It’s a HRN crossover on today’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy sits down with Peter Reinhart, renowned baker, educator, author, and host of Pizza Quest on HRN. Peter, like many people, loves pizza, but his passion doesn’t stop at eating it. Inspired by his deep knowledge of bread-making, Peter is on a life-long quest to find the perfect pizza. In this pursuit, he travels around the world, writes books, and, as the host of Pizza Quest, interviews experts and fellow pizza-lovers to learn about their journeys. Join us as Jimmy and Peter talk about what makes great pizza, upcoming trends in the pizza world, and how the art of fermentation links this Italian classic to the world of beer.

Sit back and crack open a can of Legendary Dry. On today’s episode, we’re taking a breather from beer to talk cider! Today’s guest is Shannon Edgar, founder of Stormalong Cider, a MA-based cidery that’s been operating for over 10 years. Jimmy and Shannon chat about how to make a good cider, what makes Stormalong special, and why this long-standing American tradition continues to rise in popularity.

Before the dawn of the railroad, New York State was the nation’s top beer producer for over 120 years. To break down the state’s rich history of brewing, Jimmy talks with Carlo DeVito and Don Cazentre, highly acclaimed writers and historians of beer (among other libations). Don and Carlo make up half the team behind EMPIRE BEER, an upcoming book about the history of beer in New York. Listen and learn about the state’s 400 years of brewing, from foraging to “suds buckets" to the craft beers of today!

For the past few years, draft beer sales have declined across the US. To figure out why, Jimmy sat down with Kate Bernot, Missoula-based reporter on beer, alcohol, and food, and former director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers; and Zach Mack, food writer and owner of Alphabet City Beer Co. in NYC. The three talk about how draft lost its popularity, their own memories of draft beer, and how to bring it back in style.

Read Kate’s full article on the decline of draft beer here!

Brian Alberts is a historian, writer, and consultant specializing in beer history and culture. He connects with Jimmy and tells tales of historic moments that centered around the love of beer!

Jimmy sits down for a spirited conversation with Joel shelton of inner circle beer tours, Christa from beer witch Brooklyn, Alan from city swiggers and BR who is a beer expert.

Relax as this crew tastes special beers sharing cheers along the way while discussing the detailed aspects of underrepresented tastes of refined beers, the beer industry and more!

Jimmy sits down with Phil Neumann, an environmental scientist and water resources manager by training with a lifelong passion for landscapes and agriculture, located in Walla Walla Washington. He founded Mainstem Malt in 2015 with his wife Alyssa, as an approach to supporting conservation work on grain farms in the Pacific Northwest through the power of craft beer and spirits. He also invests time in the future of the craft malt movement at large via the Craft Maltsters Guild board of directors.

This Weeks Guests:

Martha Lowry of Woodfolk Cider
Jenna Boucher of Two Blokes cider, a passionate cider maker who has experience from the hospitality and brewing industry.
Damin Sawyer, New York based Hard Cider and Chicken Wing enthusiast & reviewer. PT Sales Manager for Original Sin Cider