We're excited to welcome back Jon Renthrope, CEO of Cajun Fire Brewing Company in New Orleans, LA. In addition to his work with Cajun Fire, he is now the President of the Board of Directors for the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A). We discuss NB2A, Crafted for Action, exporting Cajun Fire product in Asia, and the latest developments for the East New Orleans Cultural Hub.

For this episode's Tasting Notes segment, Advanced Cicerone Collin Zreet brings pairing suggestions for English Porter-style beers. Be sure to grab your tickets for Collin's upcoming craft beer and chocolate pairing at Central Market Fort Worth on July 8.

Additional discussion points include:

Get ready for Crafted for Action 2026

Our Culture Brewing X Creature Comforts collaboration

Congrats to Vine Street Brewing winning a Gold ADDY award for marketing and design

Soulshine Kolsch from Bentonville Brewing

Do the Hop Thing from Narrow Gauge x Brothas & Craft Beer

DJ Sun - Loveletter

Misha - Flying

Hiroshi Suzuki - Cat

Our September 2024 conversation with Jon Renthrope

Kuumba "Smitty" Smith of Smittox Brewing joins us to discuss Black Eyed Peas' 1998 debut album, Behind the Front. Smitty also shares about his collaborations currently at Oak Cliff Brewing, Balanced Rock Brewing, and False Idol as we prepare for his brewery's grand opening.

In our Tasting Notes segment, Collin Zreet discusses flavors and pairings from three stouts - oatmeal, foriegn extra, and tropical. Be sure to get your tickets for Zreet's craft beer and craft chocolate pairing at Central Market on July 8, 2025.

Tony comes with a new Top Five segment listing his favorite Biggie guest verses in celebration of what would've been The Notorious One's 53rd birthday. Plus, Collin Zreet provides food pairing suggestions for American Stout beers.

Additional notes from the show:

Jazzanova - In Between Live

Mariah Carey celebrating 20 years of The Emancipation of Mimi

Vicki Sometani & MAX RAD