Midwest Microbrew

Episode 24: Russ Klisch, President of Lakefront Brewery

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0500

In this short interview, Henry Nosek of Midwest Microbrew sits down with Russ Klisch of Lakefront Brewery to discuss what it truly takes to start and run a successful craft brewery. Russ shares his hard-earned wisdom on managing cash flow, choosing the right business partners, building a distribution strategy, and why passion and personality are just as important as making great beer.
Whether you're a homebrewer dreaming of going pro, an aspiring brewery owner, or simply a craft beer lover, this interview is full of practical advice straight from one of the Midwest's most experienced brewers.
🍺 Topics covered in this interview:

The biggest financial challenges of starting a brewery
How to choose the right business partners (and plan for exit strategies)
The role of quality in long-term success
Taproom vs. distribution — how to sell your beer
Marketing your brewery through personality and community

🎙️ Missed our first interview with Russ? Watch it here: • Episode 5: Russ Klisch, President of Lakef...

🔔 Subscribe to Midwest Microbrew for more craft beer interviews, brewery spotlights, and everything the Midwest microbrew scene has to offer!

#MidwestMicrobrew #CraftBeer #LakefrontBrewery #BreweryLife #CraftBrewery #HomebrewToPro #MidwestBeer #BrewingBusiness #CraftBeerPodcast #MicroBrewery #BeerPodcast #RussKlisch #BreweryStartup #CraftBeerCommunity

Episode 23: Brian Buss, Co-Owner at Bust'd Brewing

Thu, 28 May 2026 19:00:00 -0500

How does a small craft brewery build a fiercely loyal customer base in a competitive market? Brian Buss of Bust'd Brewing in Peoria, Illinois breaks down exactly how he's done it.
In part two of our conversation, Brian shares the strategies and tactics Bust'd Brewing has used to attract all kinds of people to their taproom and keep them coming back — from die-hard beer geeks to total newcomers. If you're a craft beer fan or a small business owner, this one is packed with real, actionable insight from someone who's built something special in central Illinois.
🎧 Missed part one? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/_v6PWLg8q5Y]
🌐 More episodes and content at: midwestmicrobrew.com

🍺 About Midwest Microbrew:
Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. Host Henry Nosek sits down with the brewers, founders, and visionaries behind the best small breweries in the region. Visit us at midwestmicrobrew.com for more.
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.
#CraftBeer #MidwestBeer #BustdBrewing #Peoria #Illinois #CraftBrewery #Microbrewery #BreweryLife #BeerPodcast #MidwestMicrobrew #SmallBusiness #TaproomCulture #BeerCommunity

Episode 22: Dan Carey, Co-Founder at New Glarus Brewing

Thu, 28 May 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Dan Carey co-founded New Glarus Brewing in 1993 with no money, no investors, and no roadmap — just a passion for world-class beer and the work ethic to match. This is part two of our conversation with one of the most respected brewmasters in the Midwest.
In this episode, Dan opens up about the brutal early years of building New Glarus from scratch using dairy equipment bought at auction, the legendary mentors who shaped his craft — including the man known as the "Pope of Beer" — and why after 32 years in business, his greatest achievement has nothing to do with medals or ratings. Dan also talks about how he manages stress, and why running has kept him sane through it all.
🎧 Missed part one? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/dFyFBBYnjWc
🌐 More episodes and content at: midwestmicrobrew.com
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:18 – The challenges of starting New Glarus in 1993
04:22 – How the craft beer world has changed
05:06 – Dan's most influential mentors
09:18 – His greatest achievement after 32 years
12:13 – How Dan handles stress
13:30 – Running, racing, and staying grounded
🍺 About Midwest Microbrew:
Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. Host Henry Nosek sits down with the brewers, founders, and visionaries behind the best small breweries in the region. Visit us at midwestmicrobrew.com for more.
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.
#NewGlarusBrewing #DanCarey #CraftBeer #Wisconsin #MidwestBeer #WisconsinBeer #Microbrewery #BreweryLife #BeerPodcast #MidwestMicrobrew #CraftBrewery #HomebrewHistory #BrewmasterLife #SmallBusiness

Episode 21: Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, host sits down with Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company, for their second conversation — and this time the focus shifts from the beer to the people who love it.
We dig into how Great Lakes Brewing Company has cultivated one of the most loyal craft beer communities in the Midwest, what it takes to grow a craft beer brand in today's competitive market, and the strategies behind turning first-time visitors into lifelong fans.
If you're a craft beer enthusiast, a brewery owner, or someone interested in beverage brand development — this episode is packed with insight.
🎙️ What we cover:

How Great Lakes Brewing Company builds and retains customer loyalty
Brand development strategies in the craft beer industry
Growing a craft beer audience in the Midwest market
What makes the Great Lakes community unique

📍 Great Lakes Brewing Company | Cleveland, Ohio
🎧 Subscribe for weekly craft beer stories, brewery interviews, and guides across the Midwest
#CraftBeer #GreatLakesBrewing #MidwestBeer #CraftBrewery #BeerPodcast #BreweryLife #MidwestMicrobrew #BrandDevelopment #CraftBeerCommunity #OhioBeer

Episode 20: Neil Blair and Elliot Thompson, Brewer and Founder of Alluvial Brewing

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Elliot Thompson (Founder) and Neil Blair (Brewer) from Alluvial Brewing in Ames, Iowa. We dig into the story behind one of central Iowa's most exciting craft breweries — from its founding and early days to the vibrant taproom atmosphere and the live music scene that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
Whether you're a craft beer lover, a fan of the Ames community, or just looking for your next great Iowa brewery to visit, this episode has something for you.
In this episode we cover:

The founding and formation of Alluvial Brewing
What makes the Alluvial taproom atmosphere so unique
How live music has become a cornerstone of the Alluvial experience
Neil and Elliot's passion for craft beer and community

🎙️ Guest: Neil Blair & Elliot Thompson — Alluvial Brewing
📍 Location: Ames, Iowa

Episode 2: Jeff Kraft, Head Brewmaster of Titletown Brewing

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Join me for an exclusive conversation with Jeff Kraft, Head Brewer at Titletown Brewing Company in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin. Discover how this beloved brewery saved a historic train depot from demolition 30 years ago and transformed it into one of Wisconsin's premier craft beer destinations.

Episode 1: Sam Lewey, Toppling Goliath Brewery

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Join me for an in-depth conversation with Sam Lewey, Marketing Director at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in Decorah, Iowa. Discover the incredible story of how a simple Christmas homebrew kit in 2009 transformed into one of America's most acclaimed craft breweries.

The Toppling Goliath Story:
What began as a hobby in a family garage has evolved into a 100-barrel brewing powerhouse distributing to 36 states and 9 countries. Sam shares how his father's passion for hoppy beers led to opening a tiny half-barrel taproom, and how their legendary barrel-aged stouts between 2012-2015 put this small Iowa town on the craft beer map.

Flagship Beers & Must-Try Brews:

Pseudo Sue - The iconic pale ale that became their most popular beer, blending tropical hop character with approachable flavor
King Sue - Their award-winning double IPA, described as "the perfect liquid translation of hops"
Dorothy's Lager - The beer that started it all, named after Sam's grandmother
Dragon Fandango - A vibrant kettle sour that launched their entire fruited sour series
Barrel-Aged Stouts - World-renowned stouts aging 1-3 years in a dedicated barrel room with hundreds of barrels

Episode 19: Jeremy Hunt, Head Brewer at No Coast Beer Co.

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

What happens when a "Dogfish Head" veteran brings his expertise to the heart of Iowa? 🍺🌾

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we travel to Oskaloosa, IA, to sit down with Jeremy Hunt, Head Brewer at NoCoast Beer Co. Known for their bold, unpretentious branding and high-quality production, NoCoast has become a powerhouse in the Iowa craft scene by focusing on technical excellence and Midwestern grit.

Jeremy shares his journey from academia to the brewhouse and explains why he believes in "going full nerd" when it comes to the science of beer.

In this interview, we explore:

The "No Coast" Identity: Rejecting coastal pretension and celebrating the "flyover country" attitude.

Consistency at Scale: How Jeremy uses his deep industry experience to ensure every can of NoCoast is perfect.

The "Midwest IPA": Why they refuse to choose between East and West, and how they created an IPA for everyone.

The "Go Full Nerd" Philosophy: Jeremy’s approach to lifelong learning, from experimental Belgian projects to homeschooling his six children.

The Core Lineup: Deep dives into Yoga Poser, Low Brow Brown, and the award-winning Trend Bucker Stout.

Episode 18: Jeff Brandt, Founder and Head Brewer at Titonka Brewing Company

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Can a town of 500 people support a thriving craft brewery? 🍺🌾

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we travel to Titonka, Iowa, to interview Jeff Brandt from Titonka Brewing Company. Jeff’s story is a testament to the idea that if you brew great beer and build a welcoming space, people will come from miles around to experience it.

Titonka Brewing isn't just a place to grab a pint; it's a labor of love that has revitalized a piece of rural Iowa and created a destination for beer travelers and locals alike.

In this interview, we discuss:

The Rural Brewery Dream: Why Jeff chose Titonka and how he transformed the space.

Community-First Brewing: How the local community rallied behind the brewery from day one.

The Beer Lineup: Breaking down their approachable, high-quality brews and what makes their "flagships" stand out.

The "Worth the Drive" Factor: What visitors can expect when they make the trek to north-central Iowa.

Episode 17: Ashley Althoff and Joel Null (Brewer) at Textile Brewing Co.

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we’re in Dyersville, IA, at Textile Brewing Company. We sit down with Ashley Althoff and Head Brewer Joel Null to talk about the incredible journey of this historic taproom and their commitment to sustainable, high-quality craft beer.

Textile is a "time machine" of a brewery, where the industrial past meets a high-tech, eco-friendly future. As the first small brewery in Iowa to hit Platinum Green Brewery Certification, they are proof that great beer and a small footprint go hand-in-hand.

Episode 16: Scott Whitson, Co-Founder and Brewmaster at BIT Brewery

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we head to Central City to chat with Scott Whitson from BIT Brewery. BIT (which stands for Best In Three) was founded by three friends with a simple mission: brew great beer and build a space the community loves.

Scott takes us through the journey of opening a nano-brewery in a small town, the art of the perfect wood-fired brick oven pizza, and the creative process behind their rotating tap list.

In this interview, we cover:

The "BIT" Philosophy: How three friends (Jason, Jeff, and Scott) built the brand.

Community & Membership: The "Brewer In Training" program and their legendary Mug Club.

Small Town, Big Flavor: Why Central City is the perfect home for their renovated historic taproom.

The Menu: From the dark, rich Black Betty Stout to their famous Taco Pizza.

Episode 15: Andy Joynt, Head Brewer at Big Grove Brewery

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Andy Joynt, the Brewmaster at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa. Big Grove has one of the most incredible growth stories in the craft beer industry, evolving from a local favorite to a massive operation with a footprint that’s hard to miss.

Andy takes us behind the scenes to discuss:

The Story of Massive Growth: How they scaled up without losing their soul.

The "Secret Sauce": What truly makes Big Grove stand out in a competitive market.

The Best Beers: A look at their current lineup and the staples that put them on the map.

Whether you're an Iowa local or a craft beer enthusiast from afar, this interview offers a deep dive into the business and the art of brewing at a high level.

Episode 14: Brian Buss, Co-Owner and Brewmaster at Bust'd Brewing

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0500

What makes a brewery more than just a place to grab a pint? In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we travel to Peoria, Illinois, to chat with Brian Buss, the Brewmaster and co-owner of Busted Brewing.

Brian takes us behind the scenes of one of Central Illinois' most unique taprooms. We discuss their standout beer lineup, how they’ve mastered a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone, and the philosophy that sets Busted Brewing apart in the thriving Midwest craft beer scene.

Episode 13: Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager at Great Lakes Brewing Company

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Midwest Microbrew Podcast, we travel to Cleveland, Ohio, to sit down with Michael Williams, the Brand Development Manager at the legendary Great Lakes Brewing Company.

As one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in the Midwest, Great Lakes has a story that is as rich as its porters. We dive into the brewery's historic roots in Ohio City, explore the evolution of their most iconic labels, and get the inside scoop on the cult classic that defines the holiday season: Great Lakes Christmas Ale.

Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just love a good "brewhistory" lesson, this interview offers a unique look at how Great Lakes continues to lead the industry while staying true to its heritage.

Episode 12: Chad Lindahl, Head Brewmaster at Nik & Ivy Brewing Co.