Stop & Taste Conversations - New Holland Brewing

Melissa is an engaging and colorful writer from London.  Her quick wit and sharp personality is always refreshing and inspiring.  We caught up in Philly during the Craft Brewers Conference and are looking forward to the Great British Beer Festival in a few short weeks.  It's a little longer episode than normal, so you may want to make it a two-parter, but I believe you'll enjoy both segments! Episode 16 - The Details The Drinks:  Barrel Knickerbocker Old Fashioned, Zeppelin Bend Whiskey, New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout, The Nola Dragon with New Holland’s Pitchfork Wheat Whiskey The Music:  “Wealthy Street” © and courtesy of Drew Nelson Guest Bios Melissa Cole, an award-winning beer writer and author of Let Me Tell You About Beer Melissa Cole is living the dream. Not only does she write extensively about the world's favourite drink, she also works with chefs to create beer and food extravaganzas in venues as diverse as Michelin-starred restaurants to local pubs, and is invited to judge at beer

I met Ryan at a Craft Brewer’s Conference, many years ago.  We had a knack at running into each other over the years, perhaps because we ran in similar circles, or ended up at the same bars.  Even though we were no where near selling to California at the time, Ryan always expressed this genuine enthusiasm for what we were doing and encouraging interest that if we ever got that way, he’d love to be involved.  Meeting away from either of our home towns can feel out of context, but it never clouded Ryan’s infectious energy and passion.   On my recent visit to California for the Craft Beverage Expo, I was able to sneak to LA for a quick trip to say hi to Ryan at The Surly Goat, one of their group’s many craft-centric bars that have helped shape the craft beer culture in the Los Angeles area.    The Drinks: Sierra Nevada, Torpedo Pils, Coedo, Shikkoku - Schwarzbier, New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout, Hollister Hippy Kicker The Music:  “Wealthy Street” © and courtesy of Drew Nelson Guest Bios Ryan Sw

Episode 14 - The Details Many Michigan Brewers Guild related social events remind us of the diverse backgrounds amongst the people of the Michigan brewing community.  We’ve talked about getting together to play or “do something” more times than we can count.  Recently, an idea took hold, and “Mashpaddle” is the result.   We brewed a collaborative, Michigan-grown beer - put together an impromptu band of brewery related musicians and scheduled a tour through the collaborating breweries.   Here are several conversations from the brew day, as well as some music from some of the featured musicians.  We hit the road this week, so come on out and celebrate Michigan, beer & music! Guests: “Bert” - Steve Berthel : New Holland Brewing  Adam Engleman, Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company Jesse Jett, New Holland Brewing Phil Thomson, Big Hart Brewing  Teo Watson-Ahlbrandt, Big Hart Brewing  Dan Buozis - Big Hart Brewing  Evan Keller - Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company   Breweries and Sponsors: Old Boy’s Brewhouse Rare Bird

Ep. 13 - Brett VanderKamp, New Holland Brewing Company Episode 13 - The Details I met Brett sometime in 1997, while New Holland was just coming into existence.  We were both active members of the Michigan Brewers Guild, and later spent time on the board of directors together.  We’ve bonded over the idea that a company can be the ultimate art project, with limitless opportunities for creativity and ingenuity to shape team vision and values.  Brett is passionate and driven, and the originator of Dragon’s Milk!  We got a chance to sit down over a couple of drinks in Puerto Rico, where we were celebrating 10 year New Holland Anniversaries.  I hope you enjoy this Hatter Day Edition, which is celebrating the breweries 19th Anniversary! The Drinks: Mojito - DonQ Anejo, Beer Barrel Bourbon The Music:  “Underground Giver” © and courtesy of Seth Bernard, Why Would You Not Want to Go to There, courtesy of and © Hoots & Hellmouth Guest Bio: Brett VanderKamp; Holland, Michigan seemed like an unlikely place to create s

Episode 12 - The Details Sean Hoots is the affable and artistic front man for Hoots & Hellmouth, a Philly-based roots and rock band.  Theirs a warmth and poetic nature to their music which was only deepened for me after getting a chance to talk with Sean about how Hoots & Hellmouth came to be and where they’re headed.  It was great fun to have them play for our Beer Barrel Jamboree during CBC and we look forward to them headlining Hatter Days in Holland on June 11th The Drinks: Barrel Knickerbocker Gin Old Fashioned, New Holland Incorrigible White Sour Ale, Amaro Montenegro, Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling, Rimfire - Mesquite Smoked Whiskey The Music: Suns courtesy and © Sean Hoots, I Don’t Mink Your Cussing, courtesy of and © Hoots & Hellmouth Guest Bios Sean Hoots is a maker of music from the land of West Philadelphia where he lives with his beloved wife, Allison, and their animals, Penelope and Behemoth.  Perhaps best known for his roots/rock ensemble Hoots & Hellmouth, Hoots has been w

Episode 11 - The Details Jackie and I joke that we are “Stunt Doubles,” living similar life roles, in very different contexts.  I have admired how she has carved a Professional Roller Derby career for herself and inspired countless people that have come into her orbit.   She’s able to commit herself seriously to ideas while keeping the experience light hearted.  Perhaps an atypical comparison, I see the same ideals in Jackie’s pursuit of excellence and generous spirit that we consider to be the backbone of the craft renaissance.  The Drinks: Ranger Creek Bourbon Old Fashioned, Ranger Creek Small Batch #9, Blackberry Sour, Ranger Creek "Old Fashioned #9" The Music: Sunnyside courtesy of and © Megan Dooley  Guest Bios Jackie Daniels is among the most experienced skaters and coaches in roller derby. Over 10 years as a key player within the world’s fastest growing sport, Jackie has become known through roller derby not only as a versatile player, a valued teammate, and a much sought-after coach and mentor.

Episode 10 - The Details Eric and Jenn are talented, soulful Chefs who operate the lovely Cooks House in Traverse City.  They put forward a dining experience that is both culinary indulgence and intimately personal.  The connect to ingredients and technique with such harmony, they make it look simple.  I enjoyed being able to take the time to hear their story and share a couple of drinks.     The Drinks: New Holland Huron Rum Mojito, Full Circle Kolsch , Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling , Small Batch #11 The Music: Everywhere is Calling courtesy of and © Cavepeople Guest Bios Eric Patterson and Jennifer Blakeslee worked together in Las Vegas, where they had been cooking in Michelin-starred kitchens, namely under iconic French chef André Rochat and hatched an idea to open a small restaurant in Blakeslee’s native Traverse City built on the bounty of locally grown and foraged foods. “We take most of our focus from the actual ingredients themselves,” Patterson explains. “My food is a bit simpler, whereas Je

  Episode 9 - The Details Scott is a well seasoned advocate and ambassador for breweries, particularly those that have opened in Michigan.  I’ve worked with him in several different capacities, and have always been impressed with his grace under fire, and his natural posture of looking forward.  We caught up, away from the brisk pace that Guild events typically have, at Old Boy’s Brewhouse in Spring Lake over a couple of beers.  Scott then introduces me for a special edition 2nd segment, which is the keynote address I delivered to the MSU Hop & Barley Conference in Traverse City a few weeks back.   The Drinks: Motor City Brewing’s Ghetto Blaster, New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk Reserve, Vanilla Chai, Old Boy’s Brewhouse, Michigan Common.   The Music: Underground Giver courtesy of and © Seth Bernard    Guest Bios Scott Graham is a Northern Michigan native and has been involved with brewing and beer in Michigan for more than 20 years. He has a background in both brewing and beer sales and marketing including a

Episode 8 - The Details Frank Lehnen is an old friend that has been a big supporter of craft beer, great music and neighborhood taverns.  I caught up with him during Grand Rapids Beer Week, and Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival. I’ve been a longtime fan and appreciate how he keeps a certain fabric of history in all of his projects, while connecting his neighborhoods and making people happy with fresh ideas and always plenty of good beer and awesome music.   The Drinks: Mad Hatter IPA, Throwback: Beer Barrel Bourbon, lemon and ginger beer, various Dragon’s Milk Variants from MBG Winter Beer Festival, Carhartt Woodsman - oak aged pale ale. The Music: Wealthy Street (Instrumental), courtesy of and © Drew Nelson  Guest Bios Frank Lehnen, the son of public school teachers, grew up with his four sibling on Grand Rapids’ westside where his Grandmother from Poland immigrated to in 1915.  Frank’s creativity was encouraged at a young age, often channeled through his love of music. His entrepreneurial spirit b

Episode 7 - The Details Dave Jemilo, proprietor of the Green Mill Lounge, in Chicago is the real deal and one of a kind.  Visiting The Mill is something special, and always throws me back nostalgically, not only through the twenty-some years I’ve been going there, but to classic times, several decades before I was born.  He knows how to keep things old school, and remain as relevant as ever.  Dave and The Green Mill are true Chicago classics, an I’m proud to share a glimpse into their world with you. This episode includes a special third segment, a remarkable and personal conversation from behind the scenes.  The Drinks: Dragon’s Milk, Bourbon Barrel Stout, Mad Hatter IPA, Malort, Schlitz, Carhartt Woodsman The Music: Moorean Moon, Courtesy of Sabertooth - “Live at the Green Mill” - © Pat Mallinger Guest Bios: Dave Jemilo is a Chicagoan through and through. Born at Holy Cross Hospital in 1956, Jemilo spent most of his early years on the South Side with his mother. His father played an important role in Jemilo

With a passion for American beer and an interest in the culture of drinking, John Holl has spent the last several years traveling the country chronicling craft brewers and the imbibers who support them. Fred talks with author and editor John about beer, journalism and all points in between.  They got together in Vail, Colorado during the Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival.  Episode 6 - The Details The Drinks: Breckenridge, Barrel Aged 471 Double IPA, Dragon’s Milk Reserve, Coffee & Chocolate, Zeppelin Bend 10 Year Malt Whiskey, The Music: Back to the Tracks, Courtesy of Jive at Five, © Tina Brooks Guest Bios: John Holl is the editor of All About Beer Magazine, and host of The Beer Briefing on iHeart Radio. He is a regular contributor to Beverage World Magazine, Craftbeer.com and TAPS. He is also the author of several books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook (Storey Publishing, August 2013), Massachusetts Breweries (Stackpole Books 2012), and Indiana Breweries (Stackpole Books 2011).   A

Julia Herz , Craft Beer Program director at the Brewers Association, and co-author of CraftBeer.com Beer & Food Course as well as the forthcoming book Beer Pairing and Chef Adam Dulye, executive chef for the Brewers Association and CraftBeer.com met up with Fred during Big Beers Festival in Vail.  They shared their wide perspective and unique stories of discovering food and beer, as well as how they go about sharing their discoveries with the world. The Drinks:  Pilgrim’s Dole Wheatwine, 2014, Zeppelin Bend Malt Whiskey - 10 year, Cold River Gin, Knickerbocker Gin Mule The Music: Sunnyside,  courtesy of and © Megan Dooley 2015 Guest Bios Julia Herz, Julia is craft beer program director at the Brewers Association and publisher of CraftBeer.com. She is a BJCP beer judge, award-winning homebrewer, Certified Cicerone® and co-author of the CraftBeer.com Beer & Food Course. In her role at the BA she serves as an advocate for and educator about U.S. craft brewers and as a spokesperson for the association. C

Fred got to catch up with Davia Nelson, one half The Kitchen Sisters, producers of James Beard and du-Pont-Columbia Award-winning series, Hidden Kitchens heard on NPR’s Morning Edition two Peabody Award-winning NPR series, Lost & Found Sound and The Sonic Memorial Project.   She shared her passion naturally and eloquently, reminding us “Food is the new music…”     New Holland Operations Manager, Dayton Coffee joins Fred in the second segment and shares his background. Episode 4 - The Details The Drinks:  Knickerbocker Gin & Knickerbocker & Bitters The Music: Angels, courtesy of and © Cavepeople, Ben Bueltmann, Wealthy Street, courtesy of and © Drew Nelson Guest Bio: The Kitchen Sisters are also the producers of The Hidden World of Girls {Girls and the Women They Become} heard on NPR, hosted by Tina Fey. Their first book, Hidden Kitchens: Stories, Recipes & More From NPR's Kitchen Sisters received a James Beard Award nomination and was a NY Times Notable Book of the Year. Their latest NPR Speci

Fred sat with Ari, at Zingerman’s Roadhouse during their “Camp Bacon" this past summer.  Ari shares his philosophies on business and food, which are woven together from a deep appreciation of history and travel and of course, great people!  A leader in the food and drink world, Zingerman's Zing Train, is also a leader in developing business culture and vision.  Ari’s full of thoughtful insights and inspiring perspective. The Drinks:  Fresh squeezed orange juice and “Union Microfinanza” Honduran coffee The Music: Wealthy Street (Instrumental), courtesy of and © Drew Nelson    

Episode 2.   Fred visited Natasha Bahrami in “The Gin Room,” her gin-centric bar in St. Louis, Missouri.  Natasha is passionate and eloquent in not only expressing her appreciation for gin, but also inviting more people to taste the beauty she’s discovered.  Her sense of hospitality is generous and is drawn from years of growing up in her parent’s restaurants.  Having met “Mama” and inulged in their wonderful Persian cuisine, I can say that her instincts are genuine and include remarkable rootstock.   Check her out at @theGinGirl or www.NatashasGinRoom.com The Drinks: “She Can’t Get Enough” & “Knickerbocker Gimlet” amongst others..  Music: “Underground Giver” © and courtesy of Seth Bernard.

Our inaugural episode features Brandon Johns, Chef and Owner of Grange Kitchen and Bar in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fred was in town visiting for their annual “Harvest Dinner” on the eve of Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival. Their tradition is to visit farms or the farmer’s market, take inspiration from what is absolutely in the moment and write the menu for the dinner they’ll cook the following day. Between sourcing and selecting beers for the dinner, they took a moment to Stop and Taste. Brandon talks about how he ended up in the restaurant industry and shares his thoughts on what farm to table & nose to tail mean to him. Drinks: The Nola Dragon; A Sazerac made with New Holland’s Pitchfork Wheat Whiskey infused with bacon & apples, and topped with Dragon’s Milk. Incorrigible Reserve, white sour ale with blackberries and blueberries. Music: “Everywhere is Calling” courtesy of Cavepeople, ©Ben Bueltmann