Over the past few years, Denver’s River North Brewery has collected accolades from top beer competitions around the world—four GABF medals, four World Beer Cup medals, four European Beer Star medals just to name a few—and beers such as Father Time and Anniversary 11 have earned top scores from our blind panel. They most recently earned midsize brewery of the year honors at the inaugural Colorado Brewers Cup. While they brew a wide range of beers, including frequent medal-winner Nightmare Fuel coffee stout, they’re probably most well-known for the beers that push into the peaks of the ABV range—stouts, Belgian-style strong ales, and barleywines that regularly hit 15 percent and higher.
In this episode, founder Matt Hess and head brewer Matt Malloy share their techniques for making beers that not only turn heads for the their sky-high numbers, but also remain drinkable and as balanced as such beers could be. From controlling fusel alcohols through careful fermentation management, to building layers of flavors through malt selection, they share insights garnered from 10 years of pushing the envelope. In this episode, they touch on:
- using very high pitch rates and over-oxygenation to maintain healthy yeast
- employing dehusked malts to soften roast character in big stouts
- pushing yeast into an additional growth phase to increase cell count
- keeping osmotic pressure low and feeding fermentations
- selecting and adding coffee into stout
- managing the oxidative process in barrel aging
And more.
G&D Chillers
Justin Thomas, president of G&D Chillers says, “Everyone who works here at G&D Chillers shares a common goal—to be on the forefront of innovation, so we can solve problems for our customers.” For a more sustainable approach to refrigeration, we have announced our latest innovation as part of our trailblazing Elite 290 line of propane chillers. The Elite 290 Micro-series line uses a natural refrigerant, features a more compact design with variable-speed fans, and offers near-zero global warming potential. The future of sustainable refrigeration is here! Learn more about G&D’s Elite 290 line and visit G&D Chillers.com.
It’s time to stop worrying about diacetyl with Berkeley Yeast’s line of Fresh™ strains. These revolutionary yeast strains are engineered to produce the ALDC enzyme inside the cell, preventing diacetyl before it forms. That means no more lengthy diacetyl rests—just clean, crisp beer that’s ready for packaging sooner. Whether you’re brewing a classic lager with Fresh Andechs or a hazy IPA with Fresh London, you’ll get ultra-low diacetyl levels and let your beer’s true flavors shine. The team at Fireforge Craft Beer call it a “cheat code” and “game changer” for their hoppy beers. Learn more at berkeleyyeast.com/fresh.
As breweries expand beyond beer into other segments such as mocktails and CBD beverages, Old Orchard is here to help. We can formulate custom blends featuring specialty ingredients. Whether trending flavor additions or nostalgic favorites, the next best thing is around the corner at Old Orchard. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Oregon-based Indie Hops is expanding possibilities for brewers in 2025. Strata, Indie’s original hop release, is now available in cold-side flowable hop oil form—Strata HyperBoost—in coordination with Yakima Chief Hops. Indie Hops T90 pellets establish the multi-layered Strata experience, while cryogenic CGX pellets in coordination with Crosby Hops, and now Strata HyperBoost with YCH expand the possibilities. Learn more about Strata and Indie’s more recent hop releases at www.indiehops.com. Indie Hops—Life is short, let’s make it flavorful!
Upgrade your fermentation game with Unitank 2.0 from Ss Brewtech. Featuring a laser-welded cooling jacket for efficient and precise temperature control, an innovative silicone racking arm, and a carbonation stone that allows you to carbonate right in the fermentor, Unitank 2.0 is engineered to help you get the most out of your fermentations! Available from 7-gallon up to 1-barrel sizes, Unitank 2.0 will be right at home in your homebrew set-up or producing pilot batches at your commercial brewery. Visit Ss Brewtech.com to learn more!
Did you know that Isuzu trucks have been the best-selling low-cab-forward trucks in America every year since 1986? That’s right! For more than 38 years, the legendary durability, remarkable performance, and low cost of ownership of Isuzu trucks have made them a favorite for work-truck owners. You may have seen our Ultimate Craft Beer Truck that debuted at the Craft Brewer’s Conference in 2019, and it has been there every year since. As members of the Brewers Association, we have partnered with breweries, suppliers, and distributors alike to support the craft-beer industry. Whether you are looking for a self-distribution solution or one to deliver supplies, there is an Isuzu truck that will fit your needs. Go to isuzucv.com to check out our impressive lineup or visit an Isuzu dealer today to find out why now, more than ever, Isuzu trucks are the trucks you trust for the work you do!
