
Jun 2500:28:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Midwest Microbrew, I sit down with Sam Goerdt, co-owner and brewer at Goerdt's Brewhaus in Galena, Illinois. Sam shares his journey from the Marine Corps to brewing school to opening his own craft brewery, and we dive into his European-inspired lagers and ales, his BBQ menu, and what's coming up next at the brewery.🍺 What we cover:Sam's path from the Marines to professional brewingTraining at the Siebel Institute in ChicagoHow Goerdt's Brewhaus was born in Galena, ILEuropean-style lagers, ales, and unique specialty brewsFamily-friendly brewery with BBQ, arcade games, and a mug clubUpcoming seasonal releases including Oktoberfest and Loco Mango📍 Goerdt's Brewhaus | Galena, Illinois🔗 Follow them on Facebook for events, new beers, and moreIf you're a craft beer fan in the Midwest, Galena is worth the trip. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode of Midwest Microbrew!#MidwestMicrobrew #CraftBeer #Galena #Illinois #GoerdtsBrewhaus #CraftBrewery #MidwestBeer #Brewery #HomebrewToCraftBrew #BeerPodcast #LagerLovers #BBQAndBeer
Transcribe →Episode 24: Russ Klisch, President of Lakefront Brewery
Jun 500:03:52Tap to summarizeIn this short interview, Henry Nosek of Midwest Microbrew sits down with Russ Klisch of Lakefront Brewery to discuss what it truly takes to start and run a successful craft brewery. Russ shares his hard-earned wisdom on managing cash flow, choosing the right business partners, building a distribution strategy, and why passion and personality are just as important as making great beer.Whether you're a homebrewer dreaming of going pro, an aspiring brewery owner, or simply a craft beer lover, this interview is full of practical advice straight from one of the Midwest's most experienced brewers.🍺 Topics covered in this interview:The biggest financial challenges of starting a breweryHow to choose the right business partners (and plan for exit strategies)The role of quality in long-term successTaproom vs. distribution — how to sell your beerMarketing your brewery through personality and community🎙️ Missed our first interview with Russ? Watch it here: • Episode 5: Russ Klisch, President of Lakef... 🔔 Subscribe to Midwest Microbrew for more craft beer interviews, brewery spotlights, and everything the Midwest microbrew scene has to offer!#MidwestMicrobrew #CraftBeer #LakefrontBrewery #BreweryLife #CraftBrewery #HomebrewToPro #MidwestBeer #BrewingBusiness #CraftBeerPodcast #MicroBrewery #BeerPodcast #RussKlisch #BreweryStartup #CraftBeerCommunity
Transcribe →Episode 23: Brian Buss, Co-Owner at Bust'd Brewing
May 2900:37:16Tap to summarizeHow does a small craft brewery build a fiercely loyal customer base in a competitive market? Brian Buss of Bust'd Brewing in Peoria, Illinois breaks down exactly how he's done it.In part two of our conversation, Brian shares the strategies and tactics Bust'd Brewing has used to attract all kinds of people to their taproom and keep them coming back — from die-hard beer geeks to total newcomers. If you're a craft beer fan or a small business owner, this one is packed with real, actionable insight from someone who's built something special in central Illinois.🎧 Missed part one? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/_v6PWLg8q5Y]🌐 More episodes and content at: midwestmicrobrew.com🍺 About Midwest Microbrew:Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. Host Henry Nosek sits down with the brewers, founders, and visionaries behind the best small breweries in the region. Visit us at midwestmicrobrew.com for more.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.#CraftBeer #MidwestBeer #BustdBrewing #Peoria #Illinois #CraftBrewery #Microbrewery #BreweryLife #BeerPodcast #MidwestMicrobrew #SmallBusiness #TaproomCulture #BeerCommunity
Transcribe →Episode 22: Dan Carey, Co-Founder at New Glarus Brewing
May 2800:13:32Tap to summarizeDan Carey co-founded New Glarus Brewing in 1993 with no money, no investors, and no roadmap — just a passion for world-class beer and the work ethic to match. This is part two of our conversation with one of the most respected brewmasters in the Midwest.In this episode, Dan opens up about the brutal early years of building New Glarus from scratch using dairy equipment bought at auction, the legendary mentors who shaped his craft — including the man known as the "Pope of Beer" — and why after 32 years in business, his greatest achievement has nothing to do with medals or ratings. Dan also talks about how he manages stress, and why running has kept him sane through it all.🎧 Missed part one? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/dFyFBBYnjWc🌐 More episodes and content at: midwestmicrobrew.com⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:18 – The challenges of starting New Glarus in 199304:22 – How the craft beer world has changed05:06 – Dan's most influential mentors09:18 – His greatest achievement after 32 years12:13 – How Dan handles stress13:30 – Running, racing, and staying grounded🍺 About Midwest Microbrew:Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. Host Henry Nosek sits down with the brewers, founders, and visionaries behind the best small breweries in the region. Visit us at midwestmicrobrew.com for more.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.#NewGlarusBrewing #DanCarey #CraftBeer #Wisconsin #MidwestBeer #WisconsinBeer #Microbrewery #BreweryLife #BeerPodcast #MidwestMicrobrew #CraftBrewery #HomebrewHistory #BrewmasterLife #SmallBusiness
Transcribe →Episode 21: Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company
May 700:46:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Midwest Microbrew, host sits down with Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company, for their second conversation — and this time the focus shifts from the beer to the people who love it.We dig into how Great Lakes Brewing Company has cultivated one of the most loyal craft beer communities in the Midwest, what it takes to grow a craft beer brand in today's competitive market, and the strategies behind turning first-time visitors into lifelong fans.If you're a craft beer enthusiast, a brewery owner, or someone interested in beverage brand development — this episode is packed with insight.🎙️ What we cover:How Great Lakes Brewing Company builds and retains customer loyaltyBrand development strategies in the craft beer industryGrowing a craft beer audience in the Midwest marketWhat makes the Great Lakes community unique📍 Great Lakes Brewing Company | Cleveland, Ohio🎧 Subscribe for weekly craft beer stories, brewery interviews, and guides across the Midwest#CraftBeer #GreatLakesBrewing #MidwestBeer #CraftBrewery #BeerPodcast #BreweryLife #MidwestMicrobrew #BrandDevelopment #CraftBeerCommunity #OhioBeer
Transcribe →Episode 20: Neil Blair and Elliot Thompson, Brewer and Founder of Alluvial Brewing
Apr 2400:32:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Elliot Thompson (Founder) and Neil Blair (Brewer) from Alluvial Brewing in Ames, Iowa. We dig into the story behind one of central Iowa's most exciting craft breweries — from its founding and early days to the vibrant taproom atmosphere and the live music scene that keeps locals and visitors coming back.Whether you're a craft beer lover, a fan of the Ames community, or just looking for your next great Iowa brewery to visit, this episode has something for you.In this episode we cover:The founding and formation of Alluvial BrewingWhat makes the Alluvial taproom atmosphere so uniqueHow live music has become a cornerstone of the Alluvial experienceNeil and Elliot's passion for craft beer and community🎙️ Guest: Neil Blair & Elliot Thompson — Alluvial Brewing📍 Location: Ames, Iowa
Transcribe →Episode 17: Ashley Althoff and Joel Null (Brewer) at Textile Brewing Co.
Apr 1000:41:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we’re in Dyersville, IA, at Textile Brewing Company. We sit down with Ashley Althoff and Head Brewer Joel Null to talk about the incredible journey of this historic taproom and their commitment to sustainable, high-quality craft beer.Textile is a "time machine" of a brewery, where the industrial past meets a high-tech, eco-friendly future. As the first small brewery in Iowa to hit Platinum Green Brewery Certification, they are proof that great beer and a small footprint go hand-in-hand.
Transcribe →Episode 2: Jeff Kraft, Head Brewmaster of Titletown Brewing
Apr 1000:35:30Tap to summarizeJoin me for an exclusive conversation with Jeff Kraft, Head Brewer at Titletown Brewing Company in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin. Discover how this beloved brewery saved a historic train depot from demolition 30 years ago and transformed it into one of Wisconsin's premier craft beer destinations.
Transcribe →Episode 19: Jeremy Hunt, Head Brewer at No Coast Beer Co.
Apr 1000:34:24Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a "Dogfish Head" veteran brings his expertise to the heart of Iowa? 🍺🌾In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we travel to Oskaloosa, IA, to sit down with Jeremy Hunt, Head Brewer at NoCoast Beer Co. Known for their bold, unpretentious branding and high-quality production, NoCoast has become a powerhouse in the Iowa craft scene by focusing on technical excellence and Midwestern grit.Jeremy shares his journey from academia to the brewhouse and explains why he believes in "going full nerd" when it comes to the science of beer.In this interview, we explore:The "No Coast" Identity: Rejecting coastal pretension and celebrating the "flyover country" attitude.Consistency at Scale: How Jeremy uses his deep industry experience to ensure every can of NoCoast is perfect.The "Midwest IPA": Why they refuse to choose between East and West, and how they created an IPA for everyone.The "Go Full Nerd" Philosophy: Jeremy’s approach to lifelong learning, from experimental Belgian projects to homeschooling his six children.The Core Lineup: Deep dives into Yoga Poser, Low Brow Brown, and the award-winning Trend Bucker Stout.
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