Advertise on podcast: UnCapped Podcast

In Episode 395, host Chris Sands sits down with Garrett Chambers (Co-owner) and Sam Waller (GM of the Columbia location) at the Cushwa Rad Pies Taproom in Columbia, MD. They discuss Cushwa Brewing's upcoming 9th Anniversary celebration, set for February 6th and 7th. The conversation highlights a massive lineup of releases, including a unique whiskey called "Transmuted" (a distilled barleywine collaboration with McClintock Distilling) and a controversial but delicious "Black West Coast Pils". They also chat about the "hidden gem" status of the Columbia location's whiskey program and share laughs over Garrett’s pet peeve: customers asking to fill 5-gallon "party balls". Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

I’m back at Olde Mother Brewing with founder Keith Marcoux to celebrate their 10th anniversary, even if we are technically a couple of months late. Keith was my very first guest on this podcast, and he’s been on pretty much every year since, so it’s only right that I share some big news with him. In this episode, I officially announce that Uncapped will end next year; I’ve decided to stop at the 10-year mark this coming October. But don't worry, we didn't get too sappy. We spent plenty of time covering: The "Dummy Tax": The expensive lessons learned over a decade of entrepreneurship. New Ventures: Keith’s plans for Charlie Wells Distilling Company, a new distillery and restaurant coming to New Market (featuring sandwiches named after his kids). Throwback Stories: That time they hid the register cash in the microwave because they didn't have a safe. Truck Talk: A very long, unplanned tangent about Keith’s love for old trucks versus Chris’s new Bronco and the joys of going to the dump.  We also discuss the new look for core beers like Hank and Impressionist and reflect on how much the industry, and our lives, have changed since we started. Cheers to 10 years, and let’s make this final year count!

For Episode 393 I caught up with Keith Kohr at Waredaca Brewing Company in Laytonsville, MD as they celebrate their incredible 10th Anniversary! The farm is ready for winter with their awesome new, heated, all-weather, reservable pavilion (it holds up to 100!). The main event is the Waredecade 10th Anniversary Party this Saturday, December 6th! Tickets ($65) include three beers, catered food, a custom glass, and a t-shirt. They are dropping some massive beers: Waredecade (9% Triple IPA, their biggest hopped beer ever). Bonanza (14% Sagamore rye whiskey barrel-aged stout with cinnamon and ancho chilis). Geedie (9% Belgian Triple), which won gold for Maryland’s best Belgian beer. A tattoo artist from Damascus Tattoo will be there offering flash tattoos, and the brewery is paying for Waredaca branded designs!. If you can’t make the ticketed party, join them for Poor House Trivia Friday, December 5th, or come watch the Ravens vs. Steelers game with sound on the huge screen in the heated pavilion Sunday! No reservations required for Thursday, Friday, or Sunday. Huge shoutout to brewer Zach Lloyd, who’s been there almost 10 years (and is currently building a Christmas tree out of kegs!). Come out and support 10 years of great local beer! Find ticket links on Waredaca’s social media. Cheers! 🍻 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland ‍ ‍

Why do the best grapes come from the most difficult soil? In this episode, we explore the concept of "struggle" with Drew Baker, co-founder of Burnt Hill Farm. Drew explains why he specifically chose the rocky terrain of Clarksburg, Maryland, to launch his exclusive, high-end wine label, supported by the infrastructure of his family’s Old Westminster Winery. But the struggle isn't limited to the vines. Drew shares his incredible story of survival against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After facing a grim prognosis and undergoing experimental treatments, including two bone marrow transplants donated by his sisters, Drew is here to share his story. Join us for a powerful look at how resilience, both in the vineyard and in the hospital, has shaped Drew's life and created a profound sense of pride in what he and his sisters have built together. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland ‍ ‍

Kill the Lights 2025 is only two weeks away. Here is episode two of stupid questions from Kill the Lights 2024. Here is who participated in this round. Mike Pallen - Mikerphone Brewing Jason Brewer - Wandering Monster Brewing Dave Martin - Orchestrated Minds Brewing Skip Schwartz - Weldwerks Brewing Co Mike Gambino - Vitamin Sea Brewing Doug Meyer - Tactical Brewing Chris Jaccobs - Beer Zombies Corey Campbel - RAR Josh Bauerlein - Mortalis Brewing Co Alberto Cespedes - Spanish Maria Brewery Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

In this episode of the Uncapped Podcast, I sat down with Hugh and Caroline Sisson of Heavy Seas Beer to celebrate a their 30 years in craft beer. We dug into how they’re marking the occasion with special releases, collaborations, and a big anniversary party this December. We also talked about the state of today’s beer industry, including shifting drinking habits, rising costs, and why being a legacy brand gives Heavy Seas an edge. Hugh shared insights from three decades in beer, including why adaptability is everything, while Caroline gave a peek behind the scenes at anniversary highlights like the 30th Anniversary Variety Pack, Loose Cannon’s 20th birthday, and the big celebration to come. It’s a fun mix of history, industry insight, and excitement for the future of one of Maryland’s most iconic breweries. Caroline also gave a little preview of Wanderland, a brand-new event from the Brewers Association of Maryland that’s bringing together breweries, wineries, and distilleries from all over the state. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

As we approach Xul Beer Company's Kill the Lights beer festival let's listen to another episode of stupid questions recorded at last years festival. Kill the Lights is one of the best festivals out there. Get your tickets here: https://xulbeer.com/event/kill-the-lights-2025-2025-10-25/ This episode features the following people: Brad West - Xul Beer Company Seth Thacker - Xul Beer Company Frank Zagami - Deciduous Brewing Company Zac Porter - Schilling Beer Company Ken Correll - Human Robot Garret Chambers - Cushwa Brewing Company Whitney Myhra - Drekker Brewing Company Dan O'Hara - Foam Brewers Marc-Andre Filion - Messorem Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

In this episode I  interviewed Adam Frey, owner of Frey's, a farm brewery and winery and part of a larger 2500 acre farm. Adam discusses several significant changes and initiatives at the farm, including a 33-acre wetlands and stream restoration project designed to mitigate flood damage, reduce erosion, and promote wildlife diversity. He also highlights their unique beginner's off-road course, which utilizes portions of the farm for recreational driving experiences. Additionally, Frey touches upon the challenges of modern farming, the shift in their business model from solely brewing to including wine, and the broader regional issues concerning proposed transmission lines and their potential impact on local businesses and the environment. Follow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Cross, the beverage director at Wye Oak Tavern, to dive into the martini renaissance and all things mixology. We talk about how martinis have evolved over time, from their sweeter beginnings to the bone-dry versions people love today, and how something as simple as glassware can impact both presentation and function. Josh walks me through his creative process for developing new cocktails, where he pulls inspiration from big ideas, specific spirits, and the occasional trend. We also get into the resurgence of espresso and dirty martinis, the age-old debate of shaking vs. stirring, and why having the right tools and ingredients makes all the difference. It’s a great conversation about balancing classic techniques with fresh, creative flavor. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

On this episode I had the chance to sit down with Braden Bumpers from McClintock Distilling, Eli Breitburg-Smith from Baltimore Spirits Company, and Ryan Norwood from Sagamore Spirits. We talked all about Rye Curious—a special collaborative Maryland rye whiskey blend created by these three distilleries. We got into the details of the project, including the guidelines that required the whiskey to be at least three years old and distilled right here in Maryland. These three were ready to roll this year, but we’re all hopeful more distilleries will join in future editions. We also explored each of their approaches to distilling and blending rye, the unique aspects of their stills and techniques, how Rye Curious came together, and what’s ahead—including more releases and events in the Spirits of Maryland series. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

In this episode of the Uncapped podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with Brian and Ashley Allen, the passionate founders of True Standard Distilling. We talked about the upcoming  grand opening that takes place on May 29th. They share the story behind their distillery’s name, highlighting the deep meaning of "distilling" as opposed to "distillery" and the hurdles they've faced in trademarking their brand. We dive into their craft of rum-making, where their commitment to quality is front and center: staying true to the standard of aged, additive-free rum. They introduce their diverse lineup, including a unique silver spiced rum and one of their amazing aged rums, Oxford Reserve. Plus, they give us a behind-the-scenes look at their thoughtfully designed facility—featuring a barrel room inspired by natural aging conditions and an archive room filled with historical batches. Throughout our conversation, they share inspiring insights into their journey from passionate hobbyists to proud distillery owners in Frederick, Maryland, and reflect on the incredible support they've received from their local community. We also discussed a proposal taking place at the distillery. This is a story of passion, craftsmanship, and community that you won’t want to miss! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

In this episode of the Uncapped podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with John Zerivitz of Cultivate and Craft, representing the Brewers Association of Maryland, and Abby Casarella, the event manager for the Brewers Association of Maryland Brewers Association of Maryland. We dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming Maryland Craft Beer Festival—set in the heart of downtown Frederick. From the date and time to exciting new features like the Super VIP experience (think early access, private lounges, and exclusive presentations), we cover it all. We also get into the festival’s impressive growth, the incredible lineup of Maryland breweries, live entertainment, and why grabbing your tickets in advance is a must. And of course, we keep things fun with our signature off-the-wall questions and plenty of laughs along the way. If you love craft beer, good vibes, and a little bit of chaos, this one's for you. Get your tickets here —> www.mdcraftbeerfestival.com Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

In this episode of the Uncapped Podcast, we visited Fallen Oak Distilling, located right next to Lone Oak Brewery. We sat down with the four co-owners, Chris, Charlie, Ralph, and Ryan, to talk about how both establishments got started and evolved over time. They share the story of the fallen oak tree that not only inspired the distillery's name but also provided wood for its construction. We dive into their unique farm-to-bottle approach, the wide variety of spirits and beers they offer, the mix of family-friendly and adult-focused spaces, and the backgrounds that each owner brings to the table. We also chatted with the head and lead brewers about their brewing philosophies, their core and seasonal offerings, how they distribute their beer, and some exciting barrel-aged releases coming up—including collaborations with the distillery. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

In this episode of the Uncapped Podcast, we visited Bier Bath in Sykesville, Maryland, interviewing co-founders Greg and Hector. The idea for Bier Bath came from Hector's visit to a beer spa in Iceland. He and Greg, who initially considered a brewery, partnered to bring the concept to the US. The "beer bath" uses beer ingredients (hops and barley), minerals, and Epsom salt in water, not actual beer, yeast, or alcohol. Benefits include vitamin B and antioxidants good for the skin. The experience involves a soak, infrared sauna, and shower. Bier Bath features a separate spa and a large taproom with a rotating selection of nearly 100 beers, mainly from microbreweries. They have a flight club and are introducing their own house lager. Future plans include potential expansion and a take-home version of the beer bath experience; they will also be adding cocktails to their offerings. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Follow Chris on Instagram  Like us on Facebook!  Supported by the Brewers Association of Maryland

Melissa Aellen, director of winery operations at Simple Theory Wine Company, joined us in this episode to discuss her new venture. As a third-generation winemaker from the family behind Ligonore Winecellers, Aellen explained that Simple Theory is a modern expression of Maryland winemaking, focusing on dry wines made possible by climate change and sustainable practices. The new downtown Frederick tasting room aims to showcase the quality of Maryland wines and make them more accessible to a broader audience, contrasting with Ligonore's established sweeter offerings driven by historical local demand. Aellen also shared insights into her background, winemaking processes, and the recent fire at her family's Red Shedman Brewery, highlighting the unique challenges and passions within the Maryland alcohol industry. Her goal with Simple Theory is to demystify wine and connect with both novice and experienced drinkers.