Episode 483: Cultural Collaboration and Brewing beyond the Main Strains with Suncatcher and Goldfinger, in Partnership with Omega Yeast

Episode 483: Cultural Collaboration and Brewing beyond the Main Strains with Suncatcher and Goldfinger, in Partnership with Omega Yeast

Author: Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine May 27, 2026 Duration: 1:09:19

One of the key features of craft beer today, that doesn’t get enough press, is just how much information brewers have at their fingertips. While companies that serve the industry test and provide information about the performance of their products to brewer customers, it’s the two-way flow of information back from brewers to those companies that supercharges the learning cycle and helps everyone make better beer. In this episode, produced in partnership with Omega Yeast, guests Matt Gallagher of Half Acre and Suncatcher, Tom Beckmann of Goldfinger, and Laura Burns and Jonathan Moxey of Omega Yeast, explore this topic and more, looking at interesting ways brewers can add character but also hone and shape their beers, beyond the eight main strains that see so much use in the brewing world.

In this episode, the brewers discuss:

  • building house character across different style beers
  • harnessing the knowledge base of brewers around the country
  • variations in common strains from different sources and in different formats
  • intentionally selecting more expressive but flexible house yeast
  • unusual applications of yeast that have produced fascinating beers
  • thiol expression in lager beer
  • “Fartbomb”-style lager
  • underrated lager strains for West Coast IPA
  • krausening hoppy lager

And more.

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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

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