Streetside Brewery's Garrett Hickey on His Brewing Journey, Craft Beer & Cincinnati Beer Culture | Part 2 | Episode 130

Unity Bar & Brewery | Budapest Craft Beer, Smoothie Sours & Brewing in Hungary : Episode 136

Welcome to The Brewery Underground Podcast as we take our first-ever international trip to Budapest, Hungary, to chat with Tamas Matyus, founder and brewer of Unity Bar & Brewery. Tamas shares his journey from discovering craft beer while living in the United Kingdom to becoming a homebrewer, working in a brewery, and ultimately opening his own brewery and taproom in the heart of Budapest. We discuss how a single pint of BrewDog's Elvis Juice inspired a brewing obsession that eventually led to launching Unity. Known for producing fresh, "garbage-free" smoothie sours made with real fruit purées and no artificial additives, Tamas explains how he developed some of Hungary's most sought-after fruited beers. We dive into his unique brewing philosophy, his approach to quality and freshness, and why he focuses on serving beer locally rather than chasing large-scale distribution. The conversation also explores Hungary's growing craft beer scene, the challenges facing breweries worldwide, and why Tamas believes listening to customers is critical to long-term success. From Czech pilsners and hazy IPAs to strawberry-cucumber gose and innovative smoothie sours, we discuss the beers that have helped Unity stand out in a competitive market. Tamas also talks about building community through beer, helping homebrewers and contract brewers get started, creating a welcoming taproom culture, and his mission to provide high-quality craft beer at affordable prices. Whether you're interested in international craft beer, brewery ownership, homebrewing, or simply discovering what makes Budapest's beer scene unique, this episode offers a fascinating look at one brewer's passion for bringing people together through great beer. Cheers! 🍻

Mill Creek Brewing Company with Ashley Gibson - Regional Sales Manager - Episode 135

The town of Nolensville, TN, south of Nashville, has seen its share of growth over the years. Mill Creek Brewing Company is a big part of that. We went to Mill Creek Brewing Company on a Sunday afternoon in May, where our guest was Ashley Gibson - Regional Sales Manager. During our visit, it was evident how much of the local community has embraced Mill Creek Brewing Company. Families gathered with their kids. Adults enjoying a cold beverage on a hot, sunny day. Plus, the great food! Known for their "Darlin" lineup of beer. Ashley talked about those core beers, and several other new ones that Mill Creek has rolled out. Including the Dunkel we had on this day in the taproom. Brewing is done on location here. The production is in full view. Their motto is "Less Fuss. More Beer." Mill Creek Brewing Company literally has a beer style for everyone. Ashley brought that discussion to the table. Including the all-important Oktoberfest season, arriving in the not-too-distant future. Scott recently went to Asheville, North Carolina to check out the vast brewery scene in that area. We found out how many breweries visited, and the number of beers he had on the trip. It was a memorable excursion for him, plus a bonus of meeting with friends in the beer community. We had a wonderful day at Mill Creek Brewing Company and cannot wait to get back soon. Cheers!

White Labs Yeast & Fermentation with Pablo Gomez | Brewing Science Explained | Episode 134

In this episode of The Brewery Underground Podcast, Steve and Scott sit down with Pablo Gomez from White Labs in Asheville, North Carolina for a deep dive into the world of yeast, fermentation, and the science behind great beer. Pablo shares how yeast impacts flavor, aroma, and even the overall identity of a beer — far beyond simply producing alcohol and CO2. The conversation explores White Labs’ innovative fermentation techniques, their brewery and taproom concept in Asheville, and how different yeast strains can completely transform the same wort into entirely different beers. The episode also covers: * The history and science of brewing yeast * How yeast became domesticated over thousands of years * Liquid yeast vs. dry yeast * Kveik yeast and high-temperature fermentation * Diacetyl and White Labs’ new “Modigen D” bioengineered yeast technology * Homebrewing tips, fermentation control, and oxygen management * Beer freshness and why IPAs should be consumed fresh * How yeast affects classic beer styles from German lagers to hazy IPAs Along the way, Pablo shares stories from the craft beer industry, insights into brewery fermentation practices, and even answers fun rapid-fire questions about “diva” yeast strains and what yeast might survive a zombie apocalypse. Whether you’re a homebrewer, craft beer enthusiast, or just curious about the hidden science inside every pint, this episode is packed with fascinating beer knowledge and behind-the-scenes fermentation talk. Cheers!

Kelsey Simon on Craft Beer, Viral Social Media & Nashville's Brewery Scene | Episode 133

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America with a fun Fourth of July episode as Steve Sullivan and Scott Touron welcome Nashville content creator and craft beer personality Kelsey Simon to Blackstone Brewing Company and Nashville Brewing Company. Kelsey shares her journey from South Florida to becoming one of Nashville's most recognizable beer and lifestyle content creators, discussing how a passion for craft beer, travel, and authentic storytelling helped her build a loyal following of nearly 100,000 people. From winning Nashville's Oktoberfest Beer Queen competition to creating viral social media videos, she talks about the importance of staying genuine, producing engaging content, and building a community around shared experiences. The conversation covers Nashville's craft beer scene, favorite local breweries, Oktoberfest traditions, unforgettable trips to Germany, Guinness in Ireland versus the United States, dive bars, Broadway recommendations, classic lagers, and why Blackstone Brewing remains one of Nashville's most iconic breweries. Kelsey also shares stories behind her vintage vehicles, Dolly Carton and Tanya Trucker, her work with Von Elrod's, ML Rose, White Velvet Chapel, and her newest creative project, The Granny Smiths. Along the way, she gives practical Instagram tips for creators, talks about what makes content go viral, and even demonstrates her now-famous bottle-opening party trick that has to be seen to be believed. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, social media creator, Nashville local, or simply looking for a fun holiday episode, this conversation is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, beer recommendations, and plenty of Nashville personality. Grab a cold beer, celebrate Independence Day, and join us for another great episode of The Brewery Underground Podcast! Cheers! Steve & Scott

Best Day Brewing | Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer with Founder Tate Huffard & Head Brewer Jeremy Rudolf | Episode 132

Not long ago, Tate Huffard had an idea and a vision for how he believed non-alcoholic beer is "supposed to taste". He founded Best Day Brewing. At first, he was marketing the product from the trunk of his car. But not anymore. Tate Huffard and his Head Brewer Jeremy Rudolf both joined us to talk about their wonderful NA options. Found at many stores across the country. One of the first to jump on board from the very beginning, Whole Foods! With the ever-changing craft beer market, Best Day Brewing is making an impact. We tried for ourselves what they have to offer and talked about it during this episode. These gentlemen tell us, they don't expect you to stop drinking your favorite craft beer options. Add some NA from Best Day! Their message of "changing your mindset" will resonate through this entire interview. Dry January is always a busy time for companies like Best Day Brewing. But the real excitement comes right now. The summer season is here! Many are looking for something a little lighter this time of the year. We think you will really enjoy the story of how Best Day Brewing got started and the entire process that goes into making the product appealing. Cheers!