Brewbound Podcast

Brewers Association (BA) chief economist and VP of strategy Bart Watson provides insights into the state of the craft brewing industry, while senior director of federal affairs Katie Marisic gives an overview of the trade group’s government affairs work on the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast. The conversations were recorded on the BrewExpo floor of the Craft Brewers Conference in Las Vegas. But first, Justin and Zoe discuss craft’s bumpy April and rough overall shipment numbers in March. And Justin plays Another Round or Tabbing Out with the Voodoo Ranger and Tombstone collaboration IPizzaA IPA. Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

The first round of interviews from the Brewbound Podcast On Location at the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas are here. Breeze Galindo, the director of operations on the Michael J Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, discusses the foundation’s work, evolution and scholarship awards for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color professionals in the bev-alc industry. Galindo also dishes on her brewery in-planning, MiLuna Brewing Company, which she will open in New York. Then, Icicle Brewing owner Pam Brulotte chats about her journey into the brewing industry, being married to a hop farmer and starting a brewery in Leavenworth, Washington. She also discusses her work with the Brewers Association (BA), including co-chairing the trade group’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee. Plus, Jess, Justin and Zoe recap Day 2 of CBC, including BA chief economist and VP of strategy Bart Watson’s state of the industry speech. Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

In the last round of interviews from the Brewbound Podcast On Location at the California Craft Beer Summit, North Coast Brewing CEO Jennifer Owen discusses taking Acme California Lager statewide, what it means for the Fort Bragg, California-based brewery to be a certified B Corporation and the company’s charitable work. Plus, Tom McCormick, the former executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association, gives his perspective on the first CA Beer Summit he’s attended as a civilian. And HopXL’s Eric Duchin explains how his company is attempting to disrupt the hop marketplace. Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

Bump Williams Consulting’s Dave Williams and Brian “BK” Krueger explore Q1 beer category trends, the stickiness of 2023’s shifts caused by the Bud Light fiasco, the creep up of pricing, regional cider growth and the dampening of Dry January but continued growth of non-alc beer. They also share what they’re watching for the remainder of the year. Plus, the Brewbound team reports from the floor of the Craft Brewers Conference in Las Vegas and recap the first day of the largest meeting of craft brewers. Jess, Justin and Zoe also recap the new strategic alliance between Black-owned breweries Full Circle and Crowns and Hops. Listen here and on all popular podcast platforms.

Brewers Association (BA) director of social impact Dr. J Jackson-Beckham joins this week’s Brewbound Podcast to preview the THRIVE pre-conference workshop, which takes place Sunday, April 21, ahead of this year’s Craft Brewers Conference (CBC). Dr. J discusses the increased focus on wellness during this year’s conference and how those elements are threaded throughout CBC. Dr. J also shares her CBC picks, as well as the Las Vegas destinations on her list beyond the conference. She addresses how her new role will factor into keeping the trade group accountable. Jess and Justin also break down the latest news from the BA, including a not-so-great production number, the shrinking gap between brewery openings and closings and the early read on the 2023 top 50 BA-defined craft breweries. Listen here and on all popular podcast platforms. Read More: Brewbound’s Guide to the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference Brewers Association Hopes to Turn Craft’s Luck at CBC in Las Vegas Justin’s CBC Picks: State of the Industry, Fawn Weaver, Government Affairs and Chain Buyers Jess’ CBC Picks: Innovation, Annual Business Plans and Beer Education Zoe’s CBC Picks: Hard Cider, Brand Extensions and Business Smarts Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List Brewbound Podcast: The Brewers Association’s Dr. J on Thrive, CBC and Vegas Musts

On a special bonus episode of the Brewbound Podcast, we bring you a 3-pack of interviews from the California Craft Beer Summit in Sacramento in March. First, Green Cheek co-founder and CEO Brian Rauso discusses what having the “cool factor” means, doing what’s best for business even if it means taking a financial hit, and expanding into the former Bagby Beer space in San Diego. Then, Arryved director of partnerships and community Aaron Gore gives a view of the on-premise channel from the perspective of the point-of-sale company. The episode wraps up with a conversation with East Brother Brewing co-founder Rob Lightner on focusing on core styles and forging strong community partnerships. Listen here and on all popular podcasting platforms.

This week’s Brewbound Podcast features a 3-pack of conversations from the California Craft Beer Summit. Topa Topa founder and CEO Jack Dyer discusses what’s working for the fast-growing, Ventura-based craft brewery. Then, Match Point Brewing co-founder Simon Chen shares the Albany-based brewery’s path to opening a taproom and also connecting with consumers in his hometown. Finally, That’s Delicious Financials founder Drew Kearns explains why he’s optimistic about the craft brewing industry, as well as the most difficult conversations he’s hearing on the financial side of the business. The Brewbound team also reviews the latest headlines, including positive beer category trends and Tilray Brands’ Q3 earnings report. On Another Round or Tabbing Out, Jess and Justin answer whether they’d buy a $1,300 fridge for their cross-category chilling needs. Then Zoe shares why it might be lemon’s time, if it ever isn’t. Listen here and on all popular podcast platforms.