Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Beer Sessions added to short list of must-listen podcasts

For 4-5 years now, I've had a steady stream of beer-related podcasts filling my ears with varied material covering the rich subject from different angles. In addition to reading, researching, and "doing", following these podcasts has given me yet another way in which to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry. The Brewing Network - based out of the San Francisco Bay Area...for professional craft brewing, homebrewing, and general entertainment Craft Beer Radio - based out of Pittsburgh...for beer tasting and reviews; event coverage as well Basic Brewing - based out of northwest Arkansas...both video and audio focused on homebrewing and occasionally some (food) cooking/beer pairing as well And now, after 14 episodes, I'm adding Beer Sessions which is airing under the Heritage Radio Network Banner. It's co-hosted by publicans Jimmy Carbone (Jimmy's No. 43) and Ray Deter (d.b.a.) I know d.b.a. very well from visits in New Orleans and in Manhattan. A more recent opening of the third location in Brooklyn is still on my upcoming hitlist. I shared a table with Ray and others during a Monk's beer dinner once upon a time. Jimmy, on the other hand, and his No. 43 restaurant is gaining some nice reviews, but I've yet to meet either him or his establishment. That will need to be rectified soon. The format of the shows is very predictable and artfully managed by Jimmy and Ray. Each show is right around 45 minutes, typically split into three 15 segments, broken up by interesting and fun music interludes. Information and conversation is clear and well-delivered by the hosts and the guests. I'll link you into two recent episodes with a Philadelphia tie-in. The first is a link to a "session" with Spencer Niebuhr from Southampton Publick House and AJ Boglioli from Tröegs. They talk up the Philly brewing scene (and PBW) primarily with AJ and discuss SPH with Spencer, who can often be found cavorting around Philly. Two episodes later, Corey Reid and Brian O'Reilly stop in to talk all about Sly Fox and the growth of the brewery and expansion into NYC.

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