Best Battenkill Communications Inc Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 68: The 2025 North American Hop Report 53:20

1d ago53:20

53:20

While many of us are still holding on to the last days of summer, trying to make the most out of downtime, the work is gearing up on farms across the Pacific Northwest in North America. It’s almost hop harvest season and we’re going to talk with farmers and hop professionals on what is happening for the 2025 season. Guests include Diane Gooding of …

1
Episode 67: Improving your Beer Quality 59:20

1M ago59:20

59:20

Sensory analysis, setting up a lab for QC tests, and understanding your raw ingredients are all paramount when it comes to improving the quality of your beer. We talk with two experts - Lindsay Barr and Ashton Lewis - who are here to help you level up beer quality in a small-scale brewery. Guests: Lindsay Barr is the CSO and Founding Partner of Dra…

1
Episode 66: Innovations in the Malt Industry 42:55

2M ago42:55

42:55

This episode takes a deep dive into malt offerings from both the larger suppliers and those on the craft side. As we take a look at this critical ingredient, experts will share insight on innovation, use, flavor, and more. This episode is in two segments, the first focusing on the larger malt companies, and what they are offering small craft brewer…

1
Episode 65: Brewing with Alternative Grains 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

The Craft Brewers Conference was held in Indianapolis last month and at the ingredients supplier booths, amid the talk of new hop varieties, there were several beers brewed with non-traditional grains. That’s worthy of a closer look and on this episode you’ll hear from two brewers - Garrett Oliver of the Brooklyn Brewery and Sandy Boss Febbo of Ban…

1
Episode 64: Brewery Budgeting for Uncertain Times 50:52

4M ago50:52

50:52

These are confusing times, and hard times to work in a small business. As Bart Watson of the Brewers Association recently said, beer makers really dislike uncertainty. So, how can anyone plan when the global supply chain is changing minute by minute? On this epidode we talk about how to budget for the unknown. The last few months have seen a fire h…

1
Episode 63: Strategies for Embracing Beer Holidays 30:08

5M ago30:08

30:08

How can your brewery make the most out of the holidays? More than just slinging stout on St. Patrick’s Day, or a festbier during Oktoberfest, there are ways to create a welcoming vibe that will get people coming back year after year and can establish your brewery as a hospitable spot. One person who has been working to crack the code is Sam McNulty…

1
Episode 62: A Brewer's Guide to Mental Health 45:05

6M ago45:05

45:05

While it is rewarding and exciting to own a small brewery, there is also a lot of worry that comes with it. Over time things can snowball, accumulate, and become a burden. Regular check-ins on mental health are important, and no matter who you are in the brewing space, or your role, taking care of yourself is paramount. That’s the focus on this epi…

1
Episode 61: Navigating Dry January 48:52

7M ago48:52

48:52

Dry January is upon us and showing no signs of leaving the calendar anytime soon. So what is a small brewery to do? There are options when it comes to making or serving low or no-alcohol options. On this episode, experts from the field weigh in. Richard Priess is cofounder of Escarpment Laboratories, a yeast producer and developer in Guelph, Ontari…

1
Episode 60: The 2024 Nano Brewery Year in Review 58:47

8M ago58:47

58:47

This is always a good time to reflect and get excited about a new calendar year. To help put the industry into perspective and to think about how to strengthen beer in the year to come, I’ve asked three smart and plugged in folks to share their insights, knowledge, and even offer some homework. If you’re a small brewer navigating these tough craft …

1
Episode 59: Nano Brewery Food Programs and Alternative Beverages 50:13

9M ago50:13

50:13

As we all settle in for the cozy autumnal season, it’s hard not to think about comfort food and warm beverages. This month, we're glad to speak with the owners of two different breweries about their food and beverage program, and how they are approaching menu items that go beyond beer. Their insight might just help your own brewery. Guests include …

1
Episode 58: Post-Harvest Brewing and Revamping Brewery Merch 1:00:20

10M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Autumn has taken hold across North America and it’s a good time to start thinking about the colder months. First, we’ll visit with Evan Watson of Plan Bee, a farm brewery in New York’s Hudson Valley to learn about the land, coolships, and the evolving nature of the business. Then it’s a conversation with Trevor Zumpano of Brewery Branding Co. about…

1
Episode 57: Business Case Studies From Established Nano Breweries 54:34

11M ago54:34

54:34

There is uncertainty in the beer industry these days and if you’re a small brewery owner you might feel like you’re alone in the issues and struggles facing your small business. You’re not. On this episode we’ll check in with two small breweries on how they are operating, getting help, solving challenges, and looking forward. Guests Celebrating six…

1
Episode 56: 2024 North American Hop Crop Update 42:05

1y ago42:05

42:05

It’s that time of year again: hop harvest across North America. We are going to check in with hop professionals on both coasts to get a better understanding on how the crop is growing, what is coming to market, and how small brewers can make the most out of their relationship with growers. On this episode you will hear from Graham Ollard of Holling…

1
Episode 55: Farm Breweries & Brewing with Local Ingredients 56:06

1y ago56:06

56:06

Growing season is in full swing across North America and on this episode we check in with two farmers who are brewing and will discuss what goes into making beers with ingredients grown from their own land. There is a bit of romanticism that goes into being a farmer. That and a lot of hard work. Add on a brewing career and there’s suddenly a lot mo…

1
Episode 54: What's New and Exciting with Malt? 49:59

1y ago49:59

49:59

Malt is the workhorse of every beer, but it doesn’t always get the close attention it deserves. I’ll talk with two people who are intimately involved in malt production and education, on both the large scale and the craft side. We’re talking about malt, both industrial and craft on this episode. From examining trends to learning about continuing ed…

1
Episode 53 - Navigating Challenging Financial Times for Small Breweries 55:50

1+ y ago55:50

55:50

Keeping an eye on the bottom line has never been more important. From rising ingredient costs to a shift in consumer spending. On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we spend some time talking about best practices for your brewery’s ledger. Then will visit to South Dakota to hear from a nano brewer building a community through neighbor connections…

1
Episode 52 - Unlocking the Secrets of Yeast 52:53

1+ y ago52:53

52:53

Let’s take an exploration into yeast. From fermentation through history, to unlocking new secrets and strains, a world-renowned expert is here on this episode to share his insight and knowledge to give us all a better understanding of beer. Dr. Martin Zarnkow is the Head of Research and Development at the Research Center at Weihenstephan for Brewin…

1
Episode 51 - Picking the Right Events for Nano Breweries 58:22

1+ y ago58:22

58:22

Events are a great way to bring regulars and new comers into your taproom. On this episode we talkk with three brewers who are working to bring new and exciting experiences to their breweries. From celebrations around new events, to yoga, live music, crafts, and working with charities, events are commonplace again four years since the start of the …

1
Episode 50 - Human Resources for Nano Breweries 46:39

1+ y ago46:39

46:39

Human Resources might not be the most exciting topic for brewery owners, but it’s important and there are enthusiastic individuals ready to tackle that part of the business. Having the right person in your corner can only help your business operate on solid ground. Emily Cripe, the Senior Director of Human Resources of Chicago’s Half Acre Beer Co. …

1
Episode 49 - Brewery Customer Membership Programs to Build Community and Profits 1:00:07

1+ y ago1:00:07

1:00:07

There are multiple ways to build a community around your brewery, and one way is through membership clubs and offering your beer through community supported agriculture-type programs. Two brewers embracing that model are here to discuss their initiatives. January and February can be tough months for brewery taprooms. The collective societal hangove…

1
Episode 48 - The 2023 Year In Review 37:51

1+ y ago37:51

37:51

The end of a year is a good time to look back, take stock, and to plan for what is to come. For professional brewers and drinkers 2023 is going to be remembered for a number of reasons. There’s a lot of strong feelings and a lot of realities coming to roost, but so much of that rests on the numbers. Bart Watson, the chief economist for the Brewers …

1
Episode 47 - Food Options for Nano Breweries 1:06:52

2y ago1:06:52

1:06:52

As we head into a cozy season of gathering with family and friends and our attention turns to big meals shared together, we have a trio of brewers here to talk about their food programs. From pairings to working with food trucks, this episode is stuffed with practical tips and insight from nano brewers, for nano brewers. From food trucks to in-hous…

1
Episode 46 - Your Nanobrewery Financial Checkup 48:18

2y ago48:18

48:18

This is as good a month as any to be thinking about your brewery’s finances - both long term and short term - and the best practices for a check in or to get your money situation in order. Most brewers don’t open a brewery to get into finance, but managing cash flow is a necessary part of the job. Our guest on this episode is Kary Shumway, CPA, for…

1
Episode 45 - Distribution Considerations for Small Breweries 53:11

2y ago53:11

53:11

This month we are talking about distribution. Every brewery owner needs to decide if it’s right for their business and to weigh the pros and cons between a distribution partner, self distribution, or keeping your beer sales solely in house. First we’ll hear from Laura Lodge the Owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, Start a Brewery and author of …

1
Episode 44 - The 2023 North American Hop Report 54:24

2y ago54:24

54:24

This month we are focusing on the 2023 hop crop. From what’s happening in the Pacific Northwest, to the fields of Michigan, we’ll talk about what is already in the ground, how the yield is looking, exciting hops, and how small brewers can foster a relationship with farmers. This is the time of year that we start thinking about the North American ho…

1
Episode 43 - Festivals and Events for Nano Breweries 57:25

2y ago57:25

57:25

This month we are focusing on festivals and events. The summer is the season to get outdoors, mingle, and experience all that your town, state, or region has to offer. Fortunately nano breweries are playing a big role in that space. Beer festivals are at a crossroads right now. It’s harder to get folks to come out and drink beer in a crowd, but the…

1
Episode 42 - Malt Insights for the Nano Brewer 47:58

2y ago47:58

47:58

Malt is our topic this month. We’ll get a report from one of the larger malting companies on what small brewers can do with grain, and then head to a nano brewery and malt farm for insight on making the most from the land. We spend a lot of time talking about raw ingredients, and rightly so. They are the building blocks of every keg and pint, and h…

1
Episode 41 - Your Brewery & Water 1:11:04

2+ y ago1:11:04

1:11:04

Water is our topic this month. From how a proper education can help you better understand beer’s most important ingredient, to how to properly treat it for your recipes. Then we’ll discuss its other uses around the brewhouse and best practices for effluent. Despite being necessary for life and all around us, water can often be overlooked in breweri…

1
Episode 40 - Making the Most of Your Taproom Space 1:01:41

2+ y ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Let’s talk about the taproom experience. From proper flow, how best to decorate, and ways to give your customers a pleasurable visit, our guests will offer insight and tips to doing it right. The good weather is here for most of us around the country and that means people headed out to enjoy their local breweries. Brewers are striving to create del…

1
Episode 39 - Social Media Strategies for Nano Brewers 57:06

2+ y ago57:06

57:06

Having a virtual presence for your small brewery is imperative to help the physical business grow. We’ll do a deep dive into social media to learn about best practices from a leading expert and we’ll hear how one nano has approached building an online community. We spend a lot of time thinking about physical spaces. Taprooms, brewhouse layouts, bee…

1
Episode 38 - Innovation in and Exploration of Yeast 1:04:11

2+ y ago1:04:11

1:04:11

There are innovations in the microscopic world of yeast. From thiols to hybrids this episode will discuss best practices and paths forward. There is so much innovation and excitement happening in the world of raw brewing ingredients. On this episode we’ll go into the research and development lab with Laura Burns of Omega Yeast and into the brewhous…

1
Episode 37 - Embracing the Right Customers and Experience 32:12

2+ y ago32:12

32:12

While January can be a slow month for some hospitality-based businesses, it can also be a chance to take a look under the hood to make sure that the customers walking through the door are getting the best possible experience. It’s also a chance to make any adjustments so that the rest of the year delivers a quality experience. This is looking like …

1
Episode 36 - Year End Nano Brewery Review 59:30

2+ y ago59:30

59:30

End of the year wrap-ups are happening fast and furious these days and this show is no exception. As ever, there’s a lot to be thinking about for your small brewery amid new uncertainties in the marketplace, with increased competition, rising costs, and global events disrupting local business. To unpack it all we are joined by two craft beer indust…

1
Episode 35 - Creating a Food Program and Providing the Right Merch 47:10

2+ y ago47:10

47:10

From making sure your guests are full and happy to comfortable and stylish, this episode covers the intersection of beer and food and finding options that might be right for your small brewery. It’ll also discuss how merchandise and a well placed gift shop will help to encourage guests to lave with a shirt, glass or specialty item, something that i…

1
Episode 34 - Strategies to Maximize Taproom Events, Festivals & Seasonal Beer Releases 37:11

3y ago37:11

37:11

There are a lot of challenges when operating a small brewery. One of them is trying to stand out among larger counterparts. Be it breweries with state-wide distribution, larger taprooms, or even stadium contracts. But the nano brewery segment is fierce and continues to find ways to make waves and be seen among the country’s thousands of breweries. …

1
Episode 33 - Buying a Nano Brewery 57:30

3y ago57:30

57:30

On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we’re talking about best practices and advice for someone who wants to take over a small, existing brewery. The idea came from a listener who wrote: “I'm someone who is overwhelmed by the non-beer aspects of starting a taproom from scratch - legal, regulatory, architectural design and layout, branding, market…

1
Episode 32 - Brewery Finances 58:37

3y ago58:37

58:37

It has been a non-stop grind these last few years and the tough news and situations continue to pile up. Small breweries dealing with the rising cost of ingredients, supplies, and equipment and looking for relief. That leads to tough decisions like the question of what can be passed on to the consumer. There are practical steps you can take to stay…

1
Episode 31 - A Craft Malt Roundtable 49:29

3y ago49:29

49:29

This is a round table episode that explores the growth, benefits, and flavors of craft malt. John Holl is joined by two craft maltsters - Hillary Barile of Rabbit Hill Farm and Brendan Carroll of CNC Malt - and two nano brewers - Sam Fee of Monday's Brewing and Adam Juncosa of Odd Bird Brewing - to talk about what is new with grain, educational eff…

1
Episode 30 - Fermentation Beyond Beer and Hop Crop Update 1:02:56

3y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

In proof that some of the most interesting things in American craft beer are happening on the small scale, we’ll start off this month with a brewery profile on Kulturhaus, a 5-barrel brewhouse in Pismo Beach where they are not only making beers, but fermenting pickles, sauerkraut, and vegetables to extoll the virtues of microbes. The founders Jenni…

1
Episode 29 - Nano Brewer Roundtable 43:55

3+ y ago43:55

43:55

Earlier this month at the Craft Brewers Conference held in Minneapolis the pandemic was still the main topic of conversation, but amid the mask and surge talk a new word kept creeping in: inflation. The rising cost of goods is impacting everyone, and small breweries are especially feeling the pinch. For on the ground stories and practical advice we…

1
Episode 28 - The Importance of Brewery Location 1:01:06

3+ y ago1:01:06

1:01:06

Location. Location. Location. It’s so important that we say it three times. When you’re thinking about starting your small brewery, moving to a new location, or re-doing your space there is a lot to consider. We have two guests this month with unique perspectives on brewery locations. First up is Dustin Hauck of Hauck Architecture in San Diego. He …

1
Episode 27 - Nano Brew Mail Bag 55:58

3+ y ago55:58

55:58

There is a lot to think about, to plan, and to dream towards when it comes to your nano brewery. Sometimes you need a little help, and that’s what this episode is all about. We’ve been collecting your emails and will be answering them in this episode. From recipes and growth, to education and business, our guests are two people with vast knowledge …

1
Episode 26 - Marketing and Creating Demand 1:03:51

3+ y ago1:03:51

1:03:51

February is always an odd month. The newness of a new year has faded, but around most of the country, it’s cold and winter feels endless. It can be hard to get the motivation to get done what needs to be done. In those moments it’s good to take on new projects or to tackle the ones that have sat on a to-do list for so long. To help with that motiva…

1
Episode 25 - Finding a Place and Embracing Technology 1:09:46

3+ y ago1:09:46

1:09:46

The introduction of a new calendar comes with a lot of promise. A blank slate to fill in with projects and goals. Maybe it means revamping a tap room or a recipe. Perhaps it’s finally signing the paperwork on new equipment, new space, or taking the first steps to open your own brewery. Whatever the case, this episode is about making the right moves…

1
Episode 24 - Nano Brewers Reflect on 2021 1:01:52

3+ y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

We hope you had a chance to watch, listen, or participate in BYO’s NanoCon held earlier this month. For host John Holl it was great fun to moderate two panels with industry experts, though leaders, and brewers. In addition to their own thoughts and insight we had a lot of great questions and feedback from conference participants, especially during …

1
Episode 23 - 2021 Hops Insight, Barley Head Brewing, and Starting a Food Program 1:09:46

3+ y ago1:09:46

1:09:46

No matter the season, hops are always on our mind here at the BYO Nano Podcast. With the 2021 North American harvest over, the farmers have time to rest a bit before preparing for 2022. Eric Desmarais of CLS Farms in Yakima Valley joins us to talk about the season that just ended, building brewery relationships, and some hops to think about in the …

1
Episode 22 - Aluminum Can Insights and Little Animals Brewing 1:02:33

4y ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Earlier this month, Yazoo Brewing and Embrace the Funk held its annual Funk Fest. It was a return to somewhat normalcy filled with small pours, familiar faces, and a sense of camaraderie. Amid the socially distanced crowd was Chris Cates. He’s the co-founder and head brewer of Little Animals Brewery in Tennessee. He has a great story and perspectiv…

1
Episode 21 - Practical Yeast Tips and Recipe Development 54:35

4y ago54:35

54:35

Last week there was a scaled down version of the Craft Brewers Conference that happened in Denver and host John Holl flew out for a few days, to walk the expo floor, to see what was new in the world of beer, and to talk with brewers about what is exciting and worrying, and to have a few socially distanced pints. There is movement happening in the i…

1
Episode 20 - Managing Finance and Tending to Barrels 47:02

4y ago47:02

47:02

On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast, host John Holl talks with experts in finance and wood-aged beers. The bottom line of your brewery is always something to be mindful of and after the last year and a half watching every cent is critically important. So, the show starts off with a conversation with Jason Sleeman the Vice President of Craft Bev…

1
Episode 19 - Hiring Brewery Staff, Focused Charitable Giving, and Preparing for Business Interruptions 1:02:48

4y ago1:02:48

1:02:48

On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast, host John Holl starts off by talking with Alison Wisneski, the head of marketing, among other things, at Lady Justice Brewing in Colorado. She has insights into hiring practices for nano breweries, and what they have found works for their brewery, as well as how to focus charitable giving so that it means so…

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