We all know that the cost of goods and labor is going up, but how does this affect the cost of your pint of craft beer? We gathered 3 brewers to discuss this and help you, the craft consumer, understand why the price of your pint and 4-pack might be a little higher this year.

The Brit’s co-host for this is Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing (Aurora IL), and joining them in the pub studio is Art History Brewing’s (Geneva IL) co-owner, Tom Rau. And over Zoom, we welcome Josh Grubbs, owner/brewer of Black Lung Brewing (Round Lake IL).

Not only do we consider the economics of producing a good craft beer, but we also are drinking some! Here’s what we consumed:

• Black Lung Brewing – Lakeside Blonde, Blonde Ale, 4.7% ABV
• Black Lung Brewing – Galaxie 503, Maltshake IPA, 7.0% ABV
• Art History Brewing – Moda De Noche, Dunkel Lager, 5.0% ABV
• Hopvine Brewing      – Hopviner Pils, North German Pilsner, 6.2% ABV

We did have some connection issues towards the end of recording for which we apologize but could do nothing about! Cheers!

Play the audio podcast on our players above…or your favorite smartphone podcast app…we have a direct link to iTunes and Spotify below…and lots of other links on the sidebar!

This is our Illinois Craft Beer Week edition, and we’re doing a Zoom call with Jamie Albert from Will County Brewing. Head directly south down Rt.59 from the Brit and Yankee pub studios, and just before you get to I-55 you will find Shorewood IL, home to Will County Brewing. March 2022 saw the 4th Anniversary for WCB, and head brewer/owner Jamie has seen the location grow in reputation and barrels produced, plus several medal successes for brews with some unusual adjuncts.

We first talked with Jamie in an episode of our Covid-induced series, Hops at Home (Ep. 10, April 18 2020), and just over a year later we check back in with Jamie to see how things are shaping up now we are getting back to relative normality. Of course, we’re drinking some of their brews selected from an extensive tap list that currently has classics and new styles. Jamie talks about how they are doing since Covid, expansion plans, and upcoming beer fests, one of which is coming this weekend and is benefiting the Will County Habitat for Humanity organization. Listen in to find out what makes this one unique!

What We’re Drinking:

• Ken & Phil – A Lot of Fight, Red IPA, 6.7% ABV
•                       – Eradicator Bock, Doppelbock, 8% ABV
• Jamie         – Brennus, Irish Red Ale, 5.9% ABV

Play the audio podcast on our players above…or your favorite smartphone podcast app…we have a direct link to iTunes and Spotify below…and lots of other links on the sidebar!

   

Church Street Brewing is celebrating their 10 year anniversary! We have always had a great relationship with these fine folks, and we have enjoyed their brews for many years and followed their changes and expansion with interest. There was a social media post asking for memories of the brewery, so we thought we would replay our first visit to them back in July of 2013, when The Brit sat down with the owners Lisa and Joe (who was also then the head brewer) Gregor. Their classic approach and styles have long server the palates of their faithful customers, and today we see this family business stronger than ever with Sean Gregor taking the reins of head brewer. Take a listen down memory lane and hear how it all started. Cheers!

Play the audio podcast on our players above…or your favorite smartphone podcast app…we have a direct link to iTunes for iPhone users below…and lots of other links on the sidebar, including Spotify!