The BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote, editor of Florida Beer News, delves into the dynamic world of craft beer, offering listeners a comprehensive look at industry trends, news, and in-depth interviews with key figures shaping the beer landscape. Each episode explores the past, present, and future of brewing, providing insights into the evolution of beer styles, brewing techniques, and the stories behind renowned breweries. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or new to the craft ...
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Mark DeNote Podcasts

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Ep. 47: Jack Hendler of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers on Evolving American Lager Beyond German Traditions
50:47
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50:47Send us a text Jack Hendler of Jack's Abbey Craft Lagers shares his journey from an ice manufacturing family to becoming a pioneering force in American craft lager brewing. His vision goes beyond recreating European styles, challenging American brewers to develop their own lager identity using local ingredients and innovative techniques while honor…
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Ep. 46: Talking Halfway There & Cask Fest with Sean Nordquist of TBBW and TBBA
30:52
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30:52Send us a text Tampa Bay's beer scene continues to evolve in remarkable ways, with the Halfway There Beer Festival marking its 11th year and an exciting new Cask Festival joining the calendar. Sean Nordquist of the Tampa Bay Brewers Alliance shares the vision behind both events, detailing how they showcase the region's maturing craft beer community…
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Ep. 45: Chip McElroy of Live Oak Brewing - Decoction and Tradition
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59:46Send us a text What if brewing beer the traditional way wasn't just nostalgia, but the path to superior flavor? Chip McElroy, founder of Live Oak Brewing Company, has been proving this point since 1997 in the heart of Texas. When most craft breweries were chasing new flavors and shortcuts, Live Oak doubled down on decoction mashing, traditional Eur…
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Ep. 44: Brad Clark of Private Press Brewing - Every barrel tells a story
1:08:57
1:08:57
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1:08:57Send us a text Brad Clark, the brewing mind behind Private Press Brewing Company, pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey from homebrewing enthusiast to barrel-aging virtuoso in this deeply personal conversation about craft beer evolution, artistic brewing philosophy, and entrepreneurial courage. From his teenage experimentation with impor…
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Ep. 43: St. Pete's Grand Central Brewhouse Story with Zac Collins, Eric Trinosky, and Travis Rebstock
1:21:36
1:21:36
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1:21:36Send us a text In the bustling St. Petersburg craft beer scene, Grand Central Brewhouse has carved a unique identity by embracing tradition in an industry often chasing trends. Join host Mark DeNote as he sits down with Zach Collins, Eric Trinosky, and Travis Rebstock to uncover how this relatively new brewery is making waves with its focus on lage…
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Ep. 42: Jordan Copher of Late Start Brewing
48:31
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48:31Send us a text From late-night homebrew sessions to downtown Tampa's newest craft beer destination, Jordan Copher's journey with Late Start Brewing embodies the passion and persistence that defines Florida's craft beer scene. The name "Late Start" began as a joke about how Jordan and his cousin Tyler Sankey would begin brewing after 9 PM, continuin…
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Ep. 41: Em Sauter of Pints and Panels Talks Visual Beer Education
54:20
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54:20Send us a text When Em Sauter began drawing beer cartoons fifteen years ago, she had no idea it would transform into her life's work. As an advanced Cicerone and certified beer judge, Em brings a wealth of knowledge to her visual creations, but it's her unique ability to translate complex beer concepts into approachable cartoons that has connected …
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Ep. 40: Attorney Trevor Brewer talks Beer Laws, Business Shifts, and Finding Community
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51:01Send us a text What does it really take to succeed in Florida's craft brewing industry today? Attorney Trevor Brewer pulls back the curtain on the business challenges facing brewery owners across the Sunshine State in this revealing conversation with Florida Beer News editor Mark DeNote. Trevor's journey into beverage law began when he noticed a lo…
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Ep. 39: Sean Sasser's Journey at Cigar City Brewing
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41:32Send us a text Sean Sasser invites us into the evolving world of Cigar City Brewing, where tradition meets innovation in Tampa's iconic brewery. As technical brewing manager, Sean's journey from college homebrewer with a Mr. Beer kit to brewing leader traces the fascinating evolution of craft beer itself. Over pints in CCB's historic Tampa tasting …
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Ep. 38: It's Tampa Bay Beer Week 2025! Talking TBBW with Executive Director Sean Nordquist
46:30
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46:30Send us a text Join us as we celebrate the vibrant Tampa Bay Beer Week! This episode explores the fascinating journey of beer enthusiasts as they immerse themselves in a unique week of craft beer events, seminars, and tastings. Host Mark DeNote interviews Sean Nordquist, the Director of the Tampa Bay Brewers Alliance, who emphasizes the exciting ch…
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Ep. 37: Kreis Holland of Tactical Brewing Talks Orlando Beer Week
32:51
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32:51Send us a text Ever wondered how a small grassroots initiative can morph into a celebrated event? Discover the fascinating evolution of Orlando Beer Week as I chat with Chris Holland, the co-founder of Tactical Brewing. Chris brings his insider perspective on how the local brewing scene has burgeoned into a vibrant festival, thanks to the dedicated…
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Ep. 36: Wayne Wambles of Griffon & Sphynx Brewing Company
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40:30Send us a text Wayne Wambles, the founding brewer of Cigar City Brewing, joins us for an engaging conversation that promises an enlightening exploration of the craft beer world. Wayne talks us through his career from his beginnings in Dothan, Alabama, to becoming synonymous with Tampa's beer scene. Hear about his journey through unique legal hurdle…
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Ep. 35: David Nilsen and The Art and Science of Pairing Craft Beer and Chocolate
56:17
56:17
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56:17Send us a text David Nilsen, the mind behind "Pairing Beer and Chocolate," joins the BeerWise podcast and takes us on a flavor journey, challenging preconceived notions of traditional pairings. Discover how David’s unique path, from hosting a pairing series to launching his podcast, Bean to Barstool, led him to unravel the rich tapestry of flavors …
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Ep. 34: Vic Falck, Geordi Rauch, & Jason Thompson of Calusa Brewing Company
43:35
43:35
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43:35Send us a text In this episode, Mark is joined by Geordi Rauch, Vic Falck, & Jason Thompson of Calusa Brewing. Calusa Brewing is a powerhouse in the Sarasota area – the brewery that always seems to have something new and something traditional on tap. In this episode, the guys discuss the origins of Calusa, opening day, and leaving the original tapr…
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Ep. 33: James Herrholz of Corporate Ladder Brewing Company
39:27
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39:27Send us a text In this episode, I am joined by James Herrholz, the co-founder of Corporate Ladder Brewing Company in Palmetto, Florida, in a conversation recorded in February 2024. Corporate Ladder Brewing has a certain appeal to everyone who wants to break away from their corporate jobs and brew beer or pursue a passion. The brewery focuses on inn…
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Send us a text In this episode of the BeerWise Podcast, I am joined by Tim Ogden, owner and brewer of Deviant Libation, one of Tampa’s newest brewers helmed by one the area’s most experienced brewers. Tim has been a part of the Tampa Bay Brewing scene since the Hops Brewpub chain hired him early on in Florida’s craft beer renaissance. Then his job …
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Ep. 31: Elise Sweeney & Chris Fairchild of Tampa Bay Beer Week
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32:12Send us a text It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year here at the BeerWise Podcast because it’s time for our annual Tampa Bay Beer Week podcast. This year, I am joined by Elise Sweeney and Chris Fairchild from the Tampa Bay Beer Week Organization. Chris and Elise are talking about what’s new for 2024, what they are looking forward to, the…
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Ep. 30: Josh Aubuchon of the Florida Brewers Guild
36:24
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36:24Send us a text Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News. This episode, I am joined by Josh Aubuchon, the Lobbyist and General Counsel of the Florida Brewers Guild. Josh has held this position for many years and serves an advisor and lobbyist to the craft brewers in the State of…
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Ep. 29: Gilly Woolfolk and Ryan Freeman of Dade City Brew House
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45:20Send us a text Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News. It’s great to be back and bringing you new episodes of the podcast. Due to some unforeseen personal circumstances, the podcast ended 2023 somewhat abruptly. But, I’m back for 2024 and ready to roll with some new guests, n…
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Ep 28: Brad Dahlhofer of B. Nektar Meadery
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52:54Send us a text Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News. This episode, I am joined by Brad Dahlhofer of B Nektar Meadery. In 2008, Brad and his wife Kerri had both been laid off from their jobs and were enjoying Brad’s homemade mead when they decide to go all in on the idea of …
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Ep 27: Ryan Sentz of Funky Buddha Brewery
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39:20Send us a text Before we get to our guest for this episode, I wanted to take a minute and thank those of you who carve out time to listen to this podcast every few weeks. It is a labor of love for me – and I get to have some great conversations with the fine people in the world of craft beer and beverages, but it is not my day job and it takes time…
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Ep 26: Nile Zacherle of Mad Fritz Brewing Company
57:14
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57:14Send us a text Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News. In this episode, I am joined by Nile Zacherle, the President and Master Brewer of Mad Fritz Brewing Company in Saint Helena, California. I was introduced to Nile via one of his beers sent by a friend. The beer was so clos…
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Ep 25: Eric Luman of Reve Brewing Company
33:11
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33:11Send us a text In this episode, I am joined by Reve Brewing Company owner and brewer Eric Luman. Eric is a veteran brewer of the Jacksonville craft beer scene. He began his career in the 1990s and has been brewing at various breweries around Jacksonville ever since. After a stint at Jacksonville Beach's Green Room Brewing Company, Eric decided to o…
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Ep 24: Kelly Hanseth of Lumberyard Brewing Company & Beaver Street Brewery
18:58
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18:58Send us a text This episode I am joined by Kelly Hanseth of Lumberyard Brewing Company and Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff, Arizona. Kelly’s parents, Winnie and Evan Hanseth opened Beaver Street Brewery, Flagstaff’s first craft brewpub, in 1994. Kelly was a young girl when the brewery opened and has grown up with the brewery as her family’s busi…
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Ep 23: Michael Marquess of Mother Road Brewing
22:54
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22:54Send us a text This episode, I am joined by Michael Marquess, the founder and president of Mother Road Brewing Company in Flagstaff, Arizona. Mother Road Brewing was the first stop on a tour of Flagstaff breweries that I recently took courtesy of Visit Flagstaff. Michael was nice enough to sit down with me in the brewery’s taproom and talk about Mo…
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Ep 22: Preben Olsen & Michael Payne of Aardwolf Brewing Company
51:27
51:27
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51:27Send us a text This episode, I am joined by Aardwolf Brewing Company owner Preben Olsen and head brewer Michael Payne. Aardwolf Brewing has been a mainstay in the Jacksonville, Florida beer scene since 2013 when they opened as a beer bar and progressed to brewing their own beer. Preben and Michael discuss Aardwolf’s origins and how they came to sta…
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Ep 21: Corey Adams of Southern Swells Brewing
36:43
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36:43Send us a text This episode, I am joined by Corey Adams of Southern Swells Brewing. Southern Swells just celebrated 6 years in the Jacksonville, Florida beer scene. Through it all, their beer lineup has been anchored by New England IPAs, especially their Karate In The Garage made with cryo Mosaic hops. Aside from that one particular beer, Southern …
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Ep 20: Chris Fairchild of Tampa Bay Beer Week 2023
38:13
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38:13Send us a text Our first repeat guest on the podcast, this episode Chris Fairchild joins us to talk about Tampa Bay Beer Week. Chris is the executive director of Tampa Bay Beer Week and he shares his insight on what makes Tampa Bay Beer Week 2023 different and how the organization tries to keep things fresh for this, the 11th year of Tampa Bay Beer…
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Ep 19: Joey Redner - Founder of Cigar City Brewing
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55:32Send us a text Cigar City Brewing founder Joey Redner joins us in this episode of the BeerWise Podcast. Joey Redner built one of the most iconic breweries in Tampa's history, but that is not what he intended when writing Cigar City Brewing's initial business plan. Joey insists that he never intended for the brewery to grow as big as it did, and Joe…
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Ep 18: Ron Raike of Playalinda Brewing and Madison Roane of Florida Avenue Brewing
51:27
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51:27Send us a text It was a fortunate coincidence that I had my recorder handy during August's Florida Brewers Guild Conference, as both men were in attendance and had some time to sit down and talk about their journeys as brewers and record some of the names of brewers who have come and gone from Florida breweries. Ron and Madison talk about what it w…
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