Beer In Front

293 The Wildest Story In Beer

🍺 New Episode – Beer in Front 🎙️ Quick solo show this week (yes, I sound a little congested 😅), but we’ve got a LOT to cover. 🚨 Chicagoland Closures We’re up to six brewery closures in two months.It’s a tough stretch for Illinois craft beer. If you’ve got a favorite spot — now’s the time to support them. 🌎 Beer NewsBrewDog sold to Tilray for $40M (once valued near $2B 😳)Pickle beer collab: Grillo’s x PBRFirestone Walker dropping a dragon fruit sourRevolution expanding the Cold Time lineup🐟 Deep Dive: Ballast Point From a homebrew shop…To a $1 BILLION sale…To being sold for a fraction of that…To fighting its way back to independent roots. One of the craziest stories in craft beer history. And yes — we revisited Sculpin IPA 🍊Still bitter. Still balanced. Still holds up.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

292 Lone Tree Brewing Company

🍺 Guest Interview: Jerry Siote – Lone Tree Brewing CompanyThis week, Dave heads back to Colorado to talk with Lone Tree Brewing Company’s Jerry Siote. Founded: 2011Locations: Lone Tree & Parker, ColoradoRecently Won: Gold Medal – Colorado Brewers Cup (Mexican Lager) 🔥 Highlights from the ConversationLone Tree’s journey from aviation & finance to brewingCelebrating 15 years and brewing their 3,000th batchWhy their Mexican Lager now accounts for nearly half of productionWinning multiple medals at the Great American Beer FestivalRefreshing their IPA lineup (and surviving customer feedback)The challenge of balancing beer vs. non-beer offeringsThe state of hazy IPA fatigue & the return of clean, drinkable lagersTravel as inspiration (Belgium 2026, perhaps?)Jerry’s take: “Beer should be the bedrock. If it’s not beer, why are we doing it?”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

291 Kalm With Kava

This week we’re doing something a little different… but don’t worry, there’s still beer involved. 🎙 Guest: Morgan Smith – CEO of Kalm With Kava. Dave sits down with Morgan Smith from Kalm With Kava to talk about kava — the traditional South Pacific root drink known for its calming, social effects. Kava doesn’t give you a “buzz” like alcohol or THC. Instead, it delivers a mellow, relaxed feeling that helps take the edge off without fogging your head. What We Covered:What kava is and how it’s been used for 3,000+ years in places like Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and HawaiiHow kava differs from alcohol and cannabisDrug testing concerns (spoiler: generally safe, with a rare caveat)The liver safety myth and where it came fromHow kava is traditionally prepared (yes, there’s a massage involved)Modern options: instant kava, gummies, tincturesKava bars popping up across the U.S.The cultural significance of kava in Polynesian communitiesBuilding a brand responsibly within a deeply rooted traditionDave also shares his own experience trying kava:Instant mix = earthy but manageableNoticeable calming effectSlept like a championIf you’re cutting back on alcohol or just looking for something different, this is worth checking out. 👉 Learn more: KalmWithKava.com (with a K!)👉 Also available on Amazon — make sure you search the correct brand. Put it in the cart!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

290 Goat Patch Brewing

Sometimes the beer in front of you really is the best one yet—and this week’s episode proves it. Dave heads back to Colorado to catch up with Justin Grant, co-owner of Goat Patch Brewing Company in Colorado Springs. Since opening in 2017, Goat Patch has built a reputation for balance: balanced beers, balanced business decisions, and deep roots in the community. From award-winning Scottish ales to hazy IPAs, lagers, and Italian pilsners, Goat Patch has something for just about every palate. Justin shares the origin story of Goat Patch, how the brewery got its name, and why “Home of Balanced Brews” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a philosophy. 🍺 In This Episode:The story behind the Goat Patch name and logoWhy balance and variety have been core to their brewing philosophy from day oneNavigating the rise of hazy IPAs while still brewing classic stylesWhat it means to be a veteran-owned brewery in Colorado SpringsThe Bleating Heart Initiative and Goat Patch’s commitment to giving backAcquiring and rebranding the former Pikes Peak Brewing locationLessons learned from COVID, growth, and adding food programsAdvice for anyone thinking about opening a brewery todayJustin’s go-to shift beers (including that Italian pils 👀)📰 Beer & Beverage News:Ball Corporation selling out aluminum can inventory through 2027RadCraft hosting a media relations seminar for breweriesDovetail Brewery’s “Thank You for Smoking” rauchbier brunch in ChicagoDry January alcohol sales actually increased year-over-yearNorth Carolina & Colorado Pint Day glass designs revealedKeystone Light Apple is… a thing now 🍎🦅🍺 Beer In Front of Me: Going Places IPA from Hopewell Brewing (Chicago)A bright, balanced IPA that lands somewhere between West Coast and hazy—easy drinking, flavorful, and worth picking up if you see it. 🎧 Listen now and hear why Goat Patch Brewing continues to thrive by staying balanced—on tap and beyond. If you’d like to support the show, head over to Patreon.com/BeerInFrontThanks for listening, and remember: sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

289 Get Dave A Zima!

🍺 Beer In Front — Episode 289 Wet February Begins, Brewery Closures, Zima Dreams & Barrel-Aged Beers Episode 289 kicks off with Dry January officially in the rearview mirror and Wet February underway. Host Dave Zalatoris reflects on dropping 10 pounds during January, the success of his non-drinking month, and a massive surge in YouTube growth—even without beer-heavy content. But it’s not all good news. Dave talks about troubling brewery closures in the Chicago area, urges listeners to support local breweries while they can, and dives headfirst into beer and beverage news from across the country. And yes… the quest to Get Dave a Zima is officially on. 🍻 This Episode Covers:Dry January results, weight loss, and keeping things balanced in Wet FebruaryRecord-breaking YouTube growth and why non-beer content helpedChicago brewery closures, including Alarmist and Short Fuse BrewingWhy supporting local breweries matters more than everThe nostalgia, history, and comeback attempts of Zima—and why Dave needs one nowBeer and beverage news from around the country📰 Beer & Beverage News Highlights:Short Fuse Brewing (IL) closing after 10 years due to lease and cost pressuresGreat Lakes Brewing teasing an Apple Pie variant of Eliot NessBell’s Brewery announcing Citrus Hopslam (10% ABV)Craft Maltsters Guild hosting an advanced malt production course at Montana StateTHC beverages arriving at Chicago’s United CenterBeatBox Beverages layoffs following Anheuser-Busch acquisitionNew Voodoo Ranger x Invincible Blood Orange IPAAlesmith, Societe Brewing & Modern Monk Coffee collaborationGreat American Beer Festival moving outdoors in DenverYes… a beer brewed with bear scat (and Dave has thoughts)🍺 Beer Reviews:Revolution Brewing – Deth Urana (Deep Wood Series)Barrel-aged imperial stout with cinnamon, coconut, and maple notes👉 Verdict: Put it in the cart immediatelyFirestone Walker – Double Barrel Ale (DBA)Oak-fermented classic celebrating Firestone Walker’s 30th anniversary👉 Verdict: Crushable, balanced, and outstandingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group