Beer In Front

285 Happy New Year

Dry January Doesn’t Mean Ditching Your Local Brewery Happy New Year! I kick off 2026 with a Dry January check-in and a reminder that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean abandoning your favorite breweries — especially during one of the toughest months of the year. I'll share smart, simple ways to support breweries without drinking, including buying merch and gift cards, ordering NA beers or hop waters, showing up for events, grabbing food, leaving reviews, and being the designated driver for friends. The episode also touches on the most unexpected beer news of the week: the Pop-Tarts Bowl, complete with beer and pastry pairings. Plus, I went down a tech rabbit hole after testing ChatGPT’s ability to generate a Midwest-style hazy IPA recipe — raising the question of whether AI should ever play a role in brewing. 🍻 Beer ReviewsSierra Nevada Trail Pass Golden (NA) – Looks the part but falls flat on flavor.Central Waters Rift IPA – A well-balanced, flavorful IPA with great hop character and a clean finish.As always, I'll wrap things up by encouraging listeners to keep showing up for local breweries — pint or no pint.  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

284 Beer In Review

In the final episode of 2025, I'll go solo to recap a packed year for Beer In Front. From major beer news and industry trends to podcast milestones, festival highlights, and standout beers, this episode ties a big holiday bow on everything that made 2025 memorable. Plus, I'll crack open a couple of seasonal favorites and reflects on how beer content—and attention spans—continue to evolve.          Featured BeersPollyanna Brewing – Fireside Gap (Winter IPA, 5.8%)A darker, old-school West Coast-style IPA with a great malt-hop balance. Great Lakes Brewing – Christmas Ale (7.5%)A holiday classic brewed with honey and spices—22 years strong and still deliveringBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

283 The Beer Story Project

Today’s guest is one of the true originals of American beer education — Marty Nachel. Marty is an award-winning author, longtime beer educator, and Certified Beer Judge who has spent more than 30 years helping people understand and appreciate beer. Marty has a new book out now titled The Beer Story Project available now for any beer lover on your holiday gift list. Marty brings a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth passion that makes beer accessible to everyone.The Beer Story ProjectAmerican Craft Beer Hall Of FameBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

282 Holiday Gift Ideas

In Episode 282 of Beer in Front, I'll bring you a festive, gift-focused edition of the show—perfect for the beer lover on your holiday shopping list (even if that person is you). I'll also break down the latest beer and beverage industry news, highlight friends of the show doing great work, and taste through a pair of holiday beers to round out the episode.🎁 Holiday Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers Dave spotlights a collection of beer-centric gifts from friends of the show—none of which benefit him directly (with one exception clearly noted). They’re great ways to support independent creators and small businesses in the craft beer world.👕 Radcraft Apparel“Pilsner is for Perfectionists” and other beer-forward shirts.Proceeds support Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief.Stylish, fun, and for a good cause.📚 Final Gravity Zine & Pairing Beer and Chocolate – by David NilsenA thoughtful and delicious guide to matching beer with chocolate.Flights Across America – by Joel GeierA beer travel essential featuring 1,000+ breweries across the U.S.The Beer Story Project – by Marty NachelA newly released collection of beer stories from a great writer and friend of the show.🍃 Beyond Alcohol: THC & N/A Options THC beverages (KickFizz, Shine On)For those who want something different this holiday season.Five Corners Beverage (Chicago)Standout non-alcoholic mixers like Salted Lemonade and the new Sangrita(citrus, tomato, chili powder—and even Dave, a tomato-juice skeptic, is a fan).🧪 After-Alcohol Wellness: Last CallA legit, science-based option to help you feel better the next morning.Dave used it during FoBAB and woke up “like a champion.”🍺 Go Brewing (N/A Beer) — Affiliate LinkDave’s favorite non-alcoholic brewery.Perfect for Dry January.This is the only recommendation where Dave receives support via an affiliate link.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

281 Black IPA's & Wookey Jack

This week on Beer In Front, I’m shining a spotlight on a style that refuses to die quietly: the Black IPA. Once a cult favorite, then a near-extinct curiosity, the Black IPA is suddenly popping up again in breweries across the country — and I couldn’t be happier to see its comeback. In this episode, we dig into where the style came from, why it faded away, and why it deserves a spot back in your regular rotation.I'll have the fantastic Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker, and have local Illinois ones from Midwest Coast and Half Acre!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group