Episode 388 - Keeping Together

Keeping Together, the saison-focused project from Averie Swanson, has brought world-class mixed culture farmhouse-style beers to Chicago - if even for all too short of a time. We catch up with Averie about the future of Keeping Together as its time in Chicago comes to a close, but we also talk with the Master Cicerone and former co-owner/head brewer at Jester King about her evolution as a brewer and business owner - and it feels like she's just getting started. Also, we extol the virtues of saison as a style, discuss the ups and downs of destination breweries, praise a few more local saison makers, explore the inspiration behind her beer names, and consider a few Chicago delicacies like Home Depot hot dogs and Chicago Handshakes. Then, there's a whole other segment where Craig and Ryan drink through five Keeping Together beers and just go on and on about how great they are, so you should listen to that too. We also talk about special occasion fonts, pastry saisons, and a new take-home edition of Gushy.  Interview with Averie Swanson (00:06:39 - 00:49:46) Beers Reviewed At The Still Point of the Turning World (Saison made with buckwheat and rye)We Are Not the Counter Culture (Saison brun) From the Outer Edge of Inner Space (Bitter saison with Galaxy hops and wildflower honey) The Grace of Maybe (Saison with peaches, vanilla, and lemongrass) Preoccupied with Memory and Expectation (Saison with Japanese Red Shiso leaf, burnt honey, and dry-hopped with Sabro hops)