Everything you didn't know about Malts! This is the theme of Part 2 of our episode with Brent Manning, Co-Founder of Riverbend Malt House in Asheville, North Carolina.

We had so many questions about the impact malts have in the craft beer industry. It doesn't just stop there. They also work with distilleries (there is a Tennessee connection)

Riverbend Malt House came to be in 2011. Since that time, Brent has seen his focus change from the production phase to focusing on what the industry is doing next.

Speaking of changes. That's been a key theme for craft beer lately. Brent gives his opinion on where he thinks things are heading as it pertains to beer styles.

Riverbend Malt House wasn't immune to the damage caused in 2024 from Hurricane Helene. Its impact on Asheville and the surrounding areas is still felt to this day. Brent takes us back not long ago when his entire staff rallied around each other.

Cheers!

Asheville, North Carolina, is a favorite destination for craft beer lovers. It is also the home of Riverbend Malt House. Co-Founder, Certified Cicerone Brent Manning joins us.

In this episode, Brent walked us through how once upon a time, the conversation started of working with local farmers. Taking their barley and creating custom flavors for breweries. Really a win for everyone!

Brent describes part of what they do as "laying out a buffet of options for breweries”. Custom malts and flavor profiles for beer styles and recipes.

Riverbend Malt House is always looking at what’s next as it pertains to beer trends and tackling the challenges faced in the ever-changing craft beer industry.

Brent talks about the farmers and breweries they work with in Asheville. Also, here in Nashville and around Tennessee.

Cheers!

Amy Parks, VP of Business Development for Craftapped joins us. You will love her passion and enthusiasm for wanting to bring the craft beer community together.

Craftapped is a social craft beer beverage club that started in Minnesota. They have expanded to many other states, including Tennessee.

Amy talks all about the Craftapped app at places such as breweries, cideries, distilleries, and restaurants.

With so many establishments today joining the movement to expand their reach to consumers, Craftapped has become a willing partner.

In addition to that, Craftapped is also involved in raising money for numerous worthwhile charities across the country.

Cheers!

East Nashville Beer Works opened a second location in 2024 in Lebanon, TN. They just recently celebrated a one- year anniversary. We went to go talk with owner Anthony Davis about how things are going.

Sitting up on the Mezzanine, Anthony shared with us about the massive effort that has gone into making this location successful.

From being family friendly with a lot of things to do for everyone (they even have a dog park) to craft beer offerings, and other options in making sure there is something for everyone. Including food! We tried the pizza, and it definitely hit the spot!

This area of Middle Tennessee has seen a huge surge in population growth. Anthony discussed the plan to target this area and why it has paid off.

Michelob Ultra is now the best selling beer in America. While you won't find that in the ENBW taproom, Anthony does provide a few alternatives they have for people. We tried a few of them during this episode to find out for ourselves.

With two locations now. The first in East Nashville. Are there future plans for a third? Or expansion at either? We hope you will enjoy this episode. Anthony was very generous with his time on a Saturday afternoon.

Cheers!

Welcome to Part 2 of our Common John Beer Fest episode where we partnered up with Rich and Mitch of The Foamy Heads.

In this episode we talk to Mike from Broadcast Brewing, from Nashville, TN and Matt Love who is the founder of Hop Passport.

Mike talks about how he got started in craft beer and how he started his brewery, brew days being his favorite part of the day, how he likes his taproom to be communal and people meeting each other for the first time over beer.

Mike also discusses his current beers and what he has coming out for the fall, including something new, that we can't wait to see what it is.

Matt talks about what Hop Passport is about, where it can be used, the process in which they use in signing up vendors, who can benefit from using the Hop Passport and a lot more.

It was great meeting and talking to Matt and he taught us a lot about the Hop Passport.

We hope this isn't the last Common John Beer fest, so that we can do this again next year.

We hope you enjoyed both episodes and thanks to the Foamy Heads, Lebron, and Jon or having us, and to Michelle, Parker, Chad, Mike and Matt, for sitting down with us and chatting.

Cheers!

Steve and Scott

- The Brewery Underground Podcast

The Foamy Underground teamed up once again. This time it's at the Common John Beer Fest in Manchester, TN.

We continue talking with Michael Williams of Great Lakes Brewery. He's focusing on brand development these days.

Steve and Scott had to find out the big question. Can we get Great Lakes Beer to Tennessee? Is there hope for us?

The Brewers Association recently released data regarding tariffs and breweries. Has Great Lakes Brewing Company seen any impact?

Christmas is still a few months away. At Great Lakes Brewing, a long-standing tradition is happening soon! Michael shares with us why this specialty beer is so popular. Soon, people will be lined up, awaiting its arrival

Speaking of tradition. Oktoberfest season is in full swing right now. Great Lakes Brewing has its own version of this delicious offering.

Prost!

Our effort to bring Great Lakes beer to Tennessee continues.

It's no secret! If you listen to the podcast, then you know, Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio is one of our favorites. We visited the location in May.

Michael Williams returns after joining us a year ago. He's been a part of the team going on 13 years! These days, his focus is on brand development.

This year, Great Lakes Brewing Company has been doing a lot of limited releases. Michael tells us the strategy behind it. Plus, some new beer on the tap menu. Including the addition of a very popular Vibacious IPA.

Many breweries across the country have added light lagers to the tap menu. Great Lakes included! It's already award -winning.

Pat and Dan Conway started Great Lakes Brewing before breweries became a big deal. Way back to 1988. We asked Michael what he has learned from them.

The craft beer market is always changing. Michael weighs in on appealing to regular customers and new ones.

Cheers!