Ben welcomes back Shehan Da Silva of Lost Craft Brewery to talk about the evolution of his brewery from a contract operation to one with two tap rooms, RTDs, spirits, and more. They dive into the LCBO system, fostering a sense of community around your business, and trying to ignore Reddit.
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1:18:48
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1:18:48
#109 - My car smells like ass
Ben chats with Steve Hukari, co-founder of the Southern Ontario Beer Boys, about his work turning a beer-enthusiast social media presence into a charitable enterprise that has raised $100K. Plus "desert island beers," the logistics of returning thousands of empties, softball, learning to love IPAs, Jurassic Park, and Dave Coulier.
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1:24:43
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1:24:43
#108 - Blow your brains out
Ben welcomes back Matt Tweedy of Tooth and Nail Brewery to talk about Ottawa's beer scene, why chasing hype is a fool’s game, and the stubborn joy of making classic styles well. They dig into Ontario’s latest distribution shake-ups, what it means for small breweries trying to stay afloat, and why Matt would rather perfect a pilsner than cram another gimmick into a fermenter.
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1:10:50
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1:10:50
#107 - Your butt's broken
Ben welcomes Mare Keefe back to the show to talk about her extensive involvement in female-centred brewing initiatives, Ales for ALS, and the sad fate of The Granite as Toronto desperately searches for somewhere to put some condos. Plus, sour beer, open fermentation, and Oasis.
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1:06:55
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1:06:55
#106 - Call me baby
Scott Simmons, President of the Ontario Craft Brewers, returns to the show to talk to Ben about the evolution of the industry, taxation, codes of conduct, convenience store beer and where it's gone wrong, and the upcoming OCB conference. And why he still wants you to call him to snitch.
Join award-winning beer writer Ben Johnson (”The Globe and Mail” ”The Growler” ”Toronto Life”) and his occasional co-host Chris Pellarin as we dive into the stories behind the beer in your glass. Crack open cold ones with brewmasters, industry pros, and some of Canada’s funniest personalities to talk brewery insights, beer industry deep dives, and unfiltered conversations that go way beyond the pint.