Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Learn how Twisted Hippo recovered from a devastating fire and found a way to thrive while brewing their unique beers. Karl and Marilee Rutherford, co-founders and owners of Twisted Hippo, share the story of their humble beginnings from a homebrewing beer kit from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, to opening a brewery. They explain how they recovered from a devastating fire in 2022, after which the Chicago craft brewery community rallied around them to help them get back on their feet, and the innovative way they found a way to maintain a physical presence at District Brew Yards [https://districtbrewyards.com/]. After the beer break, Karl and Marilee delve into the brewing techniques and flavor profiles of their honey-infused cream ale and award-winning Golden Lasso beer and talk about honey as an adjunct in beer. They also discuss the importance of embracing individuality in brewing and the significance of water chemistry in beer production. Plus: a whimsical look at their mascot, Pinky, and insights into balancing innovation with financial sustainability. Today’s Featured Merchandise: Show off your Pride with our “Beer is for Everyone” merchandise, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. Beer is for Everyone soft style tank: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-soft-style-tank [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-soft-style-tank]  Beer is for Everyone Uni-Sexy Heavyweight Tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-uni-sexy-tee [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-uni-sexy-tee]  Beer is for Everyone Uni-Sexy Soft Style Tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-uni-sexy-soft-tee [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-uni-sexy-soft-tee]  You can find other amazing merchandise [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/] and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com [https://craftybrewerspod.com]  About Twisted Hippo: Funky brewpub with creative eats paired with house beers and oversized cans to-go. Now pouring at District Brew Yards: 417 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL. Learn more on their website at https://www.twistedhippo.com/ [https://www.twistedhippo.com/]  — If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com [craftybrewerspod@gmail.com]. We’re always happy to hear from you! You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod [https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod]  Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ [https://quantum-podcasts.com/] to learn more. Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/codygough/]. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Twisted Hippo Brewing, craft beer, brewing systems, beer pairings, Mr. Beer Kit, ADHD creativity, honey-infused cream ale, Golden Lasso beer, brewing equipment, water chemistry, brewpub, collaboration with District Brewery Yards, craft beer industry, Pinky mascot, resilience, financial sustainability, homebrew, beer innovation, unique beer styles, Belgian IPA, Old St. Augie's, California common, Bee’s Sleaze, roasted beets, Kolsch, electrical brewing elements, boiler system, direct fire kettle system, steam systems, Lake Michigan water, fermentation, hops, Pilsners, IPAs, buckwheat honey, ESB, food and beer pairings, bourbon, Malort, craft beer community, beer festivals, brewing challenges, and water in beer.

Learn how Revolution Brewing grew from a small brewery to Illinois’ largest independently-owned brewery — and what makes their beer so special. 03:51 Beer Myth: Do all yeasts ferment the same way? Katherine challenges the idea that top fermenting and bottom fermenting yeasts function in the same way. Learn what yeasts actually do and the role they play in the fermentation process. 09:03 Revolution Brewing Interview: David Blackford, Lead Brewer at Revolution Brewing, explains the difference between a head brewer and a lead brewer, reminisces about his first impressions of Revolution Brewing and the first beer he ever got to work on, and discusses the development of signature beers like Eugene Porter and Anti-Hero, his journey from a packaging specialist to lead brewer, and what it was like for the brewery to transition from a small brewery to a large-scale operation, including the use of new technology like centrifuges to increase production capacity. Then, David talks about Revolution’s latest favorite, the Cold Time Lager, and explores the growing trend of lighter, less complicated beers making a comeback, emphasizing the appreciation for quality brewing with fewer ingredients. David and Katherine discuss the difficulty (and fun!) of naming beers before Cody jumps in with questions about Revolution’s Deep Wood Series of barrel-aged beers, including what inspired Revolution to release such high ABV beers year-round. The discussion also touches on memorable yet discontinued brews, such as the Bottom Up Wit, discussing its unique qualities and why it's no longer a staple despite its popularity. David also clarifies the differences between Wit wheat beers and Hefeweizens, focusing on yeast's role in defining their distinct flavors.  53:56 Beer Behavior: What’s up with hop waters? David discusses the intricacies and challenges of making hop water, a non-alcoholic beverage gaining popularity among beer enthusiasts, including insights into their process for creating Super Zero. He discusses the benefits of hop water as a non-alcoholic alternative that allows breweries to showcase their craftsmanship, its role as an excellent palate cleanser at beer festivals like FOBAB, and its versatile suitability for various settings, from work lunches to outdoor activities.  1:00:12 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “Drink a Stout” tee (if you can drink coffee, then you can drink a stout!), available in multiple colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. Drink a stout tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/drink-a-stout-tee?variant=44583864369392 [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/drink-a-stout-tee?variant=44583864369392]  You can find other amazing merchandise [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/] and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com [https://craftybrewerspod.com]  About Revolution Brewing: Revolution is Illinois' largest independently-owned brewery. Learn more on their website at https://revbrew.com/ [https://revbrew.com/]  — If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com [craftybrewerspod@gmail.com]. We’re always happy to hear from you! You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod [https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod]  Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/codygough/]. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, Chicago breweries, fermentation science, ale yeast, lager yeast, craft brewing trends, hop water, craft beer industry, beer fermentation, top fermenting yeast, bottom fermenting yeast, signature beers, Eugene Porter, Anti-Hero IPA, Big Star, brewing challenges, beer naming, hop trends, brewing stories, craft beer community, beer recipes, craft beer collaborations, hop waters, non-alcoholic beer, brewing innovation, fermentation process, beer myths, Chicago craft beer, beer quality checks, beer technology, centrifuges in brewing, and year-round barrel-aged beers.

Learn how Old Irving became so successful, it needed to open a new production facility — and what went into the expansion. 02:18 Beer Myth: When brewing sour beers, is kettle souring lazy? Katherine has some HOT TAKES about this, and Trevor from Old Irving Brewing Co. explains the science behind what actually creates sour beers. Discover the facts behind this common misconception and learn how kettle souring is a legitimate and skillful method that produces some of the best-tasting sours. Bonus: learn how a “West Coast Pilsner” is different from a regular Pilsner and what it has to do with a thing known as a Cold IPA. 10:08 NAME OF BREWERY: Old Irving Brewing Co. Head Brewer and Co-Founder Trevor Rose-Hamblin shares the back story of his move from restauranteur to brewer, including an appearance on BrewDog that led to him brewing in Scotland for 3 months. Trevor also explains how after just 2 years of development, his Citra & Mosaic hopped Hazy IPA Beezer won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2019 and another gold at the World Beer Cup in Las Vegas in 2024 (both in the Hazy IPA category).  After the beer break, Trevor and Brian crack open a Della, which won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2021 in the German-Style Kölsch category. Della is a Kölsch-Style Ale brewed with high-quality Pilsner, a touch of Vienna malt, and lightly hopped with Zuper Saazer, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, & Tettnang. Trevor also talks about Old Irving’s new brewing facility, what compelled them to move into a new facility, and the craft beer community in Chicago that helped spur their growth. Brian also coaxes Trevor into doing his hilarious impersonation of one of his Chicago craft beer community colleagues (but you’ll have to listen to find out which one!). 58:35 Beer Behavior: How does scarcity work when it comes to beer? Does it drive sales even when it’s obviously manufactured? Brian talks about how Wisconsin breweries were featured during a recent convention and Katherine presents her “barbecue festival philosophy” of scarcity. You can find our amazing merchandise [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/] and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com [https://craftybrewerspod.com]  About Old Irving Brewing Co: Located in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, the brewers behind Old Irving Brewing Co. were brewing in their garage with aspirations of crafting beer for their local community all the way back in 2014, two years before they opened their doors. Today, they’ve created hundreds of ales and lagers—earning a few GABF and World Beer Cup medals along the way—and now distribute their beers throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. Learn more on their website at https://oldirvingbrewing.com/ [https://oldirvingbrewing.com/]  — If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com [craftybrewerspod@gmail.com]. We’re always happy to hear from you! You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod [https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod]  Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/codygough/]. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Chicago craft beer, craft beer scene, award-winning beers, West Coast Pilsner, Cinnamon Prost, Hazy IPA, Beezer IPA, Great American Beer Fest, brewing techniques, Pipeworks collaboration, BrewDog Scotland, Flossmoor Station, Home brewing, Craft beer myths, Beer trends, Moto Restaurant, brewery expansion, collaborative brewing, beer labeling, Lagers popularity, brewing science, brewing process, Omega Yeast Labs, Chicago's best beers, craft brewing success, brewing industry, culinary arts to brewing, beer production, and Chicago beer landmarks.

Explore bitter beers with Midwest Coast, including ESBs, English Pale Ales, and IPAs that cater to evolving palates. 01:48 Beer Myth: What’s a “girly drink” when it comes to beers? Katherine and Brian and their guests shatter the myth that some beers are “manly” and others are not.  07:32 Midwest Coast Brewing: Cameron Compton, founder of Midwest Coast, and Timothy Ficken, brewery manager, talk about what brought them together to Midwest Coast. They share the different beer trends that were emerging in their very different parts of the country, with hops being a central part of one brewer’s background and almost completely absent from the other’s. Cameron also discusses his time in the military and in the tech world and what compelled him to move with his wife to Chicago, where he had never lived before, and open a brewery with his sister. Cameron also explains how hop contracts work and why they’re so brutal for brewers to work with. What is an English IPA and what is an ESB? Timothy explains the concept behind the “Extra Special Bitter” and how they developed an English Pale Ale in order to make a certain style more palatable – and marketable – for customers. Katherine brings up a conversation about whether the Western palate really is designed to handle hops (is it?) and Brian explores the idea of a person’s palate changing as they grow older. What is hoppy and what is earthy? An EXTENSIVE debate ensues, including a confused Cody who doesn’t know how to explain what he’s drinking. 54:20 Beer Behavior: When is it okay for brewers to chase trends and when is it not? Katherine gives props to Cameron and Timothy for sticking to the styles they like to brew, which evolves into a discussion of the benefits of trend-chasing – as long as someone else is doing it. 1:01:48 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Our amazing baseball hats, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. Dad hat: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/cbp-dad-hat [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/cbp-dad-hat]  Distressed dad hat: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/cbp-distressed-dad-hat [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/cbp-distressed-dad-hat]  Richardson 112 trucker cap: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/cbp-richardson-112-trucker-cap [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/cbp-richardson-112-trucker-cap]  You can find other amazing merchandise [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/] and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com [https://craftybrewerspod.com]  About Midwest Coast Brewing: Located in West Town, Chicago, Midwest Coast’s family-friendly and dog-friendly taproom welcomes everyone. Learn more on their website at https://www.midwestcoastbrewing.com/ [https://www.midwestcoastbrewing.com/]  — If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com [craftybrewerspod@gmail.com]. We’re always happy to hear from you! You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod [https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod]  Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/codygough/]. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: extra special bitter, English sporting beer, English IPA, English Pale Ales, craft beer, Chicago brewery, beer myths, fruit-infused beer, beer culture, beer trends, sustainability in brewing, dog-friendly breweries, beer styles, homebrewing, West Coast IPAs, English Sporting Beer, IPA popularity, ESB beers, traditional beer styles, beer diversity, brewing philosophy, regional beer differences, craft beer enthusiasts, beer community initiatives, beer market, brewery growth, sibling partnerships, craft beer journey, personal beer stories, craft beer stereotypes, professional brewers, Chicago craft beer scene, craft beer podcast, unique beer flavors, local beer partnerships, brewing beyond boundaries, craft beer myths, chasing trends, and balanced beer offerings.

Discover Azadi Brewing's unique fusion of Indian spices and American craft beer, plus debunk myths about coffee beers. 03:23 Beer Myth: Will coffee-infused beer keep you awake all night? Discover how ingredients like coffee and tea are integrated into beers and learn the truth behind the caffeine content in coffee beers. 08:14 Azadi Brewing Company Interview: Bhavik Modi and Gator Schrand from Azadi Brewing talk about the unique origin story of their Indian-infused craft beer company. They talk about the complexity of Indian cuisine and the opportunities that presents for them to be able to incorporate new ingredients into their beers, including the difficulty of working with certain ingredients like cardamom.  After the beer break, Bhavik and Gator describe a collab they did with a brewery in Mumbai, India. Bhavik also explains what chicory is and what it adds to the beers they brew. They talk about their commitment to authenticity and how leaning into the Indian identity of their beers has resonated well with consumers.  44:20 Beer Behavior: Are beers getting more boring? Is there space for more exciting beers? Katherine talks about the importance of breweries staying true to themselves, even when they don’t follow major industry trends. Bhavik and Gator share their points of view on what trends actually tell us about consumer behavior and how it’s affected the focus of their brewing. You can find other amazing merchandise [https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/] and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com [https://craftybrewerspod.com]  Learn more about Azadi Brewing on their website at https://www.azadibrewing.com/ [https://www.azadibrewing.com/]  — If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com [craftybrewerspod@gmail.com]. We’re always happy to hear from you! You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod [https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod]  Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/codygough/]. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, Indian-inspired beers, Azadi Brewing, cardamom-infused golden ale, craft brewing, cultural fusion, brewing science, lemongrass saison, summertime chai, hazy IPAs, beer myths, coffee beers, brewing philosophies, craft beer trends, seltzers, belgian wit, basmati rice lager, chicory root, coffee substitute, pilot project brewing, indian cuisine, regional beers, indian spices, beer collaborations, Nepalese cuisine, sustainable agriculture, beer innovations, American craft beer, Indian flavors, regional fruits, mountain resort towns, brewing challenges, beer storytelling, beer culture, and craft beer education.