Sipisode #5 // The Heart of Beer Podcasting

Welcome to Sipisode 5 of the 'Body By Beer' podcast, where your hosts Chelsea Rhoads and Liz Hess dive into the essence of our beer-loving journey. In this episode, we explore the traditions, history, and sensory experiences that make beer more than just a beverage.

Body By Beer Sipisode 5: Why We Started A craft beer podcast. Airing 11/29/2023

*Sound of beer pouring

1. Introduction:

Chelsea: "Greetings, fellow beer connoisseurs! It’s another beautiful day on the 'Body By Beer' podcast. I'm Chelsea Rhoads!"

Liz: "And I'm Liz Hess! Today, we’re talking about the why and traditions that either support that why or cause it to go completely in the other direction.

Interlude - Brew News Jingle

1. Brew News Segment

1. Shiner Beer Announces New Entry Into Non-Alcoholic Category With Rode0 Line

1. Shiner Beer, an independent, family-owned brewery known for its iconic Shiner Bock, has announced the launch of its first-ever non-alcoholic series, Shiner Rode0. 

2. The series begins with the introduction of Rode0 Golden Brew, which is timed perfectly for Dry January, marking a significant new phase for the brewery. The Rode0 line is set to expand in 2024 with additional non-alcoholic brews. 

3. Shiner Rode0 Golden Brew has an ABV of less than 0.5 percent and is styled after a classic American lager. It offers a light and refreshing taste with crisp and malty notes, balanced by delicate esters and a gentle hop profile. Despite being non-alcoholic, it retains the taste and aroma Shiner is known for. The decision to venture into the non-alcoholic space was influenced by the increasing demand for non-alcoholic alternatives. In 2023, sales of non-alcoholic beer rose by over seventeen percent in Texas and 23 percent in the U.S. The Rode0 collection will soon include a red amber non-alcoholic beer. Tom Fiorenzi, Director of Brewery & Distillery Operations, mentioned that Shiner fans have consistently requested non-alcoholic options. 

4. The Shiner Rode0 line is brewed using the same method as their traditional beers, offering an authentic Shiner experience without the alcohol. This introduction of a non-alcoholic line is part of Shiner's ongoing evolution. Other recent innovations include the TexHex IPA line brewed with cactus water and a craft spirits distillery offering tours and tastings. Tours of the Spoetzl Brewery and Distillery are available seven days a week.

5.  For more information, visit Shiner's website. 

Thoughts on the article? Excitement? 

1. Decibel Metal & Beer Fest is Coming to Denver in December

1. The article from Westword discusses the return of Decibel magazine's Metal & Beer Festival to Denver for the second consecutive year. The festival, which has grown into a significant event with editions in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, is particularly exciting for Denver's local music scene. The lineup includes a mix of local and national metal acts, with Khemmis headlining the first night. The festival also features a unique blend of craft beer and music, with local breweries like TRVE and Black Sky participating. The festival's lineup showcases Denver's vibrant underground music scene, with bands like Cephalic Carnage and the Munsens representing the city. The Munsens, who are also co-owners of the hot sauce company Sauce Leopard, are excited to perform new material from their upcoming album. The festival will also feature a hot sauce challenge and the debut of a new hot sauce called Ass Gasher. In addition to music, the festival will offer a variety of craft beers, including special brews in collaboration with bands like Agalloch. The festival kicks off with a pre-fest event featuring the death-metal supergroup Umbra Vitae. The Metal & Beer Festival is not just a celebration of music and beer but also a platform for fostering the local metal scene's community and creativity.

Thoughts on the article? Excitement? 

1. December happenings: Holidays, Repeal Day (12/05/2023), Lager Day (12/10/2023; 3rd most popular beverage after water and tea), Boston Tea Party (12/16/2023). Holiday plans?

1. Craft beer advent calendar:

2. Beer lover’s gift guide

1. Why? The very first recommendation is the “beer spike” this is a “spike” that you stick in hot coals and getting it pipping hot and then you stick that pipping hot stick in your beer and it caramelizes the residual sugars in the beer, creating a fine layer of dense, marshmallow-y foam. This method is best used for high gravity beers like pastry stouts, doppelbocks, and winter ales. 

1. We recently got to experience this at New Terrain where the guys were nice enough to show us how it’s all done. 

1. @newterrain 

Thoughts on the happenings? Excitement? 

Sound of clinking glasses

3. Main Segment

Liz: "Now, let’s pull up a barstool and dive into our main segment. 

Chelsea: Welcome back, beer enthusiasts, to another main Body segment by Beer Podcast.

Liz: Today, we’re diving into the heart and soul of our love for beer - the why, the tradition, and all the unique quirks that brought us here.

Chelsea: Absolutely, Liz. You know, one of the things I adore about beer is its rich history. Did you know that beer is one of the oldest prepared drinks, dating back to at least the 5th millennium BC in Iran? That’s ancient!

Liz: That’s wild! And speaking of history, beer was often safer to drink than water in the past, thanks to the brewing process which killed harmful organisms in the water. So in a way, beer was a lifesaver!

Chelsea: Not just lifesaving, but also community-building. The varied styles of beer across cultures and the sense of community in sharing a brew - there’s nothing quite like it. It’s why I love talking about the fun, historical, and intriguing aspects of beer.

Liz: And for me, it's all about the entertainment value and how beer excites the human senses. The sound of a bottle opening, the smell of hops, the taste of a well-brewed pint - it's a sensory experience!

Chelsea: Exactly, and being behind the bar or among a crowd, it’s like you’re a conductor of this incredible social orchestra.

Liz: So true. And in the craft beer community, it's all about appreciation for the craft. We’re not just here for a buzz. It's about great, flavorful, ingredient-rich beer that comes with a fantastic community.

Chelsea: Speaking of community, let’s address the elephant in the room. As women in this industry, we've seen firsthand that the presence of women, especially behind the brew, isn't as dominant as our male counterparts. But, the craft beer industry does have amazing women, and we’re here to continue that trend!

Liz: Absolutely! We're here for the fun facts, the history, the craft, the recipes, and the social gatherings. Like, did you know that the strongest beer in the world has a 67.5% alcohol content? That's more like a spirit than a beer! Do you know what beer this is? Snake Venom, brewed in Moray from smoked, peated malt using two varieties of yeast, one beer and one Champagne. Like other ultra high strength beers it is frozen several times after the fermentation process, and the ice crystals removed. This concentrates the alcohol, flavour, and body of the beer as water is removed each time. The beer is then fortified with alcohol to increase the strength further.

Chelsea: That’s insane! On a lighter note, here’s a quick beer joke: Why did the beer go to school? Because it wanted to be a little brrrrighter! Meh, hehe! :) 

Liz: [Laughs] Good one, Chelsea! And remember, whether you’re a beer newbie or a seasoned aficionado, there's always something new and exciting in the world of beer.

*Q&A Segment Jingle*

1. Q&A Segment

Chelsea: This is fitting for extending our conversation. The main thing people want to know is, 

*Sound of beer glasses clinking*

Chelsea: "Alright, beer lovers, it's time for some trivia!"

Liz: "Welcome to the 'Fun Facts' segment where we chat about fun facts about beer!”

1. Fun Facts Chelsea:

1.  Repeal Day 12/05/2023: Prohibition:

1. #nationalrepealday

2. Repealday.org

1. What did companies produce when they couldn’t brew beer?

2. How many breweries before prohibition? How many after?

Chelsea: End the fun facts and introduce the brew bites:

Stay with us for a round of 'Brew Bites' where we pair our favorite beer with, well, our favorite bites."

Liz: "And today, we’re going with an oldie but a goodie. Call it a craving if you will, but I’m here to plant the bug of beer and pizza in your head. You can also blame it on football season. They’re always playing the damn Pizza Hut commercials.

6. Brews & Bites Segment:

L: Ah, the classic combination of beer and pizza, especially pepperoni pizza, which is a quintessential American comfort food pairing! When it comes to selecting a beer to complement that tantalizing, cheesy, and spicy pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut, you'll want to consider a few key flavor profiles: the richness and greasiness of the cheese and pepperoni, the acidity and sweetness of the tomato sauce, and the crispness of the crust.

We are already engaging our sight and sense of smell even as I mention the florious disc of cheese and tomato sauce as it hints at memories of another sunday or catches my eye on the tv.

Here are some beer styles that would pair exceptionally well with a pepperoni pizza:

• Pale Ale: Pale ales can be great choice for pepperoni pizza. Their hop bitterness and malt sweetness can cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, while the hoppy notes can enhance the spices in the pepperoni. The carbonation also helps cleanse the palate.

• IPA: If you’re a hop head, then you already know what I’m talking about and you enjoy a bit more bitterness and a hop-forward profile. The bitterness of the hops in an IPA contrasts nicely with the greasiness of the pepperoni, and the beer's citrusy and/or piney notes can add an extra layer of flavor to each bite.

• Lager: A crisp lager, this is the American dream right here, especially a pilsner-style lager. If you don’t like a classic lager and pizza you can get out right now! Haha, I kid, I kid. Kind of. :)  The clean and refreshing taste of your favorite lager helps to balance the heaviness of the pizza, making each bite as enjoyable and as memorable as the first. I’m drooling talking about it, right now.

• Amber Ale: Any amber will do ya, except for the Amber that stole your heart in high school. :)  With their malty sweetness and moderate bitterness, can complement the umami flavors of the pepperoni and cheese. Their caramel notes might also tie in nicely with the crust's baked flavor.

• Stout or Porter (for a bold choice): If you're feeling adventurous my friends, try a stout or porter. I know I probably will. The roasted malt flavors of these darker beers can bring out the smoky flavors in the pepperoni, creating a rich and indulgent pairing.

Remember, The key to any great beer and pizza pairing is balance. You want the beer to either complement or contrast the flavors of the pizza. The beers listed above have the best potential to cut through the richness and fattiness of the cheese and pepperoni, cleanse the palate with their carbonation, and add extra dimensions of flavor that make both the beer and the pizza taste even better.

I really like to emphasize the reality of what is happening when we experience any situation and to do that we’re engaging our five senses. 

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7. End the Sipisode!

Chelsea: "That’s it for today! Remember, people, life is too short for bad beer. Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in and supporting the podcast. If you haven’t already, please make sure to subscribe, like, and share on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. And make sure to follow us on all social media channels @bodybybeer. 

Liz: "That’s right. Tune in next week for another sipisode. We’ll continue to explore more fascinating tales from around the world of beer. If you have any suggestions or stories to share, drop us a comment. Thank you for listening! Until next time, pour yourself a cold one and keep those heads hoppy!"

[Ending Theme Music]

Chelsea & Liz: "Cheers!"

*Sound of a tavern bustling with chatter and laughter*