Welcome to the 400th episode of Uncapped! To mark the occasion, we’re celebrating an even bigger milestone in the local community: 30 years of Brewer's Alley.

Host Chris Sands sits down with Brewer's Alley founder Phil Bowers and current co-owner Greg Brown to look back at the origins of Frederick's oldest and largest brewpub. Phil shares what it was like leaving a stable software engineering job in the 1990s to take a leap of faith into a non-existent East Coast craft beer scene, and Greg breaks down the intense daily differences between running a high-volume scratch kitchen and managing a brewhouse.

The guys also share the full rundown of Brewer's Alley's 30th-anniversary events this July, including throwback menu items (yes, we talk about the legendary Elvis pizza), their commemorative American Pale Ale, and the massive anniversary party happening on July 29th.

Finally, Chris shares a major update about the future of Uncapped. After a decade of focusing heavily on craft beer, the podcast is officially pivoting to cover a broader scope of Frederick's businesses, entrepreneurs, and interesting personalities. Tune in for the details on the shift, and get the scoop on Chris's upcoming live "Roast" taking place at Old Mother on October 17th!

In this episode, we discuss:

‍• The evolution of the Uncapped podcast and the pivot to a new format.

• Details on the live Uncapped finale roast at Old Mother (Oct. 17).

• Phil Bowers' journey from software engineer to brewing pioneer.

• The realities of surviving 30 years in the Frederick restaurant scene.

‍• Executive chefs vs. brewers: The science of consistency and quality control.

• Brewer's Alley’s anniversary celebrations, collabs, and the return of dishes from the original 90s menu.

• The history behind the Puppy Patio and the brewpub's physical expansion over the decades.

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Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

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