EP18 Jessica Infante: From Jersey Shores to Craft Brewery Floors

What happens when a local news reporter from the Jersey Shore transitions to a leading voice in the craft beverage industry? Join us as we sit down with Jessica Infante, managing editor for BrewBound, to uncover her fascinating journey from covering beached whales to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of craft beverages. We reminisce about our days at the Boston Beer Company, share our current favorite brews—Jess with a Harpoon Rec League and me enjoying a Tropical Lightning from Wilmington Brewing Company—and discuss the importance of providing valuable information through newsletters, podcasts, and conferences.The conversation takes a sobering turn as we examine the tragic story of Art Lowrance, a craft beer pioneer whose sudden passing left his brewery in disarray. This chapter delves into the challenges of oversaturation in the beer market and the critical need for maintaining quality in brewing. We also highlight the rapid growth of Athletic Brewing Company and its recent expansion, showcasing the evolving landscape of the beer industry. From unexpected closures to remarkable success stories, we cover it all, including some surprising industry deals and the potential impact of veteran brewers' succession plans.To lighten the mood, we share humorous and heartfelt stories about beer at weddings, the launch of Truly hard seltzers, and the joys of parenting. Our guest, Jess, offers insights into the upcoming Brewbound Live conference in California, featuring key industry figures and the latest trends. From personal anecdotes to expert analyses, this episode is a treasure trove of content for beer enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Don't miss out on the laughter, learning, and passion for the craft beverage world!For the latest in Beer Business news:  https://www.brewbound.com/To listen to Jess & the rest of the Brewbound  crew:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brewbound-podcast/id1436101301Click HERE to let us what you think! Or, suggest a guest! Finnleigh would like to remind everyone that a 5-star rating from each of you would be a huge push for the podcast in the algorithms that suggest podcast to listeners.  Please take a second to give us a 5-star rating when you get the chance!  Thanks so much! Support the show