Episode 171 - Terroir, Hops & Community: w/ Shanleigh Thomson

Episode 171 of the Taproom Podcast: host Mike sits down with Shanleigh Thomson (aka @shan.ferments) for an in-depth conversation about her brewing journey — from agriculture and protein chemistry to Diageo, UC Davis Master Brewers, roles at BSG, Yakima Chief and Roy Farms, and her work teaching brewing programs at Washington State University and UC Davis.

The episode covers hop terroir and Terroir Tuesdays, sourcing and supply-chain challenges, fresh‑hop practices, international brewing curiosities (including New Zealand harvests), and the role of education in the craft industry. Shanleigh also shares stories from regional beer scenes, festival life (CBC, World Beer Cup), and how the brewing community supports innovation and resilience.

Listeners will hear Shanleigh’s beer preferences (West Coast IPAs, dry‑hopped pilsners, ESB), chats about style evolution and naming, practical tips on reading ingredient sourcing, her current curiosities (hangover aids like ZBiotics, low‑ABV yeast developments), and lighthearted segments on travel, guilty pleasures, and situational beers.

Key takeaways: the value of transparency in sourcing and malt/hop origins, why community and education matter in craft beer, and a rallying call to support local breweries — plus what to expect from upcoming Taproom episodes and festival appearances.