Beer In Front – Episode 309Homebrew Con Returns, Riverbend Malt & The Brew DepotHomebrew Con is back, and this week I'm talking with two people who are helping shape the future of homebrewing.After a quick update on my recent elbow surgery (and an apology to anyone I may have unintentionally offended while under anesthesia), I share a few stories from the beer world before diving into conversations from Homebrew Con in Asheville, North Carolina.First, I talk with Tina Hoffert of Riverbend Malt House about the growing craft malt movement, why locally sourced malt matters, and how malt contributes far more than just fermentable sugars. We also recap Homebrew Con, discuss regional ingredients, and explore how Riverbend is connecting farmers, maltsters, brewers, and homebrewers.Then I'm joined by Joshua Lord, owner of The Brew Depot in Georgia. Joshua shares his journey from homebrewer to homebrew shop owner, discusses why local homebrew shops remain vital to the brewing community, and explains how craft malt is changing the way homebrewers think about ingredients. We also recap Homebrew Con and talk about why the future of homebrewing looks brighter than many people realize.Also in this episode:Recovery update after elbow surgeryGreat American Beer Festival ticket newsThree Floyds and Binny's collaboration: The MorriganFour Roses Experimental Series finished in Mizunara oakPipeworks introduces a non-alcoholic Lizard King Pale AleNational Homebrew Competition highlightsBeer In Front Beer Review: Classic Fat Tire Amber Ale returnsWhether you're an experienced homebrewer, a craft beer fan, or simply curious about what goes into making great beer, this episode celebrates the people and ingredients that keep craft brewing moving forward.Featured GuestsTina Hoffert – Riverbend Malt HouseJoshua Lord – The Brew DepotBeer Reviewed🍺 New Belgium Classic Fat Tire Amber AleIf you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share the episode with the beer lovers in your life.Put it in the cart!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

This week, Dave chats with Kim Vavrick from Revolution Brewing about everything happening this summer at Chicago's largest independent brewery. First up is Fundraiser Friday on June 26th, benefiting the Brave Space Alliance. Kim explains how the program works, why supporting local organizations is important to Revolution, and how beer lovers can help simply by enjoying a draft beer. The conversation also covers:Fundraiser Fridays and upcoming partnershipsCommunity-focused events like Physical Media Night and the International Language CaféThe new Cold Time Mix PackThe success of Ante Zero, Revolution's non-alcoholic version of Anti-Hero IPADeep Wood Series Season Tickets and what barrel-aged beer fans can expect in 2026Collaborations with Dark Matter Coffee, Private Press, and More BrewingSummer beer releases, Oktoberfest plans, and World Cup watch parties at the taproomHow Revolution continues to strengthen its connection to Chicago through community involvement, partnerships, and great beerFeatured Beers Dave samples all four beers in the new Cold Time Mix Pack:🍺 Cold Time Premium Lager🍺 Cold Time Amber Lager🍺 Cold Time Extra Export Lager🍺 Cold Time Dry Crisp Rice LagerCheck Out Million Podcasts for more top beer related shows! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

What happens when millions of people simply stop wanting that second beer? In this episode of Beer In Front, I take a deep dive into the rapidly growing world of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound—and explore how these drugs are reshaping the food and beverage industry. While most coverage focuses on weight loss, the bigger story may be changing consumer behavior. Research suggests GLP-1 medications don't just reduce appetite, they may also reduce cravings for alcohol, snacks, and other highly rewarding foods by affecting the brain's dopamine reward system. Why GLP-1 users are drinking significantly less alcoholNew research showing dramatic reductions in alcohol cravingsHow wine, beer, and spirits are being affected differentlyWhy bars and restaurants are seeing smaller checks and fewer repeat drink ordersThe projected $30-$55 billion impact on the food and beverage industryHow grocery shopping habits are changingThe opportunities for premium alcohol, craft beverages, and non-alcoholic alternativesWhy GLP-1 medications could become an important tool in treating alcohol use disorderWhat breweries, bars, restaurants, and food companies need to do to adaptAs adoption continues to grow and new oral versions of these medications reach the market, the effects on consumer spending and consumption habits may only accelerate.Whether you're in the beer business, restaurant industry, food manufacturing, or simply curious about how emerging health trends shape the economy, this episode explores one of the most important consumer shifts happening today.Statistic Sources1 in 8 U.S. adults currently on a GLP-1 drug KFF Health Tracking Poll, Nov 2025Up to 75% potential reduction in alcohol consumption Morgan Stanley 25% of GLP-1 users stopped drinking entirely Morgan Stanley41% reduction in daily drinking (clinical trial) JAMA Psychiatry2025 Wine down 52%, beer 43%, spirits 40% EY-Parthenon Survey10% of adults = 50% of all alcohol sold U.S. alcohol consumption data$30–55B projected F&B revenue loss by 2030–34 J.P. MorganFeb 2026 23% of households contain a GLP-1 user CNBC / industry data2026 Dinner traffic down 6% among regular users Restaurant industry analysis, 2026Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

This week on Beer In Front, I sit down with Israel Dominguez, President of Merican Light Beer, to talk about building a modern lager brand with old-school appeal. After nearly a decade at Anheuser-Busch, Israel took what he learned from one of the biggest beer companies in the world and launched a brand focused on authenticity, community, and a simple mission: make a great American light lager.In This Episode:Israel's journey from Anheuser-Busch executive to beer entrepreneurThe inspiration behind Merican Light BeerWhy nostalgia, familiarity, and Americana are central to the brandHow Merican grew rapidly through community-focused marketingThe challenges of building a beer brand in today's crowded lager marketExpansion into North Carolina and Tennessee and plans for future growthMerican's commitment to supporting veterans, family farming, clean water initiatives, outdoor recreation, and youth sportsWhy light lagers continue to be one of the strongest segments in beer todayBeer Review: I get my hands on a can of Merican Light Beer and puts it to the test. The verdict? A crisp, crushable lager with subtle notes of wood and apple that make it stand out from the crowd. It's  a perfect summer beer and could become a future fridge staple once it reaches Chicago.Also On The ShowBirthday weekend recap at Old Irving BrewingAn update on the upcoming elbow surgery and recovery plansA preview of next week's special solo episode examining how GLP-1 medications are changing alcohol consumption and impacting the food and beverage industries.Learn More Visit the official Merican Light Beer website:  MericanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

Dave is back with a Memorial Day weekend episode featuring beer news, craft beer chatter, and a wild conversation with Devon Douglas, the man attempting to convince Jason Kelce to run with the bulls in Pamplona by drinking a Garage Beer every single day until the event. Dave also checks in with updates on his elbow recovery, birthday week plans, and dives into some of the latest stories from around the beer world.Kelce To PamplonaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

In episode 304 of Beer In Front, Dave heads to Washington State for a conversation with Emrys Beer & Mead Works founder Thomas Croskrey. The discussion dives deep into the world of mead, historical brewing traditions, local sourcing, and how Emrys is blending beer, mead, and elevated pub food into one unique destination. Dave also reviews a new Korean-style lager from Hopewell Brewing Company and says goodbye to an old favorite with one final Schlitz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

This week on the Beer In Front podcast, Dave celebrates both Illinois Craft Beer Week and American Craft Beer Week with a packed episode full of beer news, local brewery updates, playoff beer gimmicks, a killer lager from Goldfinger Brewing Company, and finally… a long-awaited review of the legendary Zima. Plus, a quick detour into punk rock with thoughts on the new album from Social Distortion.In This EpisodeCelebrating Illinois Craft Beer Week and American Craft Beer WeekIllinois Craft Beer Week passport program and brewery promotionsThoughts on the new Social Distortion album Born to KillBrewers Association concerns over tariff refunds and aluminum pricingBall Corporation’s can supply reportedly committed through 2030Illinois brewery updates from Hop Butcher For The World and Maplewood Brewery & DistilleryMichigan brewing collaboration between Brewery Vivant and Saugatuck Brewing CompanyNew West Coast pilsner “Boat Plane” from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.Beer bats, hockey beer skates, and playoff drinking vessels taking over sportsAB InBev posts first quarterly beer sales increase in three yearsNew NA collaboration “Baller Melon” from Go Brewing and Hop ButcherTHC beverages arriving at select Target Corporation storesSummer release preview from Goat Patch Brewing CompanyBig-format Chelada releases from ModeloBeer Review: Goldfinger – Danube Swabian Dave cracks open Danube Swabian, an historical Vienna-style lager from Goldfinger Brewing. Rich toasted malt character, balanced hop spice, and classic lager drinkability make this one an instant winner. If you see the red can, Dave says one thing: “Put it in the cart.” Retro Review: Zima Returns After years of searching, Dave finally gets his hands on Japanese-market Zima thanks to a hookup from a coworker and friends at Japan Airlines. Does the iconic lemon-lime malt beverage still hold up after all these years? Spoiler alert: absolutely. Expect nostalgia, carbonation, and zero tolerance for people putting Jolly Ranchers in it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

If you didn't catch the livestream last week, here is the audio part of the Midwest Beer Show. I along with Rod J talked about how beer has changed since 2020. We spoke to people from The Brewers Association, Hop Butcher, and WildEdge Brewing Collective! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

🍺 Episode SummaryDave is back for Episode 301 with a conversation that might just change how you think about non-alcoholic beer. This week’s guest is Tate Huffard, founder of Best Day Brewing—a company proving that NA beer doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. From the evolution of drinking habits to the explosion of the NA category, Tate breaks down how Best Day is creating beers that stand on their own—full flavor, real craft, just without the alcohol. Plus, Dave puts a few Best Day beers to the test with honest, no-BS reviews. 🔥 In This EpisodeThe origin story behind Best Day BrewingWhy non-alcoholic beer used to fail—and what’s changedThe biggest technical challenge in making great NA beerHow lifestyle (not sobriety) is driving the categoryWhy NA beer is showing up everywhere—from Target to taproomsThe future of NA beer (draft lines, new styles, and more)🍻 Beer Reviews (Dave’s Take) Wild American (Pilsner-style)Clean, crisp, classic beer flavorBalanced malt + subtle hopsNo weird NA aftertaste“Lunch beer approved.”KolschLight, refreshing, highly drinkableSlight citrus note on the finish“Exactly what you want this style to be.”Electro-Lime (with sea salt)Bright lime upfront, super refreshingPerfect warm-weather crusher“Summer beer. No doubt.”👉 Bottom line: “It’s not NA beer—it’s just beer.”Go to https://bestdaybrewing.com/ Use the code INFRONT for 20% off your first order! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

🎉 300 Episodes InDave looks back on six years behind the mic and the evolution of the showEarly beer memories: Vienna lagers, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Dovetail BrewingFrom COVID-era rants to today’s more balanced formatListener feedback welcome as the show continues to evolve🍔 Chicago Beer & Food StopVisit to Hop Butcher for a charity collab eventSmashburgers from “Biker Dude” supporting Meals on WheelsVerdict: absolutely worth the trip—“that flipping good”📰 Beer & Beverage News 🔥 Big Industry MoveFirestone Walker acquires Stone BrewingProduction shifting to California; major restructuring of facilitiesPart of a busy acquisition streak for Firestone Walker🏆 World Beer Cup HighlightsIllinois breweries bringing home medals:Go Brewing (NA category wins)Adams Street BreweryGoose Island (including Bourbon County Brand Stout)Cruz Blanca, Phase Three, Industry Ales🍺 Beer Reviews – Craft Macro Series Dave kicks off a new segment reviewing “craft macros”—easy-drinking beers from craft breweries. Pipeworks – “Beer”Style: Light lager (4.4%)Score: 31/50Notes: Classic macro vibe, clean but middle-of-the-roadVerdict: Solid, drinkable, not a standoutRevolution Brewing – Cold Time LagerStyle: Premium lager (4.8%)Score: 35/50Notes: Balanced, flavorful, crushableVerdict: “Put it in the cart” — strong everyday optionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group