Claim OwnershipBeer and Bullsh*t
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© Copyright 2023 by Ben Johnson
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Join award-winning beer writer Ben Johnson (”The Globe and Mail” ”The Growler” ”Toronto Life”) and his occasional co-host Chris Pellarin as we dive into the stories behind the beer in your glass. Crack open cold ones with brewmasters, industry pros, and some of Canada’s funniest personalities to talk brewery insights, beer industry deep dives, and unfiltered conversations that go way beyond the pint.
114 Episodes
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Ben chats with Brittany Ribalkin about her craft beer journey from studying genetics, to graduating Niagara College’s Brewing Program, to brewing beer at Muskoka Brewery, and becoming the head brewer at Bellwoods Brewery. Plus Shane’s great hair, transparent job postings, the Pink Boots Society and the fate of that long-forgotten third Bellwoods location.
Ben welcomes Stephen Rich to the show to talk about his broad experience in beer from contract brewers, to big beer, and helping build a modest lil' brewery in Blythe. We also talk about his gigs consulting, applying finance guy skills to beer, and the punk rock myth of craft beer.
This week, two old beer-scented ink-slingers chop it up as Jordan St. John returns and joins Ben to reflect on his days as a nationally-syndicated beer columnist, editor of the beer magazine The Growler, and beer instructor at George Brown. They dig into just how incestuous big beer in Canada is, BJCP certification for the dreaded Ontario Pale Ale, and why no one cares about anything any more. Plus: Jordan mentions upstart Bickford Brewing so many times it seems like he might be on the payroll.
Ben welcomes back Shehan Da Silva of Lost Craft Brewery to talk about the evolution of his brewery from a contract operation to one with two tap rooms, RTDs, spirits, and more. They dive into the LCBO system, fostering a sense of community around your business, and trying to ignore Reddit.
Ben chats with Steve Hukari, co-founder of the Southern Ontario Beer Boys, about his work turning a beer-enthusiast social media presence into a charitable enterprise that has raised $100K. Plus "desert island beers," the logistics of returning thousands of empties, softball, learning to love IPAs, Jurassic Park, and Dave Coulier.
Ben welcomes back Matt Tweedy of Tooth and Nail Brewery to talk about Ottawa's beer scene, why chasing hype is a fool’s game, and the stubborn joy of making classic styles well. They dig into Ontario’s latest distribution shake-ups, what it means for small breweries trying to stay afloat, and why Matt would rather perfect a pilsner than cram another gimmick into a fermenter.
Ben welcomes Mare Keefe back to the show to talk about her extensive involvement in female-centred brewing initiatives, Ales for ALS, and the sad fate of The Granite as Toronto desperately searches for somewhere to put some condos. Plus, sour beer, open fermentation, and Oasis.
Scott Simmons, President of the Ontario Craft Brewers, returns to the show to talk to Ben about the evolution of the industry, taxation, codes of conduct, convenience store beer and where it's gone wrong, and the upcoming OCB conference. And why he still wants you to call him to snitch.
Ben rants about the Canadian Brewing Awards, April fools, and the closure of Shacklands Brewing in Toronto. Plus Katy Perry, boner metrics, and curly fries.
Ben chats with filmmaker, actor, and comedian Rob Baker about his CBC documentary series, Locals Welcome, his short film, The Light Before The Sun, and why he fights someone every day. Plus they share hilarious riffs on suffering through terrible comedy, disease, and dead dads.
Ben offers up a quick round-up of local beer news, including a look at how terrible things are and a not-unrelated look at the Premier of Ontario's latest efforts to get 'er done.
Ben and co-host Chris Schryer welcome Obie Simmonds and Ania Donich of the Canadian Brewing Awards to talk about the beer awards landscape, being a "a non-beer guy" in the beer industry, trying to make craaft beer relevant to Joe Schmo, and leveraging influencers; plus Obie kind of sort gives us a sneak peek at "The Best Beer Project" and his plans ofr taking on Untappd.
Ben and Chris celebrate 101 episodes with a live streamed video episode featuring a special message from Buck Martinez, a surprise call-in from Indie Alehouse’s Jason Fisher, and wa back log of burning listener questions; plus we discuss convenience store beer, the new wave of Ontario beer influencers, Hazy IPA monoculture, and the all mighty lager.
Ben chats with Brad Campeau of Brew Donkey and goes deep on all things Ottawa. Yes, Ottawa! They talk about why Ottawa beer folks might have a bit of a chip on their shoulder, TICO, zip zip zip hooray, cannabis, and why Brad's all in on "a really expensive way to get drunk."
Ben welcomes guest co-host Christ Schryer to chat with Richard Preiss, cofounder of Escarpment Labs, to talk about harvesting yeast from a wasp’s guts, ice machine drains, and their merger with Le Labo Solutions Brassicole to become Canada's Big Yeast. Plus fun facts about Wayne Gretzky, how to make your taproom more profitable, and why lambic romanticism has faded and nobody is using their stupid coolships any more.
Ben chats with Alex and Emily of Lovebird Brewing about their transition from contract brewing for their eponymous snack club to building a bricks and mortar spot in Meaford, plus putting the GGBA on the map, east coast-style barbecue, reluctant AGCO compliance, and converting the après ski crowd to saisons.
Ben chats with Emma Maganja, Worker Owner at London Brewing, about running a brewery as a co-operative, the pros and cons of being organic, Euchre nights, converting her dad from Rickard's Red, and her company's ongoing blood feud with Gavin Anderson.
Ben sits down with Chris Schryer of the Toronto Beer Podcast to talk about the decline of beer writing, mediocre BBC/CBC Christmas dramas from the 1970s, the inside scoop on the Canada Post strike, and why Chris is missing out by skipping Die Hard and all the MCU movies.
Ben unveils his new gig as "beer selector" for London's Bicycle Cafe, talks about Getting Struck, the Burdock Brewery / Kirkland Signature partnership we need, and the top selling beers in the LCBO this year.
Ben welcomes Matt Park of Toronto's Burdock Brewery to discuss secret concerts, hosting literal gong shows, the burden of being Katie Perry's Sister's favourite pickle seltzer, and brewing the McRib of the beer world.
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