Beer In Front

Beer In Front

I'm Dave, a regular Chicago Beer Guy with a podcast about some old school beers and new classics. Sometimes the Beer In Front of you is the best one yet! https://www.patreon.com/beerinfront https://linktr.ee/BeerInFront Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

Episodes

March 17, 2026 37 mins
🎙️ Beer In Front – Episode 294 Craft Beer Concierge + Chicago Merger News

Dave is back with a packed episode featuring a deep dive into the evolving beer scene, a great conversation with the “Craft Beer Concierge,” and a couple of beers worth putting straight in the cart. 

What’s On Tap This Episode
  • A major Chicago beer merger that could reshape the local scene
  • A conversation with Allo Gilinsky, aka the Craft Beer Concierge
  • Beer re...
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🍺 New Episode – Beer in Front 🎙️ Quick solo show this week (yes, I sound a little congested 😅), but we’ve got a LOT to cover. 🚨 Chicagoland Closures We’re up to six brewery closures in two months.
It’s a tough stretch for Illinois craft beer. If you’ve got a favorite spot — now’s the time to support them.
 🌎 Beer News
  • BrewDog sold to Tilray for $40M (once valued near $2B 😳)
  • Pickle beer collab: Grillo’s x PBR
  • Firestone Walker d...
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February 24, 2026 38 mins
🍺 Guest Interview: Jerry Siote – Lone Tree Brewing Company
This week, Dave heads back to Colorado to talk with Lone Tree Brewing Company’s Jerry Siote. Founded: 2011
Locations: Lone Tree & Parker, Colorado
Recently Won: Gold Medal – Colorado Brewers Cup (Mexican Lager) 🔥 Highlights from the Conversation
  • Lone Tree’s journey from aviation & finance to brewing
  • Celebrating 15 years and brewing their 3,000th batch
  • Why their Mexi...
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February 16, 2026 48 mins
This week we’re doing something a little different… but don’t worry, there’s still beer involved. 🎙 Guest: Morgan Smith – CEO of Kalm With Kava. Dave sits down with Morgan Smith from Kalm With Kava to talk about kava — the traditional South Pacific root drink known for its calming, social effects. Kava doesn’t give you a “buzz” like alcohol or THC. Instead, it delivers a mellow, relaxed feeling that helps take the edge off without...
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    February 9, 2026 36 mins
    Sometimes the beer in front of you really is the best one yet—and this week’s episode proves it. Dave heads back to Colorado to catch up with Justin Grant, co-owner of Goat Patch Brewing Company in Colorado Springs. Since opening in 2017, Goat Patch has built a reputation for balance: balanced beers, balanced business decisions, and deep roots in the community. From award-winning Scottish ales to hazy IPAs, lagers, and Italian pils...
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    February 2, 2026 21 mins
    🍺 Beer In Front — Episode 289 Wet February Begins, Brewery Closures, Zima Dreams & Barrel-Aged Beers Episode 289 kicks off with Dry January officially in the rearview mirror and Wet February underway. Host Dave Zalatoris reflects on dropping 10 pounds during January, the success of his non-drinking month, and a massive surge in YouTube growth—even without beer-heavy content. But it’s not all good news. Dave talks about troubli...
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    January 27, 2026 38 mins
    🍻 Beer In Front – Episode 288 Guest: Kevin Waltermire, Co-Founder of Comma

    Thanks to a listener assist, Episode 288 is stacked—from THC-infused non-alcoholic beer to industry news, Dry January reflections, and a pair of solid beer reviews to close things out. 🍺 🎙️ This Week’s Interview Dave is joined by Kevin Waltermire, co-founder of Comma, a THC-infused non-alcoholic beer brand built for people who love beer culture but want a ...
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    January 19, 2026 43 mins
    Data, Dollars, and the Business of Beer (feat. Matt Gacioch, Brewers Association)
    Host: Dave Zalatoris
    Network: Beer Media Group

    Craft beer isn’t just passion projects and taproom vibes — it’s big business. On Episode 287 of Beer In Front, Dave digs into the numbers, trends, and realities shaping today’s beer industry with Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association. From rising costs and tighter margins to non-alcoholic...
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    January 13, 2026 19 mins
    Episode 286 of Beer In Front covers a lot of ground, blending beer news, personal updates, product reviews, and a deeper look at the non-alcoholic beer category. Dave Zalatoris opens the show with a Dry January check-in, sharing progress so far—down 4.4 pounds thanks to more water, NA beers, and watching calories. While the scale is moving in the right direction, better sleep hasn’t followed yet, proving Dry January isn’t a cure-al...
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    January 4, 2026 15 mins
    Dry January Doesn’t Mean Ditching Your Local Brewery Happy New Year! I kick off 2026 with a Dry January check-in and a reminder that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean abandoning your favorite breweries — especially during one of the toughest months of the year. I'll share smart, simple ways to support breweries without drinking, including buying merch and gift cards, ordering NA beers or hop waters, showing up for events, gr...
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    December 22, 2025 23 mins
    In the final episode of 2025, I'll go solo to recap a packed year for Beer In Front. From major beer news and industry trends to podcast milestones, festival highlights, and standout beers, this episode ties a big holiday bow on everything that made 2025 memorable. Plus, I'll crack open a couple of seasonal favorites and reflects on how beer content—and attention spans—continue to evolve.

              Featured Beers
    • Pollyanna Brewin...
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    December 16, 2025 32 mins
    Today’s guest is one of the true originals of American beer education — Marty Nachel. Marty is an award-winning author, longtime beer educator, and Certified Beer Judge who has spent more than 30 years helping people understand and appreciate beer. Marty has a new book out now titled The Beer Story Project available now for any beer lover on your holiday gift list. Marty brings a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth passion that...
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    December 7, 2025 16 mins
    In Episode 282 of Beer in Front, I'll bring you a festive, gift-focused edition of the show—perfect for the beer lover on your holiday shopping list (even if that person is you). I'll also break down the latest beer and beverage industry news, highlight friends of the show doing great work, and taste through a pair of holiday beers to round out the episode.

    🎁 Holiday Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers Dave spotlights a collection of beer-c...
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    November 30, 2025 19 mins
    This week on Beer In Front, I’m shining a spotlight on a style that refuses to die quietly: the Black IPA. Once a cult favorite, then a near-extinct curiosity, the Black IPA is suddenly popping up again in breweries across the country — and I couldn’t be happier to see its comeback. In this episode, we dig into where the style came from, why it faded away, and why it deserves a spot back in your regular rotation.
    I'll have the fanta...
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    November 23, 2025 42 mins
    In Episode 280, I'll chat with David Nilsen—award-winning author, Certified Cicerone®, educator, and one of the sharpest voices in beer media. We'll dig deep into:
    • The inspiration behind Final Gravity, David’s human-centered beer zine
    • Why beer and chocolate make such powerful (and surprising) pairing partners
    • The origins of David’s passion for craft beer
    • The growing world of craft chocolate
    • How breweries are navigating today’s shift...
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    November 16, 2025 21 mins
    In Episode 279, Dave dives into the rise, fall, and lasting legacy of Anchor Brewing, one of the true pioneers of American craft beer. From its 19th-century roots to the steam beer that helped kickstart the modern craft movement, this episode looks at how Anchor shaped the industry — and why its story still hits so hard today.

    Main Topics

    The History of Anchor Brewing A full walkthrough of Anchor’s incredible journey, including:
    • I...
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    November 9, 2025 22 mins
    If you are of a certain age, Pete’s Wicked Ale brings back fond memories of the early days of craft beer. On this episode, I’ll dive into the meteoric rise and fall of one of the first superstar craft brands of the 80’s and 90’s. I’ll also have a FOBAB review and have a craft beer from Peru!

    Beer Media Group 

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    November 3, 2025 19 mins
    THC beverages are everywhere right now, but not everyone’s thrilled about it. This week on Beer In Front, I break down why the attorneys general are pushing back — and what it means for drinkers. I'll also have some great beers this week from Bruz and Sierra Nevada! 

    Beer Media Group

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    October 26, 2025 62 mins
    Fresh Wet-Hopped Episode Hosted by: Dave Zalatoris
    Produced by: Beer In Front / Beer Media Group
    Release Date: October 2025
    Runtime: ~62 minutes

    This week, I'll explore the world of fresh and wet-hopped beers — celebrating the seasonal release that marks one of craft beer’s most anticipated times of year. I'll talk to three standout breweries from Colorado, producing exceptional wet-hopped ales and discuss the nuances that separate fre...
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    October 21, 2025 28 mins
    The Festival Of Wood And Barrel Aged Beer is right around the corner. FOBAB will be held this year on November 7-8 at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each session will have over 300 beverages all aged in wood or wood barrels. I'll chat with Katie Carrier from the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild to get the details on the festival for 2025! 

    Festival Of Wood And Barrel Aged Beer
    Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

    Beer Media Group



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