Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Caskers!  In episode 36 of Tales From the Cask we bring you the 2013 Christmas Extravaganza!!  Joined by Joe Zonin, owner and brewer from Carolina Brewing Company in Holly Springs NC, and fan fave Aubrey Herbert from Sierra Nevada Brewing, we taste some fantastic holiday themed brews.  On tap this episode are Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza 2012, CBC Old 392 Barleywine, Sierra Celebration Ale, Sierra Christmas Jam Ale, and an Anchor Christmas 2011!

In addition to Aubrey and Joe, we’re joined by our producer and fifth Beatle, Darrell Darnell from Golden Spiral Media, with special cameo audio bits from Tony Danza.  We all share favorite Christmas memories, New Year’s resolutions, what we want for Christmas, our favorite holiday beverages, and much more!

We also answer some listener questions about holiday brews, respond to some Tweets about various listeners favorite beers, and share some news stories from the recent passing of Graham MacKay, the 500 year old German beer law, trading an alligator for a 12-pack, and a proposed Ohio law that could raise ABV up to 21 percent.

And what holiday special would be complete without singing?

Greetings to all you wonderful Caskers!  It’s time to relax with a frosty malt beverage and enjoy episode 35 of Tales From the Cask.  We have a real treat on tap for this episode! We go on location to interview Jamie Bartholomaus, head brewer and co-owner of Foothills Brewing!  He shares his interesting story of how he got into the brewing business, tells us us about the inspiration behind Hoppyum IPA, how they choose their styles of beer, and gives us the down and dirty on Sexual Chocolate. Jamie also shares his delicious Battle Crye Rye IPA and Blendiculous Imperial Brown Ale! He even takes some time to answer listener  questions.

In our news segment we share a USA Today article about which beers Americans are drinking a lot less of, an AP article about the black market for craft beers, a very interesting New York Times article about alcoholics in Amsterdam getting paid in beer, and a story about a new beer can Festivus pole that is being erected at the Florida state capitol.

We’d love to hear your feedback and brew suggestions! Share your feedback by calling (919) 502-0280 or email us at talesfromthecask@gmail.com

Greetings from the Sunny Lands, Caskers!  In episode 34 of Tales From the Cask, we’re joined by off-premise expert Jim Bostic! We discuss the differences in on-premise and off-premise sales, changes in the beer landscape over the last 20 years, Jim’s career before and after he got into the beer business, and what he enjoys about being a part of the beer industry.

In our news segment we share stories about Sam Adams’ Utopias beer which has a 28% ABV and a $199 price tag for a 750ml bottle, a man in Massachusetts that drank a beer in every Connecticut town to raise money for cancer research, how to identify the perfect beer glass, and France’s craft beer revolution.

On tap this week are Bear Republic Brewing Company’s El Oso, Carolina Brewing Company’s Winter Porter, and Big Eddy’s Russian Imperial Stout.

We’d love to hear your feedback and brew suggestions! Share your feedback by calling (919) 502-0280 or email us at talesfromthecask@gmail.com