The Taproom Podcast
The Taproom Podcast
Mike
Episode 167 - w/ John Jackson Wild Parrot Brewing
56 minutes Posted Apr 19, 2026 at 4:45 pm.
Introduction to Wild Parrot Brewing
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Introducing John Jackson
John’s Craft Beer Journey
From Homebrewing to Opening a Brewery
Navigating Business Challenges
The Story Behind the Brewery Name
Craft Beer Styles and Preferences
The Four Pack Segment
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Situational Beers Discussion
Memorable Brew Days
Mount Rushmore of Breweries and Styles
Nostalgic Childhood Memories
Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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Show notes
Host Mike sits down with John Jackson of Wild Parrot Brewing in Pasadena for a wide-ranging conversation about launching a neighborhood brewery, the story behind the name, and surviving a pandemic-delayed opening. They discuss Wild Parrot’s rotating one-off tap philosophy, favorite styles and hops, experiments with malts, and standout beers from their menu.John shares practical lessons from his brewery build—shared space with a coffee shop, frugal ‘frankenbrew’ approaches, permitting headaches, and funding—and offers advice for aspiring brewers. The episode also features fun brew-day anecdotes (including a stuck mash and a messy valve mishap), local community events, a Route 66 cream-ale collab, and light-hearted segments on situational beers, guilty pleasures, and tailgate culture.Tune in for beer nerd talk, startup tips, neighborhood stories, and a warm, conversational interview that captures the spirit of a small, community-focused craft brewery.