🎉 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 Media Group

🍺 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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Beer Media Group

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 Media Group

🎙️ 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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Beer Media Group

🍺 New Episode – Beer in Front 🎙️ Quick solo show this week (yes, I sound a little congested 😅), but we’ve got a LOT to cover. 🚨 Chicagoland Closures We’re up to six brewery closures in two months.
It’s a tough stretch for Illinois craft beer. If you’ve got a favorite spot — now’s the time to support them.
 🌎 Beer News

• BrewDog sold to Tilray for $40M (once valued near $2B 😳)
• Pickle beer collab: Grillo’s x PBR
• Firestone Walker dropping a dragon fruit sour
• Revolution expanding the Cold Time lineup

🐟 Deep Dive: Ballast Point From a homebrew shop…
To a $1 BILLION sale…
To being sold for a fraction of that…
To fighting its way back to independent roots. One of the craziest stories in craft beer history. And yes — we revisited Sculpin IPA 🍊
Still bitter. Still balanced. Still holds up.


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Beer Media Group

🍺 Guest Interview: Jerry Siote – Lone Tree Brewing Company
This week, Dave heads back to Colorado to talk with Lone Tree Brewing Company’s Jerry Siote. Founded: 2011
Locations: Lone Tree & Parker, Colorado
Recently Won: Gold Medal – Colorado Brewers Cup (Mexican Lager) 🔥 Highlights from the Conversation

• Lone Tree’s journey from aviation & finance to brewing
• Celebrating 15 years and brewing their 3,000th batch
• Why their Mexican Lager now accounts for nearly half of production
• Winning multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival
• Refreshing their IPA lineup (and surviving customer feedback)
• The challenge of balancing beer vs. non-beer offerings
• The state of hazy IPA fatigue & the return of clean, drinkable lagers
• Travel as inspiration (Belgium 2026, perhaps?)

Jerry’s take: “Beer should be the bedrock. If it’s not beer, why are we doing it?”

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Beer Media Group

This week we’re doing something a little different… but don’t worry, there’s still beer involved. 🎙 Guest: Morgan Smith – CEO of Kalm With Kava. Dave sits down with Morgan Smith from Kalm With Kava to talk about kava — the traditional South Pacific root drink known for its calming, social effects. Kava doesn’t give you a “buzz” like alcohol or THC. Instead, it delivers a mellow, relaxed feeling that helps take the edge off without fogging your head. What We Covered:

• What kava is and how it’s been used for 3,000+ years in places like Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Hawaii
• How kava differs from alcohol and cannabis
• Drug testing concerns (spoiler: generally safe, with a rare caveat)
• The liver safety myth and where it came from
• How kava is traditionally prepared (yes, there’s a massage involved)
• Modern options: instant kava, gummies, tinctures
• Kava bars popping up across the U.S.
• The cultural significance of kava in Polynesian communities
• Building a brand responsibly within a deeply rooted tradition

Dave also shares his own experience trying kava:

• Instant mix = earthy but manageable
• Noticeable calming effect
• Slept like a champion

If you’re cutting back on alcohol or just looking for something different, this is worth checking out. 👉 Learn more: KalmWithKava.com (with a K!)

👉 Also available on Amazon — make sure you search the correct brand. Put it in the cart!


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Beer Media Group

Sometimes the beer in front of you really is the best one yet—and this week’s episode proves it. Dave heads back to Colorado to catch up with Justin Grant, co-owner of Goat Patch Brewing Company in Colorado Springs. Since opening in 2017, Goat Patch has built a reputation for balance: balanced beers, balanced business decisions, and deep roots in the community. From award-winning Scottish ales to hazy IPAs, lagers, and Italian pilsners, Goat Patch has something for just about every palate. Justin shares the origin story of Goat Patch, how the brewery got its name, and why “Home of Balanced Brews” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a philosophy. 🍺 In This Episode:

• The story behind the Goat Patch name and logo
• Why balance and variety have been core to their brewing philosophy from day one
• Navigating the rise of hazy IPAs while still brewing classic styles
• What it means to be a veteran-owned brewery in Colorado Springs
• The Bleating Heart Initiative and Goat Patch’s commitment to giving back
• Acquiring and rebranding the former Pikes Peak Brewing location
• Lessons learned from COVID, growth, and adding food programs
• Advice for anyone thinking about opening a brewery today
• Justin’s go-to shift beers (including that Italian pils 👀)

📰 Beer & Beverage News:

• Ball Corporation selling out aluminum can inventory through 2027
• RadCraft hosting a media relations seminar for breweries
• Dovetail Brewery’s “Thank You for Smoking” rauchbier brunch in Chicago
• Dry January alcohol sales actually increased year-over-year
• North Carolina & Colorado Pint Day glass designs revealed
• Keystone Light Apple is… a thing now 🍎🦅

🍺 Beer In Front of Me: Going Places IPA from Hopewell Brewing (Chicago)
A bright, balanced IPA that lands somewhere between West Coast and hazy—easy drinking, flavorful, and worth picking up if you see it. 🎧 Listen now and hear why Goat Patch Brewing continues to thrive by staying balanced—on tap and beyond. If you’d like to support the show, head over to Patreon.com/BeerInFront

Thanks for listening, and remember: sometimes the beer in front of you is the best one yet.

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Beer Media Group