About this podcast
Join hosts Darren Binnema and Azlan Graves on "Why This Beer?" as they dive into the world of craft brewing. Each episode features engaging interviews with fellow brewers, uncovering the unique ingredients and processes behind their favourite beers. Expect positive vibes, insightful conversations, and plenty of learning along the way. Whether you're a seasoned brewer or a beer enthusiast, "Why This Beer?" offers a refreshing take on what makes each brew special.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 40 episodes
- Architect of Fermentation: Conrad Gmoser of Brassneck Brewery · 1 h 14 min · Episode 40In this episode of Why This Beer?, Darren and Azlan sit down with Conrad Gmoser of Brassneck Brewery to explore the blend of creativity, precision, and problem-solving that has…
- From Canada to the World: Nancy More’s Brewing Journey · 1 h 12 min · Episode 39Step into the world of brewing with industry veteran Nancy More as she reflects on more than 40 years of shaping beer culture, brewing education, and innovation around the globe…
- Homebrew to Hardware: Dave Henry of Camp Beer · 45 min · Episode 38In this episode of Why This Beer?, hosts Darren Binnema and Azlan Graves sit down with Dave Henry, founder and brewer at Camp Beer Co., to talk about his journey from passionate…
- Hammer Pants & the Science of Clean Beer with Donovan Fast of Eighty Eight Brewing · 1 h 12 min · Episode 37In this episode of Why This Beer?, Azlan and Darren sit down with Donovan Fast, brewmaster at Eighty Eight Brewing in Calgary. Donovan traces his path from small-town Manitoba to…
- Andy Innes on Driftwood, Fat Tug & West Coast IPA · 1 h 6 min · Episode 36In this episode, we sit down with Andy Innes of Driftwood Brewery to break down the technical evolution of Fat Tug IPA, one of Canada’s benchmark West Coast IPAs. Andy walks us…
- Balanced Lagers & a Balanced Life with Ben Owens of 33 Acres · 1 h 11 min · Episode 35In this episode, the hosts sit down with Ben Owens, head brewer at 33 Acres, for a wide-ranging conversation about finding balance — in beer and in life. Ben traces his brewing…
- Does Place Matter? Brewing the Same Beer in Two Countries with Andy Thomas · 47 min · Episode 34What happens when the same beer is brewed on opposite sides of the Atlantic? In this special follow-up episode of Why This Beer?, Azlan Graves and Darren Binnema are joined once…
- Open-Source Hops: Eric Sannerud and the Case for Public Varieties · 1 h 10 min · Episode 33Summary In this episode of 'Why This Beer', hosts Azlan Graves and Darren Binnema engage with Eric Sannerud, a passionate advocate for hops and agriculture. They explore the…
- The Shape of Hops to Come: Miguel Molina of Changing Colours · 1 h 20 min · Episode 32Summary In this episode, Azlan and Darren welcome Miguel Molina, co-founder of Changing Colours, to discuss his journey from Ecuador to Canada and the evolution of his craft beer…
- Hot Breaks & Cool Tanks: A Chat with Mike Roberts of Cru Brewing Systems · 1 h 29 min · Episode 31In this episode of 'Why This Beer', Azlan and Darren are joined by Mike Roberts from Cru Brewing Systems. They explore Mike's journey from a novice brewer to a craft solutions…
- Red Ales & Real Ales: Brewing the Old and New with Andy Thomas of Hook Norton · 1 h 32 min · Episode 30In this episode, Azlan Graves and Darren Binnema welcome Andy Thomas from Hook Norton Brewery, exploring the rich history and innovative practices of one of England's oldest…
- Wood, Fire, and Beer: Olivier Moreau of Tonnellerie Moreau · 1 h 23 min · Episode 29Summary In this episode, Azlan Graves and Darren Binnema engage in a captivating conversation with Olivier Moreau, a unique figure in the craft beer industry who transitioned…
- From Field to Glass: Top Cutter IPA & Fresh Hops with Ian Cameron of Balebreaker Brewing · 59 min · Episode 28Summary In this conversation, Ian Cameron from Balebreaker Brewing shares his journey into the craft beer industry, detailing his unique path from studying commerce to becoming a…
- Foam and Tradition: What We Learned in the Czech Republic · 1 h 25 min · Episode 27In this episode of 'Why This Beer', hosts Azlan Graves, Darren Binnema, and guests Donovan Fast (Eighty Eight Brewing), Mike Foniok (The Establishment Brewing), and Mitch Warner…
- Crafting Beer with Birch and Heart: Cam McKeigan of Smithers Brewing · 1 h 35 min · Episode 26In this episode, Darren and Azlan sit down with Cam McKeigan, co-founder and head brewer of Smithers Brewing Company. Cam shares his journey from home brewing to establishing a…
- Hops and High Trails: Brewing with Martin Szot of Coast Mountain · 1 h 18 min · Episode 25In this conversation, Martin Szot shares his journey from growing up in a family brewery in Chile to becoming the head brewer at Coast Mountain Brewing in Canada. He discusses…
- House Cultures and Hometown Malts: Mike Foniok on the Art of Brewing at Establishment · 1 h 18 min · Episode 24In this engaging conversation, Mike Foniok discusses the importance of local ingredients in brewing, innovative techniques, and the role of community in crafting unique beers. He…
- Foam Caps and Future Lids: Packaging Tips with Brad Van Haastregt of GEC Systems · 1 h 13 min · Episode 23Brad Van Haastregt of GEC Systems shares his journey in the craft brewing industry, focusing on the rise of non-alcoholic options, innovations in canning technology, and the…
- Malts, Mentors, and Mischief: A Sit Down with Graham With of Parallel 49 · 1 h 32 min · Episode 22Summary In this episode of Why This Beer, hosts Darren and Azlan sit down with Graham With, the Director of Brewing Operations at Parallel 49 Brewing. Graham shares his journey…
- Brad Tomlinson on Kveik, Raw Ales, and the Spirit of Collaboration at Jackknife · 1 h 15 min · Episode 21In this episode, Azlan and Darren welcome Brad Tomlinson, a passionate brewer from Jackknife, who shares his unique journey into the world of craft beer. The conversation…







