Tap the Craft Podcast - Craft Beer Education

Ever walked into a brewery and wondered what all those shiny stainless-steel vessels actually do? In this episode of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris go behind the brewhouse to explore the different systems that turn grain, water, and hops into wort—and ultimately, beer. And perhaps most importantly: does a bigger, more sophisticated brewhouse actually make ...

In this episode of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris explore the science behind pasteurization, explain the differences between tunnel and flash pasteurization, and discuss when—and why—craft breweries choose to use this often misunderstood process. Whether you think pasteurization is a necessary quality-control tool or believe fresh, unpasteurized beer...

In this episode of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris take a deep dive into the aromatic compounds that have transformed hop-forward beers over the last decade. You'll learn what terpenes are, where they come from, and why they're responsible for many of the flavors and aromas craft beer lovers crave. We also have two beer tastings, one from Pontoon Brewing with The...

Pull up a seat at the communal table as we explore one of the world's most enduring beer traditions—the Biergarten. In this episode, we dive into the history of Bavaria's famous beer gardens, from their origins above underground lagering cellars to the lively outdoor gathering spaces that continue to shape beer culture today.

This week we learn about H.H. Hinder Brewing with guests Mike Stroik, Ken Lambert and David Oldenburg. Mike brings the ownership perspective and the vision behind building H.H. HINDER into a destination brewery and community gathering place. Ken helps shape the brewery's identity through branding, events, marketing, and customer engagement. David brings decades of brew...

This week we break down the results of the 2026 World Beer Cup—the biggest global beer competition in the world. We dive into the top-entered categories, reveal the gold, silver, and bronze winners in major IPA and lager categories, and explore what the results say about shifting beer trends—including the resurgence of West Coast IPA and the continued rise ...

This week we welcome back Tyler Weddle and Craig Snyder from Pontoon Brewing to dive into the wild world of Smiggles Fest 2026: The Real Slim Smiggles. We explore the history behind the festival, how the team developed this year’s five exclusive fruit-packed releases, and the brewing challenges that come with creating some of craft beer’s most over-the-top ...

Dive into the world of von Trapp Brewing in Stowe, Vermont, as we chat with Tom Everett about building a lager-focused brewery rooted in Austrian tradition. We explore how the von Trapp Family Lodge helps shape the brewery’s success, from tourism-driven growth to creating a true destination beer experience. Learn how Tom helped ramp up from a small scale brewing ...

We ask the question…is the haze craze over? Are consumers and brewers returning to clear, crisp and drinkable beer? How have hop product innovations changed the beer scene? We provide insight to these questions, and more. We also discuss the beer term gusher.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show! 

We dive into the history and science behind the no-boil brewing process...the secret to great hazy IPAs. Our Beer Speak 101 segment defines the term Bierstacheln.  We also have a beer tasting of an Adroit Theory Russian Imperial Stout.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show! 

If you would like t...

We are fortunate to have Mark Osborne, owner and brewer, of Adroit Theory Brewing on the show to discuss the history and innovation Adroit Theory has brought to the craft beer community. Mark shares some great stories about how he started brewing unique and experimental beers on a half barrel brewing system and the adventures in acquiring unusual adjuncts.  We als...

We dive into the history of black brewers in the United States, discussing some notable pioneers, breweries and a beer collaboration series devoted to raising awareness about social injustices faced by people of color and promoting diversity in the industry. We also finish off our tastings with the last Liquid Intrusion Brewing beer. And Beer Speak 101 is back discussi...

Denise and Leo Sawadogo, owners of Montclair Brewery out of Montclair, New Jersey. The conversation focuses around the unique ingredients collected from around the world and how he learned to brew beer from his mother in West Africa. We learn how they built a strong community in Montclair and their plans to expand that community to East Orange, NJ. Now grab a beer...

Intrusion Brewing out of Prince George County, Maryland. The conversation focuses around the “liquid” and their passion for blending their own twist into traditional styles. We are lucky to have three LIBCo beers to taste utilizing hops from South Africa. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show! 

In Episode 300 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we talk about the beers we would have on tap if we owned a taproom or tavern.  These can be any beer, past or present, that is important enough to make sure it has a place to pour year round. We also talk about the look and feel of our dream taproom. Have you wondered what we mean when we use the ter...

In Episode 299 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we talk about the trends of 2025 and what industry leaders are predicting for the industry in 2026. We also do a tasting segment with the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot American Barleywine (2022 & 2024 editions). Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!