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/beerinfronthttps://linktr.ee/BeerInFrontBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
From an Orange Door to Oktoberfest: The Sketchbook Brewing Story
From an Orange Door to Oktoberfest: The Sketchbook Brewing Story
Sketchbook Brewing began with a group of Evanston homebrewers and an orange door tucked away in an alley. This week, Dave visits Sketchbookâs Skokie taproom to talk with co-founder Cesar Marron about how that small, community-supported brewery grew into two locations. Cesar shares the story of winning the Samuel Adams LongShot competition with a smoked beer, opening a brewery in a city with a long temperance history, and moving ahead with the Skokie location as the pandemic began. They also talk about Sketchbookâs commitment to s...
Celebrating 40 Years Of Alaskan Brewing
Alaskan Brewing at 40: A Conversation with Geoff and Marcy Larson
Most breweries never reach ten years, Alaskan Brewing Company has made it to forty. In this episode, I sit down with founders Geoff and Marcy Larson to discuss how a homebrewing idea became one of Americaâs pioneering craft breweries. They share the story of launching in Juneau in 1986 with 88 local investors, creating Alaskan Amber from a Gold Rush-era recipe, and building an independent brewery far from the traditional centers of American brewing. We also explore the history of the legendary Alaskan Smoked Porter, the breweryâs use of l...
Why Craft Malt Matters More Than You Think
Itâs Craft Malt Month, and on this episode of Beer In Front, weâre getting back to one of beerâs most important ingredients: malt. Iâm joined by Jeff Bloem of Murphy And Rude, Virginiaâs first dedicated commercial specialty malt house. Jeffâs path into malt wasnât exactly traditional. He came from the corporate consulting world and started experimenting with malting in his basement before eventually building Murphy & Rude into a supplier for breweries and distilleries throughout the region.We talk about what it takes to build a malt house from scratch, working directly with farmers, and why sourci...
How To Take Better Beer Photos With The Nerdy Photographer
Take Better Beer Photos With Your Phone
Ever take a picture of a great-looking beer only to check your phone and think⊠that looked a lot better in person? This week on Beer In Front, Iâm talking with professional photographer Casey Fatchett, host of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, about how to take better photos of your beer and food without hauling around a bag full of professional camera equipment.Casey has been shooting professionally for more than 25 years, and he shares some easy things anyone can do with a smartphone to dramatically improve their photos.We t...
Lone Star Beer: How It Became The National Beer Of Texas
Lone Star Beer: The Story of Two San Antonio Breweries
This week on Beer In Front, weâre heading to Texas to talk about one of Americaâs great regional beer brands: Lone Star Beer.You know the red star. You know the slogan, âThe National Beer of Texas.â But did you know the history of Lone Star actually involves two completely different San Antonio breweries? My guest is Jeremy Banas, author of the new book Lone Star Beer: A History of Two Iconic San Antonio Breweries. Jeremy helps untangle the story, beginning with the original Lone Sta...
The Last Ashtray In America
The Ashtray, Kishwaukee Brewing & Phase Three Comes to Chicago
This week on Beer In Front, weâre looking at something that used to be as much a part of the American bar as the beer taps themselves: the ashtray. For decades, brewery-branded ashtrays sat on bars across the country. Then smoking bans arrived, the ashtrays disappeared, and the neighborhood bar changed with them. Weâll look back at their history, their place in tavern culture, and why those old Pabst, Schlitz, Hammâs and other brewery ashtrays have become collectibles today.And speaking of collectibles â I have a o...
New And Improved?
The new and improved Beer In Front is here!
This week, Dave introduces a refreshed format featuring new recurring segments, neighborhood tavern spotlights, classic beer advertising history, and, of course, plenty of great beer reviews.On This EpisodeA look at the new direction for the podcast and what's changing.Thanks to listeners for the overwhelming response to the recent Chicago tavern episodes.Updates on Ruby's recovery and Dave's elbow surgery.Beers Reviewed North Coast Red Seal Ale. A longtime classic from California's North Coast Brewing returns to the glass. Dave revisits this West Coast favorite, highlighting its rich malt...
Last Call for the Neighborhood Tavern (Part 2) with Dave Infante
Beer In Front Podcast â Episode Show Notes
Last Call for the Neighborhood Tavern (Part 2) with Dave Infante
Neighborhood taverns have long been more than places to grab a beerâthey've served as gathering spots, community centers, and the heart of countless neighborhoods. But are they becoming an endangered institution? In Part 2 of this special conversation, Dave Zalatoris sits down with award-winning journalist, VinePair contributing editor, and Fingers newsletter creator Dave Infante for a wide-ranging discussion about the current state and future of America's neighborhood taverns.The conversation explores why traditional corner bars are struggling while experience-driven venu...
The Last Call for America's Neighborhood Tavern
Episode 313: The Last Call for America's Neighborhood Tavern
What happened to the neighborhood tavern? Once the heart of nearly every American neighborhood, the corner bar was more than just a place to grab a beer. It was a hiring hall, a union meeting place, a community center, a second living room, and sometimes the place where lifelong friendships, and lifelong arguments began. In this episode of Beer In Front, Dave Zalatoris explores the remarkable history of the American tavern, with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons. From colonial taverns...
The Strange True Story Of Tang
Beer In Front Podcast â Tang: The Drink That Rode the Space Race
Everyone knows Tang was "the drink of the astronauts"...except that's not actually how the story began.This week, Beer In Front takes a detour from beer to explore one of the greatest marketing success stories of the 20th century. Long before astronauts carried it into orbit, Tang was a struggling powdered breakfast drink sitting on grocery store shelves. A timely connection to NASA, a little help from the Space Race, and some brilliant marketing transformed it into a household name.In this episode yo...
310 Nicole Bentler From Pocono Mountain Farms
Beer In Front â Episode 310 Show Notes
This week on Beer In Front, we're mixing things up with a conversation that isn't about beer...at least not at first. Dave welcomes Nicole Bentler, founder of Pocono Mountain Farms, to talk about one of the beverage world's most intriguing newcomers: maple water. Nicole explains how this naturally hydrating drink is harvested straight from maple trees before it becomes syrup, why athletes and health-conscious consumers are embracing it, and what it's like running a 450-acre certified organic maple farm in Pennsylvania. From sustainability and fireflies to bourbon pairings and re...
310 Chicago Beer History With Andrew Mason
Chicago Brewing History of the 1990s with Andrew Mason
Chicago's craft beer scene didn't happen overnight.This week, Dave sits down with longtime brewer Andrew Mason to discuss his new Kickstarter project, Chicago Brewing History: The '90s, an ambitious documentary series preserving the stories, people, and breweries that built Chicago's modern beer culture. Andrew shares his own journey through breweries including Flossmoor Station, Mickey Finn's, Three Floyds, Solemn Oath, and beyond before explaining why now is the time to capture the memories of the pioneers who shaped one of America's greatest beer cities.They discuss:Why...
2026 Homebrew Con Recap
Beer In Front â Episode 309
Homebrew Con Returns, Riverbend Malt & The Brew Depot
Homebrew 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 so...
308 Summer Happenings At Revolution Brewing
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 wh...
How Weight Loss Drugs Are Reshaping What We Eat And Drink
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 Zepboundâand 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.Â
Why GLP-1 users are drinking sig...
306 Merican Light Beer With Israel Dominguez
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...
305 Run The Bulls With Devon
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 Pamplona
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
Beer Media...
304 Emrys Beer & Mead Works
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
303 Craft Beer Week
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 ta...
How 2020 Changed Beer
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!Â
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
Beer Media Group
301 Tate Huffard From Best Day Brewing
đș Episode Summary
Dave is back for Episode 301 with a conversation that might just change how you think about non-alcoholic beer. This weekâs guest is Tate Huffard, founder of Best Day Brewingâa company proving that NA beer doesnât 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 ownâfull flavor, real craft, just without the alcohol. Plus, Dave puts a few Best Day beers to the test with honest, no-BS reviews.Â
đ„ In This Episode...
300 Episodes
đ 300 Episodes In
Dave 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 todayâs more balanced formatListener feedback welcome as the show continues to evolveđ Chicago Beer & Food Stop
Visit to Hop Butcher for a charity collab eventSmashburgers from âBiker Dudeâ supporting Meals on WheelsVerdict: absolutely worth the tripââthat flipping goodâđ° Beer & Beverage News đ„ Big Industry Move
Firestone Walker acquires Stone BrewingProduction shifting to California; major restructuring of facilitiesPart of a busy acquisition streak for Firestone Walkerđ World Beer Cup Highlights
299 Revolution Changes The Game
đș Episode Overview Episode 299 is a quick solo run with Daveâno guests this week, but plenty of beer news, industry insight, and a deep dive into one of the most interesting trends in craft beer right now: non-alcoholic versions of flagship beers. From brewery closures to new collaborations and a standout NA release from Revolution Brewing, this episode covers the current state of the beer world, plus a few âput it in the cartâ recommendations.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
Beer Media Group
298 A Barrel Aged April
đïž Beer In Front Podcast â Episode Show Notes
Barrel-Aged Season⊠in April?Â
Spring in Chicago⊠and somehow weâre talking barrel-aged monsters like itâs late November. This episode dives into a surprise wave of fresh barrel-aged releases from three legendary Chicago breweries, plus a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the best in the game. Dave sits down with Marty Scott (Barrel Program Manager at Revolution Brewing) for an in-depth look at blending, wood, and the philosophy behind one of the countryâs most respected barrel programs â including a sneak peek tank pour of a brand-new Deep Wood release. A...
297 The Reviews Are In
Week of April 6, 2026 A packed episode this week with a heavy focus on what really matters: the beer in front of you. đș Expect a streamlined format loaded with reviews, plus some news, events, and a few things you might want to⊠put in the cart. đ»
Whatâs On Deck
A stacked lineup of beer reviews featuring:Dragonâs Milk (New Holland)Midwest Coast BrewingNew BelgiumSound GrowlerSierra NevadaBeer news from around the worldChicago-area event spotlightMidwest Beer Show preview
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.
Beer Media Group
296 Ska Brewing
đș Beer In Front â Episode 296 Guest: Ska Brewing co-founder Dave Thibodeau
đïž Episode Summary Dave Zalatoris is joined by craft beer OG Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing for a conversation that hits the sweet spot between beer, music, and staying true to your roots. From the early âpunk rockâ days of microbrewing to todayâs ultra-competitive craft landscape, this episode dives into how Ska Brewing has stayed relevant for over 30 years. Plus: beer news, industry trends, and a review of Skaâs brand new West Coast IPA. đ»
In This Episode đ€ Interview: Dave Thibodeau (Ska Brewing)
The origins of Ska Brewing and its d...
295 Admiral Maltings & Firestone Walker Sunglider
Yeah⊠weâre talking about malt. This week Iâm joined by Ron Silberstein from Admiral Maltings, and if you think malt is just the thing that shows up on an invoice⊠this one might change your mind. We get into:
đŸ Why malt is the backbone of beer
đș Craft malting & California-grown barley
đ„ Floor malting vs the big guys
đ» Why lagers are having a moment PlusâI crack open Sunglider from Firestone Walker
đ Bready, biscuity, super clean
đ Easy crusher when the weather finally warms up Bottom line:
If you see Sun Glider⊠put it in the cart. đ§ Listen now wher...
294 The Craft Beer Concierge
đïž Beer In Front â 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 âCraft Beer Concierge,â and a couple of beers worth putting straight in the cart.Â
Whatâs On Tap This EpisodeA major Chicago beer merger that could reshape the local sceneA conversation with Allo Gilinsky, aka the Craft Beer ConciergeBeer reviews featuring a Perennial saison and a classic Irish red from BegyleIndustry news, trends, and whatâs next in craft beerAllo Gilinsky
Becom...
293 The Wildest Story In Beer
đș New Episode â Beer in Front đïž Quick solo show this week (yes, I sound a little congested đ
), but weâve got a LOT to cover. đš Chicagoland Closures Weâre up to six brewery closures in two months.
Itâs a tough stretch for Illinois craft beer. If youâve got a favorite spot â nowâs the time to support them.
 đ Beer NewsBrewDog sold to Tilray for $40M (once valued near $2B đł)Pickle beer collab: Grilloâs x PBRFirestone Walker dropping a dragon fruit sourRevolution expanding the Cold Time lineupđ Deep Dive: Ballast Point From a homebrew shopâŠ
To a $1 BILLION saleâŠ
To being sold for...
292 Lone Tree Brewing Company
đș Guest Interview: Jerry Siote â Lone Tree Brewing Company
This week, Dave heads back to Colorado to talk with Lone Tree Brewing Companyâs Jerry Siote. Founded: 2011
Locations: Lone Tree & Parker, Colorado
Recently Won: Gold Medal â Colorado Brewers Cup (Mexican Lager) đ„ Highlights from the ConversationLone Treeâs journey from aviation & finance to brewingCelebrating 15 years and brewing their 3,000th batchWhy their Mexican Lager now accounts for nearly half of productionWinning multiple medals at the Great American Beer FestivalRefreshing their IPA lineup (and surviving customer feedback)The challenge of balancing beer vs. non-beer offeringsThe state of hazy IPA fatigue & the return of clea...
291 Kalm With Kava
This week weâre doing something a little different⊠but donât worry, thereâs still beer involved. đ Guest: Morgan Smith â CEO of Kalm With Kava. Dave sits down with Morgan Smith from Kalm With Kava to talk about kava â the traditional South Pacific root drink known for its calming, social effects. Kava doesnât give you a âbuzzâ like alcohol or THC. Instead, it delivers a mellow, relaxed feeling that helps take the edge off without fogging your head. What We Covered:What kava is and how itâs been used for 3,000+ years in places like Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and HawaiiHow kava diff...
290 Goat Patch Brewing
Sometimes the beer in front of you really is the best one yetâand this weekâs 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 pilsners, Goat Patch has something for just about every palate. Justin shares the origin story of Goat Patch, how the brewery got its name, and why âHome of Balanc...
289 Get Dave A Zima!
đș Beer In Front â 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 growthâeven without beer-heavy content. But itâs not all good news. Dave talks about troubling brewery closures in the Chicago area, urges listeners to support local breweries while they can, and dives headfirst into beer and beverage news from across the country. And yes⊠the quest to Get Dave a Zima is off...
288 Enjoy Your Pause With Comma
đ» Beer In Front â Episode 288 Guest: Kevin Waltermire, Co-Founder of Comma
Thanks to a listener assist, Episode 288 is stackedâfrom THC-infused non-alcoholic beer to industry news, Dry January reflections, and a pair of solid beer reviews to close things out. đș đïž This Weekâs 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 different kind of buzz. What youâll hear in the conversation:Why Comma focuses on âpausesâ instead of quitting alcohol altogetherHow Comma differs from THC seltzers (spoiler: itâs actually brewed)The role of THC, CBD, and...
287 The Business Of Beer
Data, Dollars, and the Business of Beer (feat. Matt Gacioch, Brewers Association)
Host: Dave Zalatoris
Network: Beer Media Group
Craft beer isnât just passion projects and taproom vibes â itâs big business. On Episode 287 of Beer In Front, Dave digs into the numbers, trends, and realities shaping todayâs beer industry with Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association. From rising costs and tighter margins to non-alcoholic growth and why January is brutal for breweries, this episode takes a clear-eyed look at where craft beer stands in 2026 â and where itâs headed.
W...
286 Peggy Returns!
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 farâdown 4.4 pounds thanks to more water, NA beers, and watching calories. While the scale is moving in the right direction, better sleep hasnât followed yet, proving Dry January isnât a cure-all, but itâs still paying off. The episode then dives into beer and beverage news from around the country. Highlights include Kishwaukee Brewingâs elderberry ale made with berri...
285 Happy New Year
Dry January Doesnât 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 doesnât mean abandoning your favorite breweries â 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, grabbing food, leaving reviews, and being the designated driver for friends. The episode also touches on the most unexpected beer news of the week: the Pop-Tarts Bowl, complete with b...
284 Beer In Review
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 contentâand attention spansâcontinue to evolve.
     Featured Beers
Pollyanna Brewing â Fireside Gap (Winter IPA, 5.8%)
A darker, old-school West Coast-style IPA with a great malt-hop balance. Great Lakes Brewing â Christmas Ale (7.5%)
A holiday classic brewed with honey and spicesâ22...
283 The Beer Story Project
Todayâs guest is one of the true originals of American beer education â 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 makes beer accessible to everyone.
The Beer Story Project
American Craft Beer Hall Of Fame
Beco...
282 Holiday Gift Ideas
In Episode 282 of Beer in Front, I'll bring you a festive, gift-focused edition of the showâperfect 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.
đ Holiday Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers Dave spotlights a collection of beer-centric gifts from friends of the showânone of which benefit him directly (with one exception clearly noted). Theyâre great ways to support i...
