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Pull up a barstool for an exclusive tasting session with Brian "the mad scientist," head brewer at Five Alarm Brewing in Lake Mills, Iowa. This special episode takes you behind the scenes of a firefighter-owned brewery making waves with inventive craft creations.
Brian unpacks the art and science of brewing as we sample seven distinctive beers, each with its own remarkable story. From a traditional German Maybach lager that celebrates spring to a spicy dill pickle beer that's transformed the brewery's Bloody Mary game, these aren't your average craft offerings. The brothers' banter reveals fascinating brewing insights – like why grocery store honey ruins beer, how "cold crashing" works, and what happens when you accidentally add too much habanero (spoiler: someone still buys a growler every week).
The standout moment comes when we taste a never-before-released Double Chocolate Oatmeal Stout – a happy accident resulting from a grain shortage that forced Brian to improvise. This world premiere tasting reveals a smooth, chocolate-forward brew without the burnt coffee notes that often turn away new craft beer drinkers.
We explore Five Alarm's community connections through their Iowa fire department patch collection and seasonal offerings created specifically for local celebrations. The conversation highlights how craft breweries respond to customer preferences – like when Brian accidentally created a lower-alcohol version of their popular Mosaic IPA and customers demanded he keep the "mistake."
Whether you're a dedicated hop head or craft beer curious, this episode celebrates the creativity and community spirit driving America's small breweries. Next time you're near Lake Mills, Iowa, stop in – you might find the head brewer himself pouring your pint.

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