In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we head to Central City to chat with Scott Whitson from BIT Brewery. BIT (which stands for Best In Three) was founded by three friends with a simple mission: brew great beer and build a space the community loves.

Scott takes us through the journey of opening a nano-brewery in a small town, the art of the perfect wood-fired brick oven pizza, and the creative process behind their rotating tap list.

In this interview, we cover:

The "BIT" Philosophy: How three friends (Jason, Jeff, and Scott) built the brand.

Community & Membership: The "Brewer In Training" program and their legendary Mug Club.

Small Town, Big Flavor: Why Central City is the perfect home for their renovated historic taproom.

The Menu: From the dark, rich Black Betty Stout to their famous Taco Pizza.

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Andy Joynt, the Brewmaster at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa. Big Grove has one of the most incredible growth stories in the craft beer industry, evolving from a local favorite to a massive operation with a footprint that’s hard to miss.

Andy takes us behind the scenes to discuss:

The Story of Massive Growth: How they scaled up without losing their soul.

The "Secret Sauce": What truly makes Big Grove stand out in a competitive market.

The Best Beers: A look at their current lineup and the staples that put them on the map.

Whether you're an Iowa local or a craft beer enthusiast from afar, this interview offers a deep dive into the business and the art of brewing at a high level.

What makes a brewery more than just a place to grab a pint? In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we travel to Peoria, Illinois, to chat with Brian Buss, the Brewmaster and co-owner of Busted Brewing.

Brian takes us behind the scenes of one of Central Illinois' most unique taprooms. We discuss their standout beer lineup, how they’ve mastered a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone, and the philosophy that sets Busted Brewing apart in the thriving Midwest craft beer scene.

In this episode of the Midwest Microbrew Podcast, we travel to Cleveland, Ohio, to sit down with Michael Williams, the Brand Development Manager at the legendary Great Lakes Brewing Company.

As one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in the Midwest, Great Lakes has a story that is as rich as its porters. We dive into the brewery's historic roots in Ohio City, explore the evolution of their most iconic labels, and get the inside scoop on the cult classic that defines the holiday season: Great Lakes Christmas Ale.

Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just love a good "brewhistory" lesson, this interview offers a unique look at how Great Lakes continues to lead the industry while staying true to its heritage.

Discover the story of Nik & Ivy Brewing with Head Brewer Chad Lindahl! We’re in Lockport, IL, to discuss the science of craft beer, community-focused brewing, and the journey of a local microbrewery.

In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Chad Lindahl, the master brewer behind the traditional and trendy pours at Nik & Ivy Brewing. Located in the heart of historic downtown Lockport, Nik & Ivy has quickly become a staple for craft beer enthusiasts in the Chicago suburbs.

Chad shares insights into his brewing philosophy, and how Nik & Ivy balances classic styles with innovative new trends. Whether you’re a fellow brewer or a fan of local taprooms, this interview offers a deep dive into the dedication required to run a successful craft brewery.

Join me for an in-depth conversation with Tom Schroeder, owner and historic preservation advocate behind Waldmann Brewery, the oldest surviving commercial building in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The Waldmann Brewery Story:
Built in 1857 by Bavarian immigrant Anton Waldmann and his wife Mina, Waldmann originally operated as a German lager beer saloon from 1857-1863. After serving as a residence for over 150 years, Tom Schroeder purchased the historic limestone building in 2008 and spent years meticulously restoring it. The brewery reopened in 2017, returning to its original purpose as a traditional German lager saloon Forgotten Minnesota.

Discover how chef-turned-brewmaster Jared Rouben created Moody Tongue, Chicago's innovative culinary brewery pairing Michelin-quality food with craft beer.

Trevor Rose-Hamblin of Old Irving Brewing shares the story behind Chicago's beloved craft brewery, what makes their beer special, and what's next.