In this episode of the Midwest Beer Show, I’m joined once again by my co-host Dave Z. from Beer In Front as we dive into a question a lot of beer drinkers probably haven’t fully thought about: Did Covid change the way we drink beer?

From taproom visits and beer festivals to buying habits, home drinking, online beer communities, and how people approach craft beer today, we take a look at how the beer world shifted after the pandemic. Did people start drinking more local? Are beer bars and breweries seeing different crowds? Have beer reviews, live streams, and virtual tastings changed how we connect around beer?

Dave and I share our thoughts, experiences, and observations from both the Midwest beer scene and the larger craft beer community. We also touch on how consumer habits, brewery culture, and the overall beer experience may still be feeling the effects years later. We are also joined by a few guests via pre-taped interviews to provide their take as well.

Grab a beer, join the conversation, and let us know: Has your beer drinking changed since Covid?

Hosted by Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z. from Beer In Front.

Topics include:
Craft beer after Covid, Midwest beer culture, brewery taprooms, beer buying habits, beer festivals, virtual beer community, local breweries, and how beer drinkers have changed over the last few years.

Get your beer on!

Website Details for Rod and Dave: rodjbeerventures.com and beerinfront.com

Contact Rod J:

🏢 Business Inquiries: Email rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

In this replay of the Midwest Beer Show, I’m joined once again by my co-host Dave of Beer In Front as we welcome special guest Cal Larson of Soluble Oak for a conversation that dives into a different side of beer innovation. This episode looks at Soluble Oak and how its product is designed to bring oak character and enhanced mouthfeel to beverages without relying on the long traditional wait of barrel aging.

We get into what Soluble Oak is, how the company positions it for brewers, and why this approach is creating interest for people looking to add depth, roundness, and oak-driven complexity to beer in a more controlled way. According to Soluble Oak, the product is typically added post-fermentation, is built around precise dosing, and is offered in American and French oak formats, giving producers a way to tailor character and mouthfeel while aiming for consistency from batch to batch.

This makes for a great beer conversation because it is not just about drinking beer, but also about exploring how beer can be shaped, refined, and experienced in new ways. Dave and I talk with Cal about the idea behind the product, what it can bring to a beer, and why concepts like oak impact, texture, and flavor layering matter to brewers and beer fans alike.

So if you enjoy learning more about beer ingredients, brewing techniques, and the innovations helping shape today’s beverage world, this is a replay you will want to check out. Sit back and enjoy the conversation, and let us know: would you try a beer enhanced for oak character and mouthfeel in this way?

Be sure to follow the podcast, subscribe to Rod J BeerVentures, and check out more conversations like this with Dave from Beer In Front and guests from across the beer world. As always, thanks for listening, and get your beer on.

Website Details for Rod and Dave: rodjbeerventures.com and beerinfront.com

Contact Rod J:

🏢 Business Inquiries: Email rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

This episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast brings you the replay of the Midwest Beer Show from March 28, 2026, hosted by me alongside my co-host Dave from Beer In Front. Together, we dive into the stories shaping the Midwest beer landscape right now while also touching on some key national topics in the craft beer world.

Recorded live, this conversation captures the energy of an interactive stream, blending timely beer news with the fun of cracking open a few cans and bottles along the way. We talk about breweries making moves in distribution, highlight some creative new releases, and cover industry challenges that both local and national brewers are facing.

But it’s not just about the news. Dave and I share details on the beers we are sipping during the show, offering live tasting notes and first impressions. These moments give listeners a sense of the community and connection that beer brings to every conversation.

What makes this episode special is how it balances Midwest focus with broader industry awareness. The Midwest is full of brewing talent, and hearing what’s happening here offers a great snapshot of the direction beer is heading overall. Whether you want insights, recommendations, or just an easygoing beer chat, this episode delivers it all.

Website Details for Rod and Dave: rodjbeerventures.com and beerinfront.com

Contact Rod J:

🏢 Business Inquiries: Email rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

This episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast brings you the replay of the Midwest Beer Show from March 14, 2026, hosted by me alongside my co-host Dave from Beer In Front. Together, we dive into the stories shaping the Midwest beer landscape right now while also touching on some key national topics in the craft beer world.

Recorded live, this conversation captures the energy of an interactive stream, blending timely beer news with the fun of cracking open a few cans and bottles along the way. We talk about breweries making moves in distribution, highlight some creative new releases, and cover industry challenges that both local and national brewers are facing.

But it’s not just about the news. Dave and I share details on the beers we are sipping during the show, offering live tasting notes and first impressions. These moments give listeners a sense of the community and connection that beer brings to every conversation.

What makes this episode special is how it balances Midwest focus with broader industry awareness. The Midwest is full of brewing talent, and hearing what’s happening here offers a great snapshot of the direction beer is heading overall. Whether you want insights, recommendations, or just an easygoing beer chat, this episode delivers it all.

Website Details for Rod and Dave: rodjbeerventures.com and beerinfront.com

Contact Rod J:

🏢 Business Inquiries: Email rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

This episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast brings you the replay of the Midwest Beer Show from February 28, 2026, hosted by me alongside my co-host Dave from Beer In Front. Together, we dive into the stories shaping the Midwest beer landscape right now while also touching on some key national topics in the craft beer world.

Recorded live, this conversation captures the energy of an interactive stream, blending timely beer news with the fun of cracking open a few cans and bottles along the way. We talk about breweries making moves in distribution, highlight some creative new releases, and cover industry challenges that both local and national brewers are facing.

But it’s not just about the news. Dave and I share details on the beers we are sipping during the show, offering live tasting notes and first impressions. These moments give listeners a sense of the community and connection that beer brings to every conversation.

What makes this episode special is how it balances Midwest focus with broader industry awareness. The Midwest is full of brewing talent, and hearing what’s happening here offers a great snapshot of the direction beer is heading overall. Whether you want insights, recommendations, or just an easygoing beer chat, this episode delivers it all.

Website Details for Rod and Dave: rodjbeerventures.com and beerinfront.com

Contact Rod J:

🏢 Business Inquiries: Email rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

This episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast brings you the replay of the Midwest Beer Show from February 7, 2026, hosted by me alongside my co-host Dave from Beer In Front. Together, we dive into the stories shaping the Midwest beer landscape right now while also touching on some key national topics in the craft beer world.

Recorded live, this conversation captures the energy of an interactive stream, blending timely beer news with the fun of cracking open a few cans and bottles along the way. We talk about breweries making moves in distribution, highlight some creative new releases, and cover industry challenges that both local and national brewers are facing.

But it’s not just about the news. Dave and I share details on the beers we are sipping during the show, offering live tasting notes and first impressions. These moments give listeners a sense of the community and connection that beer brings to every conversation.

What makes this episode special is how it balances Midwest focus with broader industry awareness. The Midwest is full of brewing talent, and hearing what’s happening here offers a great snapshot of the direction beer is heading overall. Whether you want insights, recommendations, or just an easygoing beer chat, this episode delivers it all.

Website Details for Rod and Dave: rodjbeerventures.com and beerinfront.com

Contact Rod J:

🏢 Business Inquiries: Email rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

In this episode, I’m sharing the replay of a conversation that’s equal parts beer travel, creative storytelling, and Belgian inspiration. I’m joined by Ryan Evans, co-founder of Bruz Beers, and Chris Adams, who works closely with Bruz on social media, photography, and marketing.

Together, Ryan and Chris teamed up to produce the mini video documentary “Lost In Bruges,” a beautifully shot and thoughtful look at Belgium through the lens of beer, culture, and influence. We dig into how Belgian beer traditions have shaped Bruz Beers, why Belgium continues to captivate brewers and drinkers alike, and what went into capturing that experience on film.

This conversation goes beyond the glass—touching on creativity, travel, visual storytelling, and how beer can connect history, place, and people. Whether you’re a Belgian beer fanatic, a fan of Bruz Beers, or someone who loves seeing how beer stories are told through modern media, there’s plenty here to enjoy.

🎥 Watch Lost In Bruges: https://youtu.be/g8tkrK9jaIk

🍺 Listen in, explore the influence, and—get your beer on!

👀Want to contact Rod J for business inquiries or share your beer story:

🏢 Email: rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

This episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast brings you the replay of the Midwest Beer Show from January 24, 2026, hosted by me alongside my co-host Dave from Beer In Front. Together, we dive into the stories shaping the Midwest beer landscape right now while also touching on some key national topics in the craft beer world.

Recorded live, this conversation captures the energy of an interactive stream, blending timely beer news with the fun of cracking open a few cans and bottles along the way. We talk about breweries making moves in distribution, highlight some creative new releases, and cover industry challenges that both local and national brewers are facing.

But it’s not just about the news. Dave and I share details on the beers we are sipping during the show, offering live tasting notes and first impressions. These moments give listeners a sense of the community and connection that beer brings to every conversation.

What makes this episode special is how it balances Midwest focus with broader industry awareness. The Midwest is full of brewing talent, and hearing what’s happening here offers a great snapshot of the direction beer is heading overall. Whether you want insights, recommendations, or just an easygoing beer chat, this episode delivers it all.

Website Details for Rod and Dave: rodjbeerventures.com and beerinfront.com

Contact Rod J:

🏢 Business Inquiries: Email rodj@rodjbeerventures.com

🚨 Key Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures