Beer In Front

296 Ska Brewing

🍺 Beer In Front – Episode 296 Guest: Ska Brewing co-founder Dave Thibodeau🎙️ Episode Summary Dave Zalatoris is joined by craft beer OG Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing for a conversation that hits the sweet spot between beer, music, and staying true to your roots. From the early “punk rock” days of microbrewing to today’s ultra-competitive craft landscape, this episode dives into how Ska Brewing has stayed relevant for over 30 years. Plus: beer news, industry trends, and a review of Ska’s brand new West Coast IPA. 🍻In This Episode 🎤 Interview: Dave Thibodeau (Ska Brewing)The origins of Ska Brewing and its deep roots in punk, ska, and DIY cultureWhat early craft beer was really like (hint: not always good… and nobody noticed)How today’s drinker has changed—and why you can’t get away with mediocre beer anymoreThe evolution of IPAs—from no IPA at all to flagship statusBrewing innovation: cryo hops, biotransformation, and modern West Coast IPA techniquesThe wild story of opening (and closing) a location in 71 minutes due to COVIDWhy “beyond beer” (seltzers, RTDs) still feels off-brand for many legacy brewersCraft beer shakeout: who survives and whySka’s experimental “Mod Project” beers—including the unforgettable Pink Vapor StewThe importance of community and Durango’s role in Ska’s identity🍺 Beer Review Ska Brewing – New West Coast IPAAroma: Mango, guava, bright tropical notesAppearance: Clear, classic West Coast look with solid foamFlavor: Balanced hop profile with noticeable bitterness (in a good way)Takeaway: A modern West Coast IPA that respects tradition while using new-school techniquesVerdict:👉 “Put it in the cart.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

295 Admiral Maltings & Firestone Walker Sunglider

Yeah… we’re talking about malt. This week I’m joined by Ron Silberstein from Admiral Maltings, and if you think malt is just the thing that shows up on an invoice… this one might change your mind. We get into:🌾 Why malt is the backbone of beer🍺 Craft malting & California-grown barley🔥 Floor malting vs the big guys🍻 Why lagers are having a moment Plus—I crack open Sunglider from Firestone Walker👉 Bready, biscuity, super clean👉 Easy crusher when the weather finally warms up Bottom line:If you see Sun Glider… put it in the cart. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts #BeerInFront #CraftBeer #DrinkLocal #LagerLove #BeerPodcast #FirestoneWalker #AdmiralMaltings #ChicagoBeerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

294 The Craft Beer Concierge

🎙️ Beer In Front – Episode 294 Craft Beer Concierge + Chicago Merger NewsDave is back with a packed episode featuring a deep dive into the evolving beer scene, a great conversation with the “Craft Beer Concierge,” and a couple of beers worth putting straight in the cart. What’s On Tap This EpisodeA major Chicago beer merger that could reshape the local sceneA conversation with Allo Gilinsky, aka the Craft Beer ConciergeBeer reviews featuring a Perennial saison and a classic Irish red from BegyleIndustry news, trends, and what’s next in craft beerAllo GilinskyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.Beer Media Group

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