The BrewDeck Podcast

In celebration of International Women’s Day, this episode highlights the women helping to shape the future of barley and agriculture.We’re joined by Ashley McFarland, President of the American Malting Barley Association, and Miranda Gibson, third-generation farmer at B & H Farming. Together they discuss barley research, sustainable farming practices, and how collaboration across the supply chain supports both brewers and growers.From the Baselining Barley Project and government advocacy to on-farm innovations like soil moisture sensors and solar energy, this conversation explores how sustainability, technology, and leadership are helping the barley industry evolve.If you're a brewer, farmer, craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for stories of leadership, resilience, and breaking new ground, this conversation is for you too.

Brittany, Heather and Matt go deep on lagers, adjuncts, and the quiet chaos that makes great beer possible.We’re talking:Wiseacre Brewing and the art of patience behind Tiny Bomb, a flagship Pilsner that carries half their production (plus a very real bird-in-the-whirlpool moment )Live Oak + Hold Out Brewing teaming up for Spudweiser, a potato-powered lager with award-winning results and a surf-ready spud on the label.Epiphany Craft Malt breaking down rice malting, heirloom grains, and why local ingredients are shaping the future of brewing lagers. Hit play for brewing stories, fermentation talk, collaboration magic, and a whole lot of cereal-grain chaos. 

In this special mini-sode of the Brew Deck podcast, Heather and Brittany welcome Hubertine Underberg-Ruder, President of the Board of Underberg AG. The episode delves into the rich history of Underberg, a family enterprise known for its herbal digestive, celebrating its 180th anniversary. Hubertine shares insights into the company's legacy, the unique 43, 44, 45, 46 rule, and the importance of maintaining quality and tradition. The discussion also touches on the brand's expansion in North America, the loyalty program, and the creative ways consumers engage with Underberg products.

We’re kicking off Season 7 of the Brewdeck Podcast by revisiting our most-listened episodes of 2025. In this recap episode, we count down the Top 5 conversations that resonated most with our audience, spanning company history, industry perspectives, inclusion, leadership, and product innovation.Highlights include:A look back at the founding and growth of Country Malt Group in celebration of its 30th anniversaryA Pride Month episode focused on fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across our global organizationA live recording from the American Distilling Institute Conference featuring voices from across the spirits industryOur annual International Women’s Day roundtable spotlighting women in leadership and production rolesAn inside look at the development and launch of low color wheat and chit malt from Great Western MaltingTune in as we revisit the moments that defined 2025 and set the stage for Season 7. 🎙️🍻

In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Dodd (Director of Grain, Canada Malting) and Dustin Camphouse (Farm Business Manager, Great Western Malting) for a fast, clear breakdown of the 2025 North American barley crop. We cover crop quality, yields, protein levels, acres planted, and what brewers should anticipate as new crop malt moves into production.

Pack your virtual passport!  In this episode, we travel across Europe to chat with three of our iconic malt brands, Castle Malting (Belgium), Tchecomalt (Czech Republic), and Bairds Malt (UK).Our guests, Mattijs Nuyts, Ondrej Vlasanek, and Richard Broadbent, share the stories behind their malthouses, how each brand has evolved over time, and what makes their regions’ barley and brewing traditions so distinct.From centuries-old heritage to cutting-edge malting innovations, discover how geography, climate, and craftsmanship shape the malt that fuels breweries around the world.

We’re LIVE from Drinktec 2025!In September, we crossed the pond to Munich, Germany to take part in Drinktec, the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry. In this episode, Justine Johnson, our Marketing and Global Events Manager, sits down with CEO Jorge Solis and Chief Growth & Innovation Officer Laurent Debande.They dive into some exciting topics, including:Innovative malt applications like malt-based coffee drinks and malt chocolate cookies.Our sustainability goals for 2030.The latest advances and innovations in the malt world.

We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at American Distilling Institute 2025 in San Antonio! In this episode, we speak to Tim from Ranger Creek about the white dog samples they made for us, Erik Owens from ADI, and Rob Pinson, the liquor lawyer!

This episode highlights two interviews on legislative advocacy in the U.S. craft brewing industry. To begin we discuss the Brewers Association Hill Climb in Washington, D.C., emphasizing its role in strengthening ties with lawmakers and advancing issues like excise tax credits, research funding, and shipping rules. Then we are joined by Travis Bailey and Adriane Hodges from the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. They share their work on the “Beers for Steers” bill, which would give tax credits to brewers donating spent grain to local farmers. They reflect on the challenges of navigating the legislative process and stress the importance of persistence and engagement for other craft brewing organizations. Overall, both interviews underscore the critical role of advocacy in sustaining and growing the craft beer industry.

Featuring: Douglass Miller and Dan Kurzrock.In this episode, hosts Heather Jerred and Brittany Drennan dig into the creative reuse of spent grain, turning brewery waste into culinary and commercial gold.Guests Douglass Miller (Cornell University) and Dan Kurzrock (Upcycled Foods) share how this overlooked byproduct is being transformed into flour, baked goods, snack ingredients, and more. From small-batch brewpubs to large-scale upcycling, they explore the nutritional value, processing tips, and sustainability potential of spent grain.

Featuring: Dyke Beer and The Reflections Project.This podcast explores mental health in the craft beer industry, featuring Dyke Beer founders on building inclusive queer spaces and Molly Flynn on launching The Reflections Project, a nonprofit for mental health support in hospitality. The episode highlights the unique challenges faced by those in the beer industry, such as burnout and lack of access to mental health services. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need to destigmatize mental health issues and create more opportunities for open dialogue and mutual support within the craft beer community.

Featuring: Definitive Brewing and Great Western Malting.We’re getting into the weeds – and the wheat – on this episode. Join the team from Great Western Malting and James Bridwell of Definitive Brewing Co. as we break down the story behind two of GWM’s newest innovations: Low Color Wheat Malt and Chit Malt. From product ideation and malting techniques to sensory trials and brewing applications, we cover how these malts are helping shape the future of hazy IPAs and beyond. Whether you're curious about clarity, foam, flavor, or haze; this episode’s packed with good chit.

We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis! In this episode, we’re playing trivia with attendees on the trade show floor. How much do you know about beer, Indiana, and Indy 500? See if you can beat our guests!Learn more about our CBC events, activities, and new product launches: ⁠countrymalt.com/cbc

We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis! In today's episode, we're joined by Guggman Haus Brewing's husband and wife duo, Derek and Courtney Guggenberger, to discuss our collab beers brewed specially for CBC! Learn more about our CBC events, activities, and new product launches: ⁠countrymalt.com/cbc

We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis! In this episode, we’re having beers with Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. We discuss state of the industry, trends and tariffs.Learn more about our CBC events, activities, and new product launches: ⁠countrymalt.com/cbc

30 years. One blue cargo van. A father-son dream that changed the craft beer industry.In this special episode, we’re sitting down with the founders of Country Malt Group to revisit the humble beginnings and epic evolution of CMG– from a shed in New York to one of the most trusted ingredient suppliers in North America.Join Bryan and Claude Bechard as they reflect on starting a business together, navigating highs and lows, and building a legacy that’s helped shape the brewing and distilling community for three decades. Plus, hear about their favorite memories, industry trends, and what’s next for CMG as we raise a glass to 30 years of malty milestones.

Featuring: Great Western Malting, Canada Malting Co., and Country Malt Group.In this special Women's Month episode, we’re handing the mic to the powerhouse women at our company. They share their career journeys, the challenges they’ve faced in a male-dominated industry, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From breaking barriers to setting bold new goals, these leaders are paving the way for future generations in malting, brewing, distilling, and beyond.Tune in as we raise a glass to the women making malt magic happen!

Featuring: Paul Bee Distillery, Arch Ray Resort, Great Heights Brewing. Pull on your boots and saddle up for this first-of-its-kind collab! In this episode, we’re two-steppin’ into the world of craft distilling with Arch Ray Resort and the Pink Boots Society Houston Chapter as we make history—distilling one of the first-ever whiskies using Pink Boots Malt!At Paul Bee Distillery, head distiller Jerry Elliott and production manager Dustin Cramer teamed up with Houston’s Pink Boots crew to craft a single malt whiskey with a purpose—supporting women and non-binary individuals in brewing and distilling. Guest Abby Hime from Great Heights Brewing shares what Pink Boots Malt means for the industry, while guest special co-host Brittany Drennan keeps the conversation flowing.

The BrewDeck Podcast is back and thriving for Season 6! Since 2020, we’ve been spilling the tea (or should we say beer?) on all things brewing, distilling, and malting, keeping the craft beverage world on trend. To kick off the year, we’re serving a vibe-check on last year’s most iconic episodes. From deep dives into roasted and rye malts, to the non-alcoholic market glow-up and industry-changing convos on diversity and inclusion, these episodes highlight the topics that made waves in 2024. Whether you’re a day-one listener or just tuning in, this countdown is the ultimate rewind.

It’s that time of year—our annual barley summary and crop update is here! In this episode, Toby Tucker, Heather Jerred, and Jon Mendrick guide us through the 2024 Canadian and U.S. barley harvest, comparing it to prior years, the global barley crop, and what brewers and distillers can anticipate for 2025. We also catch up with Product Manager Abi Conner (40:35), who shares highlights from this year’s product releases and gives us an exclusive sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025. This is one of our favorite episodes—a celebration of our hardworking growers, the craft of maltsters, and the exciting year ahead for brewers and distillers. Grab a pint, tune in, and get ready to crop it like it’s hot! Psst! Did the BrewDeck make your top 5 podcasts this year on Spotify Wrapped? We want to thank you! Send us a screenshot on Instagram (@CountryMalt) or email us at ⁠brewdeck@souffletmalt.com⁠ and we'll send you some goodies!