Nick the Brewer

Nick the Brewer

Author: Better On Draft Podcast February 15, 2020 Duration: 1:46:16

We go over the life and death of Black Lotus and the last five years with him as the head brewer, what changed, and why the sudden closing.  We learn where the hardware from Black Lotus went (hint, previous guest on Better on Draft), and Nick updates us on his other fermentation work he's been doing as he looks for a new home to brew.

We try his gin he made with Detroit City Distillery and we discuss a bit of news including the hype that is Pliny the Younger in bottles and we do a short dive into the black market of bottle reselling and what brewers feel about it.  Want to learn more about that conversation and what we referenced, check episode 149 with Drafting Table to see what they thought of their beer going for over $200 on the black market.  

Nick is one of our favorite guests to have on the show because he's very opinionated but cares about the industry that he loves and wants to get back to that, so if you're looking for a brewer that can brew you award winning beers, slide into his DMs on Instagram @NickTheBrewer

Sponsors:
North Center Brewing - https://northcenterbrewing.com/
Zetouna Liquor - https://www.facebook.com/Zetouna-Liquor-Fine-Wine-Cigars-146021445420374/
Tavour - https://www.tavour.com/ Sign Up Code: BETTERONDRAFT

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DRANK ON SHOW
Pabst Blue Ribbon
Black Lotus Ninja Pirate
Drafting Table Mom Said No Cinnamon Roll
Arbor Brewing Co Crystal Peacock
Old Nation B-43
Rochester Mills Olde St Mick's
Detroit City Distillery Lonely Warrior


There's a person behind every pint, and Better on Draft | Craft Beer Podcast is where you get to know them. Hosted by Dan Cook, Wendy Taylor, Rob Wilson, and Ken Konarzewski Jr., this isn't just a tasting show-it's a deep and often lively conversation about the entire world of craft brewing. You'll hear directly from the brewers themselves, the passionate individuals who turn ideas into the beer in your glass, sharing their unique journeys, challenges, and inspirations. The discussion naturally flows from these personal stories into the wider industry, with the hosts providing regular updates on relevant news and upcoming events that matter to enthusiasts and professionals alike. What sets this podcast apart is its live, communal feel; it's recorded every other Friday evening, creating a real-time forum where questions can be asked and the excitement is palpable. Whether you're deeply invested in the business of beer, curious about the artistry of new styles, or simply love the culture surrounding a great local brew, these conversations offer a rich, behind-the-scenes perspective. It’s an authentic look at the craft, one story and one sip at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 584

Better on Draft | Craft Beer Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Better on Draft 371 | Beer Fest Face-Off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:09
It's summer and that's a great time for beer festivals! Rob and Wendy talk about two upcoming (or already-passed depending on when you hear this) beer festivals. Whether you attend these festivals or not you may learn so…
Better on Draft 370 | Nick from Books & Brews Brownsburg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:24
Rob has often stated that Books & Brews Brownsburg is the best beer bar in Brownsburg. Wendy and Rob get to talk to Nick Valentin, the owner and proprietor of the best beer bar in Brownsburg!Books & Brews Brownsburg can…
Better on Draft 369 | Chris Overlay of Get Hoptimized [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:50
Rob and Wendy talk to Chris Overlay, founder of Get Hoptimized about what a marketing company can do for breweries. You can learn more about Get Hoptimized and listen to their podcast at https://www.gethoptimized.com/
Better on Draft 368 | Adam Ross of Twin Span Brewing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:52
Rob and Ed talk to Adam Ross about his involvement in Twin Span Brewing in the Quad Cities area. Twin Span BrewingAdam's playing HuntAKiller games, Rob suggested Grand Gamers Guild's 18Escape series.
Presidential Brewing | Michigan Beer Series #055 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:39
Your winners of the 2025 March Draftness competition decided to throw a big party at their venue on Saturday May 17th in Portage Michigan, and Ed, Ken, Wendy, and Bill all came down to check it out. Ed and Ken sat down w…
Better on Draft 367 | Adrienne Banka, Cerveceria Punta Sur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:18
Adrienne Banka of Cerveceria Punta Sur joins us (from her distillery) to talk about opening the first brewery in Cozumel, Mexico. From educating the politicos to educating the local community, hear how she has grown a bu…
Better on Draft 366 | Craft Brewers Conference 2025 Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:02
Rob talks at great length about the things he saw and did at and around the Craft Brewers Conference. Sessions, the show floor, events, and other beery trips all show up. Hear his (not an expert) advice to small taprooms…
Better on Draft 365 | A News Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:39
Wendy and Rob discuss some recent news articles and generally catch up since the last news show.Article 1, a more sustainable beerArticle 2, draft beer sales are up!Article 3, more effects of tariffsArticle 4, Bad Dad ex…
Better on Draft 364 | Roman From Tapster [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:37
Wendy and Rob talk to Roman from Tapster, a self-serve beer bar that is popping up across the country. Roman talks about how he came to start such a business and some of the decisions that had to be made in an attempt to…
Hear.Say Brewing + Theater | Michigan Beer Series #054 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:47
Wendy and Rob talk to Benny and Tony from Hear.Say Brewing and Theater, a not-quite-a-year-old establishment in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Come audially explore this unique space. Head brewer Benny gives us a lot of insight in…