We are joined in this episode by Fred Bueltmann from the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership. It is safe to say Fred is among the founders of the Michigan craft beer and spirits industry having served in leadership roles during the early years of two of the most iconic breweries in Michigan - Bell's Brewery and New Holland Brewing.

We really leaned into Fred's breath and depth of experience to delve into the long arc of the craft scene in Michigan. We used Fred's two published books, "A Rising Tide - Stories from the Michigan Brewers Guild" and "Beervangelist's Guide to the Galaxy" to help ground our wide ranging discussion.

We specifically covered some of the challenges the industry faced at inception, how beer and spirits differ in terms of the market and how to write a cookbook. We also tasted through a couple very unique spirits - a whiskey made from local honey and a pineapple rum.

Some links to things covered...

• https://redhorse.red/
• https://twojames.com/our-spirits/pineapple-doctor-bird-rum/
• https://www.ethanologydistillation.com/store/p872/Mel%C2%AE_Vocatus.html#/
• https://www.mibeer.com/
• https://www.thefarmhousedeli.com/

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

In our first ever Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover questions we received following a recent spring break trip onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Specifically we provide an overview of fermented beverages in the Caribbean, unique challenges and idiosyncrasies of cruise ship beverage service, and some of the unique aspects of the Disney cruise itself.

Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us today!

Some links to things covered...

• https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/
• https://accademia.gaggia.com/

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.

We are joined in this episode with Andrew Backlin from Modales Wines. Andrew grew up outside Napa county and brought his love of wine to Michigan several years ago as Modales was starting up. As the head of production and winemaking Andrew focuses on low intervention wines and has been doing so before it was popular.

We cover a wide variety of topics on this episode, including the use of Non-Saccharomyces yeast, native fermentations, organic farming, and market trends. We also dive pretty deep into Andrew's favorite grape, Riesling!

Some links to things covered...

• https://modaleswines.com/
• https://scottlab.com/harnessing-the-unique-powers-of-non-saccharomyces-yeasts

Sponsors

• Fenn Valley Vineyards, Inc
• Carrier Signal
• Interested in being a sponsor? Click here.

Show Links

• https://craftpourdecisions.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/craftpourdecisions
• https://www.instagram.com/craftpourdecisions/

Music is provided by Domestic Problems.