Hoppy Craftsmen - Arizona Craft Beer Podcast

(NSFW) In this lively episode, the crew dives into a mix of nostalgia, creativity, and celebration. The legendary Randal the Enamel Remover makes a comeback in conversation, and Ed proposes an intriguing blend of stout and sour beers. They review the Hockey Czech! Pilsner from Goldwater Brewing Co. and reflect on the bittersweet end of the Arizona Coyotes and Grand Canyon Brewing's Kachina beer, with Nate and Ed expressing their stages of grief over these losses. They discuss the layoff of Cigar City Brewing workers in Tampa by the newly created Monster Brewing. They ponder whether Ballast Point, now brewed by Kings and Convicts, is making a comeback in the craft beer world. The episode also highlights the 2024 World Beer Cup winners, including local favorites like Goldwater Brewing, Pedal Haus, OHSO Brewing, and 12 West Brewing. Ed reads off other category winners. Finally, Ed poses the question of which event holds more prestige: GABF or the World Beer Cup, and floats the idea of hosting their own HCPC Beer

(NSFW) Join Ed, Chris, and Nate in this episode as Ed returns from Spain and shares his discoveries about the local craft beer scene—or the lack thereof. Ed recounts his visit to a single craft beer bar and a memorable drinking session with some Irish lads. The conversation shifts to Wisconsin, revealed as having the drunkest counties in the US, leading to a discussion about binge drinking and whether the hosts themselves are binge drinkers. Nate surprises the guys with his newfound love for barrel-aged stouts from Wren House, despite the hefty price tags. And his history of hating on them. They also discuss an article from Hop Culture titled "2024 is the Year of the Dark Lager," reflecting on the popularity of Czech lagers last year and debating whether dark lagers will dominate the scene this year. The team lists some of the best dark lagers to try, making this episode a must-listen for beer enthusiasts! Hop Culture - Rise of the Dark Lagers Article Support US! Buy Us a Beer! For as little as a dollar a mon

(NSFW) Ed is still out of the country, backpacking around Europe....  we think. Though we're not sure what he's doing over there. I'm sure we'll get filled in on his beer escapades when he gets back. Until then Nate and I decided to sit down at his place and have some of the newer Wren House releases. We talk about some current news from the latest DDH Spellbinder and other varriation release party. The troubles that our friends at Ground Control are having, and a new brewery opening up in North Scottsdale called Pinnacle Brewing. Which is in a semi-industal looking area near the airport. So the beer is probably going to be good.  Ep75 - Ground Control | No Crap On Tap Ground Control - Ian Harwell 4860 N. LITCHFIELD RD., LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340 https://www.groundxcontrol.com/ https://www.instagram.com/groundcontrollitchfield/ Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a studio for five days. Beautifully nasty and pretty vile at times but ultimat

(NSFW) On this exhilarating installment of Road Sodas, your hosts Nate and Chris sit down at one of the valley's favorite brew pubs, Tombstone Brewing. But the north location, they didn't drive all the way down to Tombstone to enjoy Tombstone IPAs. During this new-ish format of Road Sodas they go over some behind the scenes talks from the last episode with The Shop. They talk about the amazing location here that is Tombstone, and just standard beer talk.  Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a studio for five days. Beautifully nasty and pretty vile at times but ultimately gorgeous. Enjoy! Follow them! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakotsuboMen Twitter: https://twitter.com/TakotsuboMen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TakotsuboMen Contact us! Instagram: @hoppycraftsmen Twitter: @hoppycraftsmen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hoppycraftsmen/ E-mail: hoppycraftsmen@gmail.com Blog: http://hoppycraftsmenpodcast.com/ YouTube: Hoppy Craf

(NSFW) Join Nate and Chris for a captivating episode as they reunite with the team from The Shop Beer Co. to delve into their remarkable achievements over the past few years. From discussing the expansion of their production facility to the remodeling plans for the adjacent space, Dylan and Dave share insights into their journey. Learn about the widespread success of Church Music, their flagship hazy IPA, and Dylan's recent appointment as President of the AZ Craft Brewers Guild Board. In the second part of the interview, Jason and "Uncle" Brad from Crosby Hop Farms join the conversation. Discover the intricacies of their collaboration brew, insights into managing new beer releases alongside Church Music production, and the unique experience of attending a hop pick at Crosby Farms. From discussing hop varieties cultivated by Crosby to the art of hop cultivation, this episode offers a deep dive into the world of brewing and collaboration.   Our Guest Info: The Shop Beer Co. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/t

(NSFW) In this lively episode, Ed, Chris, Nate, and special guest Sarah Ritchie from Monster Brewing Company gather at Hair of the Dog in Gilbert, Arizona. Amidst clinking glasses, they explore Monster Energy's "The Beast" and Hard Tea, setting the stage for an engaging session. Sipping on Pueblo Vida Pulp IPA and Roses By the Stairs Fairy Dust Triple Dry-Hopped IPA, they honor podcast traditions of having the same beer. Sarah navigates the rapid round with wit, sharing stories from her UK beer adventures, the genesis of Girls Pint Out in Tucson, and unexpected fondness for the French's Mustard collaboration with Oskar Blues. Laughter ensues as they delve into celebrity comparisons, attributing Nate's voice to Paul Rudd. The episode resonates with admiration for craft beer camaraderie, celebrating inclusivity. Sarah unveils the Pink Boots Society's significance, shedding light on its impact. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn, addressing the role of male podcasters in empowering women in craft beer, nav

(NSFW) In this episode, Chris and Ed sit down with Rob Fullmer, the Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, to spill the beans on Strong Beer Fest 2024. The trio breaks down the festival's essentials—what to expect, where to be, and when it's all happening. Beyond festival talk, they explore past highlights, teasing with insights into this year's exciting event. Rob shares the guild's festival portfolio, hinting at future events. The conversation pivots to the national craft beer sales landscape, questioning if Arizona mirrors broader trends. Insights flow on how breweries can weather these changes, offering a strategic roadmap for thriving amid industry shifts. Join in for a sneak peek into the festival, Arizona's craft beer tapestry, and the dynamic strategies shaping its future. Cheers to a spirited discussion! Our Guest's Info: Arizona Craft Brewers Guild Strong Beer Fest 2024 Info Get ready for an exhilarating beer adventure amidst the picturesque beauty of Flagstaff at the Real Wild and Woodsy Beer

(NSFW) In this episode, Ed regales Nate and Chris with tales from his visit to the iconic Rowley Farmhouse Ales in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The studio comes alive with the popping of corks as the trio embarks on a beer-tasting adventure. The first sip is the uniquely crafted "Teosinte," a farmhouse ale where Oaxacan green dent corn, and Teosinte a Mexican grass take center stage creating a delightful symphony of corn sweetness and funk. As they savor the ale, and try to use words to descibe the grassy notes they are tasting. But somehow fall short. Despite John's absence in Tucson, he ensures Ed has a splendid time at Rowley, known not only for its exceptional brews but also for its outstanding food. The culinary highlights, including pineapple upside-down cake, gyro tacos, and red chili fries, become part of the storytelling, creating a sensory-rich experience. The tasting journey continues with "Supernatant," a robust creation featuring Norwegian Farmhouse yeast and Grüner Veltliner lees from Vivac Winery. The

(NSFW) Welcome to the first episode of 2024 with Ed, Chris, and Nate—a lively journey through the ever-evolving craft beer landscape. Ed brings back some hoppy treasures of Weld Works Extra Extra Juicy Bits IPA from his Colorado holiday, setting the stage for a year of exciting new brews. For the old news front, the gang talks about some drama that happened with the closing of Flying Basset, intertwining with its in-house culinary scene. Chandler bases Buqui Bichi Brewing is ready to open its second location in Phoenix this year, and The Starving Artist, powered by OHSO Spirits, prepares to breathe new life into the old Helton Brewing Company space. Phoenix Magazine's intriguing article, "The 12-Pack of Arizona Beers We Sent to Texas For Losing a Bet," becomes a point of discussion—do they agree with the list, and how many of these beers would they personally savor? Also on the list is a style not really talked about the Southwest IPA. What is that? On the non-alcoholic front, White Claw makes a surprising mo

(NSFW) In our final 2023 gathering, the whole crew comes together for a heartfelt reflection on the rich tapestry of Arizona Craft Beer. Ed, Nate, and Chris take a stroll down the memory lane of the year, reminiscing about the most cherished beers and the ones that found their way into countless glasses. Surprisingly, the most enjoyed and most consumed don't always align. They delve into the less-than-stellar moments of the year, discussing the hiccups and hurdles faced. Amidst the banter, show highlights emerge, with a comedic twist as Matt from Beer Research Institute has a memorable encounter with Nate, dispelling the hilarious Jeff-in-a-wig rumors. To wrap up, the crew shares their aspirations for the upcoming year, promising an abundance of new craft beer adventures. Here's to a Happy New Year to our vibrant beer community! Cheers! Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a studio for five days. Beautifully nasty and pretty vile at times bu

(NSFW) In this festive episode filled to the brim with holiday cheer, Ed takes on the role of an online detective, navigating the vast interwebs to curate the ultimate Christmas gift guide for craft beer enthusiasts. After thorough investigation, he compiles two distinct lists: one highlighting five gifts that should never grace the hands of a craft beer aficionado, and the other presenting five must-have items that would bring joy to any beer lover's heart. As Chris joins the discussion, the duo explores the validity of Ed's selections, debating whether they align with the true desires of the craft beer community. Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a studio for five days. Beautifully nasty and pretty vile at times but ultimately gorgeous. Enjoy! Follow them! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakotsuboMen Twitter: https://twitter.com/TakotsuboMen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TakotsuboMen Contact us! Instagram: @hoppycraftsmen Twitt

(NSFW) In this episode, Ed and Chris delve into the realm of beer appreciation, exploring Hop Culture Magazine's compilation of the "Most Five-Star Check-ins on Untappd in 2023." As they navigate through the list, they offer insightful critiques, questioning whether certain entries are truly deserving of the prestigious five-star rating or if they are merely riding the wave of hype or exclusivity. The duo reflects on their personal encounters with these beers, sharing candid opinions on whether each one merits the coveted five-star check-in status. Amidst the discussion, they savor the dry richness of an Irish stout from Trader Joseph and recount the highlights of Catalyst Craft Ales' soft opening in Tempe. Original Article:  https://www.hopculture.com/untappd-beers-5-star-check-ins/ Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a studio for five days. Beautifully nasty and pretty vile at times but ultimately gorgeous. Enjoy! Follow them! Facebook: 

(NSFW) In this thirst-quenching episode, Ed and Chris dive headfirst into the rising star of beverage trends—Hop Waters! As per Nielson, this newcomer is swiftly becoming one of the fastest-growing drink categories. Following the "expert" guidance of Vine Pair, they navigate through the best selections, considering categories like the ideal choice for hop-heads, the perfect pick for newbies, and the top recommendation for everyday drinking. Tune in as they unravel the complexities, even questioning the logic behind categorizing the best limited edition sparkling hop water. Throughout the discussion, the duo weighs the pros and cons of this exciting new trend, providing insights and laughs along the way. Best hop water for hop-heads: Sierra Nevada HopSplash Best hop water for newbies: Hop WTR Lime ($23.99 variety pack 12x12oz Total Wine) Best hop tea: Hoplark Sparkling HopTea: The Green Tea One (Drizzly>TW $10.99 6x16oz) Best hop water for trendsetters: Hoplark Water with Sabro Hops (Hoplark $46.99 18x12oz) Be

(NSFW) In this year's Craft Beer Awards season, Ed and Chris delve deep into the 2023 GABF results, celebrating the victories of Arizona's breweries. They shine a spotlight on the major categories and the skilled brewers who have risen to the top. However, as they navigate through the list, they can't help but notice the absence of certain beer styles. Chris laments the missing Sour Stout, while they share a light-hearted moment over the niche market of gluten-free beer. Despite the quirks, the focus remains on the local scene, with an exciting recap of the 2023 AZ Craft Beer Awards. Pedal Haus takes center stage as Brewery of the Year, and Ayla Kapahi from Broderlands Brewing receives the esteemed Directors Award for her outstanding contributions to the Las Hermanas Project. Amid all the accolades and laughter, Ed and Chris also take a moment to reflect on the private awards event's evolution, showcasing how it has grown and transformed since the previous year. It's a testament to the ever-changing landscape

(NSFW) In this intriguing episode, Ed and Chris embark on an internet odyssey, delving deep into the digital catacombs of Reddit. Their mission? To unearth and examine a treasure trove of unpopular craft beer opinions. The online world is awash with passionate voices, and selecting just a handful of these digital gems proved to be quite the challenge. As they dissect these unconventional perspectives, the dynamic duo ponders: Are these truly unpopular craft beer opinions or hidden nuggets of wisdom? The line between contrarian viewpoints and hard-hitting facts blurs as they navigate the sea of online chatter. But that's not all! Amidst the debate, they also shine a spotlight on a promising local gem. Nestled in Tempe, they explore the vibrant world of Catalyst Craft Ales—a haven tailored for the most discerning of beer geeks. Join Ed and Chris as they navigate the digital brewscape and uncover the secrets of craft beer's underbelly while celebrating the artistry of Catalyst Craft Ales. Cheers to unearthing br

(NSFW) Join us in this delightful episode as Ed and Chris embark on a frothy autumnal adventure through a vast array of fall-inspired brews. From the classic Marzen to the revered Vienna lagers, they traverse the rich tapestry of flavors, encompassing both local marvels and enticing foreign imports. As the amber elixirs flow and laughter ensues, they sprinkle in delightful nuggets of Oktoberfest trivia and knowledge. But that's not all—this episode boasts a special treat! Not one, but two of our cherished Patron Supporters make a delightful appearance, adding their palates to the tasting journey. With each sip, they meticulously evaluate and rank these seasonal brews, teasing out their personal favorites. And, in the grand finale, they crown the crème de la crème—the Oktoberfest bier that stands out as the epitome of this year's fall revelry. Prost to good times and great beer! Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a studio for five days. Bea

(NSFW) In the second episode of this season, Ed, Nate, and Chris kick things off with a splash of significant beer news. They shine a spotlight on some substantial acquisitions orchestrated by a relatively lesser-known player in the industry, Tilray, a Canadian-based cannabis product company. Tilray's acquisition spree extends to a slice of AB/InBev's craft portfolio, including renowned brands such as Greenflash and Alpine. The hosts delve into the nuances of this acquisition, dissecting both its promising aspects and potential drawbacks. As the discussion unfolds, they ponder whether this move might herald a broader trend of brands expanding their portfolios within the ever-evolving beer landscape. A notable shift takes center stage as Nate, formerly a fervent Wren House Brewing enthusiast, inches towards a burgeoning affection for Dark Sky Brewing. Although he might be hesitant to admit it, the transition is palpable. Speaking of Wren House, the trio seizes the opportunity to sample this year's iterations o

(NSFW) In the inaugural episode of Season 2, Ed, Nate, and Chris embark on a flavorful journey as they savor their last sips of the illustrious Dirty Hop Water Series, aptly named "This is the End" by AZ Wilderness Brewing. This hazy IPA boasts a single hop variety, the illustrious Wai-iti. As they sip and savor, they find themselves awash in nostalgia, reminiscing about the series' formative days. The trio delves into the spectrum of their personal favorites, least favorites, and the general excellence that has been the hallmark of the series. Equipped with the newly acquired Yakima Tasting sheets, they aim to elevate their beer-tasting vernacular, with results that are both enlightening and entertaining. Along the way, they engage in spirited speculation, pondering the reasons behind the retirement of the Dirty Hop Water series and what exciting new concoctions might emerge to fill its hoppy shoes. Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a st

(NSFW) On this exhilarating installment of Road Sodas, your hosts Ed and Chris share the airwaves with the esteemed Patron Supporter, Zach D. With the recent unveiling of Phoenix Magazine's illustrious 2023 Best of Edition, our trio takes the plunge into the crème de la crème offerings nestled within the vibrant heart of Phoenix and its sprawling Valley. Ed kicks off the customary "predict the victors" game, met with Chris's valiant attempts to champion the wrong choices. Meanwhile, as the rumor mill swirls about the demise of Triple IPAs, they explore this curious narrative – a tale often propagated by those who find their hoppiness too potent. A puzzle presents itself as they endeavor to decipher the enigma of how Phoenix Magazine's crowned Best Beer may not align with the champion of the AZ Craft Beer Awards, even considering the magazine's sponsorship of the AZCBA. Our Information: Music Credit: Takotsubo Men The assorted sounds of three ageing humans hitting things in a studio for five days. Beautifully

(NSFW) Prepare your stash of tissues, as it's time to reach for those tear-jerking moments. Welcome to the Culmination of Season 1 of the Hoppy Craftsmen podcast. Over the course of this dual installment, Ed, Chris, and Nate convene with Jeff to delve into a medley of cherished episodes. Amidst these discussions, they unveil the concealed intricacies that often evade the ears of most listeners. Unveiling the sentiments of devotees, interviewees, and backers of the show, they shine a light on the fondest recollections and standout episodes. Casting a glance back to the podcast's origins, from humble origins of two individuals in a kitchen to the establishment of a dedicated recording studio, they conjure reminiscences of their maiden encounters with the maestros and proprietors within Arizona's craft beer fraternity. The trio meticulously dissects the Top 5 episodes that have garnered the most downloads, dissecting the pivotal moments that have solidified their place in this elite list. Moreover, they engage i