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Artwork for Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Quantum Podcasts
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
1840 Brewing
Hop District Community Brewing Co
Grodziskia
Evanston
Skokie
Old Irving Brewing Co

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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes66Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HobbiesLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Latest Episodes

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

A mission-driven brewer explains why "beer alone isn't enough" — and how a 45-year-old wedding invite, an accidental World Beer Cup medal, and a legendary Czech dark lager came together in Batavia, Illinois.

Sturdy Shelter Brewing Owner and Head Bre... more

YouTube

How do you build a 3-time GABF-medal winning craft brewery from scratch in 10 years with no investors, and one brewer with no sense of smell?

Brandon and Amanda Wright, co-owners of Werk Force Brewing Company in Plainfield, Illinois, trace the 10-ye... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

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.)
Amanda Wright
Co-owner and director of marketing and special events 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.)
Ricky Cervantes
Founder and head of brewing operations at Foreign Exchange Brewing Company
Foreign Exchange Brewing Company
Episode: From Brewing Barleywines and Stouts in a Closet to Winning Best New Brewery in Illinois (Foreign Exchange Brewing Company)
Alex Makowski
Head brewer at 93 Octane Brewery
93 Octane Brewery
Episode: One of The Youngest Cicerones Ever Shares His Insane Flavor Combos (93 Octane Brewery)
Clint Bautz
Owner and brewer at Lake Effect Brewing Company
Lake Effect Brewing Company
Episode: The Secret Ingredient Behind Great Belgian White Beer (Lake Effect Brewing)

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.

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.
This Award-Winning Brewer Says Beer Alone Isn't Enough — Here’s What He Built Instead (Sturdy Shelter Brewing)
Q: What challenges have you faced in brewing, and what keeps you motivated?
Frank discusses the technical challenges of difficult beer styles like Hefeweizen and Dunkel, the joy of mastering them through experimentation, and the reward of seeing the community respond positively to both beer and hospitality.
This Award-Winning Brewer Says Beer Alone Isn't Enough — Here’s What He Built Instead (Sturdy Shelter Brewing)
Q: Why Batavia, and what makes this community special for your brewery?
He describes Batavia as an unpretentious, loyal community, with a strong sense of belonging; the brewery's location helped build a deep connection with locals and foster a supportive, mission-driven atmosphere.
Even IPA Haters Can't Resist These Beers — Here's What Goes Into Them (Noon Whistle Brewing)
Q: What is the story behind Noon Whistle's name?
The name stems from the noon whistle historically used in their Wisconsin town as a time cue for drinking; the founders carry that tradition into their brand storytelling and continue to honor it with a nod to tradition in every beer they craft.
Why Beer Tastes Better on Cask, LUKR, and Sharp-Pour Taps with Roaring Table Brewing's Lane Fearing
Q: What does the future look like for Roaring Table in terms of capacity and distribution?
They plan to install a larger 15-barrel system to increase production and distribution in the Chicagoland area, while easing the physical burden on the brewers with more scalable equipment.

Audience Metrics

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

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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. The Beer Temple Podcast
2. Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl
3. Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast
4. All About Beer
5. Experimental Brewing

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

Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer launched 3 years ago and published 66 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. Tom Soltis
2. David Basile
3. Frank Mercadante
4. Diane Mercadante
5. Brandon Wright
6. Amanda Wright
7. Ricky Cervantes
8. Alex Makowski

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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