Beer In Front
Food
About
I'm Dave, a regular Chicago Beer Guy with a podcast about some old school beers and new classics. Sometimes the Beer In Front of you is the best one yet! https://www.patreon.com/beerinfront https://linktr.ee/BeerInFront Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support .
Episodes
- 306 Merican Light Beer With Israel Dominguez
This week on Beer In Front, I sit down with Israel Dominguez, President of Merican Light Beer, to talk about building a modern lager brand with old-school appeal. After nearly a decade at Anheuser-Busch, Israel took what he learned from on…
- 305 Run The Bulls With Devon
Dave is back with a Memorial Day weekend episode featuring beer news, craft beer chatter, and a wild conversation with Devon Douglas, the man attempting to convince Jason Kelce to run with the bulls in Pamplona by drinking a Garage Beer ev…
- 304 Emrys Beer & Mead Works
In episode 304 of Beer In Front, Dave heads to Washington State for a conversation with Emrys Beer & Mead Works founder Thomas Croskrey. The discussion dives deep into the world of mead, historical brewing traditions, local sourcing, and h…
- 303 Craft Beer Week
This week on the Beer In Front podcast, Dave celebrates both Illinois Craft Beer Week and American Craft Beer Week with a packed episode full of beer news, local brewery updates, playoff beer gimmicks, a killer lager from Goldfinger Brewin…
- How 2020 Changed Beer
If you didn't catch the livestream last week, here is the audio part of the Midwest Beer Show. I along with Rod J talked about how beer has changed since 2020. We spoke to people from The Brewers Association, Hop Butcher, and WildEdge Brew…
- 301 Tate Huffard From Best Day Brewing
🍺 Episode Summary Dave is back for Episode 301 with a conversation that might just change how you think about non-alcoholic beer. This week’s guest is Tate Huffard, founder of Best Day Brewing—a company proving that NA beer doesn’t have t…
- 300 Episodes
🎉 300 Episodes In Dave looks back on six years behind the mic and the evolution of the show Early beer memories: Vienna lagers, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Dovetail Brewing From COVID-era rants to today’s more balanced format Listener…
- 299 Revolution Changes The Game
🍺 Episode Overview Episode 299 is a quick solo run with Dave—no guests this week, but plenty of beer news, industry insight, and a deep dive into one of the most interesting trends in craft beer right now: non-alcoholic versions of flagsh…
- 298 A Barrel Aged April
🎙️ Beer In Front Podcast – Episode Show Notes Barrel-Aged Season… in April? Spring in Chicago… and somehow we’re talking barrel-aged monsters like it’s late November. This episode dives into a surprise wave of fresh barrel-aged releases f…
- 297 The Reviews Are In
Week of April 6, 2026 A packed episode this week with a heavy focus on what really matters: the beer in front of you. 🍺 Expect a streamlined format loaded with reviews, plus some news, events, and a few things you might want to… put in th…
- 296 Ska Brewing
🍺 Beer In Front – Episode 296 Guest: Ska Brewing co-founder Dave Thibodeau 🎙️ Episode Summary Dave Zalatoris is joined by craft beer OG Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing for a conversation that hits the sweet spot between beer, music, and st…
- 295 Admiral Maltings & Firestone Walker Sunglider
Yeah… we’re talking about malt. This week I’m joined by Ron Silberstein from Admiral Maltings, and if you think malt is just the thing that shows up on an invoice… this one might change your mind. We get into: 🌾 Why malt is the backbone o…
- 294 The Craft Beer Concierge
🎙️ Beer In Front – Episode 294 Craft Beer Concierge + Chicago Merger News Dave is back with a packed episode featuring a deep dive into the evolving beer scene, a great conversation with the “Craft Beer Concierge,” and a couple of beers w…
- 293 The Wildest Story In Beer
🍺 New Episode – Beer in Front 🎙️ Quick solo show this week (yes, I sound a little congested 😅), but we’ve got a LOT to cover. 🚨 Chicagoland Closures We’re up to six brewery closures in two months. It’s a tough stretch for Illinois craf…
- 292 Lone Tree Brewing Company
🍺 Guest Interview: Jerry Siote – Lone Tree Brewing Company This week, Dave heads back to Colorado to talk with Lone Tree Brewing Company’s Jerry Siote. Founded: 2011 Locations: Lone Tree & Parker, Colorado Recently Won: Gold Medal – Color…
- 291 Kalm With Kava
This week we’re doing something a little different… but don’t worry, there’s still beer involved. 🎙 Guest: Morgan Smith – CEO of Kalm With Kava. Dave sits down with Morgan Smith from Kalm With Kava to talk about kava — the traditional Sou…
- 290 Goat Patch Brewing
Sometimes the beer in front of you really is the best one yet—and this week’s episode proves it. Dave heads back to Colorado to catch up with Justin Grant, co-owner of Goat Patch Brewing Company in Colorado Springs. Since opening in 2017,…
- 289 Get Dave A Zima!
🍺 Beer In Front — Episode 289 Wet February Begins, Brewery Closures, Zima Dreams & Barrel-Aged Beers Episode 289 kicks off with Dry January officially in the rearview mirror and Wet February underway. Host Dave Zalatoris reflects on dropp…
- 288 Enjoy Your Pause With Comma
🍻 Beer In Front – Episode 288 Guest: Kevin Waltermire, Co-Founder of Comma Thanks to a listener assist, Episode 288 is stacked—from THC-infused non-alcoholic beer to industry news, Dry January reflections, and a pair of solid beer reviews…
- 287 The Business Of Beer
Data, Dollars, and the Business of Beer (feat. Matt Gacioch, Brewers Association) Host: Dave Zalatoris Network: Beer Media Group Craft beer isn’t just passion projects and taproom vibes — it’s big business. On Episode 287 of Beer In Front,…
- 286 Peggy Returns!
Episode 286 of Beer In Front covers a lot of ground, blending beer news, personal updates, product reviews, and a deeper look at the non-alcoholic beer category. Dave Zalatoris opens the show with a Dry January check-in, sharing progress s…
- 285 Happy New Year
Dry January Doesn’t Mean Ditching Your Local Brewery Happy New Year! I kick off 2026 with a Dry January check-in and a reminder that taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean abandoning your favorite breweries — especially during one of the…
- 284 Beer In Review
In the final episode of 2025, I'll go solo to recap a packed year for Beer In Front. From major beer news and industry trends to podcast milestones, festival highlights, and standout beers, this episode ties a big holiday bow on everything…
- 283 The Beer Story Project
Today’s guest is one of the true originals of American beer education — Marty Nachel. Marty is an award-winning author, longtime beer educator, and Certified Beer Judge who has spent more than 30 years helping people understand and appreci…
- 282 Holiday Gift Ideas
In Episode 282 of Beer in Front, I'll bring you a festive, gift-focused edition of the show—perfect for the beer lover on your holiday shopping list (even if that person is you). I'll also break down the latest beer and beverage industry n…
- 281 Black IPA's & Wookey Jack
This week on Beer In Front, I’m shining a spotlight on a style that refuses to die quietly: the Black IPA. Once a cult favorite, then a near-extinct curiosity, the Black IPA is suddenly popping up again in breweries across the country — an…
- 280 Beer And Chocolate With David Nilsen
In Episode 280, I'll chat with David Nilsen—award-winning author, Certified Cicerone®, educator, and one of the sharpest voices in beer media. We'll dig deep into: The inspiration behind Final Gravity, David’s human-centered beer zine Why…
- 279 Anchor Brewing Story
In Episode 279, Dave dives into the rise, fall, and lasting legacy of Anchor Brewing, one of the true pioneers of American craft beer. From its 19th-century roots to the steam beer that helped kickstart the modern craft movement, this epis…
- 278 Ways To Be Wicked
If you are of a certain age, Pete’s Wicked Ale brings back fond memories of the early days of craft beer. On this episode, I’ll dive into the meteoric rise and fall of one of the first superstar craft brands of the 80’s and 90’s. I’ll also…
- 277 THC Beverages In The News
THC beverages are everywhere right now, but not everyone’s thrilled about it. This week on Beer In Front, I break down why the attorneys general are pushing back — and what it means for drinkers. I'll also have some great beers this week f…
- 276 Fresh Wet Hopped Episode
Fresh Wet-Hopped Episode Hosted by: Dave Zalatoris Produced by: Beer In Front / Beer Media Group Release Date: October 2025 Runtime: ~62 minutes This week, I'll explore the world of fresh and wet-hopped beers — celebrating the seasonal rel…
- Fobab Preview 2025
The Festival Of Wood And Barrel Aged Beer is right around the corner. FOBAB will be held this year on November 7-8 at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each session will have over 300 beverages all aged in wood or wood barrels. I'll cha…
- 274 After Alcohol Wellness With Last Call
No one wants to feel hungover after a night of alcohol! Last Call is a new product with natural ingredients that improves well being the following morning. I spoke to the founders of Last Call about their product. I tried it myself and not…
- 273 GABF Preview W/Bootstrap Brewing
The GABF is this weekend. I'll talk to the owners of Colorado's Bootstrap Brewing about their story, charitable work, and trying to add to their medal count as one of Colorado's most decorated breweries! Bootstrap Brewery Great American Be…
- 272 Good Thing I'm Right Handed
Solo show this week, I'll have the news of the week plus some great beers from Alter, Sketchbook, and Revolution! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support . Beer Media Group
- 271 Haymarket Pub & Brewery
This week, I stopped by Haymarket Pub & Brewery in Chicago to hear their story. They’re hosting an Oktoberfest/Halfway to Sausagefest extravaganza this Saturday, the 27th. We’ll get the details on that, as well as talk about an amazing san…
- 270 Comma THC Beverages
Comma is a new NA beer with THC, CBD, and Lion's Mane for when you need a little pause, but you don't want the alcohol hangover. They come in 3 delicious varieties and if you order now, you'll save! I also had a great beer from Destihl in…
- 269 Craft Malt Month
September is Craft Malt Month. On this episode, I’ll talk to Chris Schooley over at Troubadour Maltings to find out more about Craft Malt. I also talked to Shea Guillot from Koval Distillery about how they use local Midwest farmers for the…
- 267 Firestone Walker Mix Pack
Firestone Walker was kind enough to send over their new Mix Pack featuring 4 great IPA's, I'll have them all this week. That, plus all the news and details on the Oak Park Microbrew Review next Saturday the 16th! Firestone Walker Mix Pack…
- 266 Illinois Brewing Summer 2025
Illinois Brewing Magazine is a quarterly publication that features the finest in craft beer in our great state. Each issue is filled with everything you need to know about Illinois Breweries. The Summer 2025 issue is available now. I’ll al…
- Episode 265 Revolution & Phase Three
Fighting a summer cold so quick show this week featuring two iconic Illinois Breweries. Revolution and Phase Three! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support . Beer Media Group
- #264 Dogfish Head 90 & Marz Gay IPA
Two great beers this week, the iconic 90 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head and the fabulous Gay IPA from Marz Brewing in Chicago! All that and the unedited Lee Elia rant in honor of his passing on this edition of Beer In Front! Become a support…
- Episode 263
Solo show this week. I’ll provide all the news of the week plus have some beers from CraftHaus, Athletic, Phase Three, and Half Day Brewing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/suppor…
- The Stovepipe Can
19 is the new 22. Or, 19.2 oz is the new bomber. The large format can known as the stovepipe is growing in popularity around craft beer and it’s not just the big players like New Belgium and Goose Island utilizing the format. Local Chicago…
- Five Corners Beverage Company
Five Corners Beverage Company is a local Chicago based company that has one of the most unique tasting beverages I’ve had. They are a husband-and-wife team making small batch products right here in the Midwest. I sampled their Salted Lemon…
- Belgian Import Festival Recap With Space Castle
This week, I’ll recap the Belgian Import Festival held last weekend at Bruz Beers. Joining the show this week is my good friend D.T. who hosts the fantastic Space Channel Show over on YouTube! I sat down with Co-Owner Charlie Gottenkieny a…
- Hop In We're Drinking
Fun episode this week! I chatted with Nick and Joe over at the Hop In We're Drinking Podcast! Hop In We're Drinking Beer Media Group Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support . Beer…
- Kick Fizz With Julie Rhodes
Kick Fizz is a recent entry into the THC beverage market that has been taking off lately. Joining me now to talk about Kick Fizz is Julie Rhodes, the Co-Owner of Kick Fizz. Kick Fizz Not Your Hobby Marketing Beer Media Group Become a suppo…
- Belgian Import Beer Festival At Bruz Beers
Saturday, June 7th is the Belgian Import Festival at Bruz Beers in Denver! You can sample beers from 18 world-class breweries while enjoying some great offerings from Bruz. I chatted with Ryan Evans, the CEO of Bruz Beers about this one-of…