This episode has a bittersweet air about it, as we record out Christmas Show at John’s Tavern in Winfield, but alas for the last time. After 96 years of serving good beer, John’s is closing their doors for good on Dec 23.

We have assembled a cast of friends, listeners, brewers and craft beer afficienados to celebrate the last remote podcast recording at our favorite tavern meeting place, and what better timing than our annual Christmas party.
The Brit and Yankee is bringing their usual Magnums of Anchor Steam Christmas Ale, and we asked our guests to bring their own choices for a seasonal brew.

Tom Ryan brings Bells Christmas Ale, Ken McMullen supplies a bomber of Three Floyds Alpha Klaus, Kevin Herbst brings a local brew from Metal Monkey, and our good friend and listener Tim Stephenson surprises us with an antique bottle of Hoppin’ Frog Frosted Frog. Joining the fun is Lisa Gregor, co-owner of Church Street Brewing, and Chet Brett, the tallest man in craft brewing slips in right at the end!

Brews we sample and enjoy:
Bells Christmas Ale, Scotch Ale, 7.5%
Three Floyds Alpha Klaus, American Christmas Porter, 6% ABV
Metal Monkey, Asmodeus Maple Syrup Variant, 12% ABV
Hopping Frog Frosted Frog Christmas Ale, 8.6%
Anchor Steam Christmas Ale 2017, 6.7%

Play the show from our player below, or from Blubrry player…

In this episode, we sit down with Nevin’s Brewing‘s Marc Wilson, the day after they hold a re-branding event where the Midnight Pig Beer line is introduced. We explore a different side of running a brewery, that of marketing and branding, and when is it the right time to make that big step.

We’re also joined by assistant brewer, Cory Davidson, for a conversation punctuated by tasting some sample brews from the new range. We discuss their packaging approach and like all good pub chats, we throw in a few other topics for Marc and Cory to opine on. And finally, co-host Chuck Fort manages to show up to join in – better late than never!

Stick around at the end of the podcast for a bonus review by The Brit and the 2 John’s, John Bitterman and John Karwoski, as they open a bottle of Midnight Pig Imperial Stout, and we give it the true consumer test.

Brews sampled in this edition:
Apocalyptinator, German-style Doppelbock, 8.4%
Snitches Get Stiches, Robust Porter, 6.0%
Tumultuous, Imperial IPA, 8.8%
Barrel Project #1, Dark American Wild with Blueberries, 6.9%

A strange show title but these are the names of the two breweries we are sampling in this show. From opposite ends of the country, Mad Swede is out of Boise ID., and Barrel of Monks is down in Boca Raton, FL.

Our panel today comprises the entire staff of the Brit and Yankee pub, Brewmaster Mark, Cellarmaster Lingo, and of course The Brit – the band’s back together! And joining us for the biggest panel we have ever had is tavern owner John Karwoski, and listeners Tim and Tom (fresh from the barleywine tasting in the last show), and to add the subtleties of the female palate, we welcome  Lisa G.

Mad Swede brews are:
Freya’s Pale from Exertion, ABV:5.5% IBU: 45
Longship IPA, ABV 6.2%,  IBU 65
Naked Sunbather Nut Brown Ale, ABV: 5.8% IBU: 30

Barrel of Monks brews are:
2017 Father Christmas, Holiday Spiced Belgian Strong Dark Ale, ABV: 10% IBU
Parade of Souls, Belgian Style Imperial Stout, ABV: 10%
Witty in Pink, Belgian Wit with Raspberries and Beets, ABV: 5.5%

Play the show from our player below…