446: The Critics Speak! Kate Bernot, Stan Hieronymus, and Joe Stange Glimpse the Future Through Their Favorite Beers of the Year

446: The Critics Speak! Kate Bernot, Stan Hieronymus, and Joe Stange Glimpse the Future Through Their Favorite Beers of the Year

Author: Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine November 21, 2025 Duration: 1:21:32

At Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®, we obviously spend a lot of time thinking about beer—talking to brewers and others in the industry, digging into the details of process, and writing about what we learn. Best of all, though, we get to drink beer—and, like it or not, the taste of every drop flashes through these weird brains that have spent an unhealthy amount of time focused on the liquid and everything that goes into making it.

In short, we have thoughts. In this episode, contributing editor Kate Bernot, prolific author and longtime contributor Stan Hieronymus, and executive editor Joe Stange take off their reporter hats to talk through their favorite things they tasted all year, from around the world—going deeper into their Critics’ Lists from the annual Best in Beer issue—inevitably sharing thoughts on where craft beer both could and should be heading.

This episode is brought to you by:

G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): G&D Chiller’s Elite 290 series chiller uses propane as a natural refrigerant with extremely low global warming potential, and will help lower your facility’s energy costs and impact on the environment. Visit gdchillers.com to learn more!
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you'd expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passionfruit. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) 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.
Indie Hops. (https://indiehops.com) Give your customers a pleasant surprise with Audacia in your next IPA. This descendant of Strata brings her own flare of catchy lilac/lavender aroma, and flavors of sweet-tart berries with tangy lychee. Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful!
Five Star Chemical (https://fivestarchemicals.com) Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com.
PakTech (https://paktech-opi.com) PakTech’s handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, PakTech helps brands stand out while staying sustainable. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.
Hart Print, (https://hartprint.com) the original in digital can printing.With three locations across North America, the Hart Print team has your back from concept to can. Get ten percent off your first can order when you mention the Beer & Brewing podcast. Open an account at hartprint.com or email info@hartprint.com for details.

Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast


There’s always more to discover in a glass of beer, whether you’re patiently tending a fermentation in your closet or just appreciate the craft behind a well-made pint. The Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast brings that curiosity to life through weekly conversations with the people who shape the industry. Instead of vague overviews, you’ll hear professional brewers and seasoned experts break down specific techniques, from water chemistry to hop selection, in a way that’s useful for both homebrewers and dedicated enthusiasts. These discussions go beyond simple tips, offering a deeper look at the evolving trends and science that influence how beer is made and enjoyed today. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a seat at a lively taproom table where the talk is always honest, detailed, and genuinely passionate about quality. It’s that blend of practical advice and broader insight that makes each episode a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand-and savor-the art of brewing a little better.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
471: Source Material with Firestone Walker: Quality is a Verb [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:52
When you look at the top restaurants around the world, no matter what cuisine they may focus on, there’s one commonality they all share, and that’s deep relationships with those who grow and raise the very best ingredien…
467: Adjusting the Thiol Dial with ISM, Ology, and Berkeley Yeast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:18
This special episode of the podcast focuses on adjusting the thiol dial and is brought to you in partnership with the innovative and industry-leading team at Berkeley Yeast. They’ve been on the forefront of fermentation-…