In episode 304 of Beer In Front, Dave heads to Washington State for a conversation with Emrys Beer & Mead Works founder Thomas Croskrey. The discussion dives deep into the world of mead, historical brewing traditions, local sourcing, and how Emrys is blending beer, mead, and elevated pub food into one unique destination. Dave also reviews a new Korean-style lager from Hopewell Brewing Company and says goodbye to an old favorite with one final Schlitz.

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This week on the Beer In Front podcast, Dave celebrates both Illinois Craft Beer Week and American Craft Beer Week with a packed episode full of beer news, local brewery updates, playoff beer gimmicks, a killer lager from Goldfinger Brewing Company, and finally… a long-awaited review of the legendary Zima. Plus, a quick detour into punk rock with thoughts on the new album from Social Distortion.

In This Episode

• Celebrating Illinois Craft Beer Week and American Craft Beer Week
• Illinois Craft Beer Week passport program and brewery promotions
• Thoughts on the new Social Distortion album Born to Kill
• Brewers Association concerns over tariff refunds and aluminum pricing
• Ball Corporation’s can supply reportedly committed through 2030
• Illinois brewery updates from Hop Butcher For The World and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
• Michigan brewing collaboration between Brewery Vivant and Saugatuck Brewing Company
• New West Coast pilsner “Boat Plane” from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
• Beer bats, hockey beer skates, and playoff drinking vessels taking over sports
• AB InBev posts first quarterly beer sales increase in three years
• New NA collaboration “Baller Melon” from Go Brewing and Hop Butcher
• THC beverages arriving at select Target Corporation stores
• Summer release preview from Goat Patch Brewing Company
• Big-format Chelada releases from Modelo

Beer Review: Goldfinger – Danube Swabian Dave cracks open Danube Swabian, an historical Vienna-style lager from Goldfinger Brewing. Rich toasted malt character, balanced hop spice, and classic lager drinkability make this one an instant winner. If you see the red can, Dave says one thing: “Put it in the cart.” Retro Review: Zima Returns After years of searching, Dave finally gets his hands on Japanese-market Zima thanks to a hookup from a coworker and friends at Japan Airlines. Does the iconic lemon-lime malt beverage still hold up after all these years? Spoiler alert: absolutely. Expect nostalgia, carbonation, and zero tolerance for people putting Jolly Ranchers in it.

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If you didn't catch the livestream last week, here is the audio part of the Midwest Beer Show. I along with Rod J talked about how beer has changed since 2020. We spoke to people from The Brewers Association, Hop Butcher, and WildEdge Brewing Collective! 

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🍺 Episode Summary

Dave is back for Episode 301 with a conversation that might just change how you think about non-alcoholic beer. This week’s guest is Tate Huffard, founder of Best Day Brewing—a company proving that NA beer doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. From the evolution of drinking habits to the explosion of the NA category, Tate breaks down how Best Day is creating beers that stand on their own—full flavor, real craft, just without the alcohol. Plus, Dave puts a few Best Day beers to the test with honest, no-BS reviews. 

🔥 In This Episode

• The origin story behind Best Day Brewing
• Why non-alcoholic beer used to fail—and what’s changed
• The biggest technical challenge in making great NA beer
• How lifestyle (not sobriety) is driving the category
• Why NA beer is showing up everywhere—from Target to taprooms
• The future of NA beer (draft lines, new styles, and more)

🍻 Beer Reviews (Dave’s Take) Wild American (Pilsner-style)

• Clean, crisp, classic beer flavor
• Balanced malt + subtle hops
• No weird NA aftertaste
• “Lunch beer approved.”

Kolsch

• Light, refreshing, highly drinkable
• Slight citrus note on the finish
• “Exactly what you want this style to be.”

Electro-Lime (with sea salt)

• Bright lime upfront, super refreshing
• Perfect warm-weather crusher
• “Summer beer. No doubt.”

👉 Bottom line: “It’s not NA beer—it’s just beer.”

Go to https://bestdaybrewing.com/ 
Use the code INFRONT for 20% off your first order! 

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🎉 300 Episodes In

• Dave looks back on six years behind the mic and the evolution of the show
• Early beer memories: Vienna lagers, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Dovetail Brewing
• From COVID-era rants to today’s more balanced format
• Listener feedback welcome as the show continues to evolve

🍔 Chicago Beer & Food Stop

• Visit to Hop Butcher for a charity collab event
• Smashburgers from “Biker Dude” supporting Meals on Wheels
• Verdict: absolutely worth the trip—“that flipping good”

📰 Beer & Beverage News 🔥 Big Industry Move

• Firestone Walker acquires Stone Brewing
• Production shifting to California; major restructuring of facilities
• Part of a busy acquisition streak for Firestone Walker

🏆 World Beer Cup Highlights

• Illinois breweries bringing home medals:
  • Go Brewing (NA category wins)
  • Adams Street Brewery
  • Goose Island (including Bourbon County Brand Stout)
  • Cruz Blanca, Phase Three, Industry Ales

🍺 Beer Reviews – Craft Macro Series Dave kicks off a new segment reviewing “craft macros”—easy-drinking beers from craft breweries. Pipeworks – “Beer”

• Style: Light lager (4.4%)
• Score: 31/50
• Notes: Classic macro vibe, clean but middle-of-the-road
• Verdict: Solid, drinkable, not a standout

Revolution Brewing – Cold Time Lager

• Style: Premium lager (4.8%)
• Score: 35/50
• Notes: Balanced, flavorful, crushable
• Verdict: “Put it in the cart” — strong everyday option

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🍺 Episode Overview Episode 299 is a quick solo run with Dave—no guests this week, but plenty of beer news, industry insight, and a deep dive into one of the most interesting trends in craft beer right now: non-alcoholic versions of flagship beers. From brewery closures to new collaborations and a standout NA release from Revolution Brewing, this episode covers the current state of the beer world,  plus a few “put it in the cart” recommendations.



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🎙️ Beer In Front Podcast – Episode Show Notes

Barrel-Aged Season… in April? 

Spring in Chicago… and somehow we’re talking barrel-aged monsters like it’s late November. This episode dives into a surprise wave of fresh barrel-aged releases from three legendary Chicago breweries, plus a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the best in the game. Dave sits down with Marty Scott (Barrel Program Manager at Revolution Brewing) for an in-depth look at blending, wood, and the philosophy behind one of the country’s most respected barrel programs — including a sneak peek tank pour of a brand-new Deep Wood release. Also: industry news, new (and questionable?) beer releases, and a bittersweet beer rumor that hits close to home.



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Week of April 6, 2026 A packed episode this week with a heavy focus on what really matters: the beer in front of you. 🍺 Expect a streamlined format loaded with reviews, plus some news, events, and a few things you might want to… put in the cart. 🍻

What’s On Deck

• A stacked lineup of beer reviews featuring:
  • Dragon’s Milk (New Holland)
  • Midwest Coast Brewing
  • New Belgium
  • Sound Growler
  • Sierra Nevada
• Beer news from around the world
• Chicago-area event spotlight
• Midwest Beer Show preview

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🍺 Beer In Front – Episode 296 Guest: Ska Brewing co-founder Dave Thibodeau

🎙️ Episode Summary Dave Zalatoris is joined by craft beer OG Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing for a conversation that hits the sweet spot between beer, music, and staying true to your roots. From the early “punk rock” days of microbrewing to today’s ultra-competitive craft landscape, this episode dives into how Ska Brewing has stayed relevant for over 30 years. Plus: beer news, industry trends, and a review of Ska’s brand new West Coast IPA. 🍻

In This Episode 🎤 Interview: Dave Thibodeau (Ska Brewing)

• The origins of Ska Brewing and its deep roots in punk, ska, and DIY culture
• What early craft beer was really like (hint: not always good… and nobody noticed)
• How today’s drinker has changed—and why you can’t get away with mediocre beer anymore
• The evolution of IPAs—from no IPA at all to flagship status
• Brewing innovation: cryo hops, biotransformation, and modern West Coast IPA techniques
• The wild story of opening (and closing) a location in 71 minutes due to COVID
• Why “beyond beer” (seltzers, RTDs) still feels off-brand for many legacy brewers
• Craft beer shakeout: who survives and why
• Ska’s experimental “Mod Project” beers—including the unforgettable Pink Vapor Stew
• The importance of community and Durango’s role in Ska’s identity

🍺 Beer Review Ska Brewing – New West Coast IPA

• Aroma: Mango, guava, bright tropical notes
• Appearance: Clear, classic West Coast look with solid foam
• Flavor: Balanced hop profile with noticeable bitterness (in a good way)
• Takeaway: A modern West Coast IPA that respects tradition while using new-school techniques

Verdict:
👉 “Put it in the cart.”



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Yeah… we’re talking about malt. This week I’m joined by Ron Silberstein from Admiral Maltings, and if you think malt is just the thing that shows up on an invoice… this one might change your mind. We get into:
🌾 Why malt is the backbone of beer
🍺 Craft malting & California-grown barley
🔥 Floor malting vs the big guys
🍻 Why lagers are having a moment Plus—I crack open Sunglider from Firestone Walker
👉 Bready, biscuity, super clean
👉 Easy crusher when the weather finally warms up Bottom line:
If you see Sun Glider… put it in the cart. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts #BeerInFront #CraftBeer #DrinkLocal #LagerLove #BeerPodcast #FirestoneWalker #AdmiralMaltings #ChicagoBeer

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🎙️ Beer In Front – Episode 294 Craft Beer Concierge + Chicago Merger News

Dave is back with a packed episode featuring a deep dive into the evolving beer scene, a great conversation with the “Craft Beer Concierge,” and a couple of beers worth putting straight in the cart. 

What’s On Tap This Episode

• A major Chicago beer merger that could reshape the local scene
• A conversation with Allo Gilinsky, aka the Craft Beer Concierge
• Beer reviews featuring a Perennial saison and a classic Irish red from Begyle
• Industry news, trends, and what’s next in craft beer

Allo Gilinsky


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