The Alchemist co-founder & brewer, John Kimmich (Part 1)

The Alchemist co-founder & brewer, John Kimmich (Part 1)

Author: BLISTER September 14, 2022 Duration: 1:22:51

With Heady Topper, John Kimmich created one of the most sought-after beers in the world, and effectively created the profile of the modern IPA. In Part 1 of this tour-de-force of a conversation, we talk to John about his path to opening The Alchemist with his wife, Jen, in 2003; the business — and current landscape — of craft beer; his advice on opening a brewery; and what distinguishes great beer from mediocre beer.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (2:42)
  • John’s Beer Background (4:50)
  • The Effects of Prohibition (18:52)
  • Mediocre Beer (22:42)
  • Current Landscape of Craft Beer (25:42)
  • Being Fortunate vs Being Lucky (34:28)
  • Opening The Alchemist (39:23)
  • Why the name, ‘The Alchemist’ (44:59)
  • Skiing / Snowboarding (51:45)
  • Why Vermont? (52:55)
  • Heady Topper & It’s Origins (55:39)
  • Advice on Opening a Brewery? (1:03:13)
  • Great Beer vs. Mediocre Beer (1:05:25)
  • Bitterness vs. Astringency (1:11:44)
  • Today’s Hazy IPAs (1:18:21)

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There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when someone has dedicated their life to making something tangible, driven by obsession over details most of us overlook. CRAFTED, from BLISTER, is built on those conversations. Each episode moves beyond a simple product review to explore the entire ecosystem of creation, whether the subject is a meticulously roasted coffee, a complex whiskey, a precision timepiece, or a bold new wine. You'll hear directly from the individuals who define these fields-brewers, distillers, founders, and artisans who started their ventures not because it was easy, but because they couldn't imagine doing anything else. This podcast digs into the raw materials, the failed experiments, the business risks taken on a principle, and the quiet triumphs that happen long before a product reaches a shelf. It’s about the philosophy embedded in the process as much as the technical skill. Tuning in feels less like listening to an interview and more like pulling up a stool in a workshop or a tasting room, offering an intimate look at the patience, setbacks, and unwavering standards that transform a simple idea into a crafted object. The stories are specific, but the themes of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit are universal, connecting anyone who appreciates the depth behind a well-made thing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 109

CRAFTED
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