Buzzed with Brian

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian!

Wisconsin, you’ve got some hardware! This episode Brian is raising a glass to the Badger State and recapping the Wisconsin breweries that brought home medals at the 2026 Great American Beer Festival! One of the biggest stages in the craft beer world, GABF brings together breweries from across the country to compete for some of the most coveted awards in the industry. Listen in as Brian breaks down the local breweries that made their mark, celebrates their award-winning beers, and features a barrel aged version of an award winning beer from Madison's ow...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

The People’s Pint is back! This episode Brian is joined by a beer from one of the most prestigious and sought after breweries in the country: Hill Farmstead Brewery. A pick as divine as such is courtesy of friend-of-the-pod, Bryan (yes with a Y…), who was kind enough to get this beer into Brian’s hands. Hailing from the hills of Vermont, Hill Farmstead has built a reputation for making some of the most revered beers in the craft beer world, so naturally Brian had to give this one the People’s Pint tr...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

 It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing, the lederhosen are coming out, and Brian is back with his annual history lesson on Oktoberfest! This time around Brian discusses how Oktoberfest got started, how the beer served at the festival has evolved over the years, and how the Märzen style has transitioned to the Festbier style. Of course, no history lesson would be complete without something to drink, so a Wisconsin made Festbier made its way onto Brian’s drinking stein to help highlight the style. Listen in for a l...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Line extension? Brand extension? What exactly may that be you ask? Brian hops on the mic with “Professor Beer”, aka Tim Virnig, to have yet another great discussion on this industry trend. If you have noticed your favorite craft brewery taping into other types of craft beverages, that would be an example of brand extension. If you have seen them creating new variants of an established core/flagship beer, that would be an example of line extension. As more of this is in the market a most wonderful four pack of beer from...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Sometimes, you have to hop on a long flight to experience beer at its freshest.  At the very least, enjoy it in a completely novel way! This summer, Brian did just that. Brian and his wife accepted the jet lag and flew to Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore for their honeymoon. This episode has it all, from Bia Hoi on the city streets, to Thai beer in an alleyway, from bespoke speakeasys to cocktails atop sky scrapers and everything in between!  Listen in as Brian & Aryn recap their trip and share yet another big...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian!

Schlitz! “The beer that Made Milwaukee Famous!” This weeks episode pays homage to one of the historical Milwaukee beers that has officially come to an end. Months ago Pabst announced its discontinuation of the Schlitz label and at present day almost all of the taplines in the wild have run dry. Brian recaps a brief history of Schlitz, the rise, the fall, the rebirth, and the closing! Accompanying the history is a Schlitz from the last batch brewed by Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona, WI. Now, sit back, relax, grab a beer of y...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian!

Special Announcement! If you have not already done so, do not forget to cast your vote to make Buzzed with Brian Madison's Best Podcast of 2026. Click the link, select Arts & Entertainment, and scroll down until you see Podcasts: 

https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2026/

This week, Brian steps outside the usual beer-focused format to welcome two cocktail-forward guests who, if you know, you know, are staples of Madison's mixology community.  Brian is joined by Martin and Jen, the hosts behind The Gin Pennant, an invite-only passion pr...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Special Announcement! If you have not already done so, do not forget to cast your vote to make Buzzed with Brian Madison's Best Podcast of 2026. Click the link, select Arts & Entertainment, and scroll down until you see Podcasts: 

https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2026/

Now onto today’s show… Brian was finding inspiration by perusing his beer fridge (as he typically does). He stumbled upon an unmarked bottle of homebrew that for the life of him he could not recall what it was. Naturally, he opened it and decided to rec...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

The storied epic of India Pale Ale continues on today’s episode with the little sibling but ever growing in popularity, Session IPA. Weak beer. Mild beer. Session beer. Whatever you want to call it has been around in one format or another for quite some time. Brian is here to discuss something a little less bold in alcohol, but in no way less bold in flavor! So pour yourself something, or a couple somethings, sit back, relax, and enjoy the tales of the Session IPA!

Thanks, and as always… Cheer...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

On a recent trip out to the west coast, Brian encountered some new to him beer ingredients from Yakima Chief Hops! Have you ever heard of your beer being Dynaboosted or even HYPERboosted?? On this episode Tim, aka Professor Beer, and Brian talk about these hop extract products coming from Yakima Chief. These relatively new products boast great aromatics, improved efficiency, and higher yield on a commercial brewday. Lucky for them they have two distinct pints with a couple of these new products to showcase. Now, grab a beer and pour one o...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

The wait is over and episode 150, that’s 1-5-0 is finally here! Drum roll… Brian teamed up with local favorite Working Draft Beer Company to brew a celebratory collaboration beer! The Brew in question is an English Extra Special Bitter by the name of Extra Sticky Britches. You will have to listen to the episode today to hear more about the profile of this beer and its historically clever name. For those listening today and living in the Madison area you are in luck. Now, enjoy the show and head on down...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

I know Brian said this would be an off week... but he could not help himself! The podcast continues to crawl toward 150 with another Peoples Pint preview. Aryn is back on the mic with him for a continuation of the last episode as she becomes even more Buzzed with Brian. Much like the last episode, this beer also had quite the journey to the Midwest, hailing from Boise, Idaho! A splendid beer as such is courtesy of friend-of-the-pod, Nick. A big thank you to Nick! Now, crack open a beer of your o...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

The People’s Pint is back! This episode Brian is joined by his partner Aryn, to talk about a beer that traveled across the US. Remember, beer is better when we share it. The beer comes from (unfortunately) now closed Cascade Brewing Company out of Portland, Oregon. A pick as divine as such is courtesy of friend-of-the-pod, Nick, who was determined to get this beer in our hands! This may also be the oldest beer ever drunk on the pod, having been packaged in 2018! Now, crack open a beer of your own and...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Brian was exploring out in real life this week with his microphone. He made a pit stop at the original Vintage Brewing Company on Madison's west side. There he was joined by "Professor Beer" aka Tim Virnig, BJCP Certified Beer Judge/Lead Beertender at Garth's Brew Bar. Fans of the pod know that Tim dropped yet another knowledge bomb for this episode. This time, Tim and Brian talk about all things British Cask Ale.  From ingredients, to the history, and the super neat beer engines that pour these beers!  Now, grab a bee...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

It is that time of the year again, the Nomination Phase for the Best of Madison is back! Thank you to all that have voted in the past and and thank you to all that will cast their ballots in the future. Follow the link below, click "Arts & Entertainment", scroll down until you find Podcast, and type Buzzed with Brian! You can do this each day this month to help push me onto the ballot later this year! 

https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2026/gallery?group=535264 

Buz...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

It is that time of the year again, the Nomination Phase for the Best of Madison is back! Thank you to all that have voted in the past and and thank you to all that will cast their ballots in the future. Follow the link below, click "Arts & Entertainment", scroll down until you find Podcast, and type Buzzed with Brian! You can do this each day this month to help push me onto the ballot later this year! 

https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2026/gallery?group=535264 

Bri...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Are you asking yourself, “What exactly is a gruit?” Well, Brian is here, as always, to deliver the goods on beer history. This ancient style predates hops and once dominated brewing across medieval Europe. While Gruit nearly disappeared over time, it has recently seen a small resurgence within the modern craft beer movement. To highlight the style, Brian features an excellent modern example from Kansas City, Missouri. So get ready to travel way back in time, grab a beer of your own, and enjoy the show!

Thanks, and as always… Cheers...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Happy New Year! In the spirit of something new, let’s keep the industry trends rolling. Now, all of the loyal Buzzed with Brian listeners may not be familiar with mixing their favorite beers into a cocktail; however, Brian is ready to inspire a little at home creativity! In the past year we have seen beer utilized as both an adjunct and key component to mixed beverages. Listen in as Brian tries his hand at a “Beericano” for the very first time. Now, grab a beer abd a few other random ingredients of your...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

It is time to wrap up 2025 and all of us from the BWB team hope your Holiday season has been memorable! For the last episode of the year, Brian provides a recap of trends seen in the industry throughout the past year. Hot takes and predictions for 2026 are also discussed in detail! Listen in to find out what may or may not sound agreeable to you! Today’s episode also features a wonderful delight from Dimensional Brewing Company out of Iowa. Now, grab a beer of your own to ring in the new...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Brian had company along with him on the mic this week! A familiar voice as he was joined by his now wife (applause), Aryn.  Together they recapped their most recent trip to the Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer(FoBAB). Unfamiliar with FoBAB? Check out Ep. 095 to fill in the gaps. This was the second time both Aryn and Brian attended this festival, and it has proved to be truly worthy of any beer drinkers bucket list. Now, listen in on this episode and responsibly grab a barrel aged beer of yo...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Brian had company along with him on the mic this week! A familiar voice as he was joined by Tim Virnig, "Professor Beer". This time, Tim and Brian discuss a fan favorite niche item in the beer adjacent world. A tiny little bottle with a green cap, Underberg! For those, not in the know, Underberg is a German Digestif that will cure all your ailments! Well... not really. Listen in on this episode for the latest knowledge bomb and go find an Underberg of your own! 

Thanks, and as always… Chee...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for. This includes waiting 5-10 minutes for a perfectly poured beer. You will get just that with a slow pour pils! On this episode Brian discusses the history behind this draft service, and the popularization of this style in the United States. To highlight this style Brian was able to get his hands one none other than THEE Slow Pour Pils from Bierstadt Lagerhaus. Now, go out, and grab a beer and enjoy the slow rise of the foam! 

Thanks, and as...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

The People’s Pint is back! This episode Brian is ready to serve up a brew he helped make to you all! Remember, beer is better when we share it. This was the second year Brian has been growing his own cascade hops in his backyard. The hops were sure loving the new trellis and all the sunshine. The recent harvest was fantastic! Naturally, these freshly picked hops found there way into a base pale ale wort. Crack open a beer of your own and join Brian as he dives into a bee...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 
 
Fall brings a bountiful harvest, and hops are no exception. This time of year brings many beers that were lucky enough to have freshly picked hops steeped in the whirlpool. You should start noticing "Fresh" and "Wet" hop beers starting to hit your favorite stores beer shelf! On this episode Brian discusses the harvest, and processing of hops, and of course how the modern movement of these freshly hopped beers came to be. To highlight this style Brian hand selected a beer from G5 Brewing out of Beloit, WI. Tim the brewer do...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 
 
Its finally feeling like fall here in the midwest! Oktoberfest in Munich began back on September 20th and is wrapping up this week; however, there are still plenty of festive beers out there to drink! BWB fans may recall Brian covered the history behind the Marzen and Festbier in the past. On this episode he brings them both together along with plenty of new information not covered before. To aid in the process he selected a fine offering from the legendary KC Bier.. Now, don some lederhosen, grab a stein, a pretzel an...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Brian is back with more Czech lager goodness, but this time, he’s taking you to the dark side! Building off the last episode, he's diving into the history of the Dark Czech Lager. Get ready for some stories from his time in Prague, where a cold mug of beer was always within reach. Plus, a beer from brewery with several features on the pod, Amorphic Beer. This beer brings a unique take on this style from the Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee. So, grab a cold one, kick back, and enjoy this his...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

For Brian, this episode has been a long time coming. If you know him, you know the Czech Pils is probably his all-time favorite beer style. It’s a style so iconic, it single-handedly birthed countless imitations of clear pale beer and inspired generations of brewers. In this episode, Brian dives deep into the history of the Czech Pils, exploring how this legendary beer style came to be. And to top it off, Brian shares his thoughts on a pristine example brewed in Crown Point, Indiana. So, grab a cold one, kick bac...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

The People’s Pint is here! This episode marks the official rebrand of the former audience submission series... because beer is better when we share it. Got a recommendation or a brew in hand? Let’s get it on the show and talk about it!  It’s the pints from people everywhere that keep this show on tap! 

This time, the featured pour traveled a long way to reach the Midwest. The beer comes from Salmon, Idaho, courtesy of friend-of-the-pod Nick, who brought a few crowlers back to Wisconsin. Crack open a be...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Brian was back out in the wild with his microphone this week. He made a pit stop at Stateline Distillery and was joined by the now named "Professor Beer" aka Tim Virnig, BJCP Certified Beer Judge/Lead Beertender at Garth's Brew Bar. Fans of the pod know that Tim certainly dropped a knowledge bomb. This time, Tim and Brian talk about the many different faucets you may see pouring your beer. As well as the history, and culture behind them! Lukr brand, aka that delicious foam making side pull tap handle from t...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-stephanies-journey-against-pancreatic-cancer

Another namesake brewery in the Milwaukee craft beer scene shuttered their doors this past weekend. Kyle and Stephanie Vetter founded 1840 back in 2017 and unfortunately due to challenging times in the industry and a dire medical diagnosis for Stephanie, they decided to close their doors. The Go Fund Me link above is to help offset any of the financial burden acquired through medical bills/expenses for Stephanie's care. This episode pays homage to 1840's time in Milwaukee and to the memories that the Vetters created f...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Special Announcement! If you have not already done so, do not forget to cast your vote to make Buzzed with Brian Madison's Best Podcast of 2025 

https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2025/

Brian has another hyper regional style coming your way! Altbier hails from Dussedorf nestled in the northwest region of Germany. This specific style of beer is a malt forward classic ale with lager like attributes. Brian features a beer from famed east coast brewery, Tree House, as they continue to dominate and branch away from their Hazy IPA re...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Special Announcement! If you have not already done so, do not forget to cast your vote to make Buzzed with Brian Madison's Best Podcast of 2025 

https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2025/

A familiar voice joins Brian on the mic in this episode. Welcome back Tim Virnig, BJCP Certified Beer Judge/Lead Beertender at Garth's Brew Bar, and all around great human being. Fans of the pod know that when Tim is on the mic, an abundance of knowledge will be shared. This time, Tim and Brian talk about all th...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Happy June everyone, and thank you to everyone that helped nominate me back in February to be back in the running for Best of Madison's Best Podcast of 2025! In the month of June you may cast ONE vote for each category that suites your fancy. There is no time like the present, so click the link below, find the "Arts & Entertainment" tab, scroll down to "Podcast", and select Buzzed with Brian. I appreciate all of you that listen to the podcast and I have been happy to bring it back out to y...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Sometimes, you’ve got to cross the pond to experience beer at its freshest. This past winter, Brian did just that! He took a pre-holiday trip to Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. While Brian didn’t bring back any Carlsberg (you can get that stateside...), he did eat and drink his way through the city in true beer-lover fashion. Listen in as Brian recaps the trip and shares an esoteric Danish styled beer from Giant Jones Brewing!  Now, grab a local beer of your own choosing and enjoy this week's episode!

Tha...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Hop heads, this one's for you. In this episode, Brian dives deep into the bold and bitter world of the Double IPA. From its West Coast roots to its explosive impact on the craft beer scene, Brian shares the story behind how this amped-up style came to be, and why it still packs a punch today. Brian features the iconic Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing Company, tasting his way through what makes this beer a legend. Whether you're a longtime fan of the style or just curious what puts the “dou...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

In the spirit of the spring season, Brian is thrilled to present the Weizenbock! Consider this episode the next chapter in the series on Bock-style beers. Tune in as Brian breaks down the unique characteristics of this often-overlooked style—spoiler alert: weizenbocks may not always be a lager… This week also features a new beer from a throwback fan-favorite brewery out of Green Bay, Noble Roots! Now, grab a Weizenbock of your own choosing, sit back, and enjoy this week’s episode!

Thanks, and as always… Cheers Beers! 

After...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Brian is back and ready to hit your palate with some serious beer knowledge! Joining him on the mic is returning all-star guest Tim Virnig — a BJCP Certified Beer Judge, Lead Beertender at Garth's Brew Bar in Madison, and an all-around great guy. In this episode, Brian and Tim dive into the world of common off-flavors in beer: what they are, how they happen, and how to avoid them — so you can steer clear of bad brews. Yes, they (unfortunately) sample a few off-flavored beers, but don’t worry, Tim redeems...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

A familiar voice joins Brian on the mic in this episode. Welcome back Matt, the sound engineer and editor of the show! Matt and Brian talk about the recent changes in the Milwaukee craft beer community, while pouring one out for them... Listen in as they provide insight on these changes, reminisce about good times in the taprooms, and share a couple of beers that will soon never be seen again. Grab a beer, and raise a glass of your own! 

Thanks, and as always… Cheers Beers!  

Aft...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

There is certainly a lot of beer in the Midwest, and most of it usually flies under the radar of beer writers and snobs alike. Chicago is one of those places jam packed full of delicious beer that is worth the trip to seek out. Brian has been fortunate enough to get down there quite a bit in the past couple of years. In spirit of that Brian wanted to highlight a couple lager heavy breweries, Dovetail and Off Color! Now, grab a local beer of your own choosing and e...

Welcome to Buzzed with Brian! 

Style history is back! In this episode Brian was thrilled to get back to the roots of this podcast and hit the books. Listen in on as he outlines the history behind the Baltic Porter and features a beer from Off Color Brewing that followed him home from his most recent trip to Chicago. Now, grab a Baltic Porter of your own choosing and enjoy this week's episode!

Thanks, and as always… Cheers Beers!  

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