Consuming The Craft

In today's episode, I welcomed Russ Robertson, Brewery Operations Director at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, North Carolina. We explored Russ’s journey from his early influences growing up with a father in the beer industry, through his diverse roles at Miller Brewing, a stint bottling juice for J.M. Smucker, and finally his return to the craft beer world at Highland. Russ shared stories of career pivots, the evolution of brewing operations, and how innovation and family have remained at the center of his professional life. Russ Robertson brings deep expertise, having started his career at Miller and working his way up through production and packaging in several states. With stops in Milwaukee and Maryland, Russ amassed years of large-scale brewing and operations experience. His path crossed with notable companies, from Anheuser-Busch to the Santa Cruz Organic juice line, but his heart brought him back to North Carolina and the vibrant craft scene at Highland Brewing. Today, he's at the forefront of

 In today’s episode, I sat down with Carey Harnash, the driving force behind the Western North Carolina Whiskey Festival. We explored his journey from whiskey enthusiast to founder of a festival dedicated to education, community, and of course, great whiskey. Carey opened up about his passion for bringing together local distilleries, whiskey lovers of all levels, and supporting the WNC Harvest and Heritage Foundation. We dove deep into the event's unique educational experiences, the importance of responsible tasting, and how the proceeds help food insecurity and local heritage projects. It was a lively, flavorful conversation, and not just because Carey arrived with a bag full of interesting whiskey samples! Carey Harnash is more than a collector of whiskey bottles; he’s an advocate for community, hospitality, and discovery. As executive director of the WNC Harvest and Heritage Foundation, Carey works to directly support local charities focused on food insecurity and preserving North Carolina’s cultural herit

Today, on Consuming the Craft, I welcome the living legend of hospitality himself, Walter Rapenski, for an in-depth look at the fast-evolving beverage and hospitality landscape. Together, we explore the dynamic shifts shaping bars, breweries, and restaurants, from the surge in mid-strength beers and creative non-alcoholic offerings to the new expectations for service, sustainability, and authentic storytelling. We taste a locally distilled American single malt, dissect industry trends, and riff on everything from functional beverages to the importance of retention in hospitality teams. Walter Rapetski has devoted nearly 50 years to the food and beverage world, starting as a dishwasher in his teens and becoming a renowned educator and teacher of the year. He’s overseen hospitality programs, mentored countless students who now shape the industry, and managed successful restaurants. With a sharp eye for both tradition and innovation, Walter Rapetski brings both history and vision to the conversation, especially

Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcomed Adam Bachman, the head production distiller and manager at The Chemist. We dove deep into the craft of distilling, from Adam’s 11+ years of commercial experience in the industry to the evolution of American single malt whiskey. Adam shared stories from his early days building stills (legally for essential oils!), his academic path through biochemistry at Clemson, and how he transitioned through South Carolina’s changing landscape of craft distilleries. We tasted some truly unique spirits and beers, including a locally smoked single malt and an oat whiskey, while discussing the challenges and creative opportunities in the world of craft distillation. Adam Bachman is recognized for his hands-on expertise in distilling whiskey, gin, and liqueurs, with a strong background in biochemistry and a minor in chemistry. He spent six years at 6 and 20 Distillery before moving to Asheville to join The Chemist, where he’s helped ramp up whiskey programs, develop new recipes like th

Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcome back Charlie Stanley from Oak and Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain, North Carolina. We dive deep into the journey of a small craft distillery navigating the challenges of being in a control state, the growth of Oak and Grist's product line, and the evolution of their spirits since Charlie’s last visit. We geek out on the technical and creative aspects of distillation, address the headaches of marketing and distribution in North Carolina’s ABC system, and celebrate unique spirits — like their incredible Genever and the Peachwood-Smoked Single Malt. Along the way, we share a sensory deep-dive with a glass of Armagnac and touch on the resilience it takes to keep a craft beverage business alive, especially in the wake of devastating storms. Charlie Stanley is an alum of AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute and serves as lead distiller at Oak and Grist. With almost six years under his belt at the distillery, Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge in production, blendin

 Today on Consuming the Craft, I sat down with Jesse Phillips from Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, Virginia. We took a deep dive into Port City's current lineup, including their much-lauded Oktoberfest, their adventurous lager series, and their limited-run Brewer's Cut releases. Jesse also shared his perspective on seasonal beer trends, local collaborations—especially with coffee roasters—and the importance of creative small batches in keeping both staff and customers excited. Throughout, Jesse brought a selection of impressive beers and joined me for a tasting of an exceptional bourbon, Eagle Rare, sparking conversations about pairing, palate development, and the joy of connecting over a shared craft. Jesse Phillips is the warehouse manager at Port City Brewing, where he oversees beer movements from production to the tasting room and helps track consumer preferences through his keen observations. Having started his brewing career at Port City, Jesse is passionate about expanding his palate through

 Today on Consuming the Craft, I sat down with Brian Simpson, CEO of Riverbend Malt House, to explore the fascinating evolution of craft malt in the southeast. We covered Riverbend’s journey from a modest basement setup in 2010 to a dynamic operation producing unique and locally sourced malts for breweries and distilleries across the country. I poured Brian a special whiskey from Oak and Grist, made with peach wood smoked pilsner malt from Riverbend, sparking a deep dive into the nuances of smoked malts, wood selection, collaboration with local farmers, and the influence of southern terroir on flavor. We discussed industry trends, new grain varieties, regulatory changes, and the powerful role of innovation in the craft beverage scene. Brian Simpson is at the helm of Riverbend Malt House, the pioneering Asheville-based craft maltster dedicated to bringing local grains into the hands of southern brewers and distillers. Since 2010, Brian has led Riverbend’s transformation, supporting research efforts, working wi

 Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcomed Chris Reedy, Senior Director of Food, Beverage, and Natural Products Industry Training at the Natural Products Laboratory and Test Kitchen of NC BioNetwork. We dove deep into the rapidly evolving food safety landscape, particularly focusing on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 and its sweeping impact on food and beverage traceability. Our conversation ranged from the intricate logistics of tracking every ingredient in a sandwich to the challenges faced by beverage producers, natural product makers, and those entering the world of CBD and THC-infused products. We didn’t shy away from discussing the regulatory Wild West these days, the importance of good manufacturing practices, and what’s coming down the pike for craft producers as federal scrutiny ramps up. Chris Reedy brings decades of expertise in the intersection of food, beverage, natural products, and industry training. As the mind behind NC BioNetwork’s laboratory and test kitchen, he has helped count

Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcomed Charlie Frisch from the American Red Cross to dive into the often-misunderstood world of blood donation. We got into what the Red Cross really does—going beyond blood drives to offer lifesaving training, disaster relief, and resources for veterans. Charlie shed light on the urgent and ongoing need for blood, especially in Western North Carolina, and shared the staggering fact that only 3% of people donate blood regularly. We unraveled misconceptions, discussed what it really feels like to give blood, and shared practical advice for anyone considering rolling up their sleeve for the first time. In true Consuming the Craft fashion, we also explored the intersection of fermentation and blood science while sampling a fine Armagnac, connecting the dots between crafting drinks and saving lives.Charlie Frisch has been with the American Red Cross for about a year, bringing with him 14 years of radio experience and several years in outdoor and alternative education. A New York

In today’s episode, I sat down with Greg Hill, a longtime cider maker at Urban Orchard Cidery and a dedicated adjunct instructor in the brewing program here in Asheville. Greg is wrapping up his PhD work while guiding Urban Orchard through an incredibly tough year—one marked by supply challenges, wild weather events, and a major orchard fire. Together, we dove into his ongoing dissertation about workforce development and experiential learning in the brewing and beverage industries, and what it truly takes to prepare students for a successful career in craft beverage production. Greg Hill is a graduate of the AB Tech Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation program, and he’s now in his twelfth year at Urban Orchard Cidery. As a key educator in beverage management and microbiology, Greg brings a wealth of real-world knowledge, blending hands-on experience with academic rigor. Outside of work, he’s a stadium-hopping football fan with broader plans for worldwide sports adventures, and a seeker of new and unusual f

 Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcomed back Jeff Frisbee from Addison Farms, a returning guest and the driving force behind one of our region’s finest family-run wineries. We caught up over a glass of wine—okay, maybe more than one glass—while sharing laughs about the unique problems that accompany running a vineyard, especially as harvest season approaches. From creative deer deterrent tactics to the intense workdays of grape picking and pressing, we dove into the realities, challenges, and joys of small-scale winemaking. Jeff also gave me a fascinating wine-mead blend to distill for student projects, sparking a discussion about fermentation, distillation, and the pursuit of crafting something truly unique. Jeff is the owner and winemaker at Addison Farms, a limited production winery nestled in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina. Hailing from a background rooted deeply in local agriculture, he and his family have worked tirelessly to not only keep the farm in the family but also to evolve it into

Today on Consuming the Craft, I’m joined by Dan Rowe, the head brewer at Yeehaw Brewing Company, who returns for his third appearance. We dive deep into the evolution and expansion of Yeehaw, from its origins a decade ago in Johnson City to its impressive reach across Tennessee, South Carolina, and beyond. Dan walks us through the complexities of scaling up production, adapting to fast-changing markets and regulations, and the behind-the-scenes work of launching high-profile collaborations like the Vols Lager with the University of Tennessee. We also explore how the brewery stays competitive through innovation—ranging from commissioning a state-of-the-art canning line to experimenting with non-alcoholic, CBD, and THC-infused beverages. Dan shares about his new venture into teaching at ETSU, where he’s helping mentor the next generation of brewers, and sheds light on Yeehaw’s upcoming projects, including a new Myrtle Beach taproom and an expanded presence in Virginia.Dan Rowe is an accomplished brewer with ove

 Today on Consuming the Craft, I had the pleasure of catching up with Seth Hewitt, brewing supervisor extraordinaire at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Fresh off a trip to Ireland, Seth dives into the sensory nuances between Guinness in its home country versus what we get stateside, the mystique behind Guinness’ global quality control, and some behind-the-scenes tales from his brewery tours. We also venture into the world of Irish whiskey, exploring Jameson’s unique blend of column and pot still techniques, and sample some Tolmore Dew together, picking apart its flavor notes. Seth shares his journey from environmental geology to craft beer, details how geography and terroir influence ingredients, and lets us in on his new passion project—Beer City Bouquets, which merges two worlds by arranging flowers in upcycled beer cans. Seth Hewitt brings a wealth of hands-on brewing experience, creative passion, and a geologist’s eye for detail. Starting with a degree in environmental geology from Appalachian State, Seth’

 Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcomed two of the driving forces behind Green Man Brewing Company: Joe Summers, Managing Director, and Matt Peyton, Director of Brewing. We dove deep into the world of legacy beer styles, the ebb and flow of trends in the craft beer scene, and how Green Man keeps pivoting and thriving even as the industry gets more crowded and competitive. From war stories about hay-infused brews and pumpkin beers arriving way before the harvest, to the real-world logistics of steering a brewery battleship in the wake of ever-shifting consumer preferences, this conversation was packed with insight, laughs, and a couple of surprise bottles (including some soju in a plastic liter bottle). We explored everything from experimental IPAs to the comforting return of classic ESBs and sessionable lagers, not to mention what it will take to bring Asheville’s South Slope back to full vibrancy. Joe Summers has nearly two decades of experience in the beverage industry, steering Green Man Brewing through

Today on Consuming the Craft, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. John Gossett, president of Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College, to mark his five-year anniversary leading the institution. Together, we took a candid look at how education, especially at the community college level, has evolved in response to hurricanes, pandemics, technological disruptions, and shifting attitudes about the value of a college credential. Our conversation ranged from the challenges of outdated bureaucracy and the importance of hands-on education to the ever-growing need to align what we teach with what employers and students actually want, including industry certifications, apprenticeships, and practical experience. We also dug into the boom in the craft beverage industry—including non-alcoholic and specialty drinks—and what the changing tastes and job market mean for our students and programs. And, as always, there was time for a thoughtful toast, a few laughs, and some great Scotch.Dr. John Gossett has dedi

Today on Consuming the Craft, I’m celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the first graduating class from the Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation program here at AB Tech. Joining me is John Lyda, a full-time faculty member, brewing industry veteran, and program cornerstone who’s been instrumental in driving the evolution of our curriculum. Together, we reflect on how far the program has come—from its beer-centric roots to now embracing a diverse array of beverages like cider, seltzer, non-alcoholic options, wine, and even innovative creations like mushroom wine. We discuss the ever-changing demands of the craft beverage industry, the importance of flexibility and quality assurance, and the ways our program responds to students’ varied backgrounds and aspirations, from international students to second-career professionals. We also unpack the realities of teaching distillation, the challenges of non-alcoholic beverage safety, and our ongoing efforts to develop continued education for enthusiasts and industr

In today's episode, I got to catch up with recent AB Tech graduate Ryan Schreder, who just completed a whirlwind tour of craft distilleries and breweries in Pennsylvania, all while helping out his 93-year-old grandfather. Ryan and I tasted through a plethora of bottles he brought back, including unique rye whiskies, innovative cask-finished bourbons, and a standout unaged apple brandy. Our conversation dove deep into Pennsylvania’s rye revival, the craft spirit scene, and his own whiskey-making journey at AB Tech. We also looked ahead to his upcoming sensory adventure in Ireland, where Ryan plans to tour iconic distilleries and hunt down rare single malts (with oats, of course) to expand his already impressive palate.Ryan graduated from AB Tech in May 2025 with a passion for craft distillation, whiskey, and lifelong learning. Originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he brings a family history rich in whiskey lore, a home collection of rare decanters, and a keen curiosity about historic and emerging trends in

 In today’s episode, I sat down with my friend Katie, who, after pouring her heart into the brewing industry for over six years, made the difficult yet crucial decision to step away for a much-needed mental health break. Our conversation dove deep into the realities of industry burnout, the importance of honoring personal boundaries, and the ongoing challenges craft beverage professionals face, especially after endurance-testing events like hurricanes and a pandemic. We talked openly about how critical it is to acknowledge trauma, respect the need for rest, and how underestimated the impact of emotional and physical exhaustion can be on both product and people. Katie’s journey is marked by resilience and a passion for continuous learning. Having started in a small three-barrel brewery and helped expand operations to a fifteen-barrel system, Katie’s expertise spans from hands-on brewing to team management under some of the most challenging circumstances. Her perspective is shaped by navigating industry pressur

In today’s episode, I caught up again with Brent Manning, one of the founders of Riverbend Malt House, to dig into all the big moves happening at his malt operation. We delved into how Riverbend has become the first malt house in the world to gain third-party Regenified regenerative agriculture certification for their Southern Select malt. Brent shared the behind-the-scenes of what it took to achieve that milestone, the meaning and practices behind regenerative ag, and how it’s impacting their farmer partnerships and supply chain transparency. We also took a deep dive into their USDA inspection experience and how rigorous record-keeping is opening doors for industry-wide traceability. Later, Brent geeked out with me on their adventures malting heirloom corns—like Ohio Blue—and how these unique grains are driving new flavors and opportunities for craft brewers and distillers. Brent Manning is a co-founder of Riverbend Malt House, a leader in the craft malt movement. With a background in environmental science a

I enjoyed chatting with the multifaceted Kelly Minus today on Consuming the Craft. From his intriguing background, which includes diverse experiences in Seattle, Houston, Austin, and Asheville, to his heritage in Kentucky near the Medley distillery, we cover various topics highlighting Kelly's unique journey through life. We delve into how his upbringing near distilleries and his career as a prolific musician have influenced his appreciation for craft beverages, particularly his evolution toward enjoying more complex flavors. Working in the culinary department at AB Tech, Kelly brings a distinct perspective, blending his love for flavor with his musical creativity. Kelly Minus, an international man of mystery, has a vibrant professional history, including working at Texas A&M and living in multiple cities across the United States. As a passionate musician, Kelly has been part of various bands and boasts extensive experience with different music styles. His role at AB Tech in the culinary department allows