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.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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.
Transcribe →Episode 1: Sam Lewey, Toppling Goliath Brewery
Apr 1000:52:39Tap to summarizeJoin me for an in-depth conversation with Sam Lewey, Marketing Director at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in Decorah, Iowa. Discover the incredible story of how a simple Christmas homebrew kit in 2009 transformed into one of America's most acclaimed craft breweries.The Toppling Goliath Story:What began as a hobby in a family garage has evolved into a 100-barrel brewing powerhouse distributing to 36 states and 9 countries. Sam shares how his father's passion for hoppy beers led to opening a tiny half-barrel taproom, and how their legendary barrel-aged stouts between 2012-2015 put this small Iowa town on the craft beer map.Flagship Beers & Must-Try Brews:Pseudo Sue - The iconic pale ale that became their most popular beer, blending tropical hop character with approachable flavorKing Sue - Their award-winning double IPA, described as "the perfect liquid translation of hops"Dorothy's Lager - The beer that started it all, named after Sam's grandmotherDragon Fandango - A vibrant kettle sour that launched their entire fruited sour seriesBarrel-Aged Stouts - World-renowned stouts aging 1-3 years in a dedicated barrel room with hundreds of barrels
Transcribe →Episode 18: Jeff Brandt, Founder and Head Brewer at Titonka Brewing Company
Apr 1000:35:12Tap to summarizeCan a town of 500 people support a thriving craft brewery? 🍺🌾In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we travel to Titonka, Iowa, to interview Jeff Brandt from Titonka Brewing Company. Jeff’s story is a testament to the idea that if you brew great beer and build a welcoming space, people will come from miles around to experience it.Titonka Brewing isn't just a place to grab a pint; it's a labor of love that has revitalized a piece of rural Iowa and created a destination for beer travelers and locals alike.In this interview, we discuss:The Rural Brewery Dream: Why Jeff chose Titonka and how he transformed the space.Community-First Brewing: How the local community rallied behind the brewery from day one.The Beer Lineup: Breaking down their approachable, high-quality brews and what makes their "flagships" stand out.The "Worth the Drive" Factor: What visitors can expect when they make the trek to north-central Iowa.
Transcribe →Episode 14: Brian Buss, Co-Owner and Brewmaster at Bust'd Brewing
Mar 1100:27:52Tap to summarizeWhat makes a brewery more than just a place to grab a pint? In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we travel to Peoria, Illinois, to chat with Brian Buss, the Brewmaster and co-owner of Busted Brewing.Brian takes us behind the scenes of one of Central Illinois' most unique taprooms. We discuss their standout beer lineup, how they’ve mastered a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone, and the philosophy that sets Busted Brewing apart in the thriving Midwest craft beer scene.
Transcribe →Episode 13: Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company
Mar 1101:03:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Midwest Microbrew Podcast, we travel to Cleveland, Ohio, to sit down with Michael Williams, the Brand Development Manager at the legendary Great Lakes Brewing Company.As one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in the Midwest, Great Lakes has a story that is as rich as its porters. We dive into the brewery's historic roots in Ohio City, explore the evolution of their most iconic labels, and get the inside scoop on the cult classic that defines the holiday season: Great Lakes Christmas Ale.Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just love a good "brewhistory" lesson, this interview offers a unique look at how Great Lakes continues to lead the industry while staying true to its heritage.
Transcribe →Episode 15: Andy Joynt, Head Brewer at Big Grove Brewery
Mar 1100:35:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Andy Joynt, the Brewmaster at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa. Big Grove has one of the most incredible growth stories in the craft beer industry, evolving from a local favorite to a massive operation with a footprint that’s hard to miss.Andy takes us behind the scenes to discuss:The Story of Massive Growth: How they scaled up without losing their soul.The "Secret Sauce": What truly makes Big Grove stand out in a competitive market.The Best Beers: A look at their current lineup and the staples that put them on the map.Whether you're an Iowa local or a craft beer enthusiast from afar, this interview offers a deep dive into the business and the art of brewing at a high level.
Transcribe →Episode 16: Scott Whitson, Co-Founder and Brewmaster at BIT Brewery
Mar 1100:43:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we head to Central City to chat with Scott Whitson from BIT Brewery. BIT (which stands for Best In Three) was founded by three friends with a simple mission: brew great beer and build a space the community loves.Scott takes us through the journey of opening a nano-brewery in a small town, the art of the perfect wood-fired brick oven pizza, and the creative process behind their rotating tap list.In this interview, we cover:The "BIT" Philosophy: How three friends (Jason, Jeff, and Scott) built the brand.Community & Membership: The "Brewer In Training" program and their legendary Mug Club.Small Town, Big Flavor: Why Central City is the perfect home for their renovated historic taproom.The Menu: From the dark, rich Black Betty Stout to their famous Taco Pizza.
Transcribe →Episode 9: Trevor Rose-Hamblin, Co-Founder/Head Brewer of Old Irving Brewing
Feb 800:34:54Tap to summarizeTrevor Rose-Hamblin of Old Irving Brewing shares the story behind Chicago's beloved craft brewery, what makes their beer special, and what's next.
Transcribe →