Episodes

  • 287 The Business Of Beer

    287 The Business Of Beer
    Jan 20 2026
    Data, Dollars, and the Business of Beer (feat. Matt Gacioch, Brewers Association)
    Host: Dave Zalatoris
    Network: Beer Media Group

    Craft beer isn’t just passion projects and taproom vibes — it’s big business. On Episode 287 of Beer In Front, Dave digs into the numbers, trends, and realities shaping today’s beer industry with Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association. From rising costs and tighter margins to non-alcoholic growth and why January is brutal for breweries, this episode takes a clear-eyed look at where craft beer stands in 2026 — and where it’s headed.

    What You’ll Hear in This Episode The State of Craft Beer in 2026
    • Why craft beer has shifted from “If you build it, they will come” to a Moneyball-style, data-driven industry
    • What a “maturing market” actually means for breweries
    • Why neighborhood taprooms and hospitality matter more than ever
    Costs, Tariffs, and Tight Margins
    • How aluminum, equipment tariffs, and inflation are squeezing breweries
    • Why many breweries can’t raise prices without losing customers
    • The looming impact of 10-year lease renewals from the 2010s boom
    Closures vs. Openings: Context Matters
    • Why more closures than openings sounds scarier than it really is
    • The difference between individual brewery pain and industry-wide health
    • Why shuttered brewery spaces are staying empty longer
    What Business Models Are Working
    • Why hyper-local, hospitality-focused breweries are holding up better
    • How large regional craft breweries benefit from economies of scale
    • Why distribution is harder — but not impossible — for new entrants
    Non-Alcoholic & Low-ABV Beer Growth
    • Why NA beer still has major runway
    • The importance of occasion-based drinking
    • How local breweries making NA versions of flagship beers could push the category forward
    The Rise of the 19.2oz Stovepipe
    • Why high-ABV stovepipes make sense in today’s economy
    • Gen Z drinking myths vs. what the data actually shows
    Surviving Dry January
    • Why January is always the toughest month for breweries
    • Programming, community, and creativity as survival tools
    • Why breweries need to offer more than “just beer” in winter
    Reasons for Optimism
    • Craft beer’s role as a social connector
    • Why community still wins — even in uncertain times
    • Why beer isn’t a fad, and never has been
    🍻 Beers Featured on the Show Beer In Front (NA Edition)
    • NA Ninja vs. Unicorn – Pipeworks Brewing Company
      A standout non-alcoholic double IPA with real body, foam, and bitterness — proof that NA beer keeps getting better.
    Additional Beer Review
    • Turbo Reaper IPA – Three Floyds Brewing
      A West Coast-leaning IPA with bold can art, solid hop character, and easy availability (yes, even at Target).
    📰 Beer & Beverage News Highlights
    • Dos Equis brings back The Most Interesting Man in the World
    • Goose Island announces a new barrel-aged stout
    • Ska Brewing enters the low-dose THC beverage space
    • Dogfish Head collaborates with Survivor on a new IPA
    • American Airlines adds Athletic Brewing NA beer to flights
    • Sierra Nevada doubles down on sustainability
    • Alarmist Brewing announces closure — a tough loss for Chicago beer
    Brewers Association



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    44 mins
  • 286 Peggy Returns!

    286 Peggy Returns!
    Jan 14 2026
    Episode 286 of Beer In Front covers a lot of ground, blending beer news, personal updates, product reviews, and a deeper look at the non-alcoholic beer category. Dave Zalatoris opens the show with a Dry January check-in, sharing progress so far—down 4.4 pounds thanks to more water, NA beers, and watching calories. While the scale is moving in the right direction, better sleep hasn’t followed yet, proving Dry January isn’t a cure-all, but it’s still paying off. The episode then dives into beer and beverage news from around the country. Highlights include Kishwaukee Brewing’s elderberry ale made with berries grown at McHenry County College, Goat Patch Brewing reopening the former Pikes Peak Brewing location, and several Denver-area events, including a Belgian beer documentary screening at Bruz Beers. Dave also shares excitement over Great Lakes Brewing expanding their Irish beer lineup, Troegs bringing back Nugget Nectar, Lakefront Brewery’s “My Turn” blueberry peach lager, and Firestone Walker celebrating 30 years with anniversary releases and a refreshed mix pack. A major segment of the episode focuses on the rise of non-alcoholic beer, with a history and perspective on Athletic Brewing Company. Founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and brewer John Walker, Athletic helped redefine the NA category by limiting alcohol creation during brewing instead of stripping it out later. Dave explains how Athletic became the dominant NA brand, why their early success mattered, and why drinkers shouldn’t overlook other breweries now producing excellent non-alcoholic options. Later, Peggy returns to review a THC beverage from Wynk, the Black Cherry Fizz. With zero calories, zero sugar, and a balanced 5mg THC / 5mg CBD dose, it earns a strong recommendation as an approachable alcohol alternative. Dave wraps things up with a non-alcoholic beer review of Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass Hazy IPA—big, dank aroma up front, but solid citrus and fruit flavor in the glass.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    19 mins
  • 285 Happy New Year

    285 Happy New Year
    Jan 5 2026
    Dry January Doesn’t Mean Ditching Your Local Brewery Happy New Year! I kick off 2026 with a Dry January check-in and a reminder that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean abandoning your favorite breweries — especially during one of the toughest months of the year. I'll share smart, simple ways to support breweries without drinking, including buying merch and gift cards, ordering NA beers or hop waters, showing up for events, grabbing food, leaving reviews, and being the designated driver for friends. The episode also touches on the most unexpected beer news of the week: the Pop-Tarts Bowl, complete with beer and pastry pairings. Plus, I went down a tech rabbit hole after testing ChatGPT’s ability to generate a Midwest-style hazy IPA recipe — raising the question of whether AI should ever play a role in brewing. 🍻 Beer Reviews
    • Sierra Nevada Trail Pass Golden (NA) – Looks the part but falls flat on flavor.
    • Central Waters Rift IPA – A well-balanced, flavorful IPA with great hop character and a clean finish.
    As always, I'll wrap things up by encouraging listeners to keep showing up for local breweries — pint or no pint. Sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    15 mins
  • 284 Beer In Review

    284 Beer In Review
    Dec 22 2025
    In the final episode of 2025, I'll go solo to recap a packed year for Beer In Front. From major beer news and industry trends to podcast milestones, festival highlights, and standout beers, this episode ties a big holiday bow on everything that made 2025 memorable. Plus, I'll crack open a couple of seasonal favorites and reflects on how beer content—and attention spans—continue to evolve.

    Featured Beers
    • Pollyanna Brewing – Fireside Gap (Winter IPA, 5.8%)
      A darker, old-school West Coast-style IPA with a great malt-hop balance.
    • Great Lakes Brewing – Christmas Ale (7.5%)
      A holiday classic brewed with honey and spices—22 years strong and still delivering


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    23 mins
  • 283 The Beer Story Project

    283 The Beer Story Project
    Dec 16 2025
    Today’s guest is one of the true originals of American beer education — Marty Nachel. Marty is an award-winning author, longtime beer educator, and Certified Beer Judge who has spent more than 30 years helping people understand and appreciate beer. Marty has a new book out now titled The Beer Story Project available now for any beer lover on your holiday gift list. Marty brings a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth passion that makes beer accessible to everyone.

    The Beer Story Project

    American Craft Beer Hall Of Fame



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    33 mins
  • 282 Holiday Gift Ideas

    282 Holiday Gift Ideas
    Dec 8 2025
    In Episode 282 of Beer in Front, I'll bring you a festive, gift-focused edition of the show—perfect for the beer lover on your holiday shopping list (even if that person is you). I'll also break down the latest beer and beverage industry news, highlight friends of the show doing great work, and taste through a pair of holiday beers to round out the episode.

    🎁 Holiday Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers Dave spotlights a collection of beer-centric gifts from friends of the show—none of which benefit him directly (with one exception clearly noted). They’re great ways to support independent creators and small businesses in the craft beer world.

    👕 Radcraft Apparel
    • “Pilsner is for Perfectionists” and other beer-forward shirts.
    • Proceeds support Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief.
    • Stylish, fun, and for a good cause.
    📚 Final Gravity Zine & Pairing Beer and Chocolate – by David Nilsen
    • A thoughtful and delicious guide to matching beer with chocolate.
    Flights Across America – by Joel Geier
    • A beer travel essential featuring 1,000+ breweries across the U.S.
    The Beer Story Project – by Marty Nachel
    • A newly released collection of beer stories from a great writer and friend of the show.
    🍃 Beyond Alcohol: THC & N/A Options THC beverages (KickFizz, Shine On)
    • For those who want something different this holiday season.
    Five Corners Beverage (Chicago)
    • Standout non-alcoholic mixers like Salted Lemonade and the new Sangrita
      (citrus, tomato, chili powder—and even Dave, a tomato-juice skeptic, is a fan).
    🧪 After-Alcohol Wellness: Last Call
    • A legit, science-based option to help you feel better the next morning.
    • Dave used it during FoBAB and woke up “like a champion.”
    🍺 Go Brewing (N/A Beer) — Affiliate Link
    • Dave’s favorite non-alcoholic brewery.
    • Perfect for Dry January.
    • This is the only recommendation where Dave receives support via an affiliate link.


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    17 mins
  • 281 Black IPA's & Wookey Jack

    281 Black IPA's & Wookey Jack
    Dec 1 2025
    This week on Beer In Front, I’m shining a spotlight on a style that refuses to die quietly: the Black IPA. Once a cult favorite, then a near-extinct curiosity, the Black IPA is suddenly popping up again in breweries across the country — and I couldn’t be happier to see its comeback. In this episode, we dig into where the style came from, why it faded away, and why it deserves a spot back in your regular rotation.
    I'll have the fantastic Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker, and have local Illinois ones from Midwest Coast and Half Acre!



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    20 mins
  • 280 Beer And Chocolate With David Nilsen

    280 Beer And Chocolate With David Nilsen
    Nov 24 2025
    In Episode 280, I'll chat with David Nilsen—award-winning author, Certified Cicerone®, educator, and one of the sharpest voices in beer media. We'll dig deep into:
    • The inspiration behind Final Gravity, David’s human-centered beer zine
    • Why beer and chocolate make such powerful (and surprising) pairing partners
    • The origins of David’s passion for craft beer
    • The growing world of craft chocolate
    • How breweries are navigating today’s shifting beer industry
    • Dayton’s underrated and walkable beer scene
    • Holiday pairing tips that anyone can try at home
    I'll also share Thanksgiving beer pairing tips, cover the week’s big beer news, and close the show with a live beer-and-chocolate pairing using a Belgian Triple from Bruz Beers and chocolate from Chicago’s own Vosges.

    David Nilsen
    Bean To Barstool
    Final Gravity




    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

    Beer Media Group
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    42 mins