Midwest Microbrew

Episode 21: Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, host sits down with Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company, for their second conversation — and this time the focus shifts from the beer to the people who love it. We dig into how Great Lakes Brewing Company has cultivated one of the most loyal craft beer communities in the Midwest, what it takes to grow a craft beer brand in today's competitive market, and the strategies behind turning first-time visitors into lifelong fans. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, a brewery owner, or someone interested in beverage brand development — this episode is packed with insight. 🎙️ What we cover: How Great Lakes Brewing Company builds and retains customer loyalty Brand development strategies in the craft beer industry Growing a craft beer audience in the Midwest market What makes the Great Lakes community unique 📍 Great Lakes Brewing Company | Cleveland, Ohio 🎧 Subscribe for weekly craft beer stories, brewery interviews, and guides across the Midwest #CraftBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbeer] #GreatLakesBrewing [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/greatlakesbrewing] #MidwestBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/midwestbeer] #CraftBrewery [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbrewery] #BeerPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/beerpodcast] #BreweryLife [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brewerylife] #MidwestMicrobrew [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/midwestmicrobrew] #BrandDevelopment [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/branddevelopment] #CraftBeerCommunity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/craftbeercommunity] #OhioBeer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ohiobeer]

Episode 20: Neil Blair and Elliot Thompson, Brewer and Founder of Alluvial Brewing

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Elliot Thompson (Founder) and Neil Blair (Brewer) from Alluvial Brewing in Ames, Iowa. We dig into the story behind one of central Iowa's most exciting craft breweries — from its founding and early days to the vibrant taproom atmosphere and the live music scene that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Whether you're a craft beer lover, a fan of the Ames community, or just looking for your next great Iowa brewery to visit, this episode has something for you. In this episode we cover: The founding and formation of Alluvial Brewing What makes the Alluvial taproom atmosphere so unique How live music has become a cornerstone of the Alluvial experience Neil and Elliot's passion for craft beer and community 🎙️ Guest: Neil Blair & Elliot Thompson — Alluvial Brewing 📍 Location: Ames, Iowa

Episode 2: Jeff Kraft, Head Brewmaster of Titletown Brewing

Join 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.

Episode 19: Jeremy Hunt, Head Brewer at No Coast Beer Co.

What 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.

Episode 18: Jeff Brandt, Founder and Head Brewer at Titonka Brewing Company

Can 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.