Kentucky Commons Podcast

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 built a thriving career across multiple cities. In this conversation we discuss current trends in beer and cider, how to plan a day trip in #Indy, and some interesting topics in health and music! It was an absolute pleasure having Mike on the show and we hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Make sure to go and try all of Mike's great beers next time you are up Carmel way. (https://forkalehouse.com/) Featured Beers: Hefeweizen (Fork + Ale House) El Camino, Habanero, Mango Cider (Ash & Elm Cidery) Winter Wee Heavy (Fork + Ale House) Hopping Hound IPA (Fork + Ale House) Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one, or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠ _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons

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 aunt launched them on their journey, and got very up close and personal with a big chunk of actual SCOBY skin (stay tuned to the end for tasting notes…yeah), and even helped Elixir up its brand game with the selection of the new OFFICIAL Elixir mascot.  Featured Beverages: Mad Elf, Grand Cru – TRÖEGS Independent Brewing NKD LDY Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one, or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠.  _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

“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 - be it financial, geographical, gender-related, stereotypes, or disabilities. Panelists include: Sawyer Robbins (Blue Stallion Brewing Company) Tyler Montgomery (Abettor Brewing Company) Leah Dienes (Apocalypse Brew Works) John Shrader (Noble Funk Brewing Company) Moderated by: Katie Molck (Kentucky Guild of Brewers) Recorded in October 2023 at Noble Funk Brewing Co. Proudly sponsored by 78 Social. 78 Social is Louisville's premiere, members-only diplomat society - where our city's most essential advocates gather, grow, engage, and build energy behind Louisville. Within this portal, you can access industry peer networking through the live feed and specific interest groups within the hospitality community, invitations to exclusive events, and educational training opportunities. _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 Fox Brewing). Moderated by Jessica Adkins (H&A Barrel Management) Recorded in October 2023 at 3rd Turn Brewing. Proudly sponsored by Underberg with food provided by Four Pegs. _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 take on how the news happens. In addition to journalism, Olivia has a passion for Russian Lit and Taylor Swift, so we put her to the test with a little game. Can she pull off a perfect score? Big thanks to Olivia for coming on the show to share, and if YOU have her award, do the right thing. Featured Beers: Barrel-Aged Brain Check (2019) Imperial Coffee Stout - Akasha Brewing Citrus Squall Double Golden Ale - Dogfish Head Sh'Andy Beer'Sheer Lemonade & Lager Shandy - Blue Stallion Brewing Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one, or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠.  _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 delicious ways. In addition to getting stuffed, we also get the back story of Russ’ beginnings in the Farmer’s Market scene, how he developed his various products and brand, and his perspective on the Louisville beer scene from his long career in and around the craft beer industry.  If you’ve met Russ at community events, you might also know that he is famous for his choice of attire, so we also put him to the Pooh Pathology test to see what character from The Hundred Acre Wood best exemplifies his particular personality. Take the Pooh Pathology Test for yourself: https://www.idrlabs.com/pooh-pathology/test.php Featured Beers: Pillar of Beasts Barleywine – 3 Floyds Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠.  _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 scoop on their upcoming expansion, the deeply nuanced marketing plan that led them to create “Shrektoberfest,” and we give some of the DSSOLVR staff their chance to ask some very important questions of Mike & Vince. We cannot thank the DSSOLVR crew enough for all their hospitality, so buckle up and join us for this special road trip episode. Featured Beers: Kentucky Common - Dreaming Creek Above DDH Hazy IPA - DSSOLVR Baja Jello Shots Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠.  _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 built and continues to grow a “culture” of quality and innovation. They also guide us through a very illuminating yeast-off side-by-side tasting and share the details on a few of their new products that continue to push the boundaries of brewing, at home and on an industrial scale.  We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did, and we can’t wait to pay them another visit.  PRO TIP: Eat their pizza & don’t sleep on the Kimchi fries. Featured Beers: Kentucky Common – Dreaming Creek Alt Bier with WLP029 German Ale/Kolsch – White Labs Alt Bier with WLP036 Dusseldorf Ale – White Labs Want to join the White Labs Fermentation Society? Click here: https://www.whitelabs.com/customer-club Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠. _____________________________________Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 Louisville’s modern brewery scene. In his many years building the business of Great Flood, and in his current work as a consultant to non-profits and small businesses, Vince has truly seen it all. It was a truly great opportunity to get to sit down and get Vince’s perspective on how Louisville beer has grown and evolved over the last ten years. We also put his business acumen to the test and let him invest David’s life savings in our Shark Tank spin-off: “Bright Tank.” Featured Beers: Go Go Lassi, Smoothie Seltzer –  DSSOLVR x Atrium Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout – Founders Brewing Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠. _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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, how his passion lead him to Asheville and his current role at Hi-Wire, and what keeps him as deeply in love with his craft after all these years. Oh, we also recorded it a super-secret Tiki lounge so please pardon any stray thunderstorms that blow though. Featured Beers: • Kentucky Common – Dreaming Creek • Sour Saison 2022 – Hi-Wire Brewing. Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠. _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 beyond the veil with fellow researchers and individuals all across Kentucky and Indiana. It was absolutely fascinating to hear her story, learn more about local lore, and the current state of paranormal research as it receives increasingly more mainstream acceptance. We also hook each other up to Katie's spirit box and try some channeling of the spirits in the shop, as well as “Choose our own Adventure” with the help of a ghost in the machine. Welcome to the fall, y'all. Featured Beverages Kaiser Von Schnitzelburg - Monnik Beer Co. Blueberry Pomegranate CBD Sparkling Water - WYLD CBD Learn more about Katie’s work at https://www.boo812.org and https://www.newblood.tv Make your own Spooky “Choose Your Own Adventure” with our CHATGPT bot: https://chat.openai.com/share/b65d56c9-abdd-41ee-907e-42ed4125b1c0 Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠. _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons. Licensed Music: Agnus Dei X - Bitter Suite by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://www.amazon.com/Agnus-Dei-X/dp/B00QGC7W3Y Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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 sours and Disney cruises.  We also get into the mind behind “The Voice” and put Bryan to the test by presenting him with some classic moral conundrums to solve, unveil the next Louisville Beer Week collab, and the offloading of ShockTop and some other classic beer brands as the craft beer market continues to consolidate.  Join us, won’t you? Featured Beers: Raspberry Tart - New Glarus Mangorita - Atrium Brewing Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠. _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 spooky season and put his years of Bourbon experience to the test with a special round of “Trivial Bourbon Pursuit.” Featured Beverages:  Island Pursuit BA Imperial Milk Stout (Gallant Fox Brewing, Pursuit Spirits) Fundamental Observation BA Stout (Batch #5) - (Bottle Logic Brewing) Pursuit United Bourbon Pursuit United Rye Pursuit United Bourbon Finished in French Oak Pursuit United Rye Finished in French Oak Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one or visit ⁠www.underbergamerica.com⁠. _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 conversation was as fascinating as it was wide-ranging. Come for the beer talk, stay for the film analysis (and some questionably earned LAT accolades). Featured Beers: Noel (Monnik Beer Co) Oompah Oktoberfest (Gravely) SHOW NOTES: Link to crowdfund for Anchor employees: https://raisingtheanchor.com/ LAGERS Homebrew Club: https://lagersclub.com/ _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 picking up a bottle (the grilled pineapple is excellent.) We also hear the lessons that Paul has learned traveling across the country with his product, some of the similarities between big booze and commercial banking, fun facts about the real Captain Morgan, and delve into the mysteries of Oak Island. Come on aboard. Featured Beverages: Watermelon, Chiquen, & Grits (Atlantucky Brewing) Grilled Pineapple Rum (Saltwater Woody) Plum Ginger Sake Seltzer (The Void) Garage Beer Lime _____________________________________Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 York lagers.  Featured Beverages: Kentucky Mule ft. Wilderness Trail Bourbon Utica Club, Pilsner Lager Beer _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 learned about the New Belgium & Bell’s merger. We get his takes on some of the most controversial albums of the 90s and his passion for cookbooks. We hope you all enjoy this conversation with Chris as much as we did. Cheers! Featured Beers: Schneider Aventinus Bell’s Two Hearted _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 distribution nationwide. Over the 20th century, the brand declined and disappeared until Jeff’s passion for reviving cool, vintage things led him to acquire the lapsed trademark and set him on a mission to bring Fehr’s back in as historically accurate a way as possible. Today you can find Fehr’s XL on draft and in cans to-go at Akasha Brewing Company. We also put Jeff to the test on his favorite movie “The Big Lebowski,” discussed his growing obsession with bees and boats, and bid a fond farewell to Anchor Christmas Ale.  Featured Beers: Cool Cricket (Horse & Dragon Brewing Company) Fehrs XL Anchor Christmas Ale _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.

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 and cigars. Moeller nails his J. Jonah Jameson and Cosmo Kramer impressions, and in the spirit of Kyros' greek origin, we discover which ancient Greek god we really are.  https://www.buzzfeed.com/guillermodelpalacio/its-all-greek-mythology-to-me Featured beverages and cigars:  Floof! (Purpose Brewing and Cellars)  Henry McKenna Single Barrel (10 year)  Macanudo Maduro _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons

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 ABInBev and Constellation Brands and what this means about current consumer behavior, and do the important work of Tier ranking some of our favorite classic “Country Culture” items.  Featured Beers: Tri-Star Blonde Ale - Craft Brewers Conference Collab (Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild + Black Abbey Brewing Co.) Super Premium Lager (Country Boy Brewing) Delusions of Grandeur NEIPA (Country Boy Brewing) Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons