Podcast
UnCapped Podcast
Hosted by Chris Sands · EN
A weekly discussion with your favorite brewers and brewery owners.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 396 - Bear Branch Malt
Apr 1801:09:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Uncapped Podcast, host Chris Sands hits the road to Westminster, Maryland, for an on-site interview at Bear Branch Malt. Joined by honorary co-host Keith Marcoux, Chris sits down with proprietor Brad Humbert to explore his fascinating journey from engineering and hop farming to bringing a 4-ton malting operation to his family's historic farm.The group dives deep into the science and craft of malting, discussing the intricacies of working with local grain varieties like Violetta two-row barley and Danko rye. Brad shares his insights on supplying roughly 50 local breweries, the adjustments required when brewing with locally grown malt, and the importance of supporting the regional agricultural ecosystem. Plus, Chris and the crew crack open "Straight Up Grizzly"—a hazy pale ale collaboration showcasing Bear Branch malt—while reflecting on the vital connection between farmers, maltsters, and craft brewers.Tune in to hear Chris uncover the hard work and passion that goes into the foundational ingredients of local craft beer!Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFollow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 395 - Cushwa Brewing
Jan 2800:54:59Tap to summarizeIn Episode 395, host Chris Sands sits down with Garrett Chambers (Co-owner) and Sam Waller (GM of the Columbia location) at the Cushwa Rad Pies Taproom in Columbia, MD. They discuss Cushwa Brewing's upcoming 9th Anniversary celebration, set for February 6th and 7th.The conversation highlights a massive lineup of releases, including a unique whiskey called "Transmuted" (a distilled barleywine collaboration with McClintock Distilling) and a controversial but delicious "Black West Coast Pils". They also chat about the "hidden gem" status of the Columbia location's whiskey program and share laughs over Garrett’s pet peeve: customers asking to fill 5-gallon "party balls".Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFollow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 394 - Olde Mother Brewing
Jan 2301:15:14Tap to summarizeI’m back at Olde Mother Brewing with founder Keith Marcoux to celebrate their 10th anniversary, even if we are technically a couple of months late. Keith was my very first guest on this podcast, and he’s been on pretty much every year since, so it’s only right that I share some big news with him.In this episode, I officially announce that Uncapped will end next year; I’ve decided to stop at the 10-year mark this coming October.But don't worry, we didn't get too sappy. We spent plenty of time covering:The "Dummy Tax": The expensive lessons learned over a decade of entrepreneurship.New Ventures: Keith’s plans for Charlie Wells Distilling Company, a new distillery and restaurant coming to New Market (featuring sandwiches named after his kids).Throwback Stories: That time they hid the register cash in the microwave because they didn't have a safe.Truck Talk: A very long, unplanned tangent about Keith’s love for old trucks versus Chris’s new Bronco and the joys of going to the dump. We also discuss the new look for core beers like Hank and Impressionist and reflect on how much the industry, and our lives, have changed since we started.Cheers to 10 years, and let’s make this final year count!
Transcribe →Episode 393 - Waredecade
Dec 101:22:33Tap to summarizeFor Episode 393 I caught up with Keith Kohr at Waredaca Brewing Company in Laytonsville, MD as they celebrate their incredible 10th Anniversary!The farm is ready for winter with their awesome new, heated, all-weather, reservable pavilion (it holds up to 100!).The main event is the Waredecade 10th Anniversary Party this Saturday, December 6th! Tickets ($65) include three beers, catered food, a custom glass, and a t-shirt.They are dropping some massive beers:Waredecade (9% Triple IPA, their biggest hopped beer ever).Bonanza (14% Sagamore rye whiskey barrel-aged stout with cinnamon and ancho chilis).Geedie (9% Belgian Triple), which won gold for Maryland’s best Belgian beer. A tattoo artist from Damascus Tattoo will be there offering flash tattoos, and the brewery is paying for Waredaca branded designs!.If you can’t make the ticketed party, join them for Poor House Trivia Friday, December 5th, or come watch the Ravens vs. Steelers game with sound on the huge screen in the heated pavilion Sunday!No reservations required for Thursday, Friday, or Sunday.Huge shoutout to brewer Zach Lloyd, who’s been there almost 10 years (and is currently building a Christmas tree out of kegs!).Come out and support 10 years of great local beer! Find ticket links on Waredaca’s social media. Cheers! 🍻Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFollow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 392 - Burnt Hill
Nov 2801:19:42Tap to summarizeWhy do the best grapes come from the most difficult soil? In this episode, we explore the concept of "struggle" with Drew Baker, co-founder of Burnt Hill Farm. Drew explains why he specifically chose the rocky terrain of Clarksburg, Maryland, to launch his exclusive, high-end wine label, supported by the infrastructure of his family’s Old Westminster Winery.But the struggle isn't limited to the vines. Drew shares his incredible story of survival against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After facing a grim prognosis and undergoing experimental treatments, including two bone marrow transplants donated by his sisters, Drew is here to share his story. Join us for a powerful look at how resilience, both in the vineyard and in the hospital, has shaped Drew's life and created a profound sense of pride in what he and his sisters have built together.Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFollow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 391 - Kill The Lights 2024 ep2
Oct 1401:27:36Tap to summarizeKill the Lights 2025 is only two weeks away. Here is episode two of stupid questions from Kill the Lights 2024. Here is who participated in this round.Mike Pallen - Mikerphone BrewingJason Brewer - Wandering Monster BrewingDave Martin - Orchestrated Minds BrewingSkip Schwartz - Weldwerks Brewing CoMike Gambino - Vitamin Sea BrewingDoug Meyer - Tactical BrewingChris Jaccobs - Beer ZombiesCorey Campbel - RARJosh Bauerlein - Mortalis Brewing CoAlberto Cespedes - Spanish Maria Brewery Follow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 390 - Heavy Seas Turns 30 and Wanderland
Sep 2601:16:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Uncapped Podcast, I sat down with Hugh and Caroline Sisson of Heavy Seas Beer to celebrate a their 30 years in craft beer. We dug into how they’re marking the occasion with special releases, collaborations, and a big anniversary party this December.We also talked about the state of today’s beer industry, including shifting drinking habits, rising costs, and why being a legacy brand gives Heavy Seas an edge. Hugh shared insights from three decades in beer, including why adaptability is everything, while Caroline gave a peek behind the scenes at anniversary highlights like the 30th Anniversary Variety Pack, Loose Cannon’s 20th birthday, and the big celebration to come.It’s a fun mix of history, industry insight, and excitement for the future of one of Maryland’s most iconic breweries.Caroline also gave a little preview of Wanderland, a brand-new event from the Brewers Association of Maryland that’s bringing together breweries, wineries, and distilleries from all over the state. Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFollow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 389 - Kill The Lights 2024 ep1
Sep 2301:41:11Tap to summarizeAs we approach Xul Beer Company's Kill the Lights beer festival let's listen to another episode of stupid questions recorded at last years festival. Kill the Lights is one of the best festivals out there. Get your tickets here: https://xulbeer.com/event/kill-the-lights-2025-2025-10-25/This episode features the following people:Brad West - Xul Beer CompanySeth Thacker - Xul Beer CompanyFrank Zagami - Deciduous Brewing CompanyZac Porter - Schilling Beer CompanyKen Correll - Human RobotGarret Chambers - Cushwa Brewing CompanyWhitney Myhra - Drekker Brewing CompanyDan O'Hara - Foam BrewersMarc-Andre Filion - Messorem Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFollow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 388 - Frey's
Aug 22Tap to summarizeIn this episode I interviewed Adam Frey, owner of Frey's, a farm brewery and winery and part of a larger 2500 acre farm. Adam discusses several significant changes and initiatives at the farm, including a 33-acre wetlands and stream restoration project designed to mitigate flood damage, reduce erosion, and promote wildlife diversity. He also highlights their unique beginner's off-road course, which utilizes portions of the farm for recreational driving experiences. Additionally, Frey touches upon the challenges of modern farming, the shift in their business model from solely brewing to including wine, and the broader regional issues concerning proposed transmission lines and their potential impact on local businesses and the environment.Follow Chris on InstagramLike us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
Transcribe →Episode 387 - Martinis and Mixology
Jun 2401:08:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Josh Cross, the beverage director at Wye Oak Tavern, to dive into the martini renaissance and all things mixology. We talk about how martinis have evolved over time, from their sweeter beginnings to the bone-dry versions people love today, and how something as simple as glassware can impact both presentation and function. Josh walks me through his creative process for developing new cocktails, where he pulls inspiration from big ideas, specific spirits, and the occasional trend. We also get into the resurgence of espresso and dirty martinis, the age-old debate of shaking vs. stirring, and why having the right tools and ingredients makes all the difference. It’s a great conversation about balancing classic techniques with fresh, creative flavor.Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelFollow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook! Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland
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