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 news, highlight friends of the show doing great work, and taste through a pair of holiday beers to round out the episode.

🎁 Holiday Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers Dave spotlights a collection of beer-centric gifts from friends of the show—none of which benefit him directly (with one exception clearly noted). They’re great ways to support independent creators and small businesses in the craft beer world.

👕 Radcraft Apparel

• “Pilsner is for Perfectionists” and other beer-forward shirts.
• Proceeds support Western North Carolina Hurricane Relief.
• Stylish, fun, and for a good cause.

📚 Final Gravity Zine & Pairing Beer and Chocolate – by David Nilsen

• A thoughtful and delicious guide to matching beer with chocolate.

Flights Across America – by Joel Geier

• A beer travel essential featuring 1,000+ breweries across the U.S.

The Beer Story Project – by Marty Nachel

• A newly released collection of beer stories from a great writer and friend of the show.

🍃 Beyond Alcohol: THC & N/A Options THC beverages (KickFizz, Shine On)

• For those who want something different this holiday season.

Five Corners Beverage (Chicago)

• Standout non-alcoholic mixers like Salted Lemonade and the new Sangrita
  (citrus, tomato, chili powder—and even Dave, a tomato-juice skeptic, is a fan).

🧪 After-Alcohol Wellness: Last Call

• A legit, science-based option to help you feel better the next morning.
• Dave used it during FoBAB and woke up “like a champion.”

🍺 Go Brewing (N/A Beer) — Affiliate Link

• Dave’s favorite non-alcoholic brewery.
• Perfect for Dry January.
• This is the only recommendation where Dave receives support via an affiliate link.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

Beer Media Group

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 — and I couldn’t be happier to see its comeback. In this episode, we dig into where the style came from, why it faded away, and why it deserves a spot back in your regular rotation.
I'll have the fantastic Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker, and have local Illinois ones from Midwest Coast and Half Acre!



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Beer Media Group

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 beer and chocolate make such powerful (and surprising) pairing partners
• The origins of David’s passion for craft beer
• The growing world of craft chocolate
• How breweries are navigating today’s shifting beer industry
• Dayton’s underrated and walkable beer scene
• Holiday pairing tips that anyone can try at home

I'll also share Thanksgiving beer pairing tips, cover the week’s big beer news, and close the show with a live beer-and-chocolate pairing using a Belgian Triple from Bruz Beers and chocolate from Chicago’s own Vosges.

David Nilsen
Bean To Barstool
Final Gravity




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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 episode looks at how Anchor shaped the industry — and why its story still hits so hard today.

Main Topics

The History of Anchor Brewing A full walkthrough of Anchor’s incredible journey, including:

• Its founding during the California Gold Rush
• The near-collapse in the 1950s and 60s
• The Fritz Maytag rescue that changed everything
• How Anchor Steam became a craft icon
• The challenges leading up to its 2023 closure

• A Taste of the Past: Our Special Ale Dave revisits an old review of Anchor’s 2020 Our Special Ale.

 • Beer News of the Week The latest headlines, industry shifts, and brewing world stories worth knowing — delivered with the usual no-nonsense commentary.

• Is PBR Extra Any Good? At $4 for a 30-pack, Dave puts PBR Extra to the test and gives a straight, honest verdict.





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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 have a FOBAB review and have a craft beer from Peru!

Beer Media Group 

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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 from Bruz and Sierra Nevada! 

Beer Media Group

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

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 release that marks one of craft beer’s most anticipated times of year. I'll talk to three standout breweries from Colorado, producing exceptional wet-hopped ales and discuss the nuances that separate fresh hops from traditional hop varieties.

Bruz Beers
FlyteCo Tower
Public Offering Brewing

Beer Media Group

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support.

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 chat with Katie Carrier from the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild to get the details on the festival for 2025! 

Festival Of Wood And Barrel Aged Beer
Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Beer Media Group



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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 noticed a difference and felt better than I should have! 

If you use the code inthecart you can save money and try it for yourself. 

Last Call

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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 Beef Festival

Beer Media Group




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Solo show this week, I'll have the news of the week plus some great beers from Alter, Sketchbook, and Revolution! 



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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 sandwich: The Riot!

Haymarket Pub & Brewery



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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 Illinois and even a Tequila review this week! 

Comma THC Beverages

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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 their great Whiskey!  

Craft Malt Month
Craft Maltsters Guild
Troubadour Maltings
Koval Distillery

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Millpond and Little Lager collaborated on Milklörd. Aged in Malört, this Helles is fantastic! I’ll have this, plus all the news of the week and a long-lost segment returns this week!  

Millpond Brewing
Little Lager  

Bruz Beers  
Beer Media Group

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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
Oak Park Microbrew Review

Beer Media Group


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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 also have offerings from Brothership Brewing and Old Irving Brewing this week.  

Illinois Brewing Magazine
Illinois Craft Brewers Guild
Brothership Brewing
Old Irving Brewing  

Beer Media Group

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Fighting a summer cold so quick show this week featuring two iconic Illinois Breweries. Revolution and Phase Three! 

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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! 



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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/support.