In 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 made Brassneck one of BC's most respected breweries. Conrad shares his unconventional path from studying architecture to becoming a brewer, and how a process-driven mindset continues to shape the brewery's approach to making beer.

The conversation dives deep into the technical side of brewing, covering yeast selection, fermentation management, co-pitching strategies, and the challenges of dialing in everything from classic Weissbier to hop-forward IPAs. Conrad explains how Brassneck approaches recipe development, quality control, and continuous improvement while maintaining the character that has earned the brewery numerous accolades.

Along the way, they discuss the role of brewing awards, the value of local ingredients such as Myrtle Meadows hops and spruce tips, and some of Brassneck's more experimental projects, including beers made with quince and grape pomace. Whether you're a brewer, a beer enthusiast, or simply curious about the science behind great beer, this episode offers a fascinating look at the decisions and techniques that turn raw ingredients into exceptional pints.

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Step 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. From her early beginnings in Canada to influencing breweries and students worldwide, Nancy shares the lessons, challenges, and breakthroughs that defined her remarkable career.

In this conversation, Nancy dives into the fundamentals every brewer should master, the evolving tastes of today’s consumers, and why problem-solving, passion, and quality remain at the heart of great beer. She also explores innovation in brewing, effective beer management, and the future of the industry — offering practical insights for brewers, beer professionals, and curious drinkers alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned brewer, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the business and culture of beer, this episode delivers a thoughtful and inspiring look inside the industry through the eyes of one of its most respected voices.

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In 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 homebrewer to award-winning brewery owner.

Dave shares how early experiments with Belgian beers sparked his interest in brewing and eventually led to scaling up recipes from the homebrew level to full production. The conversation dives into the technical challenges of maintaining flavour and balance at scale, from dialing back hop and malt intensity to adjusting process variables for consistency.

The group also explores Camp Beer’s approach to building a lineup of standout beers, including the fan-favorite Flannel Pajamas and their take on the increasingly popular Windbreadker Cold IPA. Dave breaks down the evolution of the style, how it differs from traditional IPAs and lagers, and why it resonates with modern drinkers.

Another key topic is competition strategy, as Dave discusses how breweries approach entries in events like the BC Beer Awards, what judges look for, and how feedback from competitions can help refine recipes.

Along the way, the conversation touches on barrel aging, pilot batches, the changing tastes of BC beer drinkers, and Dave’s advice for brewers looking to turn their homebrew passion into a professional career.

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