It’s Oktoberfest season, and we’re celebrating by bringing Episodes 108 & 109 (Parts 1 and 2) of our conversation with Hofbräuhaus America together into one complete episode!

Steve and Scott are joined by Steve Ksycki and Jerry Bishop from Hofbräuhaus America to dive into the beer, history, culture, and traditions behind one of the most recognizable names in German beer.

We explore what makes an authentic Munich Oktoberfest beer different from many of the Oktoberfest beers Americans are familiar with, why Hofbräuhaus chose to bring the same style served in Munich to the United States, and how centuries of Bavarian brewing tradition continue to shape the brand today.

We also talk about the legendary Hofbräuhaus München, the history and pride surrounding Bavarian beer culture, the Reinheitsgebot, traditional German beer styles, proper glassware, Hofbräuhaus locations in the United States, and what it takes to bring authentic Hofbräuhaus beer from Munich to American beer drinkers.

And, of course, we get into Oktoberfest itself—including the six Munich breweries, the beer served at the festival, and why Hofbräu's connection to Oktoberfest is about much more than simply releasing a seasonal beer.

Whether you're planning an Oktoberfest celebration, love German beer, have visited Munich, or simply want to understand the history behind the beer in your stein, this episode is a deep dive into the traditions that have made Hofbräuhaus part of Bavarian beer culture for centuries.

Originally released as Episodes 108 & 109 of The Brewery Underground Podcast, now combined and re-released as one complete episode for Oktoberfest season.

Prost!

Prost! Oktoberfest season is here, and we’re celebrating with some of our favorite Oktoberfest conversations from the past year.

We revisit guests from across the craft beer community to talk Märzens, seasonal releases, Oktoberfest celebrations, beer travel, and the age-old question: when is it too early for Oktoberfest beer?

From Tennessee to Australia and beyond, grab a stein and celebrate one of our favorite times of the beer year with The Brewery Underground Podcast!

Prost!

The Brewery Underground Podcast sits down with Von Wotring of Curio Brewing Company for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of craft beer in Middle Tennessee, the evolution of Curio Brewing, and a major new chapter: Leiper's Creek Brewing.

Von shares the story behind Curio Brewing in Franklin, Tennessee, and why creating a true sense of community around beer has always been at the center of what he does.

We talk about brewery tourism, the challenges facing independent breweries, and what it means to operate a craft brewery in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing areas.

We also sample several of Von’s beers and dig into styles including English Pale Ale, Kölsch, West Coast IPA, amber lager, ESB, and the ingredients and brewing decisions that give each beer its character.

Then the conversation turns toward the future.

Von explains the decision to close Curio’s original taproom and move toward a new agricultural brewing model centered around his family farm near Leiper’s Fork. The vision includes growing hops and barley, brewing beer on the farm, supporting Tennessee agriculture, and creating an experience that helps visitors understand where beer ingredients actually come from.

We discuss Tennessee’s Farm to Tap initiative, the relationship between breweries and local farmers, brewery legislation, beer taxes, sustainability, spent grain, and how farm breweries could help strengthen both Tennessee agriculture and the state’s craft beer industry.

Von also talks about the importance of rural brewery destinations, community-driven breweries, preserving local culture, and why some of the best brewery experiences require getting off the interstate and exploring smaller towns.

And during the conversation, Von gives The Brewery Underground Podcast an exclusive: Curio Brewing is evolving into Leiper's Creek Brewing, a new identity designed to better represent the farm, agriculture, community, and Middle Tennessee roots behind the beer.

From Franklin craft beer and Tennessee-grown hops to farm brewing, brewery tourism, agriculture, community, and the future of independent breweries, this episode covers a lot of ground.

If you love Tennessee craft beer, brewery stories, farm breweries, local agriculture, beer tourism, or discovering what’s next in the brewing industry, this episode is for you.

Cheers! 🍻