Between Two Fermenters

In this episode of Between 2 Fermenters, host Troy Burtch of Great Lakes Brewery sits down with Tomas and Julian Morana, the brothers who have redefined Toronto’s beer scene. From the legendary Bar Volo and Birreria Volo, to Keep Six Imports, Cask Days, and their latest venture Bottega Volo, the Moranas have built an empire that shaped Ontario’s craft beer scene while putting Toronto on the global stage. Together, the Morana’s discuss their journey - growing up in the original Caffé Volo as young boys, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, their design-driven approach to hospitality, and how they’ve carried forward their father Ralph’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a beer bar can be. They get into all the ventures and projects that are tackling and share why and how they are intentional in all they do.  In this episode: The evolution of Volo from their perspective - from Caffé Volo to Bar Volo, Birreria Volo, and beyond How Keep Six Imports and Cask Days helped connect Ontario to the global beer community Balancing family, fatherhood, and running multiple venues The Moranas’ design and travel influences that shape the look and feel of their spaces Carrying forward Ralph Morana’s legacy while making their own mark on Canadian beer culture Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Ontario’s craft beer scene is changing fast, very fast, and nobody knows that better than Jason Stein. When a large distributor of craft beer announced it was shutting down their beer operation, breweries scrambled to find new ways to get their beer to market. Enter FIL Delivery Inc., the logistics company Jason founded in 2020. In this episode, host Troy Burtch of Great Lakes Brewery sits down with Jason to talk about the rise of FIL Delivery, the challenges of scaling from two vans to a fleet of 36 trucks, and how technology is reshaping beer distribution. They also dive into Jason’s other passion project, Burdock Brewery (Co-Founder), a Toronto staple known for its lagers, experimental wine-beer hybrids, thriving live music venue, and laying down roots in Toronto’s Kensington Market neighbourhood. From turning lemons into lemonade during the pandemic, Jason shares candid insights on entrepreneurship, growth, and staying independent in a rapidly shifting industry. How FIL Delivery scaled from two vans to a province-wide fleet The role of technology in modern beer logistics Burdock Brewery’s origin story and its unique blend of beer, wine, and music How the Kensington Market neighbourhood has accepted Burdock Lessons Jason has learned about growth, risk, and staying focused Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

This episode of Between Two Fermenters welcomes Brad McInerney, Marketing Director at Wellington Brewery, to the show. With nearly two decades under his belt at one of Canada’s original craft breweries, Brad’s journey started on the packaging line and grew into shaping the brand’s creative vision, events, and community impact. Host Troy Burtch dives into Brad’s story - from booking punk shows in Hamilton to leading Wellington’s marketing and sales, building a thriving taproom, and helping define Guelph’s beer culture through initiatives like the Guelph Beer Bus (named Ontario’s Culinary Tourism Event of the Year, 2023). The fellas talk Wellington’s rich 40-year history, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, the return of cask ale, and what’s ahead for one of Ontario’s oldest independent breweries.  What’s Inside This Episode: Brad’s start on Wellington’s packaging line and rise to Marketing Director How booking punk shows shaped his approach to beer and community The story behind the award-winning Guelph Beer Bus Wellington Brewery’s 40-year legacy and upcoming anniversary celebrations Balancing tradition with innovation in craft beer Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Hilary Hoogsteen’s path in craft beer has taken her from British Columbia to Northern Ontario and now onto the national stage. After time spent at Fernie Brewing (BC) and Sleeping Giant Brewing (Thunder Bay, ON), she has taken on the roles as Competition Director for the Canada Beer Cup alongside the contributions she has made through her work with both the Canadian Craft Brewers Association and Ontario Craft Brewers. In this episode, Hilary sits down with host Troy Burtch to talk about the evolution of her career, the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian breweries, and what it takes to organize one of the country’s most ambitious beer competitions. She also provides an overview of the growing craft beer culture in Thunder Bay and reflects on the community that continues to inspire her work. They also discuss:  The work that the CCBA and OCB are doing for independent breweries Elevating Canadian brewing on a global stage through the Canada Beer Cup  Offers a behind the scenes tour of Thunder Bay’s beer scene Life, family, and finding balance in a passion-driven industry Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch sits down with Great Lakes Brewery’s Experiences Manager, Nick Densmore, to talk about the second annual Brewed For You Festival, taking place Saturday August 30th at GLB in glorious Etobicoke. The fellas also discuss the upcoming 25th anniversary of opening the GLB retail store and what they will be doing to celebrate it.Troy and Nick chat about: What makes this brewery-run beer festival truly equitable and community-driven Two epic music sessions: 80s cover band Born in the 80s and 90s legends Discmen Festival food lineup featuring smash burgers, momos, BBQ, and more A sneak peek at the exclusive Brewed For You festival beer How to get there (hint: free shuttles from TTC & GO) Why $30 gets you way more than just entry Brewed for you Festival - sponsored by Zenan GlasswareWhether you attended last year or are a curious newcomer for BFY Fest, this episode will get you hyped for one of Ontario’s most anticipated craft beer events. Grab your tickets, rally your buds, and get ready to “drink beer from here”! Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch is joined by the dynamic Catherine Oppedisano, VP of Marketing at Steam Whistle Brewing. From a memorable one-night shift with Great Lakes Brewery in 2012 to spearheading major brand revivals across Ontario’s craft beer landscape, Catherine shares her inspiring journey through the industry. Catherine reflects on her early beer days, her pivotal introductory role in beer at Flying Monkeys, educational years at Mill Street, the huge growth experienced at Collective Arts, and now the fun she’s having at Steam Whistle. She dives into lessons learned while navigating takeovers, driving innovation, creating memorable campaigns, and leading one of the country's most recognizable beer brands back to its roots. Get ready for a fun, fast-paced conversation full of branding gold, beer nostalgia, and candid insights from one of Ontario’s most respected marketing minds. Some highlights in this episode: Getting her start at Great Lakes and learning to “figure it out” on the go The influence of creative mentors and DIY design roots Reinventing Steam Whistle’s brand while respecting its legacy Why brand consistency is more powerful than perfection Navigating the intersection of marketing, creativity, and strategy Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this 40th episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch sits down with longtime friend, former Great Lakes Brewery legend, and mixed-fermentation evangelist Rob ‘Bobo’ Hern, founder of Short Finger Brewing Co. in Kitchener-Waterloo. From sorting empties at the Beer Store to forging his own DIY path in Ontario's craft beer scene in homebrewing, Rob’s journey is packed with perseverance, weirdness, and a whole lot of passion and hard work. Troy and Rob reminisce about their GLB days, including the time a ping pong table took over the office, rooftop beers, the early years and the wild west attitude, and off-roading in questionable company vehicles. Rob reflects on how a love for homebrewing, a rogue furniture relocation incident, and support from his brilliant wife helped shape the vision for Short Finger, a brewery now known for its bold barrel-aged and mixed-fermentation offerings. Some highlights: The origins of the nickname "Bobo" Starting Short Finger from a homebrew shop in his basement Influences from Mike Lackey and the GLB crew Kitchener-Waterloo as the perfect place for Short Finger The legacy of homebrew competitions, pumpkin ale, and forgotten couches Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Host Troy Burtch of Great Lakes Brewery is joined by Sam Corbeil, the mustachioed brewmaster and co-founder of Sawdust City Brewing Co. in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Known for his big ideas and even bigger beers, Sam opens up about his journey from the world of advertising to becoming one of Ontario’s most recognized people in craft brewing.  The conversation traces his early days at Magnotta, Robert Simpson (now Flying Monkeys), and Mill Street, his brewing education in Berlin, and the birth of Sawdust City. Along the way, Sam reflects on the changing landscape of Ontario’s beer scene, the value of community and giving back to others (paying it forward), and what it takes to remain an independent brewery in an evolving industry. Troy and Sam discuss how they first met and how they worked together back in the day, dig into the recent “merger” between Sawdust City and Lake of Bays Brewing, and much more.  This is a rich, honest, and passionate conversation that blends storytelling, friendship, and a deep love for craft. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, we're welcoming back a familiar voice in Scott Simmons, President of theOntario Craft Brewers Association (OCB). If there’s anyone who knows how to navigate the ever-changing intersection of beer and policy, it’s Scott. He joins Troy to unpack what many are calling a game-changing and historic moment for Ontario’s craft beer industry: the recent 2025 provincial budget. Troy and Scott discuss what was announced, why it matters, and what it means for both brewers and beer drinkers alike. From tax relief and retail reforms to red tape reduction and long-overdue modernization efforts, Scott breaks down the wins, the work still ahead, and the exciting direction things are headed in. They also get into the role of the OCB moving forward, how breweries can stay engaged, and why this moment is bigger than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery is where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy Burtch is joined by someone who’s had a profound impact on his life - a mentor, pioneer, and dear friend: Ron Keefe, founder of Toronto’s family-owned Granite Brewery. If you heard Episode 15 with his daughter Mary-Beth, you’ll know how much the Keefe family means to Troy. Ron welcomed him into the world of Ontario craft beer back in 2007, answering every question with patience and generosity, and later entrusted me with his Beer Appreciation course at George Brown College. His quiet leadership, deep knowledge, and genuine kindness have shaped not just Troy’s beer journey, but the paths of countless others in the industry. In this wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, we explore Ron’s life before the Granite, the origins of the brewery in Halifax (opened by his late brother, Kevin Keefe), and how it became a midtown Toronto institution. We talked about the joys and challenges of running a family business, what it means to build a legacy, and Ron’s role in pushing for licensing reforms that opened doors for so many Ontario brewers. We also discussed his battle with ALS and the powerful story behind Ron’s Lager. Ron may be modest, but his influence is undeniable - this is a conversation with one of Ontario’s true craft beer trailblazers. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Kangaroo Wants to Fight... Troy is joined by Craig Thorn and Nathan Lefebvre from Beer and Other Shit - or BAOS, as most know it as - a multimedia craft beer platform that’s been serving up content since 2015. Alongside co-host Tiffany Alexis Davey (Thorn's better half), the BAOS crew produces one of the longest-running beer podcasts around, featuring in-depth conversations with brewers, owners, and industry insiders. Their episodes dive into everything from brewing techniques and marketing strategies to the personal stories that shape the people behind the pours and pints.  Beyond the podcast, BAOS keeps busy with beer reviews, brewery visits, and candid one-on-ones through their YouTube web series and blog - including pieces like “Top 10 Breweries in Ontario for 2024” (EVEN THOUGH THEY DIDN’T CHOOSE GLB). Craig and Tiffany also founded Link UP, a not-for-profit aimed at increasing BIPOC representation in craft beer through collaboration, education, and access. With 2025 marking their 10th anniversary, they’re throwing a celebratory beer festival in partnership with breweries across Ontario and Quebec, and we got in on the fun by brewing Kangaroo Wants to Fight IPA together. In this episode, we’ll cover the BAOS origin story, the impact of Link UP, what’s in store for the big anniversary, and why Thorn can’t stop screaming in photos.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com.Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch welcomes Troy Baxter, Co-Founder and Brewer at Badlands Brewery from Caledon, Ontario, a small-but-mighty ‘farm’ brewery turning heads (and hops) across the province. From a 1-barrel system in a retrofitted calf barn (2017) to a 15-barrel “IPA factory,” Badlands has built a loyal following for their hazy, hop-forward beers, all brewed on a 100-acre working farm with Holsteins grazing just a few steps away. No LCBO sales. No Beer Store presence (anymore). Just straight-from-the-brewery freshness done their way.  In this episode, we dig into Troy’s unconventional journey from an inexperienced homebrewer to head brewer with zero formal training and zero investors alongside his wife Grace and longtime friend Mike. Burtch gets Troy to tell the story of the legendary beer bus (taproom), why the cows are basically on payroll, and what it means to keep things small, and rooted in community. The fellas crack some beers, discuss Badlands’ history, the underrated power of brewery blogs, and hear firsthand what it’s like to turn a family farm into one of Ontario’s most buzzed-about breweries. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.  

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy cracks a cold one with Kristin MacDonald, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Muskoka Brewery, to hear her incredible journey from Summer Brand Rep in 2010 to executive leadership. They dive into the history of Muskoka Brewery, from its humble beginnings in a Bracebridge granary in 1996 to becoming a cornerstone of Ontario craft beer and a community landmark in the heart of cottage country, and how Kristin’s father, Bob MacDonald, helped steer its growth after becoming majority owner in 2008. Kristin shares what it’s been like to grow alongside the brewery, taking on nearly every role imaginable (9 positions), getting to know the business inside and out. They also chat about Kristin contributing to the purchase of Vancouver Island Brewery and Rally Beer Co. through the family-run Krismark Holdings and the impact that had on the brewery and why these acquisitions were made.Troy and Kristin cover everything from Muskoka’s most iconic beers and the rise of Muskoka Spirits to tough decisions like the closure of VIB, the impact teamwork has had on the success of the brewery, and what the next chapter looks like for this proudly independent family-owned business. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

You know the name. You’ve heard about the beer. Big Rock Brewery has been a pillar of Canadian craft brewing since 1985, founded by Ed McNally, a Calgary-based lawyer, farmer, and visionary who was fed up with boring mass-produced lagers and decided to do something about it (attaboy, Ed). From just three original beers Traditional Ale (TRAD), Porter, and Bitter to trailblazing brews like Grasshopper Wheat Ale, Big Rock helped kickstart not just Alberta’s craft beer scene, but Canada’s. Today on the pod, we’re heading west. To the land of big rocks, big hats, and, apparently, bowties. I’m joined by none other than Brad Goddard, Vice President of Innovation, Business Development, and Government Relations at Big Rock Brewery. He’s also the Chair of the Coalition of Canadian Independent Craft Breweries (CCICB) and the Alberta Small Brewers Association. If anyone knows what’s brewing - politically, economically, or in the tanks - it’s Brad. We’ll chat about Big Rock’s roots and its role in shaping the Canadian craft scene, the challenges and opportunities facing independent brewers today, and how Brad went from chasing acting gigs in Toronto to pulling off a legendary twin switcheroo at Steam Whistle (yes, we’re telling that story). And friends, Brad is an excellent storyteller!  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

We’ve got a special episode for you today - shorter, but packed with flavour, just like the beer we’re celebrating. We’re taking you lakeside, where sunshine, hops, and good vibes come together in a can of pure refreshment. This one’s all about Sunnyside Session IPA and our province-wide celebration, SUNNY DAY. We’ll take you behind the scenes, diving into the history of Sunnyside, its rise to fame, and the story of the cheerful little guy on the label, Roland Baggetts... who might just introduce himself. Troy is also joined by Sharla Paino, GLB’s Content Marketing Manager, who will break down what Sunny Day is all about and how you can get involved on Friday, April 4. And of course, we couldn’t do this episode without the voices of GLB staff, sharing their love for this iconic beer. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to followGreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy sits down with one of Canada’s most serious, passionate, and proud brewers - Matt Tweedy, co-owner and Brewing Director at Ottawa’s Tooth and Nail Brewery.  Matt’s dedication to the craft is second to none. From honing his skills at legendary breweries like Cantillon in Belgium, Lost Abbey in the US, and Fullers in the UK, to flourishing in Ontario’s beer scene at King Brewery, Beau’s, and Toronto’s iconic beerbistro, his journey has been relentless in the pursuit of brewing perfection. Now, as Tooth and Nail celebrates its 10th anniversary, Matt continues to push boundaries, earning respect across the industry, especially for his Vim and Vigor Pilsner, a beer beloved by brewers and drinkers alike. Troy and Matt dive into his brewing philosophy, the origins of Tooth and Nail, and his path through some of the most influential breweries in the world and how it shaped him as a brewer. Plus, we chat about his latest collaboration brew with GLB, reviving an extinct East German pilsner style, the Pilsator. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to followGreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

If you’ve ever browsed the beer section at your local bookstore, chances are you’ve seen the name Stephen Beaumont. Stephen is the author of an astounding 15 beer books, and his work has graced the pages of The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Whisky Advocate, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast, and even Playboy. He’s also contributed to legendary beer publications likeAll About Beer, The Celebrator, Ale Street News, and TAPS Beer Magazine. With a career spanning over three decades, Stephen is Canada’s longest-tenured beer writer, a globally recognized beer judge, and was a co-founder of the iconic Toronto beer destination, Beerbistro. When he’s not jet-setting to the world’s greatest breweries, he’s sharing his no-nonsense, expert opinions on his platform, Beaumont Drinks. In this episode, we cover it all - his early days as a beer writer, the evolution of beer journalism, why Canadian beer is amazing, his insights as a beer judge, and his take on where beer is headed.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Ever had a flat, foamy, or off-tasting pint? Chances are that the problem wasn’t the beer... it was the draught system. On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, we’re pulling back the tap handle and diving deep into the world of draught quality with Paddy Treacy, Founder of Northern Lines, a Toronto-based company specializing in draught line cleaning, repair, and installation. Paddy has been ensuring top-notch beer quality for Great Lakes Brewery and others for years now, encountering everything from horror-story-worthy lines to perfectly dialed-in systems. In this episode, he shares insider knowledge on the importance of regular draught line maintenance, best practices for achieving the perfect pour, the wildest things he’s seen on the job and who’s really responsible for keeping beer lines clean (and why it’s a hot topic in the industry). Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a bartender, or a brewery owner, this episode is packed with insights that’ll change the way you think about draught beer.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

The guest on this episode is nothing short of a legend. Some call him the Godfather of beer in Ontario, while others simply call him Ralph. Ralph Morana is the visionary behind Bar Volo, Cask Days, Birreria Volo, and so much more—a man who has shaped craft beer culture in Toronto, across Ontario, and beyond. From transforming an Italian café on a corner of Yonge Street into one of North America's most influential beer spots to pioneering cask ale in Ontario, launching the IPA Challenge, and building Cask Days into an internationally recognized event, Ralph has done it all, inspiring so many along the way. Bar Volo gave brewers a space to experiment, connect, and push boundaries. It helped shape the beer industry we know today.  Ralph’s story has been told many times, but rarely by the man himself. With this episode, we change that, as we sit down with Ralph to reflect on his journey, the stories behind Bar Volo, and the legacy he continues to build with his sons, Tomas and Julian, with their always evolving locations.   Thank you for tuning into the#BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to followGreatLakesBeer on all social channels.greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted byTroy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Welcome to Between Two Fermenters, the podcast where we dive deep into the stories shaping the craft beer industry. In this episode, Troy sits down with Natasha Fritzley, President of Cowbell Brewery, to explore her incredible journey through various leadership roles since joining the company before its doors opened in August 2017.  We’ll discuss the story of Cowbell, often referred to as Canada’s Destination Brewery. Natasha shares insights into its massive facility in Blyth, Ontario, the Sparling family’s bold vision to create such a brewery, and the company’s commitment to sustainability and beer tourism.  Beyond Cowbell, Natasha is a leader in Ontario’s craft beverage industry, serving as Chair of the Ontario Craft Ready-to-Drink Coalition and a Board Member of the Ontario Craft Brewers Association (OCB). Troy and Natasha explore her advocacy for small breweries and the policy changes she’s championing. Natasha also shares her thoughts on leadership, why understanding a business from the ground up is key, and her advice for aspiring industry leaders.  Cole’s Notes returns with Cole Raiskums, GLB’s Quality Assurance Lab Supervisor. Cole takes us on a colourful tour into the history of colour measurement in beer, and how it is related to the invention of colour printers.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.