We’re LIVE from Drinktec 2025!
In September, we crossed the pond to Munich, Germany to take part in Drinktec, the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry. In this episode, Justine Johnson, our Marketing and Global Events Manager, sits down with CEO Jorge Solis and Chief Growth & Innovation Officer Laurent Debande.
They dive into some exciting topics, including:
Innovative malt applications like malt-based coffee drinks and malt chocolate cookies.
Our sustainability goals for 2030.
The latest advances and innovations in the malt world.
We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at American Distilling Institute 2025 in San Antonio!
In this episode, we speak to Tim from Ranger Creek about the white dog samples they made for us, Erik Owens from ADI, and Rob Pinson, the liquor lawyer!
This episode highlights two interviews on legislative advocacy in the U.S. craft brewing industry. To begin we discuss the Brewers Association Hill Climb in Washington, D.C., emphasizing its role in strengthening ties with lawmakers and advancing issues like excise tax credits, research funding, and shipping rules. Then we are joined by Travis Bailey and Adriane Hodges from the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. They share their work on the “Beers for Steers” bill, which would give tax credits to brewers donating spent grain to local farmers. They reflect on the challenges of navigating the legislative process and stress the importance of persistence and engagement for other craft brewing organizations. Overall, both interviews underscore the critical role of advocacy in sustaining and growing the craft beer industry.
Featuring: Douglass Miller and Dan Kurzrock.
In this episode, hosts Heather Jerred and Brittany Drennan dig into the creative reuse of spent grain, turning brewery waste into culinary and commercial gold.
Guests Douglass Miller (Cornell University) and Dan Kurzrock (Upcycled Foods) share how this overlooked byproduct is being transformed into flour, baked goods, snack ingredients, and more. From small-batch brewpubs to large-scale upcycling, they explore the nutritional value, processing tips, and sustainability potential of spent grain.
Featuring: Dyke Beer and The Reflections Project.
This podcast explores mental health in the craft beer industry, featuring Dyke Beer founders on building inclusive queer spaces and Molly Flynn on launching The Reflections Project, a nonprofit for mental health support in hospitality. The episode highlights the unique challenges faced by those in the beer industry, such as burnout and lack of access to mental health services. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need to destigmatize mental health issues and create more opportunities for open dialogue and mutual support within the craft beer community.
Featuring: Definitive Brewing and Great Western Malting.
We’re getting into the weeds – and the wheat – on this episode. Join the team from Great Western Malting and James Bridwell of Definitive Brewing Co. as we break down the story behind two of GWM’s newest innovations: Low Color Wheat Malt and Chit Malt. From product ideation and malting techniques to sensory trials and brewing applications, we cover how these malts are helping shape the future of hazy IPAs and beyond. Whether you're curious about clarity, foam, flavor, or haze; this episode’s packed with good chit.
We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis!
In this episode, we’re playing trivia with attendees on the trade show floor. How much do you know about beer, Indiana, and Indy 500? See if you can beat our guests!
Learn more about our CBC events, activities, and new product launches: countrymalt.com/cbc
We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis!
In today's episode, we're joined by Guggman Haus Brewing's husband and wife duo, Derek and Courtney Guggenberger, to discuss our collab beers brewed specially for CBC!
Learn more about our CBC events, activities, and new product launches: countrymalt.com/cbc
We're LIVE from the tradeshow floor at Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis!
In this episode, we’re having beers with Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. We discuss state of the industry, trends and tariffs.
Learn more about our CBC events, activities, and new product launches: countrymalt.com/cbc
30 years. One blue cargo van. A father-son dream that changed the craft beer industry.
In this special episode, we’re sitting down with the founders of Country Malt Group to revisit the humble beginnings and epic evolution of CMG– from a shed in New York to one of the most trusted ingredient suppliers in North America.
Join Bryan and Claude Bechard as they reflect on starting a business together, navigating highs and lows, and building a legacy that’s helped shape the brewing and distilling community for three decades. Plus, hear about their favorite memories, industry trends, and what’s next for CMG as we raise a glass to 30 years of malty milestones.
Featuring: Great Western Malting, Canada Malting Co., and Country Malt Group.
In this special Women's Month episode, we’re handing the mic to the powerhouse women at our company. They share their career journeys, the challenges they’ve faced in a male-dominated industry, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From breaking barriers to setting bold new goals, these leaders are paving the way for future generations in malting, brewing, distilling, and beyond.
Tune in as we raise a glass to the women making malt magic happen!
Featuring: Paul Bee Distillery, Arch Ray Resort, Great Heights Brewing.
Pull on your boots and saddle up for this first-of-its-kind collab! In this episode, we’re two-steppin’ into the world of craft distilling with Arch Ray Resort and the Pink Boots Society Houston Chapter as we make history—distilling one of the first-ever whiskies using Pink Boots Malt!
At Paul Bee Distillery, head distiller Jerry Elliott and production manager Dustin Cramer teamed up with Houston’s Pink Boots crew to craft a single malt whiskey with a purpose—supporting women and non-binary individuals in brewing and distilling. Guest Abby Hime from Great Heights Brewing shares what Pink Boots Malt means for the industry, while guest special co-host Brittany Drennan keeps the conversation flowing.
The BrewDeck Podcast is back and thriving for Season 6! Since 2020, we’ve been spilling the tea (or should we say beer?) on all things brewing, distilling, and malting, keeping the craft beverage world on trend.
To kick off the year, we’re serving a vibe-check on last year’s most iconic episodes. From deep dives into roasted and rye malts, to the non-alcoholic market glow-up and industry-changing convos on diversity and inclusion, these episodes highlight the topics that made waves in 2024. Whether you’re a day-one listener or just tuning in, this countdown is the ultimate rewind.
It’s that time of year—our annual barley summary and crop update is here! In this episode, Toby Tucker, Heather Jerred, and Jon Mendrick guide us through the 2024 Canadian and U.S. barley harvest, comparing it to prior years, the global barley crop, and what brewers and distillers can anticipate for 2025.
We also catch up with Product Manager Abi Conner (40:35), who shares highlights from this year’s product releases and gives us an exclusive sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025.
This is one of our favorite episodes—a celebration of our hardworking growers, the craft of maltsters, and the exciting year ahead for brewers and distillers. Grab a pint, tune in, and get ready to crop it like it’s hot!
Psst! Did the BrewDeck make your top 5 podcasts this year on Spotify Wrapped? We want to thank you! Send us a screenshot on Instagram (@CountryMalt) or email us at brewdeck@souffletmalt.com and we'll send you some goodies!
Featuring: Bow and Arrow Brewing.
Happy Native American Heritage Month! In this special episode, we’re celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous people with Bow and Arrow Brewing Co., the first Native American woman-owned brewery in the U.S., based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
We sit down with founder Shyla Sheppard and head brewer Samuel Arredondo to explore how they honor their heritage through innovative brewing and carefully chosen ingredients. They share the story behind their impactful Native Land Beer Project, now in its fourth year, which has raised over $110,000 for Native nonprofits. This collaborative effort uplifts causes like ecological stewardship, access to ancestral lands, and the revitalization of traditional agriculture and food ways.
Featuring: Crooked Hammock Brewery.
In this special episode, we dive deep into the dark and complex world of Roasted Malts, exploring the role these bold ingredients play in crafting the finest beers. Our special guests Larry Horwitz of Crooked Hammock and Tim Roberts regale us with tales of their journeys through the malt-y realms.
We learn how these roasted wonders can lend bitterness, astringency, and a touch of that "Burnt" essence to your brews, much like the dragon fire of Westeros. As we venture further, we uncover the secrets of water chemistry, yeast selection, and hop pairings - the keys to mastering the delicate balance required to tame these roasted malts. So saddle up, brave listeners, for a journey beyond the wall of flavor limitations. For when you play the Game of Tones, you win... or you brew.
Featuring: Comrade Brewing Company.
What happens when a truck crashes into your facility and collides with your active brewing tanks? Well, don't cry over spilled beer! This episode, we talk to David Lin from Comrade Brewing in Colorado about making the most of bad experiences and turning shitty situations into good marketing. Buckle up for his wild story and how they came out on top! David also shares his advice for maintaining a positive outlook and ways to find a silver-lining (or gold-medal-winning-lining!)
Featuring: Lallemand and AB Biotek.
It's the American Distilling Institute's 2024 Craft Spirits Conference this week in Baltimore and we're celebrating distilling here on The BrewDeck Podcast! We're joined by our resident distilling experts, Geoff Fischer and Chris Lovett, to dive into yeast options for distilling, the difference between yeast strains, and how they can be used for different types of spirits. They call upon leaders in the industry - Mitch Codd from Lallemand (1:40) and Kevin Kawa from AB Biotek (32:00) - to discuss the use of enzymes in fermentation and the ability to create unique flavors through fermentation. Join us as we delve into the exciting innovations in the distilling industry, on this whiskey-swirling special episode!
Featuring: the Country Malt Group team.
So we wheat again! In this episode, we're joined by our friends – Patrick Sylvester, Territory Manager, and Abi Conner, Product Manager – to discuss the wild world of wheat. They talk us through the use of wheat in brewing, its global production, different types of wheat products, considerations for brewers using wheat, and their favorite beers that use wheat. With an extensive wheat product portfolio, wheat are you waiting for? Give it a listen!
Featuring: Barrel & Flow Fest.
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the #1 Brew Fest in America: Barrel & Flow Fest! We're joined by Day Bracey, founder of Barrel and Flow, to discuss how they connect opportunity, accessibility, and artistry in ways that celebrate and empower the Black community. We explore the importance of creating an inclusive and safe environment and their festival's code of conduct. We also delve into the challenges faced by artists and staff in the brewing and entertainment industries, emphasizing the need for fair pay and transparency. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the intersection of beer, art, and inclusivity.
Psst! Tickets are on sale for Barrel & Flow, August 9-11 in Pittsburgh. BrewDeck listeners can use special code "brewdeck10" for 10% off tickets! Cheers!
