Kalamabrew: Audio

PODCAST: Bell's beer garden opener, a new brewery for Kalamazoo and so much more in this week's beer conversation

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:22:50 UTC

This week's beer conversation is full to the brim with tasty beer news.

KALAMAZOO - This week's beer conversation is full to the brim with beer news.

If you missed the live version (every Friday at noon on The Nonchalant Cafe Hour), here's a brief recap: Bell's $2.5 million expansion update, Two Hearted Ale withdrawal from the market, Sunset Boulevard Brewing Co. to open soon, an upcoming homebrewing workshop ... and well, you'll have to listen for the rest.

We don't want to ruin the fun.

Cheers and enjoy.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, or listen below.

PODCAST: Go ahead, try to make the connection between Bell's Oberon, mini-kegs, cheese and Short's Brewing Co.

Fri, 21 May 2010 20:51:06 UTC

Topics this week include: sightings of Bell's Brewery Inc.'s Oberon mini-kegs, an upcoming beer and cheese pairing featuring brews from Short's Brewing Co. and American Craft Beer Week, plus a rundown of a few other upcoming beer events and festivals.

KalamaBrew blogger John Liberty makes one of the best beer transitions of all time (at least in our opinion) in this week's beer podcast.

Topics this week include: Bell's Brewery Inc.'s Oberon mini-kegs, an upcoming beer and cheese pairing featuring brews from Short's Brewing Co. and American Craft Beer Week, plus a rundown of a few other upcoming beer events and festivals.

How does it all relate? You know the drill (see below).

Tune in every Friday at noon to The Nonchalant Cafe to get your craft beer news fix.

Cheers and enjoy!

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, or listen below.

Get your copy of the Taps McFirkin theme song by The Longest Day of the Year

Fri, 14 May 2010 16:05:08 UTC

The legendary Taps McFirkin has lived a long life of beer-fueled danger and adventure and his exploits are wonderfully captured in this heel-pounding, pint-raising tune, "The Debauching Ballad of Taps McFirkin." The song is part of The Longest Day of the Year's five-track EP, "Coffee Stains," which is out now.

BOULDER, COLO. — Our dear friend, Boulder, Colo-based folk-rocker t.mule, has completed the official version of our mascot's theme song with his full band The Longest Day of the Year.

As a special to KalamaBrew readers — or all those ladies who have been smitten by Taps McFirkin — you can download the entire album for 50 percent off. Just enter "mcfirkin" when you go to buy the full EP and you get the entire EP for $2.50. The deal lasts for the next two weeks, so get to buyin'.

Earlier this week, GetBoulder called The Longest Day of the Year one of the top Up and Coming Bands in the Boulder area.

PODCAST: Mark the 30th anniversary of 1980 Kalamazoo tornado with Olde Peninsula's Tornado Ale

Mon, 10 May 2010 17:43:09 UTC

Other topics include this year's Oberon mini-keg release, Michigan Summer Beer Festival tickets and a few other Michigan craft beer tidbits to tempt your taste buds over the next couple of weeks

KALAMAZOO -- Kalmabrew dusted off the micro "phones" and returned to the airwaves with The Captain on the Nonchalant Cafe this past Friday.

The conversation focused on the upcoming anniversary of the 1980 tornado that ripped through downtown Kalamazoo and a seasonal beer brewed to commemorate the event from Olde Peninsula.

John Liberty also previewed OP's very hoppy 500th batch as well as a Summer Hefeweizen due out later this month from Brewmaster Dan Kiplinger.

Other topics include this year's Bell's Oberon mini-keg release, Michigan Summer Beer Festival tickets and a few other Michigan craft beer events to tempt your taste buds over the next couple of weeks (sorry, you'll have to listen for the full rundown).

Cheers!

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, or listen below.

PODCAST: The Walldorff celebrates their Sundancer Summer Wheat beer today

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:20:58 UTC

Kick off this weekend with the release of a another summer seasonal, a beer tour, a Great Lakes TV series and more.

KALAMAZOO - Another Friday means another beer podcast to help kick off the weekend.

This week's topics include: a summer seasonal release party today at The Walldorff in Hastings, how to tour six breweries without getting behind the wheel, more Michigan beer for North and South Carolina, plus a new TV series that will highlight the Great Lakes beer region.

Enjoy and cheers!

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, or, as always, listen below.

PS - Have you tried the live version (every Friday at noon on The Nonchalant Cafe)?

PODCAST: What pairs well with beautiful, warm weather? Michigan craft beer spring and summer seasonals

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:04:58 UTC

How to properly enjoy this week's podcast: Grab your favorite Michigan beer, sit back and listen while enjoying some sunshine. Today, we cover Bell's Oberon and New Holland's Golden Cap along with a side of Swedish label law. We also look forward to a couple of other annual favorites. What else did we talk about today at noon on...

How to properly enjoy this week's podcast: Grab your favorite Michigan beer, sit back and listen while enjoying some sunshine.

Today, we cover Bell's Oberon and New Holland's Golden Cap along with a side of Swedish label law.

We also look forward to a couple of other annual favorites.

What else did we talk about today at noon on The Nonchalant Cafe?

The answers are all here.

Cheers!

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast or listen below.

PODCAST: Looking forward to spring Michigan craft beer releases, including KBS from Founders Brewing Co.

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:50:00 UTC

Warmer weather means the return of some of our favorites and possibly some new ones.

Upcoming beer releases include Sapient from Dark Horse, KBS from Founders Brewing Co., Arcadia Ale's Whitsun and it goes without saying, Oberon.

Today's beer conversation with The Captain on the Nonchalant Cafe will also shed some light on new releases from Short's Brewing Co. as well.

For those of you who will be heading to Grand Rapids tomorrow (March 13) for some of that tasty KBS, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• They will start selling bottled KBS to take home at 11 a.m.
• Cases are $114.
• Last year they sold out in 90 minutes.

Founders will have a special "secret tap list" and multiple versions of KBS on tap all day.

Starting at 9:30 p.m., Rubblebucket Orchestra and Funktion will be your live music providers. Cover is $5.

What else did we talk about? You know the drill.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, or listen below.

PODCAST: Catch up on your Michigan craft beer news with a side of PANAMA!!!

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:23 UTC

KALAMAZOO - The love on this blog is bursting at the seams. But that's not all that's been going on this week in the world of Michigan craft beer. Quickly catch up on the week's news (Short's takes their punishment, Steve Berthel celebrates his 55th, to name a few) and find out about a new coffee partnership brewing to...

KALAMAZOO - The love on this blog is bursting at the seams.

But that's not all that's been going on this week in the world of Michigan craft beer.

Quickly catch up on the week's news (Short's takes their punishment, Steve Berthel celebrates his 55th, to name a few) and find out about a new coffee partnership brewing to bring you a fresher Breakfast Stout. What else did we talk about ...

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, or listen below.

PODCAST: String up your Oberon mini-keg, it's time to talk beer

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:00:06 UTC

KALAMAZOO - It's been a busy week on KalamaBrew, which means there was a lot to talk about on today's podcast with The Captain on the Nonchalant Cafe Hour. First up of course, is Oberon. Need we say anymore? How about canjo?

KALAMAZOO - It's been a busy week on KalamaBrew, which means there was a lot to talk about on today's podcast with The Captain on the Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

First up of course, is Oberon. Need we say more? How about canjo?

If that's not enough, there's still Nemesis, a new place to sample some of Michigan's finest craft beers, wines and spirits, not to mention all the awards and attention our favorite beer state received from RateBeer.com this week.

If that's still not enough, how about the fact that Arcadia Ales in Battle Creek is revamping all of their labels?

Enjoy.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast or listen below.

PODCAST: Founders Brewing Co. set to release KBS in March

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:34:34 UTC

KALAMAZOO - Today's beer conversation includes a little homebrewing, a pretty big expansion, ugly sweaters and chili. Throw in a little KBS and you have yourself another great beer podcast.

KALAMAZOO - Today's beer conversation with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour includes a little homebrewing, a pretty big expansion, ugly sweaters and chili.

Throw in a little KBS and you have yourself another great beer podcast.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, or listen below.

Catch the live version every Friday at noon on The Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

PODCAST: A conversation with Michigan Brewers Guild Executive Director Scott Graham

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:00:00 UTC

Today's conversation focused on the guild's annual winter conference, which concludes today at 5 p.m.(just in time for happy hour), pairing craft beer and food, Michigan hops and more.

KALAMAZOO - KalamaBrew had the pleasure of sitting down today and talking with Executive Director Scott Graham of the Michigan Brewers Guild as part of our weekly podcast/beer conversation with The Captain on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

Today's conversation focused on the guild's annual winter conference, which concludes today at 5 p.m. (just in time for happy hour), pairing craft beer and food, Michigan hops and more.

There's also a preview of an upcoming event at The Old Hat in Lawton (HINT: It involves chili and ugly sweaters).

Enjoy.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

Catch up with some of the latest in Michigan craft beer news in one listen

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:33:51 UTC

In today's conversation with The Captain on the Nonchalant Cafe Hour, the word of the day is festival -- as in beer festival.

In today's conversation with The Captain on the Nonchalant Cafe Hour, the word of the day is festival — as in beer festival.

Get a quick rundown of upcoming events happening all over Michigan and get a preview of what's to come next week on KalamaBrew in our first podcast of 2010.

Come back for more every Friday at noon on 89.1 WIDR.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: Get a heads up on the 2010 Michigan Winter Beer Festival and a whole lot more in this week's beer conversation

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:00:19 UTC

KALAMAZOO - In this week's podcast, find out when you can start buying tickets for the Michigan Brewers Guild's Winter Beer Festival, learn more about the collaboration between Bell's Brewery and Belgium's De Proef, preview upcoming homebrew events, and peak into the future of KalamaBrew.

KALAMAZOO - In this week's podcast find out when you can start buying tickets for the Michigan Brewers Guild's Winter Beer Festival, learn more about the collaboration between Bell's Brewery and Belgium's De Proef, preview upcoming homebrew events, and peak into the future of KalamaBrew.

What else did we talk about? There's only one way to find out, unless you catch us live every Friday at noon on The Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

Root beer from Schmohz, new beers from The Livery and an expanded beer holiday top the conversation on today's KalamaBrew podcast

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:14:04 UTC

Today's beer conversation with The Captain on the Nonchalant Cafe is full to the brim (there's actually a little spillage) with Michigan craft beer news.

KalamaBrew blogger John Liberty shares some some news from Schmohz Brewery about their Sammi Rae Root Beer, which will soon occupy some pretty prominent retail space and how proceeds from its sale will help families with children who are battling terminal illnesses.

Mr. Liberty also catches us up on new beers and a new menu from The Livery in Benton Harbor.

If that's not enough, there's still Arcadia, Halloween events and efforts to expand a popular "beer holiday" in Grand Rapids.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

Live from Battle Creek ... It's the KalamaBrew podcast

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 04:21:33 UTC

KBers Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb enjoyed a hearty lunch at Arcadia Brewing Company with head brewer Josh Davies.

BATTLE CREEK — KBers Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb enjoyed a hearty lunch at Arcadia Brewing Company with head brewer Josh Davies.

The trio chatted live with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour about the brewery's gold medal winning Cereal Killer Barleywine at the Great American Beef Festival.

Hear Davies talk about the making of the English-style barleywine, which was barrel aged for 17 months. It beat out 109 other entrees.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: Back on the saddle again; KalamaBrew previews upcoming beer events and a new video

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:36:37 UTC

KALAMAZOO - Bikes and beer. They go hand in hand, even on the radio. KalamaBrew returns to the airwaves and WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with a preview of our Bike and Brew Tour video, Founders visit to Shakespeare's Pub on Tuesday, Arcadia Jaw-Jacker events and more.

KALAMAZOO - Bikes and beer. They go hand in hand, even on the radio.

KalamaBrew returns to the airwaves and WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with a preview of our Bike and Brew Tour video, Founders visit to Shakespeare's Pub on Tuesday, Arcadia Jaw-Jacker events and more.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

Podcast: We preview a big month for Marshall's Dark Horse Brewing Company

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:32:26 UTC

MARSHALL -- September will be a wildly busy month for Dark Horse Brewing Company. The Marshall microbrewery is poised to release its high-gravity Scotch ale, Scotty Karate, its Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock, prepping the Holiday Stout Series and paying tribute to the devil. That's right, Lucifer gets a little love. Listen below for all the evil details. Download the latest...

MARSHALL -- September will be a wildly busy month for Dark Horse Brewing Company.

The Marshall microbrewery is poised to release its high-gravity Scotch ale, Scotty Karate, its Perkulator Coffee Dopplebock, prepping the Holiday Stout Series and paying tribute to the devil. That's right, Lucifer gets a little love. Listen below for all the evil details.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

New Bell's mini kegs, a Great Lakes Brewing tasting, weekend events and more in this week's KalamaBrew podcast

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:01:08 UTC

KALAMAZOO - Lots of interesting beer news in this week's chat with The Captain. Bloggers John Liberty and Josh Smith continue the conversation about Michigan beer taxes, the impressive momentum of craft breweries across the United States, including Short's Brewing Company, new mini kegs from Bell's Brewery, a beer tasting at Shakespeare's Pub and a lot more.

The Oberon mini keg is gonna get some company on the mini keg shelf.

KALAMAZOO - Lots of interesting beer news in this week's chat with The Captain.

Bloggers John Liberty and Josh Smith continue the conversation about Michigan beer taxes, the impressive momentum of craft breweries across the United States, including Short's Brewing Company, new mini kegs from Bell's Brewery, a beer tasting at Shakespeare's Pub and a lot more.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

Beer for your ears: We spied a new Short's beer in a bottle, talk beer taxes and run with the bulls in the latest KalamaBrew podcast

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:51:16 UTC

KALAMAZOO - Everyone's talking about beer taxes, including us, on this week's podcast courtesy of The Captain and The Nonchalant Cafe Hour. We also touch on next weekend's EL TORO! Running with the Bulls in Grand Rapids. And what has Short's Brewing Company put in a bottle now? There's only one way to find out (unless you heard us...

KALAMAZOO - Everyone's talking about beer taxes, including us, on this week's podcast courtesy of The Captain and The Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

We also touch on next weekend's EL TORO! Running with the Bulls in Grand Rapids.

And what has Short's Brewing Company put in a bottle now? There's only one way to find out (unless you heard us live, of course).

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: We're back and there's lots of beer news to talk about including; The Great Taste of the Midwest, anniversaries, running with the bulls and cider

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:22:32 UTC

KALAMAZOO - After a brief break from the airwaves for nuptials and vacations, KalamaBrew returns to the airwaves this week with The Captain and The Nonchalant Cafe Hour. This week's topics include The Great Taste of the Midwest, The Livery's Fourth Anniversary firkin tapping, beer taxes, running with the bulls, an upcoming cider festival and more. Thirsty yet? Download...

KALAMAZOO - After a brief break from the airwaves for nuptials and vacations, KalamaBrew returns to the airwaves this week with The Captain and The Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

This week's topics include The Great Taste of the Midwest, The Livery's Fourth Anniversary firkin tapping, beer taxes, running with the bulls, an upcoming cider festival and more.

Thirsty yet?

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: KalamaBrew is spilling over with Michigan beer events this weekend

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:00:00 UTC

KALAMAZOO - It's Friday, it's 5 p.m., it's time for a beer. It's also time for another chat about our favorite beverage. This week, among other things, KalamaBrew blogger Josh Smith and The Captain discuss bus tours, alligators, closing down a block in downtown Grand Rapids, disc golf and a pretty significant anniversary. Exactly what do all these things...

KALAMAZOO - It's Friday, it's 5 p.m., it's time for a beer.

It's also time for another chat about our favorite beverage.

This week, among other things, KalamaBrew blogger Josh Smith and The Captain discuss bus tours, alligators, closing down a block in downtown Grand Rapids, disc golf and a pretty significant anniversary.

Exactly what do all these things have to do with Michigan and beer? There's only one way to find out.

Download Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3, listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: Grab a Sapient and get ready for a Louisiana-style Crawfish Boil

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:22:58 UTC

MARSHALL - Mouthwatering doesn't even begin to cover it. This week's podcast has all the fixins as KalamaBrew blogger John Liberty and Nonchalant Cafe host, The Captain, put it all on the table for Saturday's Crawfish Boil at Dark Horse Brewing Company. Get a lesson on the proper way to handle those freshwater crustaceans and get a samplin' of...

I'll pinch you!

MARSHALL - Mouthwatering doesn't even begin to cover it.

This week's podcast has all the fixins as KalamaBrew blogger John Liberty and Nonchalant Cafe host, The Captain, put it all on the table for Saturday's Crawfish Boil at Dark Horse Brewing Company.

Get a lesson on the proper way to handle those freshwater crustaceans and get a samplin' of all the other fun things on the menu starting at 3 p.m.

Ready for the main course? Take a listen below (you'll have to provide the slurping sounds yourself, however).

Oh, and for dessert, may we suggest a recap of the big beer news of the week?

Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: We discuss the mysteries of the Bell's Beer Garden, preview Mad Hatter Days

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:44:41 UTC

KALAMAZOO -- KB blogger John Liberty chats this week on WIDR's "Nonchalant Cafe Hour" with host The Captain about the Bell's Beer Garden opening weekend and previews the New Holland Brewing Company's Mad Hatter Days. Hear all the madness below. Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

Gazette file

KALAMAZOO -- KB blogger John Liberty chats this week on WIDR's "Nonchalant Cafe Hour" with host The Captain about the Bell's Beer Garden opening weekend and previews the New Holland Brewing Company's Mad Hatter Days.

Hear all the madness below.

Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: Lost in the raging rapids, will we ever see our mascot, Taps McFirkin again?

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:25:41 UTC

HASTINGS - If you missed the live version of our weekly beer conversation with The Captain on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe, you missed an epic tale full of raging waters, death defying odds and our lovable mascot, Taps McFirkin. It was nearly a week ago that KalamaBrew set out to tame the "mighty" Thornapple River and round out the day...

HASTINGS - If you missed the live version of our weekly beer conversation with The Captain on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe, you missed an epic tale full of raging waters, death defying odds and our lovable mascot, Taps McFirkin.

It was nearly a week ago that KalamaBrew set out to tame the "mighty" Thornapple River and round out the day sampling some of the fine beverages at The Walldorff, which also started bottling in early May.

We expected a fairly routine canoe trip, but tragedy struck, and Taps McFirkin was lost.

To hear the rest of this seemingly sad tale, you can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in three parts -- Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3 (complete with a preview of what's to come next week). You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: Taps McFirkin packs his bag for the World Expo of Beer in Frankenmuth, we also talk canning

Fri, 15 May 2009 21:30:31 UTC

KALAMAZOO -- Bloggers John Liberty and Anne Holcomb hit the airwaves this afternoon with The Captain, host of WIDR's "Nonchalant Cafe Hour," to talk about the World Expo of Beer in Frankenmuth and plans for the Keweenaw Brewing Company to add another canned beer to its distribution. Holcomb, fellow KB blogger Josh Smith and our dashingly handsome mascot Taps...

Taps McFirkin is ready for beer.

KALAMAZOO -- Bloggers John Liberty and Anne Holcomb hit the airwaves this afternoon with The Captain, host of WIDR's "Nonchalant Cafe Hour," to talk about the World Expo of Beer in Frankenmuth and plans for the Keweenaw Brewing Company to add another canned beer to its distribution.

Holcomb, fellow KB blogger Josh Smith and our dashingly handsome mascot Taps McFirkin will be among the more than 10,000 people expected to roam the World Expo of Beer, which started today and will resume from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Park. Look for their coverage of the festivities on our blog.

You can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in two parts -- Part 1 and Part 2. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: More on the latest Bell's lawsuit, American Craft Beer Week and that special toast highlight this week's conversation with The Captain

Fri, 08 May 2009 21:01:00 UTC

KALAMAZOO - In this week's beer conversation, KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty and Josh Smith have plenty to talk about with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour. Among the topics is the recent lawsuit involving Bells Brewery Inc. and Lansing-based distributor, Classic Wines Ltd. There's also a reminder about a special toast on Monday as well as a preview...

Catch our weekly conversation with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour every Friday at noon.

KALAMAZOO - In this week's beer conversation, KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty and Josh Smith have plenty to talk about with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

Among the topics is the recent lawsuit involving Bells Brewery Inc. and Lansing-based distributor, Classic Wines Ltd.

There's also a reminder about a special toast on Monday as well as a preview of some of the events that will be going on around Michigan in celebration of American Craft Beer Week. (Check back on Saturday for more on that.)

If you missed us live, grab a pint of your favorite beverage, sit back and see what's fermenting in the craft beer scene (there might be a t-shirt in it for you).

You can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in three parts -- Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

Podcast: Big Brew, Saugatuck news, and 6-packs of Round Barn

Fri, 01 May 2009 21:16:18 UTC

KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith join The Captain on a blustery May Day to discuss recent goings-on in the Southwest Michigan beer world. This week, we talked about the local and national events surrounding the American Homebrewers Association's Big Brew, new wine offerings at Saugatuck Brewing Company, and Round Barn's foray into 6-pack bottling. If you didn't...

Saugatuck Brewing Company is planning to expand their offerings to include wine and cider.

Download Part 1, and Part 2. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: KalamaBrew reports from the battlefield of 'Beer Wars' - with only a few minor wounds

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 21:28:31 UTC

KALAMAZOO - Fresh from an evening of watching a whole lot of beer on the big screen, KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith share some of the highlights from the nation-wide premiere of "Beer Wars" with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour. John Liberty also shares a few of the highlights from his chat with Aaron Morse...

KALAMAZOO - Fresh from an evening of watching a whole lot of beer on the big screen, KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith share some of the highlights from the nation-wide premiere of "Beer Wars" with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

John Liberty also shares a few of the highlights from his chat with Aaron Morse of Dark Horse Brewing Company and from there the conversation turns to the Muskegon Brewing Company.

If you missed the live version, you can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in three parts -- Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: We're spreading the word on a statewide beer toast and asking for your favorite toasts

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:01:06 UTC

Editor's note: Be aware that the actual date of the Founders annual Black party is Saturday, April 18 ... not Friday, April 17. Sorry about the confusion. KALAMAZOO -- KB bloggers Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb talk beer and numbers, discuss a proposed statewide toast at 6 p.m. May 11 and a few other upcoming beer-related events on this...

The fellas from "Beerfest" know how to cheers. But KalamaBrew wants to know your favorite beer toasts.

Editor's note: Be aware that the actual date of the Founders annual Black party is Saturday, April 18 ... not Friday, April 17. Sorry about the confusion.

KALAMAZOO -- KB bloggers Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb talk beer and numbers, discuss a proposed statewide toast at 6 p.m. May 11 and a few other upcoming beer-related events on this week's podcast with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

As you'll hear below, we're also looking for your favorite toasts, so e-mail us your thoughts.

You can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in three parts -- Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: 'Hop' across Southwest Michigan and the Atlantic for some good beer with KalamaBrew

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:01:26 UTC

KALAMAZOO - This week, KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith take you on a journey across the Atlantic where some of Britain's oldest breweries and pubs await. This trip also includes a brief stop where you can enjoy a beer festival hosted by eight different pubs with over 90 beers on tap. We also travel to a few...

KALAMAZOO - This week, KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith take you on a journey across the Atlantic where some of Britain's oldest breweries and pubs await.

This trip also includes a brief stop where you can enjoy a beer festival hosted by eight different pubs with over 90 beers on tap.

We also travel to a few places little closer to home - west to Dark Horse Brewing Company and northeast to get "freaky with the tiki."

And the best part? You don't have to spend a dime ... unless you want to.

Tune in every Friday at noon to hear the latest in the craft beer world with KalamaBrew and The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe.

You can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in three parts -- Part 1,Part 2, and Part 3. You can also listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: Oberon mania continues; Raise a pint of good craft beer to Michael Jackson tonight

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:46:52 UTC

KALAMAZOO - You should already have a pretty good idea about what we touched on this week with The Captain on WIDR-FM's NonChalant Cafe, even if you didn't tune in to our weekly craft beer update. If you have no idea what I am talking about, or haven't checked KalamaBrew lately, I will give you a hint ... it...

Michael Jackson

KALAMAZOO - You should already have a pretty good idea about what we touched on this week with The Captain on WIDR-FM's NonChalant Cafe, even if you didn't tune in to our weekly craft beer update.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, or haven't checked KalamaBrew lately, I will give you a hint ... it has to do with OBERON.

We also talked about our interview with Dave Page of Three Sergeants Brewing Company and alerted our readers to a world-wide toast set for 6 p.m. tonight to celebrate and remember Michael Jackson, the beer hunter.

Jackson would have been 67 today.

You can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in two parts -- Part 1, and Part 2, listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: KalamaBrew advises handling old batches of Oberon with caution

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:08:56 UTC

KALAMAZOO - KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and John Liberty once again join WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour and host The Captain for this week's podcast. The topic of discussion centers on one of our favorite signs of spring, Oberon and it's shelf life. Just what should you do when you come across remnants from last year's batch? To learn more,...

KALAMAZOO - KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and John Liberty once again join WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour and host The Captain for this week's podcast.

The topic of discussion centers on one of our favorite signs of spring, Oberon and it's shelf life. Just what should you do when you come across remnants from last year's batch?

To learn more, you can download the latest KalamaBrew podcast in two parts -- Part 1, and Part 2, listen below, or subscribe via iTunes.

Stay tuned to KalamaBrew all next week for more on this year's batch of Oberon and its official release on March 30.

A pot o' St. Patrick's Day blarney in this week's KalamaBrew podcast

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:01:10 UTC

KALAMAZOO -- Just in time for St. Patrick's Day is our weekly podcast on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with the far-too-fine host The Captain. Suprise! We talked about beer. In the spirit of the stout-rrific holiday, here's a little Irish toast to share with friends. Cheers everyone. There are many good reasons for drinking, One has just entered my...

Mark Bugnaski / GazetteIt's time to leave work and get one of these.

KALAMAZOO -- Just in time for St. Patrick's Day is our weekly podcast on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with the far-too-fine host The Captain.

Suprise! We talked about beer. In the spirit of the stout-rrific holiday, here's a little Irish toast to share with friends. Cheers everyone.

There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head,
If a man doesn't drink when he's living,
How the hell can he drink when he's dead?

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1,Part 2 and Part 3 -- or subscribe via iTunes.

Suds and Snow tips, beer festival highlights and a quest for some Short's in this week's podcast from KalamaBrew

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:25:05 UTC

KALAMAZOO - In this week's podcast, KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty, Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb share some highlights from this past weekend's Winter Beer Festival, including the Old Hat's Dirty Red MILF and Original Gravity's Smoked Amber brewed with Jalepeno. Josh and Anne also get ready to leave the warm weather behind and head north to Traverse City for...

KALAMAZOO - In this week's podcast, KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty, Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb share some highlights from this past weekend's Winter Beer Festival, including the Old Hat's Dirty Red MILF and Original Gravity's Smoked Amber brewed with Jalepeno.

Josh and Anne also get ready to leave the warm weather behind and head north to Traverse City for this year's Suds & Snow. (By the way, limited tickets are still available for this rain, snow or shine event.)

We also talk about the latest Michigan beer to slip into a six pack.

If you missed our weekly conversation with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe, you can listen below. But, make sure to tune in every Friday at noon to get first dibs on all the latest craft brew goodness.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1,Part 2 and Part 3 -- or subscribe via iTunes.

PODCAST: Should snuggies be allowed at the Michigan Winter Beer Festival? Discuss!

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:13:21 UTC

KALAMAZOO - KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty and Josh Smith debate the cult of snuggie with fellow blogger and snuggie owner Anne Holomb on this week's podcast. You can also get a little refresher on tweets, twitter and hashtags just in time to better prepare you for our mega-live-blog-chat at Saturday's Michigan Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark in...

KALAMAZOO - KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty and Josh Smith debate the cult of snuggie with fellow blogger and snuggie owner Anne Holomb on this week's podcast.

You can also get a little refresher on tweets, twitter and hashtags just in time to better prepare you for our mega-live-blog-chat at Saturday's Michigan Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark in Grand Rapids.

All this and much more on the only beer podcast brought to you by the power of WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour and The Captain.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1,Part 2 and Part 3 -- subscribe via iTunes.

This week's KalamaBrew podcast -- perhaps the greatest trilogy since 'Star Wars'

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:50:09 UTC

KALAMAZOO -- This week's KalamaBrew podcast is a doozy. In our weekly conversation on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with The Captain, we discuss a trio of birthdays, talk about Arcadia Brewing Company's Whitsun release and give the back story behind The Old Hat Brewery's Dirty Red MILF. On a side note, it's WIDR Week, so if you like radio...

KALAMAZOO -- This week's KalamaBrew podcast is a doozy.

In our weekly conversation on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with The Captain, we discuss a trio of birthdays, talk about Arcadia Brewing Company's Whitsun release and give the back story behind The Old Hat Brewery's Dirty Red MILF. On a side note, it's WIDR Week, so if you like radio evolution, please donate.

Cheers!

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1,Part 2 and Part 3 -- subscribe via iTunes or May the Froth Be With You by listening below.

Podcast: Two out of three KalamaBrew bloggers enjoy a day-off libation

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:33:45 UTC

KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty, Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb chat it up with the Captain in this week's podcast from KalamaBrew and the Nonchalant Cafe. John and Josh (who had Friday off from work) hog airtime while sipping their beers live from the Bell's Beer Garden, while Anne (who had to work) virtuously abstains. We discuss Valentine's Day events,...

We discuss Valentine's Day events, the curious effects of 3 feet of snow on the Bell's Beer Garden grass, and plans for the Michigan Winter Beer Festival.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- subscribe via iTunes or relive the magic below.

KALAMABREW PODCAST: Now with 20% more tweeting power for Michigan craft beer lovers

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:39:53 UTC

In this week's podcast, Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith discuss New Holland Brewing Company's new executive chef (someone all locavores should be familiar with), the upcoming Suds & Snow event in Traverse City, wish a happy birthday to Livery Brewmaster Steve Berthel and offer a few peeks at upcoming posts on KalamaBrew. Nonchalant Cafe host, The Captain, and Anne...

Nonchalant Cafe host, The Captain, and Anne Holcomb also bring live tweets into the conversation.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- subscribe via iTunes or relive the magic below.

PODCAST: News from Arcadia, Bells and some tips for the fourth annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:47:32 UTC

Today's discussion with host, The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour offers a few more details on Arcadia Brewing Company's heady tour of Great Britain, a "new" place to enjoy a pint on Sundays, an upcoming beer release from Bell's and what will probably be one of many mentions of next month's fourth annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival. If...

If you missed us this afternoon, be sure to tune in next Friday and every Friday at noon (89.1 FM) to experience KalamaBrew live ... it's an experience everyone should try at least once.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- subscribe via iTunes or relive the magic below.

KALAMABREW PODCAST: Get ready for the Hand of Doom

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:20:53 UTC

On this week's podcast, John Liberty, Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith prepare Michigan beer drinkers for the mighty Hand of Doom - set to make its way to next month's Winter Beer Festival. And if that doesn't make you drool with anticipation, there's also the return of a few Founders classics, a recap of two Michigan brewery expansions and...

On this week's podcast, John Liberty, Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith prepare Michigan beer drinkers for the mighty Hand of Doom - set to make its way to next month's Winter Beer Festival.

And if that doesn't make you drool with anticipation, there's also the return of a few Founders classics, a recap of two Michigan brewery expansions and information on a certain local brewmaster's upcoming birthday bash where the gift is for you - in the form of a nine barrel batch of beer brewed with 38 pounds of hops.

Get the latest on the Michigan craft brewing scene every Friday at noon when KalamaBrew joins The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: Brewers and their tasty wares invade Kalamazoo

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:57:49 UTC

Bloggers John Liberty and Anne Holcomb discuss the Michigan Brewers Guild (MBG) and Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA) Conference at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Downtown Kalamazoo, along with some of the upcoming beer dinners in our fair city. Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- or subscribe via iTunes...

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- or subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: Let KalamaBrew warm up your day with an Oberon update plus a few more Michigan craft beer events

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:41:32 UTC

Fresh from the holidays, KalamaBrew returns to the airwaves with an update on Bell's Brewery's $2.5 million expansion, plus Hopslam and Oberon release dates. Bloggers Anne Holcomb, Josh Smith and John Liberty also touch on some of the other January craft beer events going on around Southwest Michigan. Catch our weekly conversation every Friday at noon with host The...

Fresh from the holidays, KalamaBrew returns to the airwaves with an update on Bell's Brewery's $2.5 million expansion, plus Hopslam and Oberon release dates.

Bloggers Anne Holcomb, Josh Smith and John Liberty also touch on some of the other January craft beer events going on around Southwest Michigan.

Catch our weekly conversation every Friday at noon with host The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- or subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

Nothing says the holidays like KalamaBrew's weekly podcast

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:00:32 UTC

KALAMAZOO -- KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and John Liberty caught up with The Captain and his Nonchalant Cafe Hour on WIDR-FM today, to talk about, shocker, beer. And here's a bonus, it's a two-parter. We talked about about the Michigan Brewers Guild's list of Michigan winter beers, touch on New Holland Brewing Company's local distribution of its new line of...

KALAMAZOO -- KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and John Liberty caught up with The Captain and his Nonchalant Cafe Hour on WIDR-FM today, to talk about, shocker, beer.

And here's a bonus, it's a two-parter. We talked about about the Michigan Brewers Guild's list of Michigan winter beers, touch on New Holland Brewing Company's local distribution of its new line of spirits and tease to a special holiday message from all of us to all of you (Look for it Monday. Hint: it involves our mascot, Taps McFirkin, Michigan beer and Jolly Old St. Nick).

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcasts -- Part 1 and Part 2 -- or subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

Back on the airwaves: Download Kalamabrew's latest podcast

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:00:36 UTC

After a very brief hiatus, KalamaBrew returns to the airwaves to talk about this weekend's International Wine and Food Festival in Grand Rapids, the future of Bell's Brewery's annual Eccentric Day and a breath of fresh air at Arcadia Brewing Company. KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith also touch on the latest batch of seasonal brews to hit...

KalamaBrew bloggers Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith also touch on the latest batch of seasonal brews to hit the shelves. Catch our weekly conversation with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour every Friday at noon.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: When KalamaBrew talks about beer, the sun comes out

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:40:27 UTC

A thirst for beer triumphs in Ottawa County, big beers from Arcadia Brewing Company and a special shout out from Uncle John - these are just a few of our favorite things to talk about this week as KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty and Anne Holcomb join host The Captain on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour. Tune in every Friday at...

Tune in every Friday at noon for our weekly chat about Michigan's craft beer scene.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: No tricks here, only sweet, delicious treats ... the kind you'll find in a tall, frosty pint

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:06:06 UTC

Get ready for Halloween with your favorite local brews and get a preview of an upcoming feature on a local invention that will not only change your homebrewing life but also give your back a little break too. That's just a bite-sized taste of the grab bag of treats KalamaBrew bloggers Josh Smith and John Liberty handed out for...

That's just a bite-sized taste of the grab bag of treats KalamaBrew bloggers Josh Smith and John Liberty handed out for this week's podcast.

Tune in every Friday at noon for our weekly chat on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with host The Captain.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: Listening to KalamaBrew talk about beer is better than watching the markets plunge

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:11:51 UTC

Sit in while KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty, Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith talk about this year's crop of pumpkin beers and get the lowdown on their latest adventures with local homebrewers. Tune in every Friday at noon for our weekly chat on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with host The Captain. Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or...

Sit in while KalamaBrew bloggers John Liberty, Anne Holcomb and Josh Smith talk about this year's crop of pumpkin beers and get the lowdown on their latest adventures with local homebrewers.

Tune in every Friday at noon for our weekly chat on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with host The Captain.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: Nine out of ten 'doctors' recommend listening to KalamaBrew to help supplement your daily craft beer consumption

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:57:01 UTC

KALAMAZOO - KalamaBrew's Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb try to decide what they would wear to the Naughty Ball and get a little hop-toxicated over this weekend's Harvest Celebration at Founders Brewing Company. Discussion also turns to Taps McFirkin's latest expedition to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Get the lowdown on these and other happenings in the...

KALAMAZOO - KalamaBrew's Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb try to decide what they would wear to the Naughty Ball and get a little hop-toxicated over this weekend's Harvest Celebration at Founders Brewing Company.

Discussion also turns to Taps McFirkin's latest expedition to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.

Get the lowdown on these and other happenings in the craft brewing scene during our weekly chat on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with host The Captain.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST: Listening to KalamaBrew talk about Michigan beer will put hair on your chest

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:50:36 UTC

KALAMAZOO -- KalamaBrew's Josh Smith and John Liberty talk about a glorious day off that included a trip to Arcadia Brewing Co. in Battle Creek where they caught up with head brewer Josh Davies. Get the lowdown on some fun events coming to Arcadia during our weekly chat on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with host The Captain. Download the...

KALAMAZOO -- KalamaBrew's Josh Smith and John Liberty talk about a glorious day off that included a trip to Arcadia Brewing Co. in Battle Creek where they caught up with head brewer Josh Davies.

Get the lowdown on some fun events coming to Arcadia during our weekly chat on WIDR's Nonchalant Cafe Hour with host The Captain.

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PODCAST BONANZA: Will travel for beer, local beer recipes and the Papazian craze

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:30:03 UTC

SOMEWHERE ON U.S. 131 - Here are a few of the things traveling bloggers Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb touched on in the latest KalamaBrew podcast: • Timber Ridge's Microbrew Color Tour in Traverse City. • Charlie Papazian's visit to Kalamazoo. • A new Kalamabrew cooking adventure, coming up later this week. Hope you are hungry. • A swig...

Catch our weekly conversation with The Captain on WIDR-FM's Nonchalant Cafe Hour every Friday at noon.

SOMEWHERE ON U.S. 131 - Here are a few of the things traveling bloggers Josh Smith and Anne Holcomb touched on in the latest KalamaBrew podcast:

• Timber Ridge's Microbrew Color Tour in Traverse City.

• Charlie Papazian's visit to Kalamazoo.

• A new Kalamabrew cooking adventure, coming up later this week. Hope you are hungry.

• A swig at the latest celebrity to have their own beer.

And there's more ...
After satisfying your podcast craving, give a listen to The Captain's interview with Homebrew guru Charlie Papazian on WIDR.

(Follow the link below to both.)

Download the latest KalamaBrew podcast, subscribe via iTunes or listen below.

PS - Josh should have mentioned the Mackinaw Brewing Company instead of the Traverse City Brewing Company as part of the lineup of Traverse City breweries. He is very sorry and went without beer for one day.

Listen to The Captain's interview with Charlie Papazian on WIDR

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4: