What do one of Louisville’s oldest breweries, Great Flood Brewing, and one of Carmel Indiana’s finest breweries have in common? They both have had the pleasure of this week's guest, Mike Abel, (Head Brewer, Fork + Ale House, Cellarman, Ash & Elm) gracing their taprooms. Known for his quick wit and unquenchable thirst for beer knowledge Mike has bui…

After drinking all the Louisville Beer during Louisville Beer Week, the guys were incredibly excited to take a “booch’ break” this episode with the incredible duo that is Corey and Danielle Wood, owners and founders of Elixir Kombucha. We got the rundown on their recent growth into their new production home, the story of how Corey’s kombucha-loving…

“Your job is so cool.” While it has its perks, the beer industry has its challenges too. Introducing the Louisville Beer For All Panel, brought to you by 78 Social in partnership with Kentucky Guild of Brewers. Dive deep into real stories from individuals across the Commonwealth. Hear from those who've faced, or is facing, barriers in the industry …

For Louisville Beer Week 2023, Louisville Ale Trail organized a barrel panel discussion to talk about all the ways wood impacts flavor. Hear from experts in the beer, spirits, and barrel space. Panelists included Jackie Zykan (Hidden Barn Whiskey), Marty Scott (Revolution Brewing), Andrew Wiehebrink (Independent Stave Co.), and Roger Huff (Gallant …

Extra, extra! KY Commons Podcast Welcomes Award-Winning Journalist Olivia Krauth. This week, the guys are honored to welcome Olivia Krauth, Kentucky Education & Politics reporter, to the show ahead of Kentucky's gubernatorial election in November. Olivia has been breaking and breaking down Kentucky news for years now. It was fascinating to get her …

We hope you’re hungry, folks, because this week’s guest, Russ Meredith, owner of The Beer Syrup Company, came packing a spread! Russ is famous around town for his delicious concoctions, all inspired and derived from his favorite beers. In this episode, he guides us through a multi-course meal - each dish incorporating his products in unique and del…

This week, we are on location to bring you a very special episode with Mike Semenec (Brand Director) and Vince Tursi (Head Brewer), the co-founders of DSSOLVR! We get the inside story on DSSOLVR’s birth, how they found a home in Asheville, what drives their creativity, and how they continue pushing for every batch to be the best. We also get the sc…

This week was an incredibly special episode for us as we got to sit down with two exceptional people from one of our absolute favorite companies, White Labs Yeast. Pablo Gomez, Technical Account Manager, and Devin Tani, Technical Education Coordinator, join the show to tell us what got them into the wild world of yeast & share how White Labs has bu…

This week we welcome a veteran of the Louisville beer scene, Vince Cain, co-founder and former co-owner of Great Flood Brewing, and Owner of Right Mind Consulting. We also welcome guest host Alex Vogt (owner, Awry Brewing). Vince, with his other partners, opened Great Flood all the way back in 2013 and kicked off the second wave of growth in Louisv…

Road Trip! This week the guys are on the road down to Asheville, NC to visit our friends at Hi-Wire Brewing and brew a collab beer for this year’s Louisville Beer Week. We are joined on this episode by Hi-Wire’s Head of Sour and Specialty, Peter Batinski.We talked to Peter about his impressive and diverse career in breweries all across the country,…

Have you felt it? That subtle shift in the air hinting at the first taste of fall? We have, and this week we are incredibly excited to embrace it by welcoming Katie Jo Glesing to the show. Katie is the Founder (and possible Physic Vampire) of Boo812: Paranormal Research and Edutainment. Katie embraces her affinity for all things Woo to explore beyo…

Gracing the microphone this week is the man you may know as “The Voice of Ohio Valley Wrestling,” Bryan Kennison. In this episode, we discuss how Bryan and his production partner Steve got their start in the world of OVW, get the inside scoop on what it was like making the upcoming Netflix series “Wrestlers,” and learn about his love for fruity sou…

This week the guys were honored to welcome Kenny Coleman, host of Bourbon Pursuit Podcast and owner of Pursuit Spirits, into the studio to discuss his journey of turning his college passion into a successful podcast, the lessons he learned along the way, and the development of the new Pursuit Spirits line. We also uncover Kenny’s secret passion for…

This week the guys are joined by the one and only David Castellon. David has seen it all in his 15 years in and around craft beer: from pounding porters in the family restaurant to building craft beer in early 2000s SoCal, guiding tours through Anchor’s historic brewery, to his current role building brand and culture with Gravely Brewing. This conv…

Ahoy there. In this week’s episode, we had the great pleasure to sit down with Paul Heintzman of Saltwater Woody to taste, talk and learn all about their amazing saltwater-diluted, real fruit-blended, line of American rums. If you have not tried Saltwater Woody, or you would like a reintroduction to the world of rum, then we highly recommend pickin…

This week the fellas are joined by the one and only Berto Freeman, Head Brewer of Ten20 Craft Brewery. We discuss his formative years and beers in his New York home, his natural transition to the Bluegrass State, what he sees for the future of Ten20, and so much more. We also get a bit saucy with Berto’s handmade tomato pie and some classic New Yor…

This week the guys are joined by Chris Johnson (AKA "DJ Money Baby") to discuss his journey through the craft beer world. From drinking Aventinus at Nachbar to representing Bell’s Brewery across the state, Chris has seen it all. In this episode, we discuss Chris’ career path and landing his current position, his recollections on the day they all le…

This week the guys are joined by the one and only Jeff Faith. Jeff is a fixture in Louisville for his laid-back and “dudely” presence, his skills on the bass, his fixing up of airplanes and old boats, and for resurrecting the classic Fehr’s Beer. In Louisville’s pre-prohibition era, Fehr’s was among the biggest breweries in the country, with distri…

This week, the gang is joined by Rich Shanks from Louisville's newest brewery, Kyros Brewing, as well as special guest host Madelaine Ruggles. We discuss: the Kyros ethos on business, family, and community, why they and their community love their Portland neighborhood, their unique secret beer garden, and more. Rich also shares his love of bourbon …

This week the guys are joined by Pete Weiss (Marketing Director, Country Boy Brewing) to talk about Country Boy’s new Louisville taproom, their growth as one of the OG Lexington craft beer brands, and what changes Pete has seen in the craft beer market over his ten years in the industry. We also reflect on the offloading of craft beer products by A…

Bourbon and Brass in the Bluegrass! Haley Perros (National Brand Manager, Wilderness Trail Distillery) and Michaelle Perros (Singer and Saxophonist, Vinyl Richie, and Executive Director at Great American Brass Band Festival) join the show to discuss the evolution of Kentucky from a bourbon and music perspective and the buzz around the Great America…

There's a new brewery in Louisville! This week the podcast is joined by Awry Brewing co-founders Alex Vogt, Tyler Martin, and Tom Bartle. We discuss their origin story, how the founders met and became partners, how they chanced upon the perfect location, and what they hope their brewery can become. We also uncover all of our formative experiences w…

The garage is always open! Zane Smith (National Sales Director, Garage Beer) joins the show to chat about Garage Beer’s new direction and tennis. Featured Beers: Oktoberfest (Half Day Brewing) Garage Beer Garage Beer Lime Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. Prefer YouTube? Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@louisvilleale…

Scott Shreffler, co-owner at Mile Wide Beer Co., joins the show in this week’s episode. We talk about Mile Wide’s growth, NEIPAs, Brewers Association Top 50 Breweries, and learn about Scott’s taste in movies. Featured Beers: A Pie Called Derby (Cumberland Brews) Cathedral Kolsch (Mile Wide Beer Co.) Quiet Science Kentucky Lily (Mile Wide Beer Co.) …

In this episode, we're joined by Jackie Zykan, Master Blender and co-owner of Hidden Barn Whiskey. Our conversation explores craft distilling, the techniques of barrel blending, and Jackie's unique ODUOAK perfume line. All of us also put our senses to the test in a sensory evaluation game. PS: hope you like Cold IPAs! Featured Beverages Catacombs (…

The guys return to cheese - but this time with a guide. Louisville's own cheesemonger, Adam Steckler, joins the show to teach Michael, John, and David the ins and outs of the cheese biz, beer and cheese pairings, and da cheez tax. Live in or close to Kentucky? Mark your calendars for these two Kentucky festivals: Commonfest (April 29th) Kentucky Cr…

Martin Svab, Jack-Of-All-Trades at Pivot Brewing, joins David and John to chat all things cider, beer, and whiskey. We chat about his beginnings in Czechoslovakia and the California Bay Area, and we delve into the world of Pivot Brewing and the craft of cider making. Live in or close to Kentucky? Mark your calendars for these two Kentucky festivals…

In this episode of Kentucky Commons Radio Hour, we're joined by Louisville author and hot sauce connoisseur Kevin Gibson for a Hot Ones-inspired challenge. We dive into his experiences in beverage journalism, uncover intriguing Louisville history, and taste-test Kevin's homemade hot sauce as we indulge in mouthwatering wings provided by Hometown Br…

Matt Watson (Head Brewer, The Pub on Second) drove all the way from Western Kentucky to join us for this episode. We chat about his experience at Henderson Brewing, Western Kentucky beer culture, and one of Kentucky’s newest breweries: The Pub on Second. Featured Beers: Red Plum du Blé (Side Project) Coconut Head IPA (Henderson Brewing) Gypsy Tart …

Brittney Donohue (New Belgium Area Manager for KY & Southern Ohio) joins John and Michael in this David-less episode of Kentucky Commons! We chat about Brittney's beginnings in beer, food pairings, the Bell's acquisition, the *new* Fat Tire, and all things New Belgium. Featured Beers: Chimay Grand Reserve Old & New Fat Tire Voodoo Ranger Fruit Forc…

Sam Cruz, Co-Founder + THE Visionary at Against the Grain Brewery, joins the show. We discuss Sam’s first beer, his early days in the industry, ATG’s brewery in Japan, consumer trends and what “craft beer” really means. Plus we play “Cruz Reviews!” Featured Beverages: 2017 Eisbock Barrique - TAPX (Schneider Weisse) Citra Ass Down Double IPA (Agains…

Louisville’s own Sara Havens (aka The Bar Belle) joins the podcast. We talk about whiskey, beverage journalism, CaskX Whisky Investment Company, Zima, and more. Featured Beverages: Peerless Bourbon Bernheim Wheat Whiskey (Barrel Proof) Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. Prefer YouTube? Subscribe to our new channel. If you like …

In Austin, Michael visits with Michael Graham (Austin Beerworks Co-Founder) and Kindsey Bernhard (ABW Taproom Manager, Boys Are From Marzen co-host). We chat about: Austin’s growth as a city and a beer scene The feel of “lived-in” taprooms versus “new and shiny” Changes in TX beer laws Sharing recipes between breweries The relationship between tapr…

Todd Pharris (Beer Manager, Liquor Barn) joins the show this week. We chat about: Classic, flagship February beers Revolution Brewing’s Rioter’s Reserve (Triple-Barrel VSOJ) Holsopple Brewing’s 6th Anniversary Gravely Brewing’s new food truck Braxton Brewing’s “Garage Beer” refresh Craft beer retail trends Featured Beers: Royal Oil (Bull & Bush) Si…

Rob Arnold (Owner, Pregame Coffee) joins the show this week to talk coffee, coffee beers, coffee cocktails, and wrestling. We also talk about: Holy Grale’s 12th Anniversary Uncle Disheveled Day at Mile Wide Beer Co. Inside Job Brewing coming soon to Louisville. Coffee Snob or Beer Snob Featured Beverages: Uncle Disheveled Coffee Stout (Mile Wide Be…

Aw shucks. Nick Felton (Head Brewer, Gravely) joins the show this week. We talk about: Gravely’s ties to Louisville beer history Gravely’s new canning line How a collab recipe prevented a potential lawsuit Name That Song game. Jello shots (provided by Slrrrp) Featured Beers: Wet Hop Strata and Peach Sour (Barrique) When We Dance Cold IPA (Gravely +…

Andy Cobb and Ericka Azzarello (Butchertown Brewing) visit the guys at the homebrew shop for the first episode in 2023. We talk about: Butchertown’s new taproom Pivot Brewing (Lexington, KY) open a Louisville taproom Trellis Brewing building + opening updates Who is smarter: ChatGPT or Andy Cobb Featured Beers: 2015 Apple Brandy Noir (Prairie Artis…

Merry Christmas (again!). No cheese in this episode but we talk about: Sake Butchertown Brewing’s relocation Atrium opening up a taproom in Norton Commons™ Pivot Brewing (Lexington) opening a taproom in Louisville Falls City Beer layoffs Featured Beverages: Sake Seltzer (The Void Sake) Homemade Wassail Support the podcast by giving us a rating and …

Ho-ho-ho. The guys are celebrating the holidays in this episode by doing a cheese & beer pairing featuring Cabot cheese. In addition to some other Christmas surprises, we chat about: Ten20's Larry Horwitz moving on Mile Wide's 6th Anniversary Christmas-themed bars Gallant Fox - Mt. Washington opens Episode sponsored by Cabot Creamery! Because we lo…

On a visit to Charlotte, NC in September 2022, David, Michael, and Guest Host Mel Fox (Work For Your Beer) visit Plaza Midwood’s Resident Culture to meet up with Razia Gonzalez. Together, we chat about Charlotte beer culture, spontaneous fermentation, sensory panels, and discuss how the industry is moving towards more inclusion of women and non-bin…

In October 2022, The Pink Boots Society KY Chapter, Louisville Ale Trail, and an all-woman panel at Logan Street Market got together to host our 3rd Annual Women in Beer discussion. Hear perspectives from some of the industry's most tenured women as we dive directly into everything beer. Featured panelists include: Jessy Harding (Kentucky Guild of …

From Stave to Glass was our inaugural barrel panel discussion that introduced attendees to panelists from beer and spirits as they discuss wood's impact on flavor, as well as consumer behaviors and trends. Featured Panelists included: Ariel Jahn (Woodinville Whiskey) Haley Perros (Wilderness Trail) Jessica Adkins (H&A Barrel Management) Jerry Gnagn…

Trick or Treat? Mostly treats. We’re in the basement barrel cellar at Monnik Beer Co. with Brian Holton (Co-Owner) and Buddy McHagen (Head Brewer) in this Halloween Special. We talk about Bo & Luke, Thiols, and sample straight from the barrels. Featured Beers Bo & Luke Batch #1 (Against the Grain) Thought and Memory (Monnik) New Year Old Ale (Monni…

In honor of Louisville Beer Week, John, David, and Michael step aside and let John King, Scott Lykins, and John Wurth (LouisvilleBeer.com Podcast) reunite for the first time in over five years. Want to check out their old episodes? Relive the past here: https://www.stitcher.com/show/louisville-beer-podcast Support the podcast by giving us a rating …

David and Michael visit GABF winner Pilot Brewing in Charlotte, NC and speak with Rachael Hudson, owner and brewer. We discuss Southeastern IPAs, nano brewing, and the changing landscape of beer. Want to hear more from Rachael? Be sure to check out her own podcast - “False Bottomed Girls” Featured Beers: Powerhouse Pomegranate Pale Ale (Pilot x Sam…

Back in Charlotte, David and Michael are at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts to speak with Ryan Place (Packaging Lead, Social Media). We talk about Charlotte’s first Hazy IPAs, barrel aging, and beer cheese. Guest Host Mel Fox (Work For Your Beer) joins. Featured Beers: Kölsch Encounters (Heist) Genuine Imitation Imperial Pastry Stout (Heist) Support th…

The guys are left to their own devices this week. John and David blind taste their way through multiple Oktoberfests and rank their favorites. Oh and we hope you like Lord of The Rings. You’ll want to watch the video on Patreon for this one: https://tinyurl.com/LOTRBeer Featured Beer: Why ‘Cause Appalachian Wild Ale (Fonta Flora) Support the podcas…

Michael, David, and guest host Mel Fox (Work For Your Beer) visit Charlotte’s Divine Barrel Brewing and speak with James Amato (Marketing Manager) about diversity in beer, brewery social media, and barrels. Featured Beers: Czech Pilsner Sleep is the Cousin of Death English Barleywine (cognac barrel variant) Support the podcast by giving us a rating…

LOUtoday’s own Katie Molck and Sarah Shadburne join the show to discuss their daily Louisville reporting and adventures. We answer questions from /r/louisville, reminisce about the Louisville River Frogs, and talk about Louisville Oktoberfest events. Featured Beers: 70K Amburana Imperial Milk Stout (Against the Grain) Farmhands Table Beer (Turtleba…

Entrepreneur, bar & restaurant consultant, and Neon Bites founder Tommy Johns joins John and David in this week’s episode. We talk branding, multimedia, cocktail programming, and Southern Indiana. Featured Beers Totally Naked Czech Pils (New Glarus Brewing) Eddy Kölsch - (Shippingport Brewing -via Pints&union) Support the podcast by giving us a rat…