Brewbound Podcast

The team at 3 Tier Beverages breaks down hot trends in bev-alc heading into the summer selling season on the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast. 3 Tier Beverages founder Donn Bichsel, consultant Danelle Kosmal and CGA VP Matthew Crompton share a complete look at trends in the off- and on-premise, including continued momentum for non-alcoholic beer, hard juice’s rocketing growth and the growing simplicity movement within craft. “The biggest opportunity for this summer and within the next year is just engaging new consumers and creating new drinking occasions,” Kosmal said of NA beer. Kosmal also covers why craft lagers are working, how flavored lagers such as lime are performing and what opportunities still exist in the space. Bichsel cautions craft brewers against playing the pricing game with mainstream lager brands. “When most of your revenue is coming from 4-packs, 6-packs and you start playing in the 12-packs, 15s, 18s, 24s, I think you’re chasing a losing proposition,” he said. “You’ve got to be very careful or be prepared to have a high price and just give up some of your turns.” Kosmal and Crompton explore why ABV and style remain among the key factors driving consumer purchases. They also cover the three pillars of innovation growth – NA beer, flavor and craft line extensions – and explain why flavor is leading the way within new products, led by AriZona’s Jumex Hard Nectar. Before the conversation, Brewbound editor Justin Kendall and senior reporter Zoe Licata analyze 2024 craft brewery production data, which the Brewers Association released last week, including New Belgium leapfrogging Anheuser-Busch InBev’s craft portfolio, big losses for Boston Beer, big gains for Athletic Brewing and the regional craft breweries leveling up. Listen here or on your preferred podcasting platform.

In this episode of the Brewbound Podcast, leaders from Sierra Nevada and New Trail discuss their craft portfolios, innovation, packaging and recent wins during the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference. Sierra Nevada chief commercial officer Ellie Preslar and chief brewing officer Brian Grossman sit down with Brewbound editor Justin Kendall for a chat about new offering Pils, Pale Ale’s limited edition National Parks packaging and Big Little Thing’s recent glow-up. For a limited time, Pale Ale packs are sporting art featuring four parks: Yosemite, Big Bend, Yellowstone and Great Smoky. Drinkers are “treasure hunting” to collect them all, Preslar said. “It’s been really overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “It fits really well, right with who we are, the values that we’ve held dear for so many years. Consumers are really loving it, and we’re starting to hear a little bit of the treasure hunt mentality. Since the four parks that were highlighted are all mixed out there on shelf, people are searching and seeking.” Then, New Trail chief operating officer Mike LaRosa joins Brewbound managing editor Jessica Infante for a chat about the fast-growing brewery’s volume gains, IPA-heavy innovation slate and debut on the Brewers Association’s top 50 list. The Williamsport, Pennsylvania-based brewery will be spending 2025 happily dedicated to the status quo. “To be honest with you, it’s been seven crazy years, and we’re excited to have another really promising year as far as growth is concerned, but this is the first year that we’re not adding additional infrastructure into buildings,” LaRosa said. “So there’s no new tanks, new canning lines, new brewhouse, new whatever. We finally have a spot where we have breathing room to grow into ourselves.” But first, Jess and Zoe break down all the beer industry news, including distributors’ not-so-sunny outlook on the category as we enter summer, DoorDash’s findings that more people want booze delivered to their homes and the latest brands to leave RNDC in California. They also discuss new Masshole Light Lager in depth and reveal appreciations for greater Boston’s gruff reputation and … seagulls. Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice.

Allagash Brewing will celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer, and founder Rob Tod knows where he’ll be and what he’ll be drinking on the brewery’s birthday, July 1 – an Allagash White at the Great Lost Bear, the taphouse that served the first pint of White in Portland, Maine. “I remember it like it was yesterday. That was our very first draftline,” Tod tells Brewbound managing editor Jess Infante on the latest episode of the Brewbound Podcast. “I shipped eight kegs of Allagash White to Nappi Distributors on June 29, and July 1 I worked at the brewery all day and my plan was to head down to the Bear where I knew it was going on tap at 5 o’clock, and just hang out for a few hours and having a bunch of beers. “I thought, my work’s going to be done. I’ve spent a year building the brewery. I’ve written this recipe, I’ve brewed the beer. I’m kind of all done,” he continued. Tod had a pint with the Bear’s owners and was happy with it. He had a second pint and a realization hit him: “I’ve got to get back to work.” “I got in my car and I drove right back to the brewery and kept working on whatever I was working on at the time just continuing to build and piece the brewery together,” Tod said. “I’ve always felt like the work isn’t done.” Tod discusses growing Allagash into the 15th largest Brewers Association-defined craft brewery by volume. In the conversation, Tod explains what Allagash is looking for in distributor partners, how much capacity his brewery has left for expansion and why the brewery pulled back in the early 2000s. “We’ve really optimized how we can support a market, whether it’s a really close local market like Boston or Minnesota, Colorado or even Los Angeles,” Tod explained. “We really do feel like we’ve got a strong, competitive go-to-market plan and that we can do a really solid, optimized job supporting our distributor partners.” Tod also taps into Allagash’s innovation approach that checks the boxes of “balanced, drinkability, complexity and authenticity” and how the launches of a lager, hazy IPA and variety pack feed into those pillars. Plus, the Brewbound team recaps the latest headlines and plays Another Round or Tabbing Out on Minute Maid Spiked’s foray into lemonade, pink and otherwise. Listen to the latest episode here or on your preferred podcast platform.

Guinness is synonymous with U.S. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. National ambassador Ryan Wagner joins the Brewbound Podcast to discuss preparation for the holiday, how the Splitting the G viral phenomenon has played a role in the brand’s upward trajectory and introduces it to new consumers. Wagner also discusses the on-premise rebound following the pandemic, what goes into creating a perfect Guinness pour and consumer learnings in recent months. Plus, the Brewbound team discusses the latest news coming out of Constellation Brands’ Gold Network Summit with distributors, the New England Craft Beer Summit and the financial picture for the Brewers Association. Jess, Zoe and Justin also play Another Round or Tabbing Out on recent beyond beer innovation plays, including Constellation’s Rule of Five hard punch; Boston Beer’s Sinless vodka RTDs and Just Hard Squeezed FMB; and Barrel One’s latest crossover brand with Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers. Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform.

Leaders of the newly former Barrel One Collective shared their vision for the new platform, which was formed from the merger of Harpoon Brewery’s parent company Mass. Bay Brewing and Smuttynose’s home of FinestKind Brewing. Harpoon co-founder and CEO Dan Kenary and FinestKind CEO Steve Kierstead explained how the platform came together, how open they are to adding to the collective and the types of partners they’d welcome, and how they’re approaching innovation with a portfolio that now boasts 14 brands. Kenary also discussed the circumstances that led to the end of Harpoon’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Moving forward, Kenary will lead Barrel One as CEO, while Kierstead will move into the role of chief commercial officer. Plus, Brewbound editor Justin Kendall and managing editor Jess Infante share their history covering Mass. Bay and Smuttynose and dive into the latest headlines, including the surgeon general’s advisory calling for cancer warnings on bev-alc labels and WWE’s investment in Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer. Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform.

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

Ray Latif of the Brewbound Podcast interviews Andy Diacetis, North American Sales Manager for Lallemand Brewing. He discusses Lallemand’s role as a global manufacturer of yeast and bacteria for various industries. Andy highlights industry trends, including a focus on non-alcoholic beverages and juicy double IPAs. He discusses Lallemand’s commitment to innovation, citing the successful launch of Elona, a yeast strain for low and non-alcohol beer production. He teases a new product to be unveiled at an upcoming industry event, the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), showcasing Lallemand’s collaboration with brewing partners. Andy expresses his passion for his job, which involves visiting breweries, collaborating with partners, and innovating in the industry. He invites those interested in Lallemand Brewing to visit their website or contact him directly. Andy Diacetis graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Fermentation Science in 2001. He spent six years working at BridgePort Brewing Company – three years as a brewer and three years as the Brewery Microbiologist. In 2007 he started selling filtration equipment which led him to starting a mobile wine filtration business which was sold in 2023. Andy also co-founded 503 Distilling which was one of the first RTD cocktail companies in Oregon. During this time, he was the Technical Sales Rep for Enartis for four years selling enological products to wineries in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. In 2022 he started his most recent position as the Regional Sales Manager in North America for Lallemand Brewing. Supported by decades of long-standing industry experience, an extensive support network, and strong technical expertise, Lallemand Brewing is positioned to help your brewery achieve its growth and quality goals. Beyond unparalleled global technical support and expertise, we offer an extensive range of products, services, and education. Whether you are a startup, a global leader in beer production, or anywhere in between, we have something for you. At Lallemand Brewing…We Brew With You™ !