BYO Nano Brew Podcast
Episodes
Episode 72: New Small-Scale Brewery Strategies for the New Year
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You’re living through some serious headwinds in the beer industry right now. There’s a lot of worry, a lot of gloom, but also a lot of positivity ...
Episode 71: Crafting a Memorable Beer and Food Program
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Having food options is a way to bring in new customers and to keep fans coming back. There are many ways a small brewery can approach a menu and this ...
Episode 70: Exploring Innovations in Yeast
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yeast is the critical ingredient that turns humble wort into magical beer. This month, a look at the microbe from multiple angles and how to make the ...
Episode 69: Small-Scale Lagering
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lagers have been having a moment for a long time now. In this current age of brewing, there are many small breweries that are giving the time and atte...
Episode 68: The 2025 North American Hop Report
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While many of us are still holding on to the last days of summer, trying to make the most out of downtime, the work is gearing up on farms across the ...
Episode 67: Improving your Beer Quality
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensory analysis, setting up a lab for QC tests, and understanding your raw ingredients are all paramount when it comes to improving the quality of yo...
Episode 66: Innovations in the Malt Industry
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode takes a deep dive into malt offerings from both the larger suppliers and those on the craft side. As we take a look at this critical ingr...
Episode 65: Brewing with Alternative Grains
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Craft Brewers Conference was held in Indianapolis last month and at the ingredients supplier booths, amid the talk of new hop varieties, there wer...
Episode 64: Brewery Budgeting for Uncertain Times
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
These are confusing times, and hard times to work in a small business. As Bart Watson of the Brewers Association recently said, beer makers really dis...
Episode 63: Strategies for Embracing Beer Holidays
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can your brewery make the most out of the holidays? More than just slinging stout on St. Patrick’s Day, or a festbier during Oktoberfest, there ...
Episode 62: A Brewer's Guide to Mental Health
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While it is rewarding and exciting to own a small brewery, there is also a lot of worry that comes with it. Over time things can snowball, accumulate,...
Episode 61: Navigating Dry January
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dry January is upon us and showing no signs of leaving the calendar anytime soon. So what is a small brewery to do? There are options when it comes to...
Episode 60: The 2024 Nano Brewery Year in Review
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is always a good time to reflect and get excited about a new calendar year. To help put the industry into perspective and to think about how to s...
Episode 59: Nano Brewery Food Programs and Alternative Beverages
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we all settle in for the cozy autumnal season, it’s hard not to think about comfort food and warm beverages. This month, we're glad to speak with...
Episode 58: Post-Harvest Brewing and Revamping Brewery Merch
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Autumn has taken hold across North America and it’s a good time to start thinking about the colder months. First, we’ll visit with Evan Watson of ...
Episode 57: Business Case Studies From Established Nano Breweries
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is uncertainty in the beer industry these days and if you’re a small brewery owner you might feel like you’re alone in the issues and strugg...
Episode 56: 2024 North American Hop Crop Update
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of year again: hop harvest across North America. We are going to check in with hop professionals on both coasts to get a better under...
Episode 55: Farm Breweries & Brewing with Local Ingredients
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Growing season is in full swing across North America and on this episode we check in with two farmers who are brewing and will discuss what goes into ...
Episode 54: What's New and Exciting with Malt?
15 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Malt is the workhorse of every beer, but it doesn’t always get the close attention it deserves. I’ll talk with two people who are intimately invol...
Episode 53 - Navigating Challenging Financial Times for Small Breweries
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping an eye on the bottom line has never been more important. From rising ingredient costs to a shift in consumer spending. On this episode of the ...
Episode 52 - Unlocking the Secrets of Yeast
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s take an exploration into yeast. From fermentation through history, to unlocking new secrets and strains, a world-renowned expert is here on th...
Episode 51 - Picking the Right Events for Nano Breweries
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Events are a great way to bring regulars and new comers into your taproom. On this episode we talkk with three brewers who are working to bring new an...
Episode 50 - Human Resources for Nano Breweries
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Human Resources might not be the most exciting topic for brewery owners, but it’s important and there are enthusiastic individuals ready to tackle t...
Episode 49 - Brewery Customer Membership Programs to Build Community and Profits
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are multiple ways to build a community around your brewery, and one way is through membership clubs and offering your beer through community sup...
Episode 48 - The 2023 Year In Review
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The end of a year is a good time to look back, take stock, and to plan for what is to come.For professional brewers and drinkers 2023 is going to be r...
Episode 47 - Food Options for Nano Breweries
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we head into a cozy season of gathering with family and friends and our attention turns to big meals shared together, we have a trio of brewers her...
Episode 46 - Your Nanobrewery Financial Checkup
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is as good a month as any to be thinking about your brewery’s finances - both long term and short term - and the best practices for a check in ...
Episode 45 - Distribution Considerations for Small Breweries
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month we are talking about distribution. Every brewery owner needs to decide if it’s right for their business and to weigh the pros and cons be...
Episode 44 - The 2023 North American Hop Report
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month we are focusing on the 2023 hop crop. From what’s happening in the Pacific Northwest, to the fields of Michigan, we’ll talk about what ...
Episode 43 - Festivals and Events for Nano Breweries
15 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month we are focusing on festivals and events. The summer is the season to get outdoors, mingle, and experience all that your town, state, or reg...
Episode 42 - Malt Insights for the Nano Brewer
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Malt is our topic this month. We’ll get a report from one of the larger malting companies on what small brewers can do with grain, and then head to ...
Episode 41 - Your Brewery & Water
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Water is our topic this month. From how a proper education can help you better understand beer’s most important ingredient, to how to properly treat...
Episode 40 - Making the Most of Your Taproom Space
15 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s talk about the taproom experience. From proper flow, how best to decorate, and ways to give your customers a pleasurable visit, our guests wil...
Episode 39 - Social Media Strategies for Nano Brewers
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a virtual presence for your small brewery is imperative to help the physical business grow. We’ll do a deep dive into social media to learn a...
Episode 38 - Innovation in and Exploration of Yeast
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are innovations in the microscopic world of yeast. From thiols to hybrids this episode will discuss best practices and paths forward.There is so...
Episode 37 - Embracing the Right Customers and Experience
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While January can be a slow month for some hospitality-based businesses, it can also be a chance to take a look under the hood to make sure that the c...
Episode 36 - Year End Nano Brewery Review
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
End of the year wrap-ups are happening fast and furious these days and this show is no exception. As ever, there’s a lot to be thinking about for yo...
Episode 35 - Creating a Food Program and Providing the Right Merch
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From making sure your guests are full and happy to comfortable and stylish, this episode covers the intersection of beer and food and finding options ...
Episode 34 - Strategies to Maximize Taproom Events, Festivals & Seasonal Beer Releases
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are a lot of challenges when operating a small brewery. One of them is trying to stand out among larger counterparts. Be it breweries with state...
Episode 33 - Buying a Nano Brewery
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we’re talking about best practices and advice for someone who wants to take over a small, existing brewery. ...
Episode 32 - Brewery Finances
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It has been a non-stop grind these last few years and the tough news and situations continue to pile up. Small breweries dealing with the rising cost...
Episode 31 - A Craft Malt Roundtable
16 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a round table episode that explores the growth, benefits, and flavors of craft malt. John Holl is joined by two craft maltsters - Hillary Bari...
Episode 30 - Fermentation Beyond Beer and Hop Crop Update
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In proof that some of the most interesting things in American craft beer are happening on the small scale, we’ll start off this month with a brewery...
Episode 29 - Nano Brewer Roundtable
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this month at the Craft Brewers Conference held in Minneapolis the pandemic was still the main topic of conversation, but amid the mask and su...
Episode 28 - The Importance of Brewery Location
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Location. Location. Location. It’s so important that we say it three times. When you’re thinking about starting your small brewery, moving to a ne...
Episode 27 - Nano Brew Mail Bag
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There is a lot to think about, to plan, and to dream towards when it comes to your nano brewery. Sometimes you need a little help, and that’s what ...
Episode 26 - Marketing and Creating Demand
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
February is always an odd month. The newness of a new year has faded, but around most of the country, it’s cold and winter feels endless. It can be ...
Episode 25 - Finding a Place and Embracing Technology
15 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The introduction of a new calendar comes with a lot of promise. A blank slate to fill in with projects and goals. Maybe it means revamping a tap room ...
Episode 24 - Nano Brewers Reflect on 2021
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We hope you had a chance to watch, listen, or participate in BYO’s NanoCon held earlier this month. For host John Holl it was great fun to moderate ...
Episode 23 - 2021 Hops Insight, Barley Head Brewing, and Starting a Food Program
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No matter the season, hops are always on our mind here at the BYO Nano Podcast. With the 2021 North American harvest over, the farmers have time to ...
Episode 22 - Aluminum Can Insights and Little Animals Brewing
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this month, Yazoo Brewing and Embrace the Funk held its annual Funk Fest. It was a return to somewhat normalcy filled with small pours, famili...
Episode 21 - Practical Yeast Tips and Recipe Development
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Last week there was a scaled down version of the Craft Brewers Conference that happened in Denver and host John Holl flew out for a few days, to walk ...
Episode 20 - Managing Finance and Tending to Barrels
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast, host John Holl talks with experts in finance and wood-aged beers. The bottom line of your brewery is always ...
Episode 19 - Hiring Brewery Staff, Focused Charitable Giving, and Preparing for Business Interruptions
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast, host John Holl starts off by talking with Alison Wisneski, the head of marketing, among other things, at Lady...
Episode 18 - Carefully Back into the World
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After more than a year of uncertainty and life moving slowly for a lot of us, things have picked up speed in the last few weeks. Taprooms are re-openi...
Episode 17 - The Importance of Insurance and Water
15 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As late spring moves along, mask requirements are being lifted, people are getting vaccinated, and we are all making tentative plans to rejoin the wor...
Episode 16 - Brewers Plan for Post-Pandemic Business
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a while since we had a good discussion among brewers on the program, so this month we are glad to have two nanobrewery owners and brewers ...
Episode 15: Continuing Education for Small Brewers and the Pink Boots Hop Blend
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Spring is a time for renewal and betterment and on this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we're talking about education and collaboration and even allow...
Episode 14: Examining Brewery Quality Control and Non-Profit Giving
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're in the dead of winter, a time where we look forward to spring and warmth, and renewal. This time of year can be a blessing however, giving us ti...
Episode 13 - Brewing Resolutions for a New Year
16 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We’re kicking off a new year with some suggestions from brewing industry professionals that have some tips that can help your small brewery achieve ...
Episode 12 - Saying Goodbye to 2020 with Strategic Tips
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:We’re closing out 2020 with a panel discussion from experts in and around brewing who share their insights, ...
Episode 11 - Malt, Digital Strategies, and Discipline
15 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:We will check in on the current state of craft malt in America and get a preview of what’s to come in the ne...
Episode 10 - Making the Most of a Pandemic
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:It’s getting colder and that brings some new worries for breweries amid this pandemic. Nancy Trigg of Arryve...
Episode 9 - 2020 Hop Harvest and Seasonal Operations
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast: Let’s dive into the 2020 Hop Harvest and find out what is on deck from the Pacific Northwest. Stan Hierony...
Episode 8 - A Nano Brewery Roundtable
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:Host John Holl leads brewers and owners of nano brewers around the country in a roundtable discussion on what ...
Episode 7 - Crowler Clubs to Boost Sales and Small-Scale Canning Options
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:- We head to Phoenix Brewing in Ohio to talk with Carmone MacFarlane about how the brewery has come to rely on...
Episode 6 - Understanding Taproom Customers, Finance, and Pivoting for What Comes Next
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:Â - Andrew Coplon of Secret Hopper joins us to talk about how small breweries can work to not only survive, bu...
Episode 5 - Best Pandemic-Related Practices for Small Brewery To-Go Beer & Social Media
15 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On Episode 5 of the BYO Nano Brew Podcast: Host John Holl talks with Neil Witte, the co-author of the Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Manu...
Episode 4 - Navigating Beer During Covid-19
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast: - Host John Holl talks with Audra Gaiziunas about what breweries can be doing during the COVID-19 pandemic...
Episode 3 - Wastewater Management, Punch Buggy Brewing, HR Best Practices
15 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:- We talk with Luke Truman the Facilities Manager at Allagash Brewing Company about managing the liquid leavin...
Episode 2: Earth Eagle Brewings, Attorney Advice, Brewing with Spice
15 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Podcast:- Host John Holl sits down with Alex McDonald of Earth Eagle Brewings in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to talk abo...
Episode 1: Welcome to the BYO Nano Podcast
16 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On This Episode of the BYO Nano Brew Podcast:  - We’re excited to kick off this new project and talk with Brew Your Own Magazine publisher Brad Ri...