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Focus on the Beer

Focus on the Beer

By Focus on the Beer

Through the perspectives of brewers, beer lovers and consumers, Focus on the Beer gives a voice to movers and shakers within the craft beer industry. Join us as we discuss trends and news happening around the craft beer world. So crack open your latest favorite and listen in.
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Currently playing episode

EP-011: IPAs for Days

Focus on the BeerApr 07, 2016

00:00
57:35
EP-089: Urban Animal Beer Co.

EP-089: Urban Animal Beer Co.

Josh and Ryan sit down with Mike Centanne from Urban Animal Beer Co. which is one of Colorado Springs' next breweries to open. Mike has a ton of experience from opening Iron Bird and Metric Brewing as well as brewing for Pikes Peak and Red Leg in between...this was a fun one, hope you enjoy listening in!

Aug 29, 202242:07
EP-088: What is a Cold IPA, Plus a Look to the Festivals Ahead.

EP-088: What is a Cold IPA, Plus a Look to the Festivals Ahead.

In this episode, we run through our latest article about Cold IPAs...are they really a style, or will this fad fizzle out like others have before it?

Also, we run through some of our favorite festivals that are making a return for 2022. 

Thanks for listening!

Mar 17, 202201:00:00
EP-087: Bringing Cannabis to the Masses with Dr. Keith Villa of Ceria Brewing

EP-087: Bringing Cannabis to the Masses with Dr. Keith Villa of Ceria Brewing

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Keith Via, of Blue Moon-fame, about his newest venture Ceria Brewing and his new book Brewing with Cannabis. Listen in as we learn about his long history in the brewing industry as well as how Cannabis can be used in brewing!

Aug 27, 202101:02:24
EP-086: We Still Have a Podcast!? Let's talk Beer News

EP-086: We Still Have a Podcast!? Let's talk Beer News

Wait, we still talk about beer on the internet? We do and we are. Ryan's off the sauce, and Josh isn't trying to drink for two, but they've got a rundown of all the upcoming brewery openings, festivals and whatnot in the Colorado Springs Beer scene. Listen in and let us know if we're wrong about anything!

Aug 05, 202159:51
EP-085: #BeerTwitter is boring now and other news

EP-085: #BeerTwitter is boring now and other news

That's not all we talk about, but we do touch on the disappearance of Worst Beer Blog and how that affects the corners of the beer industry. Also, we cover some new breweries opening in Colorado Springs, some new beer bars and what COVID has done to GABF as we know it. Hope you enjoy!

Apr 07, 202141:33
EP-084: WeldWerks Brewing

EP-084: WeldWerks Brewing

This podcast has been a long time coming. We recorded it a few weeks ago, and thanks to some connection choppiness, Zoom gave us 20 audio files to piece through in order to get you all an episode. It took way too may beers and way too long to edit, so we hope it actually sounds like a coherent stream of content...fingers crossed.

#WeldWerksBrewing 

Feb 09, 202135:00
EP-083: Mixing it up with Mash Mechanix

EP-083: Mixing it up with Mash Mechanix

In this episode, Ryan and Josh sit down with the team behind Mash Mechanix, a brewery slated to open in Downtown Colorado Springs in a few months. 

Jan 08, 202142:00
EP-082: Ski In and Beer Out at Telluride's New Beer and Taco Brewpub

EP-082: Ski In and Beer Out at Telluride's New Beer and Taco Brewpub

For all you skier types who are hankering to get over to Telluride to go hit the slopes, you should know that Telluride Brewing Co is opening their new ski-in/ski-out Brewpub at Mountain Village with twenty taps, authentic street tacos and beer to go! What better way to end a great day on the slopes than with an unbeatable aprés ski scene that also offers crowlers, six packs, tacos and taco kits for take out?

We had the awesome opportunity to connect with Tommy Thacher, President and Co-Founder of Telluride Brewing Company, so hear it from him about their new venture. We also talked through some of the many cool things that Telluride has going in the pipeline beer-wise, that we should see here in Colorado Springs as well!

Thanks for Listening!

Dec 01, 202023:26
EP-081: Holiday Gift Guide

EP-081: Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again, and if you’re trying to find that perfect gift for the beer-loving person in your life, we’ve got you covered with a few tips and options that are sure to put a smile on their face. In this episode, we’ll cover a few different online options, but we’d also like to implore you to shop local, as local breweries are facing tougher-than-ever restrictions that threaten their bottom line. If you can’t decide what someone might want, a gift card or crowler from a local brewery will always fit the bill. Thanks for listening!

Nov 28, 202042:46
EP-079: Buyouts, Sellouts and the End

EP-079: Buyouts, Sellouts and the End

It's the end of the year! We cover all the different buyouts, sellouts, and our picks for the best and brightest breweries in Colorado Springs!

Dec 19, 201901:19:53
EP-078: Hop Terpenes with Telluride Brewing and Oast House Oils

EP-078: Hop Terpenes with Telluride Brewing and Oast House Oils

Welcome to Focus on the Beer. I’m Ryan Hannigan.

Years ago, if you may remember, we posited that Colorado breweries were creating a new style of IPA. Back in 2014, FOTB’s very own Josh Howard wrote about the Colorado Wild IPA as a rising regional style. Many of the beers Josh mentioned still exist, yet the style didn’t catch on. Could it be that the Colorado beer scene was just waiting for a more exemplary style? Perhaps.

Flash forward five years to a beer industry dominated by breweries pushing out hundreds of copy-cat hazy IPAs, changing the hops ever so slightly and calling it good. With terms like “Double dry hopped,” “Quadruple DDH”, and more, we’ve waived farewell to the IBU wars of the late 90’s, as today’s brewers are fighting to pack as many pounds per barrel of hops as possible. Today’s guests are doing that too, but in unconventional way.

Join us as we embark on a conversation with Telluride Brewing’s Chris Fish and Oast House Oil’s Rob Kevwitch about the newest technology to hit liquid. Listen in.

Nov 14, 201952:57
EP-077: Jeff Lockhart from Dueces Wild Brewery

EP-077: Jeff Lockhart from Dueces Wild Brewery

In this episode, the guys sit down with Jeff Lockhart from Dueces Wild Brewery to talk about winning Gold for their Knuckle Dragger Scotch Ale. Listen in!

Oct 23, 201951:19
EP-076: Josh Adamski Talks Cerberus Anniversary and Expansion

EP-076: Josh Adamski Talks Cerberus Anniversary and Expansion

In this episode, Josh Adamski from Cerberus talks to the guys about the Sold-Out Cerberus Anniversary party, as well as the future plans for the brand. 

Aug 27, 201901:37:18
EP-075: Drinking Pilsners, AmLams and Lambics with Jeffrey Airman

EP-075: Drinking Pilsners, AmLams and Lambics with Jeffrey Airman

We talk with Jeff Airman from Paradox about a slew of things that are happening in the beer industry...listen in.

Beers in this episode:

  • Rockcut Galactic Portal IPA 
  • Odd13 Superfly Keller Pilsner 
  • Stillwater Artisanal Rhinestones & Sequins Sour Brut DIPA 
  • Jester King Spon 4 
  • Cantillon Gueuze 100% Lambic Bio
Jul 05, 201901:10:36
EP-074: COS Craft Beer Mods and the Citra Tsunami
Jun 14, 201901:15:04
EP-073: The Plum is in Play and other musings from Resolute Brewing's International Man of Marketing
May 15, 201901:19:25
EP-072: Winning the Weldwerks Lottery and Other CBC News

EP-072: Winning the Weldwerks Lottery and Other CBC News

In this episode, Josh and Ryan breakdown the news about Weldwerks joining the Colorado Springs craft beer landscape and other oddities about CBC and beer news in general. 

Apr 29, 201901:03:04
EP-071: Collaboration Fest Recap and On-Air Bottle Share

EP-071: Collaboration Fest Recap and On-Air Bottle Share

Join Ryan, Josh and Katie as they recap the Collab fest experience! Don't take notice of the crew breaking the cardinal rule of podcasting and mentioning the exact date this episode had been recorded. Cheers!
Mar 28, 201901:01:51
EP-070: Talking Traditional Styles with Brass Brewing

EP-070: Talking Traditional Styles with Brass Brewing

In our Seventieth episode, we sit down with Woody and Michael from Brass Brewing to talk about the ups and downs they've encountered in their first year and learn a bit more about the path ahead for their Downtown Colorado Springs brewery. Traditional Styles reign supreme with Michael Johnson, the head brewer at Brass, and we taste through a few of his creations on the show. Try them for yourself at their One Year Anniversary on March 22!
Mar 19, 201901:08:36
EP-069: André from JAKs and Boozy Sparkling Water
Feb 23, 201901:31:53
EP-068: Chef Brother Luck & Fossil Collabeeration

EP-068: Chef Brother Luck & Fossil Collabeeration

We sit down with Chef Brother Luck and Fossil Craft Beer to talk about their collaboration beer that's on tap at IV by Brother Luck! Listen in!
Jan 07, 201946:21
EP-067: The Jeffisode

EP-067: The Jeffisode

We welcome two Jeffs to the show for this Thanksgiving-week episode! Please enjoy the friendly banter from Jeff Eckles, famous for his role on the award-winning We Like Drinking podcast, and Jeffrey Airman, tastemaker at the wildly-popular Paradox Beer Company.
Nov 22, 201801:41:42
EP-066: Betcha Can't Taste Banana

EP-066: Betcha Can't Taste Banana

Does candy pair with beer? We go all Thrillist-style this episode and we probably now have Diabetes.

Thanks to Kevin from Wild Westendorf for joining us for this Halloween-themed candy and beer pairing.

Candy for this episode:

Skittles, KitKat, Swedish Fish, Almond Joy, and Candy Corn

Beers include:

Boulevard Jam Band, Oskar Blues Fugli, Mike Hess Grazias, High Hops Habanero Hunny, Upland/Cascade Pearpawsterous, Avery Plank'd, Odell Eugene Whiskey Barrel Aged, and New Holland Dragon's Milk Reserve Banana Coconut

And yes, you can taste the banana.
Oct 14, 201801:10:00
EP-065: After Fermentation in Hazy IPAs

EP-065: After Fermentation in Hazy IPAs

We're back and recording in the brand new R&D Studios! In this episode, we talk about how sometimes you can get after-fermentation in beers when dry hopping after terminal gravity, plus we drink some mighty fine beers in the process.
Oct 03, 201801:32:00
EP-064: Strawberry Milk Ales

EP-064: Strawberry Milk Ales

Both Goat Patch and Fossil have respectively produced beers that mimic the flavor of strawberry milk, and we're here to find out which one takes the cake. Also featured on this show is Wiley Roots' Citra Funk Yo Couch, a can conditioned mixed culture beer that is freaking delicious.
Aug 01, 201801:01:57
EP-063: Old Nation M43 Tasting with Aaron

EP-063: Old Nation M43 Tasting with Aaron

EP-063: Old Nation M43 Tasting with Aaron by Focus on the Beer
Jul 16, 201801:26:52
EP-062: That Episode about Brewer's Republic where we talk about Cerberus too

EP-062: That Episode about Brewer's Republic where we talk about Cerberus too

This podcast is in no way brought to you by Brewer's Republic, even if Carrie wants it to be that way. Listen in as we talk about the Independent's Day IPA with Carrie Simison and Josh Adams.
Jun 22, 201801:10:23
EP-061: FH Beerworks is Expanding!

EP-061: FH Beerworks is Expanding!

In this episode we breakdown FH Beerworks' latest announcement of their 4 acre expansion to the East side of Colorado Springs.
Jun 07, 201852:41
EP-060: How to Survive a Beer Festival
May 31, 201854:20
EP-059: Celebrating American Craft Beer Week with Irish Craft Beer

EP-059: Celebrating American Craft Beer Week with Irish Craft Beer

In this late-to-come out episode, we drink some Irish Craft Beer while talking about upcoming beer festivals and other news. Oh and we drink a few American beers too.
May 23, 201847:40
EP-058: Meet Atrevida Beer Co

EP-058: Meet Atrevida Beer Co

In this week's episode, we talk with Jess and Rich Fierro about everything from Beerland to buying Great Storm. Listen in!
May 01, 201801:40:32
EP-057: A Fruitful Recap of Past Happenings

EP-057: A Fruitful Recap of Past Happenings

EP-057: A Fruitful Recap of Past Happenings by Focus on the Beer
Apr 13, 201801:05:47
EP-056: Malt Liquor Taste Test

EP-056: Malt Liquor Taste Test

EP-056: Malt Liquor Taste Test by Focus on the Beer
Mar 15, 201801:21:22
EP-055: Big Beers, Buyouts and Closures

EP-055: Big Beers, Buyouts and Closures

Welcome to Focus on the Beer's first podcast of 2018. It's been awhile since we've talked beer, so we cover a bunch of information...a ton.

For the next year of podcasts, we're hoping to give a little outline of topics so you know what to expect.

In this episode:

Smuttynose Brewing put up for auction
Green Flash cutting 15% of its workforce and reducing its distribution
Mendocino/Olde Saratoga breweries abruptly closed
Great Storm Brewing changing hands
Dueces Wild Brewing set to open
Brass Brewing nearing opening, starting a kickstarter
Brewers Republic closing, then miraculously reopening as a part of Cerberus
Big Beers Belgians and Barleywines recap
The Little London Show's Dryanuary Party
and More!

Beer in this episode:

Smiling Toad Brewery Tangerine Hazy IPA
Jan 23, 201801:29:43
EP-054: Meet Metric Brewing

EP-054: Meet Metric Brewing

This episode, we sit down with Mike Centanne and Chase Perry from Metric Brewing. Listen in as we catch up with the two on the progress in opening a brewery and drink some good beer in the process...
Dec 14, 201701:17:48
EP-053: Taylor Donner, Advanced Cicerone

EP-053: Taylor Donner, Advanced Cicerone

Our latest episode features Taylor Donner of Cerberus Brewing. Taylor recently became an Advanced Cicerone, so we decided to have him on to talk about how that works and what he's got planned for the future. Also, we drink through some beer memberships and talk about those in case you're looking for a good holiday gift for the beer lover in your life.
Nov 21, 201701:23:49
EP-052: Coming out of the Post-GABF Haze...

EP-052: Coming out of the Post-GABF Haze...

EP-052: Coming out of the Post-GABF Haze... by Focus on the Beer
Oct 27, 201701:09:24
EP-051: Blindly Tasting Belgian White Beers

EP-051: Blindly Tasting Belgian White Beers

This episode we see if we can discern between New Belgium's new Fat Tire Belgian White and Blue Moon...it doesn't go well—for us.
Sep 14, 201701:05:24
EP-050: Punching Charlie Papazian with Phantom Canyon, but not really.

EP-050: Punching Charlie Papazian with Phantom Canyon, but not really.

Don't take that title to heart. We sat down and talked beer with Phantom Canyon's brewers Alan Stiles and Troy Johnson and learned a thing or two about them and had some laughs along the way.
Aug 26, 201701:12:40
EP-049: Happy IPA Day

EP-049: Happy IPA Day

We've overdone the IPA drinking on this show, so we're definitely ready for some imperial stouts and belgian beers. Bring it on!

As for Café Craft, here's the pairings for the fest! We'll be announcing them on Facebook every week coming soon, but you get the heads up.

Storybook Brewing / Story Coffee Co.

Goat Patch Brewing / Building 3 Roasters

Paradox Beer Company / Loyal Coffee

Fossil Craft Beer / Switchback Coffee Roasters

Bristol Brewing / R n R Coffee Cafe

Fieldhouse Brewing / Hold Fast Coffee

Local Relic / Switchback Coffee Roasters

Smiling Toad Brewery / Mission Coffee Roasters

Cerberus Brewing Co. / Loyal Coffee
Aug 02, 201701:09:44
EP-048: Exploding Cans and Arizona Beer

EP-048: Exploding Cans and Arizona Beer

Josh and Ryan narrowly survive the exploding cans, as they talk through all the upcoming and recently passed beer festivals. Beer in this episode includes Bell's Two Hearted, Pueblo Vida Circuitous and Microburst, as well as some other fun stuff.
Jul 08, 201701:30:47
EP-047: Cerberus and the Independent's Alternative IPA

EP-047: Cerberus and the Independent's Alternative IPA

To help celebrate Independent's Day (yes it's spelled that way in this case) Josh Adamski from Cerberus Brewing and Carrie Simison from The Independent came on the show to talk about their collaboration beer that will be released the weekend before July 4.

The collaboration is brewed with British Maris Otter and Caramel malts, then "liberally hopped" with American hops. It'll release at Cerberus June 30 at 4pm.

In this episode:

July 15: Cerberus is doing a Pale Ale collaboration beer release with All Breeds Rescue and The Misfits Dog Rescue named Buddy Up.

July 22: Look out for Jamaican Weekend at Cerberus

September 9: Cerberus' Anniversary. Josh tells us that Paradise Lost, their Heaven Hill barrel-aged Black Plague Imperial Stout, will be released. Coming in at around 11.3%, it's sure to be a doozy.

Beers in this episode:

The Alchemist Crusher
Cerberus Elysium IPA
Cerberus Tiny Umbrella Party IPA
Jun 21, 201701:12:37
EP-046: The Smoke Alarm Session

EP-046: The Smoke Alarm Session

We had some technical difficulties this week, but we're back with another long rambling podcast. You should really take away two things: Go to Feast of Saint Arnold and go to Paradox. Both will be great times.

Beers in this episode: Alchemist Farmer's Daughter, Barrel Aged Myrcenary, and some other we can't remember.
Jun 09, 201701:50:21
EP-045: Building a Malt Foundation for your Hop House

EP-045: Building a Malt Foundation for your Hop House

In this special American Craft Beer Week edition of the podcast, Josh and Ryan taste through some Ninkasi seasonal beers, Pikes Peak Brewing's newest Incline release, and finally try put the hazy IPA trend on this show to rest.

Also in this extra-long episode, Josh coins a new term(malt foundation for a hop house) beer nerds can use instead of "malty backbone" for describing a balanced beer, there's talk of South African hops and the guys discuss the fun things happening this week in Colorado Springs for American Craft Beer Week.

Beers in this episode:

Ninkasi Brewing Maiden the Shade
Ninkasi Brewing Pacific Rain
Pikes Peak Brewing Incline
Firestone Walker Leo vs Ursus Fortem
May 16, 201701:44:00
EP-044: Blindly Tasting through the Haze

EP-044: Blindly Tasting through the Haze

Thanks to Jacen for joining us on another Blind Taste Test.

NE IPAs are all the rage, but can you tell them apart just by taste? We tried and failed.

Beers in this episode:
The Alchemist Focal Banger
Weldwerks Juicy Bits
Odd13 Noob
Tree House Alter Ego
Destihl Mango IPA
Destihl Blueberry Gose
May 09, 201701:19:01
EP-043: East Coast IPA Drinking Sesh.

EP-043: East Coast IPA Drinking Sesh.

Catch Ryan and Josh as they taste their way through a panel of East coast IPAs...what started as an East vs West got quickly out of hand.
Apr 26, 201701:53:17
EP-042: On Air Bottle Share with Darcie and Jeff

EP-042: On Air Bottle Share with Darcie and Jeff

No, not Jeff Mohrmann from The Little London Show, but Jeff Airman from Paradox. We also get to try two versions of Jameson's Caskmates beer barrel-aged whiskey.
Mar 20, 201701:19:01
EP-041: For the Love of the Game featuring Lost Friend Brewing

EP-041: For the Love of the Game featuring Lost Friend Brewing

Join Focus on the Beer as they talk with Alyssa and Andy France from Lost Friend Brewing, a new brewery set to open up in 2017 in Colorado Springs.
Feb 17, 201701:09:18
EP-040: Tasting Speck Private Reserve and More

EP-040: Tasting Speck Private Reserve and More

EP-040: Tasting Speck Private Reserve and More by Focus on the Beer
Feb 08, 201756:47
EP-039: On Air Bottle Share

EP-039: On Air Bottle Share

EP-039: On Air Bottle Share by Focus on the Beer
Jan 25, 201701:04:26