We travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for this episode, and sit down with the co-owner of Two Frays Brewery, Mike Onofray, and the owner of The Open Road, Mel Babitz. The two businesses have forged a partnership with a series of unique collaborations that have helped bring non-alcoholic beer and beverages to their Pittsburgh community. In our conve…

If you are a fan of barrel-aged beers, this episode is for you! The Deep Wood Series over at Revolution Brewing is second to none with the complexity of flavors they are able to extract from the barrels. I sat down with Marty Scott, the Barrel Program Manager at Revolution, about their upcoming 2024 Deep Wood Series. You’ll learn about how differen…

You might want to grab lunch first! In this episode, I had a great discussion about Chicago's finest food with Aaron FitzPatrick, better known as Fitz Magic online. He's renowned for exploring the top eating spots in Chicago. We made a stop at the city location of Ravinia Brewing to savor their exceptional beer and tacos! FitzMagic Eats OddPods Med…

In the second stop of our summer road trip series, we take a visit to Naperville, Illinois, home of the taproom and brewery for Go Brewing, and sit down with Co-Founder and CEO, Joe Chura. The brewery has been on a whirlwind of growth since launching from Joe's garage two years ago, and we get his perspective on why he started an NA brewery, his ph…

Midwest Coast Brewing Company, nestled at 2137 W Walnut in Chicago, is on the brink of unveiling its much-anticipated all-season rooftop! This is not just any rooftop, it's a game-changer for the city's taproom scene. With its breathtaking views, an extensive selection of beers, and a retractable roof that defies Chicago’s unpredictable weather, it…

Residing in one of the smallest markets in the country currently supporting an AF bottle shop, Lafayette, Indiana's Generation NA has become a leader in the non-alcoholic beverage movement. In this episode, owner Rob Theodorow shares his founder story, including who is primarily coming into the store, and how each generation has its own expectation…

This week I’m trying some beers that are slightly different than what most would consider when thinking beer. Modelo Chelada Donna’s Pickle Beer Off Color Strawberry For Tacos OddPods Media Beer Media Group Promo: Beer’d Al PodcastBy Dave Zalatoris

On this bonus edition of Beer In Front, I'll be talking about the legendary band R.E.M. with my friends over at Pop Culture Yearbook. This is the second of two parts, to catch part one, head over to Pop Culture Yearbook! Pop Culture Yearbook OddPods MediaBy Dave Zalatoris

Chicago’s Half Acre has recently teamed up with two other iconic breweries: Sierra Nevada and Firestone Walker. I’ll have both collaboration beers on the show this week. Half Acre Sierra Nevada Firestone Walker OddPods Media Promos: Super Media Bros and Grab ‘Em In The BrisketBy Dave Zalatoris

In this episode, we sit down with Chicago craft beer savant turned podcaster, Dave Zalatoris, host of the popular Chicago podcast Beer In Front (part of the OddPods Media Network). In our conversation we talk about the craft beer scene in the Windy City, how N/A fits into that vibe, as well as Dave’s thoughts on how non-alcoholic options there are …

On this episode, I’ll talk to Jon Eggleton from N/ATION Beer. He has a great website and podcast devoted to the NA beer scene, and we had a good conversation over some beers from Go Brewing. N/ATION Beer Go Brewing Wild Heaven Beer OddPods Media Promo: Last Comic ShopBy Dave Zalatoris

I'm reminiscing about the last time the 17-year Cicadas appeared in Illinois back in 2007. OddPods Media Promo: From The MiddleBy Dave Zalatoris

In this Notebook episode we sit down with our friend Chi Jennings, known on Instagram as mysoberaflife, a fervent fan of non-alcoholic drinks of all stripes. We talk about her strategy for finding N/A beverages while traveling, her thoughts on Chicago's Pilot Project Brewing, favorite non-alcoholic retail spots in NYC (who knew bodegas were such a …

Get ready, folks! This week, we're diving into the world of American Pale Ales, a beer style that's close to my heart. It’s the perfect choice for those who crave that hoppy goodness without the high alcohol content of an IPA. And stay tuned, because later in the show, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on some national and local brews. All this and more,…

Quick beer show before Illinois Craft Beer Week. I’ll have Two Iconic Illinois Beers in Daisy Cutter from Half Acre and Beezer from Old Irving! A ton of news and things to check out as well! Illinois Craft Beer Week Half Acre Old Irving OddPods Media Mindy’s Beer Gear RadCraftBy Dave Zalatoris

In this episode we sit down with Momentum Brewery and ProofNoMore’s co-owner Lars Dahlhaus to better understand the non-alcoholic beer category, where it may be headed, and how he’s working to build a brand around the ‘why’ and ‘where’ consumers are drinking the product. As the category continues to mature, understanding these motivations will be c…

This week, I'll talk to Arturo Vargas, the Senior Brand Manager of el Jimador Spiked Bebidas. They have four great new flavors out nationally and are also the new sponsor of the United Soccer League. el Jimador Spiked Bebidas OddPods Media Promo: Beer'd Al PodcastBy Dave Zalatoris

On today’s show I’ll talk to Jerry from Lone Tree Brewing out of Colorado. They make some really good beer and launched a Hop/Hemp water that I’ll have in the show as well. I’ll also have a collaboration between Alarmist and Sketchbook as part of my Drink Illinois Series. Lone Tree Brewing Ufloric OddPods Media Promo: EverTrending Story…

We set out to explore the middle ground between N/A and the big, boozy imperials and extra-hopped beers that helped make American craft beer famous, and figure out if it offered any clues as to where non-alcoholic beer could be headed. While IPAs and the like aren’t going anywhere, in the traditional brewing world there’s undoubtedly been a movemen…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Illinois Craft Beer Week 2024 runs this year from May 3rd through the 10th. The week will begin with the always outstanding Beer Under Glass held this year at Union Station in Chicago. Other events during the week will be the Summer Passport, a really cool pint glass for 2024, and much more. Joining me this…

Today I'm talking to friends about the outstanding Birmingham beer scene. Brandon & Ashley are your go to people when you want to know about beer there! Ashley Brandon OddPods Media Promo: From The MiddleBy Dave Zalatoris

In our first N/A beer notebook episode, we're joined by Myles Faulkner of The Modern Substitute, an informative newsletter featuring weekly recommendations of N/A beers, wines and spirits. In this episode Myles and I talk about the rising non-alcoholic scene in the Pacific Northwest, expansions with Partake Brewing and Kit NA Brewing, a quick dive …

Quick episode this week. I’m going to have London Pride from Fuller’s as the Beer In Front, I’ll also have one from Penrose as part of my Drink Illinois Beer series. Beer In Front Merch Store OddPods Media Promo: BFYTWBy Dave Zalatoris

On the show this week, I talked to Audrey Gelhausen from the Award-Winning Billy Goat Hop Farm in Colorado. She dropped a ton of knowledge on hops, everything from growing to selling, I learned a lot from her, and you will as well! Billy Goat Hop Farm Southwest Fresh Fest Hermanas Amigas Flourish Art Accelerator OddPods Media Promo: Beer’d Al Podca…

While thus far the non-alcoholic brewing space has been dominated by Big Beer, Athletic Brewing, and dozens of other N/A-only brewers, the N/A movement is now showing up in local breweries around the country. In this episode we chat with our friend Tyler McMahon of Reducaholic on what's happening in this important part of the category, which brewer…

Pull out your Hyper Color Shirt and Zubaz pants, because we’re going back to the early 90’s! This week, I’m having a Killian’s Red on the show. I also had a great Pilsner from Moor’s Brewing as part of my Drink Illinois Beer Series. Moor’s Brewing Gray’s Taproom OddPods Media Promo: SuperMedia BrosBy Dave Zalatoris

On this, Episode 200, I’ll discuss my new Drink Illinois Beer project where I will try and have as many beers from Illinois as I can get to. I’ll have on this episode one from Off Color, and I had my last can of Metropolitan. #drinkillinoisbeer Off Color Brewing OddPods Media Promo: EverTrending Story…

I’ve been doing this for 4 years? On this episode, I’ll go back to the beginning with the 1st beer I had on the show, Samuel Adams Boston Lager. I also had some really good ones from Illinois. Beers: Samuel Adams Energy City Werk Force Horse Thief Hollow Haymarket OddPods Media Promo: Grab ‘Em In The Brisket…

It’s the 4th Anniversary of Beer In Front! On this episode, I’ll talk to Lars Dalhaus from Momentum Brewery about their great NA beers. Momentum currently has 2 styles out, a Golden, and a Hazy IPA. Both are worth picking up! Momentum Brewery Proof No More OddPods Media Promo: From The MiddleBy Dave Zalatoris

In our first-ever N/ATION road trip, we headed to the mountain mecca of craft beer in the east, Asheville, North Carolina. In this two-part episode we first chatted with Jason Pedrick, owner of NoLo, Asheville's non-alcoholic bottle shop that was the first of its kind to open in the Southeast in 2021. In our conversation Jason gave us his perspecti…

This week, I chatted with Becca Schepps, the founder of Mortal Kombucha. Mortal makes some great Kombucha now in 16oz aluminum bottles and also a new line of hydration packets. Being Flagship February, I had the classic Sierra Nevada as the Beer In Front. Mortal Kombucha OddPods Media Promo: BFYTWBy Dave Zalatoris

This week, I talked with Carmine and Thomas over at the award-winning Rock Solid Brewing Company in Georgia. I need to make a visit there soon! I'll also have a Japanese Lager from Harland out of San Diego as the Beer In Front. Rock Solid Brewing Company OddPods Media Network Promos: Beer'd Al Podcast Super Media Bros…

You may have seen that the award-winning Ravinia Brewing Company is having some legal issues. I spoke with Jeff Hoobler from the brewing company and we discussed the brewery, taproom and what you can do to help them out during this. If you’re in the area, please check them out and support a great local business. They have a Go Fund Me page set up t…

In our inaugural episode we sit down with Atmosphere Brewery's Jonathan Zimmerman, known in some circles as Johnny Atmosphere, who shares his founder story around why he decided to launch a 0.0% ABV N/A beer brand in partnership with a 400 year-old German brewery, and how a silver sequin jacket and hat have become the perfect accessories to making …

Quick show this week. I had 2 outstanding Non-Alcoholic Beers from Alesmith Brewing out of San Diego. Both of these will be in my fridge after Dry January! Alesmith Brewing OddPods Media Promo: SuperMedia BrosBy Dave Zalatoris

Quick show this week for your commute. Guinness and Sierra Nevada have come out with Non-Alcoholic beers recently and I’ll try them on the show. Plus, a brewery is making beer from water recycled from a jetbridge? OddPods Media Promo: EverTrending StoryBy Dave Zalatoris

This week I chatted with Karen Sheehan from All The Beer_More Beer. Karen is a Digital Creator and Beer Enthusiast from Chicago. We talked beer, cider, breweries, and much more! I had the great Ninja vs. Unicorn from Pipeworks as the Beer In Front, AND a special return of The Jagoff Of The Week! Karen Sheehan Pipeworks Brewing OddPods Media Promo: …

Happy New Year! A few weeks ago, I stopped at Go Brewing to talk with owner Joe, and the Director Of Sales, Matt. They make some of the best NA beers out there! We tried some of their offerings and discussed tips for people who want to cut down on their alcohol consumption. After our chat, I decided to do Dry January for myself. I’ll talk a little …

In this episode, I’ll explore the world of ciders. Brian and Matt join to share their expertise on different types of ciders and how they can be a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Stay tuned as we learn about the history, flavors, and pairing suggestions for these festive beverages. Matt Augustine Cider Brian Farnum Hill Ciders Stormal…

Holiday Beers are some of my favorites. This week, I'll be having 5 different ones. Sierra Nevada & Great Lakes that are national brands, St. Bernardus from Belgium, Triptych and Cruz Blanca from Illinois. Whatever Winter Holiday you celebrate, these beers will be a nice touch for your celebration! OddPods Media Promo: Beer'd Al Podcast…

On this episode, I’ll chat with Corey Smale over at Garage Brewing about their beers and how they are taking the market by storm. I’ll also have one from Southern Grist and tell the story on how my grandmother took her sauce recipe with her. Garage Beer OddPods Media Promos: Married With Television & EverTrending Story…

This script is for Episode 187 of the "Beer in Front" Podcast, titled "187". It starts with the host, Dave Zalatoris, introducing the show and mentioning future talks on old school beers, new beers, and interviews with people in the beer world. The host then discusses beer news, including Metropolitan closing in Chicago. Dave also shares a personal…

The big news in beer this week was that Ravinia Brewing Company was being sued by Ravinia. I'll have my take on this and enjoy a Taco Fest from Ravinia. I'll have a Tepache, a fermented pineapple beverage that is also delicious. Ravinia Brewing Company OddPods Media Promo: The EverTrending StoryBy Dave Zalatoris

In this episode, I'll recap the Festival of Barrel Aged Beers and discuss my favorite beers from the event. I'll also share my experience of drinking the barrel aged Christmas Ale from Great Lakes Brewing. FoBAB Illinois Craft Brewers Guild Great Lakes Brewing OddPods Media Promos from Infectious Groove and Grab 'Em In The Brisket…

The Festival of Barrel Aged Beers is right around the corner. This week, I'll talk to Ray Stout, the Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, about the upcoming Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers and the Illinois Diversity In Brewing Scholarship. I'll also have a beer aged in wine barrels that was delicious! Festival of Barrel Aged Beers …

For this Sober October, I tried a lot of different hop-flavored waters, a hop tea, and an NA Fruited Sour. Some I really loved and would put in the cart again! Hoplark Sierra Nevada Revolution Brewing HOP WTR Noon Whistle Go Brewing! Lagunitas Promo: OddPods MediaBy Dave Zalatoris

This week, I talked to Mark Strong from the Syracuse area. He sent over 4 Pilsners from Suarez Family Brewery, and let me tell you; those were fantastic! Mark gave a lot of suggestions, so if you’re ever in the area, take notes for beer suggestions! I also had the Oaktoberfest from Firestone Walker, and if you see that one around, I recommend it! S…

Join Julia Herz from the American Homebrewers Association and learn how to brew beer like a pro right in your home. Get ready to impress your friends with your new brewing skills! The American Homebrewers Association is an excellent resource for anyone interested in beer; whether you’re a brewer or a beer enthusiast, the AHA has something for every…

This week, I talked to D.T. over at Space Castle, and he recapped the Great American Beer Festival. I also had from Victory the Golden Monkey Belgian Tripel, which was fantastic! Plus, when did Growlers start costing a left arm to buy? Space Castle Victory Brewing Company OddPods Media Promo: Beer’d Al Podcast…

This week, I'm going back to the year 1040, when Weihenstephan first started brewing beer. I had three of them, and they are terrific! I had one locally from Wild Onion that was great as well! Weihenstephaner Wild Onion Brewery OddPods Media Promo: Super Media BrosBy Dave Zalatoris