Brewsing Banter

This week the Legendary Brew Crew pulls up t0 The Mecca, and it’s a whole vibe. We chop it up with Sizzle Perry, founder of Crafted Culture and Mecca Beverage House, about building Central Ohio’s first Black-owned brewery collective where collaboration is the culture and the vibe is the fuel.From hard lemonade infused with fruit wine to 21% Braggots on tap, Sizzle breaks down how he turned shared space into shared success, creating a home for Black brewers to grow, brew, and thrive together. We talk community, inclusion over acceptance, and why “the only is a lonely.”Expect laughs, lessons, and a few live bar moments straight from inside The Mecca, boosters, lamb chops, and all. It’s authenticity on tap and good energy in every pour.What We’re Drinking:Hoochie Daddy Shorts - Hard Lemonade (10.2%) by Crafted CultureConvivium - Pilser (5%) from Sgraffito BeerFour Paths of Light - American Pale Ale (5.5%) by Elder Pine Brewing & Blending

What happens when a classically trained music teacher trades sheet music for stainless steel? In this episode the Legendary Brew Crew, chop it up with Shalanda Jackson, a New Jersey native turned New Orleans brewer, about her wild career pivot from teaching to tank cleaning and how it led to her creating space for culture and color in craft beer.We talk about: The hustle of brewing at Urban South, one of Louisiana’s biggest breweriesHow her music background helps her find rhythm in recipe developmentThe realities of brewing in New Orleans heat (spoiler: swamp ass is real)Building Hues and Brews and bringing Black creativity into the beer sceneHer trip to Yakima Chief Hops with the Michael James Jackson FoundationGrab a glass, pull up a chair, and let’s toast to passion, pivots, and purpose.What We’re Drinking:Czech Pilsner - Urban South Tropic Wanderer - Tropical Wheat Ale collab from Mack Brewing x Grist HouseQueen’s Gold Lager - Bluejay Brewing x The Exbeerience

What up Brewsers! This week the Legendary Brew Crew chops it up with Sweet Mama herself, Jen Heasley, the force behind Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce. From running track at Penn State to running a catering business, Jen walks us through her journey from teaching in the classroom to teaching taste buds everywhere. She breaks down the story behind her signature sauces (yes, eight flavors and counting), the hustle of getting them onto store shelves, and why catering remains the true heart of her business. Along the way, we dive into the grind of entrepreneurship, the importance of community support, and what it really takes to build a brand from scratch.This episode is equal parts laughs, food talk, and entrepreneurial gems. Pull up a chair, crack a brew, and get a taste of that kiss of deliciousness.We sip on Big Oyster’s crisp Atlantico Mexican Lager and their collab with Beer Babes Family, Babes Brew a decadent Raspberry Peach Cheesecake Sour, pairing them up with Jen’s spread of mambo wings, Creole shrimp and grits, fried whiting, and more.

What up, Brewsers! The Legendary Brew Crew is back and we’re tapping in with none other than Greg Engert, Partner & Beer Director of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group and the force behind Snallygaster, D.C.’s monster of a beer festival.We crack open some brews and chop it up about Greg’s journey from studying English lit to curating world-class beer programs, the wild origins of Snallygaster, and how a small Oktoberfest parking lot party turned into one of the nation’s most epic beer fests. Greg shares stories about rare pours, the art of balancing hype beers with classics, and why bringing community together over a pint means more than just drinking.Of course, we get into what we’re drinking, swap some food pairing stories (yes, even mustard on watermelon), and talk about the culture, music, and madness that make festivals like this unforgettable.Grab a brew, pull up a chair, and ride with us — this one’s packed with history, hops, and plenty of banter. Don't forget your tickets to this year's festival.What We Drinking:Hefeweizen (5.4%) - Weihenstephaner - Fruity, lightly spicy, smooth wheat beer. Brewed by the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery (since 1040).Salt-N-Lime (5.3%) - Blonde Ale with Salt & Lime - A Collab Shoehorn Brewery × Exbeerience, heavy lime peel flavor, tart with a salty edgeYoungling (5.0%) - American Amber Lager - Big Oyster Brewery, Smooth, toasty malt character, amber color

What up, Brewsers! In this episode, the Legendary Brew Crew sits down with Kevin Irvin, co-founder of Draught Season, Director of Strategy for Crafting for Action, and the first Black president of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. We chop it up about his journey in beer, the fight for self-distribution in Georgia, and why building “proof of concept” matters for breweries trying to thrive in today’s shifting craft landscape.From sipping on collab brews like Stone Fruit Peach Kush Kölsch to breaking down how guilds advocate for local breweries, Kevin keeps it real about the challenges, opportunities, and the power of community in beer. We also dive into the history-making moment of his presidency, what it means for Black beer culture, and how he plans to use his platform to elevate Georgia beer on the national stage.So crack a brew, pull up a chair, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts history, hustle, and hops.What We DrinkingStone Fruit Peach Kush Kölsch (5.5% ABV)A crisp Barrel & Flow Fest collab brew from Draught Season, Crafted for Action and Velum Fermentation with peach, dank terps, and clean Kölsch vibes.Stout Kween from Oak Park Brewing (10% ABV)Brewed with sweet orange peel, vanilla, and cocoa nibs. Big, boozy, roasted, with a little burnt bitterness on the finish.

What up Brewsers! On this episode the Legendary Brew Crew crack open some dope collabs and chop it up with Marcus Wyatt, the history-making founder of Windy Bridges Brew, the very first Black-owned brewery in Pittsburgh. From sipping Heinekens at the cookout to turning his garage into a brewhouse, Marcus takes us through his wild journey into craft beer.We get into his first brews, his serendipitous link-up with Day Bracey, founder of Barrel and Flow, and how community, family, and culture shaped his vision. Marcus drops gems about breaking barriers in beer, building a brand from the ground up, and why his mission is simple: make beer that tastes like beer.What We’re DrinkingSoursop City – a Barrel & Flow collab from Windy Bridges Brew and Alter Genius, a light 4.5% soursop Kölsch built for hot festival days.You Deserve a Long Weekend – a Barrel & Flow collab from Nicole Young Tech and Allegheny City Brewing, a 3.8% ale with grape notes and with Nelson Sauvin hops.Airport Hugs – an ESB from Modern Brewery (St. Louis). Easy at 4.9% ABV, clean and smooth.

What up, Brewsers! The Legendary Brew Crew is back in the building, and this week we’ve got our guy Elliot Johnson, CEO of Soul Mega, pulling up for his second round on the mic. We crack open some fresh pours and swap stories fresh off Barrel & Flow Fest, a weekend that felt like a family reunion for the Black craft beer scene. From collab brews to skating rink vibes, we break down the festival’s growth, the people, and the love in the air.Elliot takes us behind the scenes of pouring at Barrel & Flow, building Soul Mega’s footprint in the DMV and beyond, and why Mega Fest 2025 is leveling all the way up with DJs, block party energy, and a whole lot more than beer. We’re talking brand building, community connections, and how a festival can be for everybody.Whether you’re a craft beer vet or just here for the party, this episode is full of laughs, gems, and a reminder that beer is only part of the story, we’re here for the culture.What We’re Drinking 🍺Remix – Belgian wit with lemongrass and lime, a collab from Black Viking & New France, sipped fresh from the Barrel & Flow haul.Key Lime Pie-fect – A tart, refreshing key lime–inspired sour ale from Shoehorn Brewing in Belleville, IL.Rhine Ghost Boat – Light, crisp Kölsch, with subtle pear notes and soft bready malt from Autumn Arch Beer Project.Water – Because sometimes you’ve got to pace yourself after a big festival weekend.

What up Brewsers!! In this episode, the Legendary Brew Crew cracks open a few brews and chops it up with Dom and Nicole Draper aka The Voiceover Couple. We dive into their journey from side hustlers to full-time storytellers, building a voiceover business from scratch and betting big on their vision (and each other). Plus, we talk the wildest VO request they’ve ever gotten (you’ll never sneeze the same again) and how they’re paying it forward by bringing the next generation into the booth. This convo is equal parts game and grit.What We’re Drinking:Bilbous - New Zealand Bitter, 5% - Sacred Vice Brewing249 Years Later - American Wheat Beer, 4.5% - Autumn Arch Beer ProjectCabernet Sauvignon - Bota Box

What up, Brewsers! The Legendary Brew Crew are back with a special guest who wears ALL the hats—Morgan Robinson, founder of the Hospitality Coalition and part owner of Charlotte’s Babe Cave cocktail bar.We sip, laugh, and talk hospitality hustle. Morgan takes us through her 20-year journey in the industry, from Chick-fil-A at 14 to opening bars, throwing cocktail competitions, and creating spaces that center women’s experiences. We get into her love for craft cocktails, the art of slow-melting ice, and even why she proudly embraces her villain era (yep, she’s team Ursula and Maleficent!).We also talk boundary setting, the real behind-the-scenes of opening a bar, and the power of women creating opportunities for other women. Oh, and there’s plenty of banter about Disney villains, smoky beers, and even brothel algorithms.So grab a drink—maybe a Grand Marnier on ice like Morgan—and pull up a chair. This one’s a vibe.What we’re drinking: Grand Marnier on ice This World and the Other Smoked Helles Lager from Wilmington Brew WorksTap in and hear how hospitality, empowerment, and a little villain energy can change the game.5th AnnualBattle of the Babes Cocktail CompetitionSeptember 28, 2025 4PM-8PMMerchant + Trade303 N Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202Tickets

What up, Brewsers! In this flavorful episode, we chop it up with JulieAnne Cross, the mastermind behind the Delaware Burger Battle—an epic clash of buns, beef, and bragging rights. From its beer-soaked beginnings at Twin Lakes Brewery to becoming a must-attend, sold-out summer showdown, JulieAnne shares how the Burger Battle is more than just buns and beef—it’s a full-on community celebration with a charitable heart.From meaty strategies for burger domination to the art of judging the perfect patty, this one’s stacked with laughs, flavor, and heart. Whether you're a foodie, beer nerd, or just hungry, this episode has something for everyone.What We Drinkin’:Blueberry Pomegranate Magic Sour Ale by Heavy SeasOrange Dog Nation White Ale by Dr. Brewlittle’sYuza Blonde Ale by DokkaebierSpecial guest JulieAnne keeps it crisp with a LaCroix, saving room for the burger madness.

What up, Brewsers! This week, the crew links up with the powerhouse trio behind Crafted For Action—Jen Price, Shanelle Pickraum, and Kevin “Swirv” Irvin—for a special kickoff to their annual conference. We talk everything from emergency lagers and fridge-aged sours (yikes) to building a thriving, inclusive craft beverage culture in Atlanta and beyond.Jen breaks down how Crafted For Action started as a pivot from a pandemic-halted beer boutique dream and grew into a nationwide platform for education, equity, and opportunity in craft beer, wine, and spirits. Shanelle shares the sisterhood that sparked it all, while Swirv lets us in on how he “self-nominated” his way onto the team—and why community is the heartbeat of it all.From the Fellows Pitch Competition to Sunday Service beer shares, this episode is a vibe. If you’ve ever wanted to blend purpose with pints, this one’s for you.If you missed Crafted For Action in 2025—trust, you felt that FOMO. But don’t let it happen again. Mark your calendars, prep your palate, and pull up next year. You don’t want to just hear about the vibes—you want to experience them.

What up, Brewsers! On this episode the Legendary Brew Crew serve up a chilled pint of banter, brews, and bold opinions.🍻 Craft Beer News & Local Shoutouts:RIP to Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing and godfather of Asheville’s craft beer scene.Philly Beer Week gets love as the crew promotes Human Robot’s Logjammin’ fest and the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon beer collab.Wilmington Brew Works is expanding—right next to a donut and BBQ joint, no less.Delaware breweries entering the THC/CBD seltzer chat as local laws evolve.🏀 Random Buzzer-Beater Banter: Is the NBA ready for an OKC vs. Indiana Finals? Probably not. But we are. Plus, Halliburton’s glow-up, cheesesteak debates, and why the Midwest should really be called the Mideast.🎬 Deep Dive Documentary Talk: Rob drops gems from HBO’s new Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman) documentary—touching on identity, fame, and the complicated layers of being a cultural icon.🔥 Hot Takes & Sidebar Shenanigans: From state border conspiracies and sting operations disguised as Redskins ticket giveaways, to whether cheesesteaks should ever require a fork—no topic is too random for the crew.🍺 What We Drinking?Rob cracks open "November Yankee Charlie," an easy-drinking 4.7% American lager from JAKL Beer Works, brewed in honor of a Vietnam vet. Meanwhile, Lew sips on a different kind of brew—coffee with extra French vanilla. No judgment.

What up Brewsers! This week, the Legendary Brew Crew is back and we're bringing the vibes from coast to coast. We’re sipping everything from hazy IPAs to smoothie-style sours, but the real buzz came from our conversation with bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and Soul Seeker podcast host Sam Kabert. Sam joined us to crack open more than just brews — he dropped deep knowledge on plant medicine, ayahuasca journeys, breathwork, and how reprogramming the subconscious mind can help us finally chill out and deal with our real baggage (not just the annoying beer fridge that won’t stay cold).We talked about:The real reason you might pop off in traffic (hint: it's not just that guy who cut you off)How ayahuasca flipped Sam’s world upside downBreathwork as the cheat code for emotional regulationWhy healing ain’t for the faint of heart, but it is worth itSo grab your favorite brew, take a deep breath, and join us for a wild ride of banter, balance, and better vibes.🔗 Subscribe, like, and hit us up on YouTube to keep the party going.What we drinking:Cold Pressed Hazy IPA from Alvarado Street Brewery (Salinas/Monterey, CA) – smooth, citrusy, 6.5% ABVThrills Fabric smoothie-style sour from Dewey Beer Co. – raspberry, mango, sweet cherry, and birthday cake (but mostly fruit!). 5.25% ABV and thick like a smoothie.Fonio Rising Pale Ale by Brooklyn Brewery – brewed with a West African super grain for sustainability. 5% ABV and smooth enough to say “Pass me another!

What up Brewsers! This week, the Legendary Brew Crew kicks it with Youngwon Lee, founder of Dokkaebier, a bold award winning brewery infusing Asian flavors and stories into every pint. We crack open a Rice Kölsch and a wild card Kimchi Sour (yep, you read that right) while Youngwon breaks down how a Korean kid turned global wine hustler ended up repping his roots through experimental beer in Cali.From jasmine rice and yuzu citrus to kettle-souring with actual kimchi culture (who knew?), we dive into what makes Dokkaebier taste—and feel—different. It’s not just about ingredients, it’s about identity, community, and flipping the beer script being Unapologetically Asian, Unmistakably Craft. Plus, the gang debates spice levels, label easter eggs, and whether oyster sauce belongs in a stout (spoiler: not like that).AAPI Heritage Month gets its shine, and Youngwon drops real talk on growing up Korean American, representation in craft brewing, and the mythic meaning behind the Dokkaebi name.Grab a can, crack it open, and ride with us. This one’s got heat.

The Legendary Brew Crew is back hashing out everything from the nuanced naming of our listeners (brewsers vs. brewsettes, anyone?) to a hilarious debate on Spanish grammar and identity politics. Then we sink our fangs into Ryan Coogler's certified horror hit Sinners (spoiler alert). From dissecting Michael B. Jordan’s subtle flex to the film's wild genre mashup, we unpack whether the vampires were even necessary or just some spicy seasoning on an already flavorful stew of storytelling.Plus, we give flowers to the “Roof Is On Fire” musical moment, break down garlic etiquette in vampire hunting, and debate passing in 1930s Mississippi. Oh, and mall-walking?🍻 What We’re Drinking This Episode:Secret Machine Caribbean Harmony - Dewey Beer Co.A 7% ABV fruit smoothie beer bursting with dragon fruit, pineapple, guava, and tangerine. Smooth, juicy, and straight-up tropical.Mexcelente Negra - Wilmington Brew WorksA 4.3% dark Mexican lager with smooth drinkability and just enough roast.

What up Brewsers! Rob G’s flying solo on this one—but he’s not alone. He links up with craft beer enthusiast and community advocate Jordan Harvey, known online as Beers Around the Way. Jordan shares his hop-filled journey from sipping commercial brews to becoming a passionate advocate for diversity in the craft beer scene.But it’s not just about what’s in the glass. Jordan also highlights his role in the Harvey Wilder Foundation, a family-founded nonprofit supporting HBCU students through scholarships and passport grants. It’s beer, community, culture—and a bit of travel too.Plus, hear about his role with DC Beer, hosting events, writing articles, and advocating for the beer-loving community in the DMV.Whether you’re a hazy IPA diehard or a pilsner purist, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and plenty of brew talk. Grab a pint and press play.🍻 What We’re Drinking:All Extra Shipper Everything (8.5% ABV) - a hazy double dry-hopped IPA from @otherhalfnyc, a collab with @angrychairbrewing, @sideprojectbrew, @weldwerksbrewing, and @theveilbrewing. Hopped with Citra and Citra Cryo, Riwaka and Krush.Zingabier (5.5% ABV) - from @blackvikingbrew , ginger beer that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for daytime sipping.

What up Brewsers! The Legendary Brew Crew is back! We’re sipping hazy IPAs, cracking open saisons, and realizing—some of these beers might’ve been in the fridge since 2023. 🥴 Welcome to our new segment: “What’s in the Back of the Fridge?”As the crew sips through saisons, ambers lagers, and throwback favorites, they banter about a viral April Fools tip prank gone legal to China's TikTok trade war tactics ($5 Lululemon knockoffs), the crew dives into internet culture and political shenanigans.They even get nostalgic with a breakdown of slept-on hip-hop albums and soundtracks, plus an ode to Nate Dogg and Sisqó's brief reign as R&B hook kings.Oh, and if you're thinking about catching the new Minecraft movie—maybe wait until the teens stop launching popcorn and soda mid-screening.Come for the brews, stay for the banter. Cheers to another round!What We’re Drinking?:🟡 The Big Picture – By Idiom Brewing - Double New England IPA (7.5% ABV) Hazy, hop-heavy, but likely a bit past its prime. Smells amazing, tastes like "green" hops. Pass Me Another? 😬 Undecided – beer might be too old to judge fairly.🟢 Casually Deliberate by Autumn Arch Beer Project – Classic Saison (5.7% ABV) - Funky farmhouse flavor with a refreshing finish. Tastes different out the can vs. fresh off the tap. Pass Me Another? ✅ Certified. Multiple crew members said yes.🟠 Freckles by Third Hill Brewing Co. – Czech Amber Lager (5.2% ABV) - Smooth sipper with roasty vibes and and a mystery wrapped in a can design. Pass Me Another? ✅ Yep. Easy drinker approved.

What up Brewers! On this episode the Legendary Brew Crew dive into another week of bold brews, lukewarm takes, and good old-fashioned banter.From hops to high-tech, the conversation starts with the role of AI in beer-making. Could robots craft your next favorite brew? The crew explores the pros, cons, and the irreplaceable soul that brewers bring to the process.Next up: March Madness mayhem. The crew recaps the Duke vs. Houston showdown, shares takes on the transfer portal, and reflects on college basketball legends like Zion Williamson and Paige Bueckers.Then it's time to go deep—like 1,000 years deep. Would you rather time travel to 1025 or 3025? The crew gets philosophical (and hilarious) as they imagine historical adventures, solving ancient mysteries, or just trying to survive medieval madness.Rounding out the episode: reality TV drama, wild viral videos, Netflix binges, and all the randomness that makes Brewsing Banter what it is.As always: Stay Brewsing, Stay Bantering, and always tap in to something new.What We Drinking:Blood Orange Saison (6% ABV)- Black Beauty BrewingFarm House Pils (5% ABV) - Locust Lane Craft BreweryCupped - Imperial Stout (11.3% ABV) Sapwood Cellars Brewery

Get ready Brewers, this ones a dozy. Laugh with the Legendary Brew Crew as they tackle the big questions... like, is "lemony-ness" a word? This episode is packed with the guys' signature humor as they explore everything from the mysteries of pink lemonade to the potential for genetically modified fruit. Plus, a serious discussion about the dark web takes a turn when they ponder the value of human skulls! If you're looking for banter episode, this one is for you!What We DrinkingDewey Beer Co. - Secret Machine - Breezey This fruit smoothie beer flavor profile includes apricots, cherries, and lemons.Third Hill Brewing Co. - Chocolate City Porter - An historic collaboration with 11 local, Black-owned beer breweries/brands coming together to represent the “Chocolate City.” Brewed with chocolate malts, roasted malts and Ghanan Cacao Nibs.

Welcome back, Brewers! In this episode, the Legendary Brew Crew dives into another round of craft beer tasting, lively debates, and all things trending in the world of sports and culture. We kick things off with a unique brew from Evil Genius – a bacon-infused beer that sparks a discussion on flavors, food pairings, and whether or not it actually contains real bacon.From there, we shift gears into March Madness, where the brackets are busted, Cinderella stories emerge, and the impact of NIL deals on college basketball is debated. Plus, we break down LeBron’s latest move, the Stephen A. Smith controversy, and the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.With laughter, hot takes, and insightful conversations, this episode is packed with everything you love about Brewsing Banter. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for another round!What We Drinking Today:🍺 Evil Genius x Bake'n Bacon – Tast-E Bacon (5% ABV) A unique collab brew with smoky bacon flavors, chocolate, and strawberry. 🍺 Space Cadet – Splashtronaut (5.5% ABV) A smooth and balanced pale ale with Citra and Mosaic hops—lighter than expected and easy to sip.🍺 Wilmington Brew Works – Death of Time (6% ABV) A malty German-style ale with toasty, nutty, and caramel notes. Classic, rich, and full of flavor.💧 Water (because hydration is key, even on a beer podcast!)