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Artwork for Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Craft Beer
Chicago
Illinois
Brewing Techniques
Goose Island
Sketchbook Brewing
Illuminated Brew Works
Sustainability
Cider Making
Bourbon County Stout
Hazy Ipas
Beer Myths
Mikerphone Brewing
Extra Special Bitter
Hop District Community Brewing Co
1840 Brewing
Grodziskia
Old Irving Brewing Co
Evanston
Skokie

Increase your enjoyment of craft beer by learning about the stories, techniques, and inspiration behind the best craft breweries. In every episode, we visit a different brewery to showcase its unique atmosphere and hear brewers share how they got started, what they’ve learned, and what keeps them brewing. Crafty Brewers is perfect for beer lovers who want to discover new beer styles, explore brewi... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes68Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HobbiesLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Latest Episodes

Brewers preview FOBAB 2026, the Festival of Wood &Barrel-Aged Beer, with first-timer tips and gold-medal stories.

Reserve Artisan Ales Owner/Brewer and Illinois Craft BrewersGuild Vice President Blake Benedict and Bubblehouse Brewing Owner/Brewer an... more

YouTube

How did a brown ale score 97 out of 100 to become the best beer in the country? Plus: learn exactly what its brewer put into it.

Kishwaukee Brewing Co-Owner and Head Brewer Dan Payson and Co-Owner Cara Payson (marketing, customer service,and self-de... more

YouTube

Explore double-barrel bourbon-and-rye stouts and the science behind a perfectly balanced hazy IPA.

Brothership Brewing Co-Owner Tom Soltis and Head Brewer David Basile break down why their signature stouts go through two barrels instead of one, the ... more

Brian and Cody preview all six 2026 Goose Island BourbonCounty Brand Stout variants just as they are announced.

On this special preview episode of Crafty Brewers, Brian andCody break down the entire 2026 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout lineu... more

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Blake Benedict
Owner and head brewer at Reserve Artisan Ales and vice president of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild
Reserve Artisan Ales
Episode: FOBAB 2026 Preview | Getting Ready for Barrel-Aged Beer's Biggest Event
Jon Miller
Owner and brewer at Bubblehouse Brewing Company and a two-time FOBAB gold medalist
Bubblehouse Brewing Company
Episode: FOBAB 2026 Preview | Getting Ready for Barrel-Aged Beer's Biggest Event
Dan Payson
Co-owner and head brewer of Kishwaukee Brewing Co.
Kishwaukee Brewing Co.
Episode: This Brewery Made The Best Beer in the Country: Inside Kishwaukee Brewing Co's Brown Ale
Cara Payson
Kishwaukee Brewing Co. co-owner who handles marketing, customer service, and other brewery operations
Kishwaukee Brewing Co.
Episode: This Brewery Made The Best Beer in the Country: Inside Kishwaukee Brewing Co's Brown Ale
Tom Soltis
Co-owner, Brothership Brewing
Brothership Brewing
Episode: Two Barrels, Three Years, and a Chef's Touch: The Art of Blending a Great Stout (Brothership Brewing)
David Basile
Head Brewer, Brothership Brewing
Brothership Brewing
Episode: Two Barrels, Three Years, and a Chef's Touch: The Art of Blending a Great Stout (Brothership Brewing)
Frank Mercadante
Owner and head brewer, Sturdy Shelter Brewing
Sturdy Shelter Brewing
Episode: This Award-Winning Brewer Says Beer Alone Isn't Enough — Here’s What He Built Instead (Sturdy Shelter Brewing)
Diane Mercadante
Co-owner and spouse involved in youth ministry and community work
Sturdy Shelter Brewing
Episode: This Award-Winning Brewer Says Beer Alone Isn't Enough — Here’s What He Built Instead (Sturdy Shelter Brewing)
Brandon Wright
Co-owner and brewer at Werk Force Brewing Company
Werk Force Brewing Company
Episode: Chicago's Best Brewers Cut Their Teeth in His Homebrew Shop — Now He Wins GABF Medals (Werk Force Brewing Co.)

Hosts

Brian Noonan
Host of Crafty Brewers Tales Behind Craft Beer
Cody Gough
Executive producer and host on Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer / Crafty Brewers Podcast

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 69 ratings
  • Devastating necessity

    Brian Noonan works the mic with love

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jp from Peoria
    United Statesa year ago
  • This podcast does not disappoint. :-)

    It’s informative, fun, and silly. The back and forth between Katherine and Brian and Cody makes me chuckle every time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Matt the Engibeer
    United States2 years ago
  • Did not disappoint.

    Just kidding.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Unkle Bubba
    United States3 years ago
  • About as good at podcasting as they were brewing

    Maybe if they focused more on actually brewing good beer instead of podcasting and complaining about customers their brewery would still be open. RIP ESBC.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    BS17264958265
    United States3 years ago
  • Beer, Beer, and more Beer

    This podcast is so fun. I love learning about the different breweries. Brian and Katherine bring entertaining commentary to the show. Subscribe for some lighthearted entertainment.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    judyjudeejudi
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some episodes are noted for strong, practical insights into brewing and brand development.
Listeners appreciate learning about diverse breweries and the storytelling around beer programs.
A negative comment exists about focusing too much on content about customers rather than brewing quality.
Fans praise the hosts' engaging banter and enthusiasm for beer.
The show is described as entertaining and informative with a friendly tone.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

This Brewery Made The Best Beer in the Country: Inside Kishwaukee Brewing Co's Brown Ale
Q: What sets Bufflehead apart from other American brown ales?
Dan credits its consistency and the brewery's pride in making traditional styles, saying the beer is brewed regularly and consistently balances its malt and hops.
This Brewery Made The Best Beer in the Country: Inside Kishwaukee Brewing Co's Brown Ale
Q: What sets a Kolsch apart from a Pilsner?
Dan says the difference comes from the yeast, hop types, and fermentation timing and temperature.
FOBAB 2026 Preview | Getting Ready for Barrel-Aged Beer's Biggest Event
Q: Tell us what the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild does and why it is important to have these kinds of events.
Benedict and Miller say the Guild connects breweries, provides education, advocates for the industry in Springfield, and helps fund work that supports small breweries and consumers.
FOBAB 2026 Preview | Getting Ready for Barrel-Aged Beer's Biggest Event
Q: How would you describe FOBAB to somebody who's never been there before?
Blake Benedict and Jon Miller describe it as a lively gathering where brewers and fans share distinctive beers, including approachable lower-ABV options and the Lager Lounge.
Rye Lagers, No Kegs, and Beers That Don’t Leave Humboldt Park at Suncatcher Brewing
Q: What makes Suncatcher's rye lager different from other rye beers?
It's designed to be approachable and deeply flavored by the local rye malt, while keeping ABV lower and emphasizing freshness through serving tanks to minimize exposure to oxygen and time on shelves.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

What is Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A show focused on the stories, techniques, and community surrounding craft beer. Each episode visits a brewery to hear founders and brewers share their paths, insights into production, and the philosophy behind their beers, from barrel-aging programs to branding and hospitality. The format blends practical brewing talks with personal narratives, often highlighting local beer scenes, collaboration projects, and plans for growth. A standout aspect is the emphasis on small-business journeys and community impact, making it useful for aspiring brewers, brewery marketers, and beer enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes context and actionable takeaways.

Potential listeners should find value in mastering brewery storytelling, understanding product ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer:

1. Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl
2. All About Beer
3. ABV Chicago Craft Beer Podcast
4. Beer Guys Radio Craft Beer Podcast
5. Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

How many episodes of Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer are there?

Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer launched 3 years ago and published 68 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer?

Recent guests on Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer include:

1. Blake Benedict
2. Jon Miller
3. Dan Payson
4. Cara Payson
5. Tom Soltis
6. David Basile
7. Frank Mercadante
8. Diane Mercadante

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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