In this complete episode of The Brewery Underground Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Hickey of Streetside Brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio, for an in-depth conversation covering the brewery's evolution, creative approach to brewing, and the realities of operating a successful craft brewery in today's market.

Garrett shares the story behind Streetside's growth from a neighborhood brewery into one of Cincinnati's most respected craft beer destinations. We discuss the brewery's award-winning barrel-aged stouts, highly sought-after hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and how Streetside balances innovation with consistency across its diverse lineup.

The conversation dives into the challenges facing the craft beer industry, changing consumer preferences, brewery expansion, taproom culture, and what it takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Garrett also discusses collaborations, the Cincinnati beer scene, lessons learned through years of brewing, and how Streetside continues to adapt while staying true to its identity.

Whether you're a fan of big stouts, juicy IPAs, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful breweries, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, passion, and perseverance that drive modern craft beer.

Grab a beer and join us for this complete conversation with Garrett Hickey of Streetside Brewery.

Cheers!

Steve & Scott

In this special Brewery Underground Happy Hour, we celebrate our friend Rich reaching an incredible milestone: 5,000 unique beer check-ins on Untappd!

Join Scott, Steve, Mitch, and Rich as they crack open some special beers and discuss the journey to 5,000 unique beers, the evolution of their beer palates, Untappd badges, beer ratings, and the beers that helped shape their craft beer adventures.

Along the way, the conversation covers everything from TailGate Brewery Mug Club nights and Chattanooga beer trips to Mortalis, Equilibrium, Drekker, Burial, XUL, Von Trapp, Lost Abbey, Common John, Mill Creek Brewing, and the never-ending quest to find new beers.

The guys also debate Untappd's beer style classifications, share stories about forgotten check-ins, discuss the importance of keeping beer records, and reflect on how their tastes have changed over the years.

Raise a glass and celebrate a milestone that represents nearly 15 years of craft beer exploration, friendship, and unforgettable beer experiences.

Cheers to 5,000 unique beers, Rich!

Cheers!

Welcome to this complete episode (we combined episodes 72 & 73) featuring Joe Crockett and Nick Rotruck from the Hop In, We're Drinking! Podcast — a self-described "podcast about nothing" that proves to be about a whole lot more than that.

Joe joins us from Hawaii and Nick from West Virginia, giving us a unique opportunity to explore craft beer culture from two very different corners of the country. We discuss how they launched their podcast, the inspiration behind it, and how they've built a growing show that features everyone from homebrewers and professional brewers to representatives from the American Homebrewers Association.

As passionate homebrewers themselves, Joe and Nick share their brewing experiences, favorite styles, and the knowledge they've gained through years of making beer. We also dive into West Coast IPAs, including a discussion about the legendary Pliny the Elder, and why Steve's summer beer adventures might revolve around the style.

Of course, no beer conversation would be complete without talking about Untappd. We compare notes on how we use the platform, what we like about it, and how it has impacted the craft beer community. We also explore the brewery scenes in both Hawaii and West Virginia, discussing local favorites, beer availability, and what makes each region unique for craft beer fans.

With six time zones separating them, Joe and Nick explain how they coordinate guests and keep their podcast running smoothly despite the distance. Along the way, the conversation takes several entertaining detours, including Nick sharing the bizarre tale of a French pig that was arrested, jailed, and executed during the Middle Ages.

Whether you're a fan of craft beer, homebrewing, great podcast conversations, or just hearing friends share stories and laughs, this episode has a little bit of everything. Pour yourself a beer and join us for a fun and wide-ranging conversation with the guys from Hop In, We're Drinking!

Cheers!

Part 2 of our conversation with Garrett Hickey from Streetside Brewery dives deep into Garrett’s brewing journey, the evolution of Streetside over the last decade, and what it really takes to build one of Cincinnati’s most respected craft breweries.

Garrett shares the full story of how homebrewing with his dad led him from minor league baseball in snowy Erie, Pennsylvania to brewing school in England, working at Rivertown Brewing, and eventually opening Streetside Brewery with his family.

We get into the differences between English and American brewing techniques, why Streetside chose a direct-fire brewing system, and how modern craft beer trends have shaped the brewery’s approach over the years.

We also talk about the creativity behind Streetside’s beer names, experimental brewing philosophy, hype beers, barrel-aged stouts, West Coast IPAs, smoothie sours, and why certain fan-favorite beers disappear for years before making a comeback.

Garrett gives incredible behind-the-scenes insight into recipe development, collaboration brewing, Untappd culture, and the balance between making innovative beer and running a sustainable business.

The episode also highlights Streetside’s strong community involvement through their “Brew Cause” charity program, Oktoberfest celebrations, and the brewery’s upcoming 10-year anniversary plans — including a massive collaboration beer featuring breweries from around the country.

Packed with brewing stories, beer discussions, humor, and industry insight, this episode is a must-listen for craft beer fans, homebrewers, and anyone who loves brewery culture.

Cheers!

In Part 1 of our conversation with Streetside Brewery owner and head brewer Garrett Hickey, we dive deep into the creativity, experimentation, and passion behind one of Cincinnati’s most innovative craft breweries.

Garrett talks about balancing hype beers with classic styles, the evolution of New England IPAs over the last decade, and why Streetside continues pushing boundaries with massive barrel-aged stouts, smoothie sours, milkshake IPAs, and experimental releases.

We also get into the realities of running a modern brewery — from brewing schedules and Untappd ratings to festival season, customer expectations, and deciding which wild beer ideas are worth bringing to life.

We taste and discuss several standout Streetside beers including the legendary “Speak of the Devil: Decadence” barrel-aged imperial stout, “Spring Breakers” West Coast Pilsner collab with New Groove Artisan Brewery, and some of Streetside’s unforgettable fruited and dessert-inspired creations.

Garrett also shares behind-the-scenes stories about brewing mistakes that accidentally became fan favorites, naming beers, social media culture, and how certain releases become part of brewery lore.

If you love craft beer innovation, barrel-aged stouts, New England IPAs, Cincinnati beer culture, or hearing how breweries balance artistry with business, this episode is packed with great conversation and beer geek insight.

Cheers!

This Episode combines Episodes #127 and #128.Join us for the complete conversation with Dave Thibodeau, co-founder and president of Ska Brewing, as we dive into the brewery's remarkable 31-year journey from a homebrewing passion project to one of Colorado's most recognizable craft beer brands.Dave shares the story behind Ska Brewing's founding in 1995, the influence of ska music on the brewery's name and identity, and how the DIY spirit of both punk and craft beer helped shape the company's culture. We discuss the early days of brewing in Durango, the evolution of Colorado's beer scene, and the challenges and opportunities that come with staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry.The conversation explores Ska's award-winning beers, including the success of True Blonde, the brewery's approach to quality and innovation, and the development of styles ranging from Mexican-style lagers and Oktoberfest beers to new low-ABV offerings designed for today's drinkers. Dave also shares his thoughts on non-alcoholic beer, THC beverages, shifting consumer trends, and what the future may hold for craft breweries.Along the way, we talk music, hockey, homebrewing, sustainability, the Legion of Ska comic-book universe, late-night ska shows in the taproom, and the community that has helped keep Ska Brewing thriving for more than three decades.Packed with brewery history, craft beer insights, music culture, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs, this is the complete Brewery Underground conversation with one of craft beer's most entertaining and influential founders. Cheers!

Part 2 with Dave Thibodeau from Ska Brewing is here — and this one dives even deeper into the culture, creativity, and rebellious spirit behind one of craft beer’s most unique breweries.

Dave talks about how Ska Brewing has evolved over 31 years while still staying true to its punk rock roots, comic book-inspired branding, and love of ska music.

We get into everything from brewing hundreds of different beers over the years to the rise of Mexican-style lagers, Oktoberfest beers, low-ABV craft beer trends, THC beverages, and how changing consumer habits are reshaping the beer industry.

We also explore Ska Brewing’s legendary comic book universe, the “Legion of Ska,” sustainability efforts inside the brewery, and some unforgettable stories from the brewery’s early days — including late-night ska shows inside the taproom that may or may not have been completely legal.

This episode is packed with brewery history, craft beer culture, brewing philosophy, music, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs. If you’re into independent craft breweries, old-school beer stories, or the intersection of music and beer culture, this episode delivers.

Cheers!

Join us for Part 1 of our conversation with Dave Thibodeau, co-founder of Ska Brewing out of Durango, Colorado!

Dave takes us deep into the incredible 31-year history of Ska Brewing, from homebrewing experiments in his dad’s basement to building one of America’s most recognizable independent craft beer brands.

We talk about the origins of ska music and how it became the inspiration behind the brewery’s name, branding, comic book artwork, and culture.

Dave also shares stories from Ska Brewing’s early days in 1995, brewing their very first batches of beer, surviving the ups and downs of craft beer trends, and recently winning Gold at the World Beer Cup for their legendary flagship beer, True Blonde.

Along the way, we dive into craft beer history, Colorado beer culture, old-school homebrewing, music, hockey, nostalgia, and what it takes to stay authentic in the craft beer industry for over three decades.

If you love craft beer, brewery stories, brewing history, ska music, or just hearing passionate people talk about what they love, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Cheers!