Jim Koblish from Hop District Community Brewing Co. shares his unique story of going from distiller to brewer. Plus: Florida’s craft beer culture shock.

01:59 Beer Myth: Does beer taste better in bottles or in cans? Discover the truth behind a persistent craft beer myth and how understanding the science of BPA-lined cans and light exposure can elevate your beer-drinking experience.

08:30 Hop District Community Brewing Co: Co-owner and brewer Jim Koblish shares his unconventional path from distilling to brewing and talks about the brewing principles shaping today's craft beer scene. He also discusses the transferable skills between distilling and brewing, the challenges of brewing Imperial Stouts with manual setups, and the nuances of heavily fruited sours and adjunct-heavy milkshake beers. Plus: insights into the camaraderie in the local beer scene, plans for a new brewing facility, and the unique identity of Hop District as Illinois' 300th brewery.

51:11 Beer Behavior: What’s the difference between the craft beer community in Chicago and in Florida? Listen tofind out!

1:00:35 Today’s Featured Merchandise: We have a Pride Collection! We have lots of other stuff! And it’s all available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. Check it out at https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/ 

You can find amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Hop District Community Brewing Co: Located in La Grange Park, Illinois, Hop District is an IPA and Lager focused craft brewery with a touch of sours, big imperial stouts, and plenty of seasonal brews, which you can consume RESPONSIBLY in a beautiful lounge, enclosed beer garden, and a taproom. Learn more on their website at https://hopdistrictbrewing.com/home-1 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, brewing, craft beer myths, cans vs bottles, brewing innovations, craft beer trends, modern BPA-lined cans, beer protection against light, beer perception, whiskey to brewing, distilling to brewing, Illinois breweries, homebrewing, LaGrange Park, beer science, growlers vs cans, beer containers, beer myths debunked, brewing skills, craft beer community, beer styles, heavily fruited sours, adjunct-heavy milkshake beers, imperial stouts, manual brewing setup, local beer scene, camaraderie among brewers, collaborative brews, brewing principles, brewing trends, craft beer traditions, homebrewing mishaps, beer names, brewing facility expansion, automated brewing equipment, beer packaging, local beer portfolios, and cultural differences in brewing.