Advertise on podcast: Beverage Chronicles

Gary Monterosso examines America’s complicated relationship with big-name beers, exploring their appeal alongside questions about pricing, ingredients, transparency, and ownership. Leslie Jespersen explains how beverage brands claim a lasting place in our minds, while beer historian Rachel explores the evolution of pubs and their enduring role in bringing communities together. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of Beverage Chronicles explores several sides of the beverage world, from the health claims surrounding alcoholic drinks to the evolution of craft beer and the importance of public relations. Katie Johnson reviews Allagash White, the award-winning Belgian-style witbier that helped change perceptions of hazy, unfiltered beer. Michelle Lam explains why compelling storytelling is essential to building consumer engagement in the age of AI. Gary Monterosso wraps up the episode with a look at Oktoberfest traditions, the differences between Märzen and Festbier, and a blind tasting in which Texas-brewed Shiner Oktoberfest takes the top spot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We explore how beer changes with the seasons, from refreshing spring and summer styles to richer autumn and winter beers. Chef Christina shares a fall-inspired apple cider pairing featuring roasted squash, apples, grains and pumpkin seeds, while beer historian Rachel Benkowski explores beer rituals around the world. We wrap up with a look at bottled water, including how different sources, treatments and packaging can affect what we taste. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We explore three very different beverages and experiences. Brown ale is presented as an approachable gateway into darker beers, while a visit to Rolling Hills Estate Winery highlights the emerging wine culture of New York’s Champlain Valley and its cold-climate grape varieties. We close with a look at research suggesting that drinking coffee primarily in the morning may have health advantages. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Non-alcoholic launches, a national contest and an interview with a vintner about her small-batch California wines, approachable wine education and hospitality-focused tasting events. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The beverage industry is evolving—from the challenges of attracting new craft beer drinkers to finding value in wine. We also explore why consistency can be a powerful marketing tool and take a look at the surprising cost of beer and other drinks at NFL stadiums. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We feature an interview with the founders of Oakwell Beer Spa in Colorado. The unique concept combines private spa treatments, beer-inspired hydrotherapy, a craft beverage taproom, and high-tech massage experiences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elysian Brewing helped pioneer modern pumpkin beer with Night Owl in 1997 and now offers three distinct pumpkin beers in its variety pack. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beverage Chronicles explores the FDA’s push for clearer caffeine labeling before Katie Johnson talks with Greg Engert about Snallygaster, Washington, D.C.’s massive beer festival. The October 10 event brings hundreds of beers, international brewers, music, family activities, and support for sustainable-food nonprofit Arcadia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s beverage industry is expanding beyond traditional categories and experiences. Breweries are entering the whiskey business through “brewstilleries,” creating broader taproom offerings and new opportunities for barrel-aged beer, cocktails, retail sales, and customer engagement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Brewers Association’s midyear report shows U.S. craft-beer volume down roughly 4% in the first half of the year, but the outlook is more mixed than the headline suggests: 54% of surveyed breweries reported growth, up from 49% a year earlier. In retail scan data, IPAs are the clear engine of craft sales, with all 11 of the top 30 craft brands posting year-over-year gains falling into the IPA category. Other styles may have better opportunities on draft at bars and restaurants, but craft’s continued reliance on IPA leaves the segment exposed as consumers face growing competition from easy-to-choose, flavor-forward RTD cocktails. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Long-lost beers are making a comeback, with breweries reviving classic brands and recipes to tap into nostalgia and reconnect with drinkers. Chilled red wine is becoming a summer trend, especially for light-bodied styles like Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc served slightly cooler than traditional room temperature. Homebrewers played a major role in building American craft beer, helping shape experimentation, style diversity, and the rise of many iconic breweries. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We explain the differences between single malt, blended malt, and blended Scotch, dispelling common whiskey misconceptions and helping listeners choose based on taste rather than labels. The fascinating history of the Pilsner is traced, from its revolutionary debut in 1842 to becoming the world's most influential beer style. The enduring appeal of the Old Fashioned is explored, including its origins, evolution, and why the choice of whiskey makes all the difference.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beer ratings can help drinkers discover new breweries and styles, but they're only opinions—not facts—and personal taste should always come first.Contributors Josh Seaberg and Rachel Benkowski offer segments on the classic Pegu Club cocktail and why the right beer glassware dramatically enhances aroma, flavor, and the overall drinking experience.Bartenders are using salt and saline solution to balance cocktails, brighten flavors, and elevate drinks without making them taste salty.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beer foam isn’t waste — it’s a sign of proper brewing, protects aroma, and improves texture Pizza-and-beer harmony comes from yeast, carbonation, and choosing the right style for the slice New RTDs, wine tips, and Leslie Jesperson’s BFD TV round out this week’s highlights See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.