Between Two Fermenters

Most people never think twice about the glass in their hand, or the one they're "taking" from their local pub. Dan Silva does - and then he shows up unannounced with 24 custom ones to prove it.In this episode of B2F, Troy sits down with Dan Silva, Co-Owner and VP of Sales & Procurement at Zenan Glass - Canada's largest glassware and ceramics decorator for the beverage and food service industry. Dan came up through nearly 11 years at PepsiCo before landing at Zenan in 2021, and the CPG discipline he brought with him shows. But what's really driven Zenan's growth under his watch isn't systems or scale - it's showing up. At trade shows, at taprooms, at anniversary parties and beer launches - just because - building relationships one pint at a time. Turning a supplier relationship into something breweries actually enjoy.It's the kind of unreasonable hospitality that sticks with you. Just ask Troy and the GLB team.What's in this episode:How Dan and his partner Luke transformed Zenan from a simple transactional vendor to true industry partnerWhy showing up - literally - has been their biggest growth driverThe full ordering experience: what happens when a brewery calls, from first conversation to finished glassServing everyone from multinational brewers to a two-person startup - and why small accounts are more funWhat breweries get wrong about glassware (and what the good ones get very right)Glassware as a brand touchpoint: why the glass in a customer's hand is part of your marketing budgetThank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode, Troy sits down with Mike Laba and Chris Goddard - co-founders of Craft Brand Co., and the new owners of Blackburn Beer Company in Niagara Falls. Two of Ontario craft beer's most restless minds, Mike and Chris have spent the better part of two decades putting together two of the more interesting careers in the Canadian beer industry.  They get into their origin stories on opposite ends of the Ontario craft scene, the back-of-napkin business plan that became Craft Brand Co., the legendary Michigan road trip that made it real, and the Brunswick Bierworks chapter that helped reshape what co-production could look like in this province. And they talk about what's next - Blackburn Beer Company in Niagara Falls, and a vision that goes well beyond just making great beer.  What's in this episode: Mike and Chris's origin stories - from the taproom at Brick Brewery (Mike) and the Prince of Wales Theatre (Chris) to the forefront of Ontario craft How Craft Brand Co. was born, and the Michigan road trip that made it real The brands that worked, the ones that didn't, and what they learned from both Brunswick Bierworks - how it grew and why they moved on The leap to Blackburn Beer Company and the vision behind it What nearly 20 years of partnership actually looks like in practice 

In this episode, Troy sits down with Chris Conway, General Manager of Old Credit Brewing Co. in Port Credit, a guy who traded in a PhD for a one-barrel brew system in a gastropub kitchen and never looked back. With stints co-founding Folly Brewpub in Toronto and building Landwash Brewery into one of Newfoundland’s fastest growing craft breweries, Chris is a builder and an operator. Someone who understands the romanticism of craft beer but also the hard math of making it work. And he's landed at exactly the kind of place where that blend of skills is needed most. They get into Chris's unconventional path from St. John's to U of T to the tap handles of Port Credit, what it actually looked like to build a brewery from scratch in Newfoundland before the craft wave hit, and what drew him to a 32-year-old brewery that was quietly doing the craft thing before craft was cool.  What's in this episode: Chris's origin story - from St. John's homebrew obsession to Toronto's emerging craft scene The Folly Brewpub chapter and everything farmhouse-style Why he left Toronto to co-found Landwash Brewery in Newfoundland - and how he saw the craft explosion coming Building Landwash into one of Atlantic Canada's most respected independent operations What he walked into at Old Credit, and the philosophy behind "thoughtful modernization" The history of Old Credit — 30+ years, one family, and a lot of beer Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode, Troy sits down with Dan Johnston, VP of Sales at Equals and the man driving the bus at Collingwood's Side Launch Brewing Co. Known for his infectious energy, deep community roots, and a career that has taken him from the bars of Melbourne to the boardrooms of cannabis and back again to craft beer, Dan is one of Ontario's most recognizable faces in the industry - and one of its most enthusiastic advocates.  They get into Dan's winding road through hospitality in Australia, his formative years at Collective Arts, the highs and hard lessons of scaling a brand from 2,000 to 45,000 hectoliters, and what drew him north to Collingwood and Side Launch. It's a conversation about community, relationships, the grind of beer sales, and what it really means to wear a brand on your sleeve. What's in this episode: Dan's origin story - from Georgetown to Melbourne to craft beer sales His years at Collective Arts and what he took away from that chapter The cannabis detour, and why beer always called him back The history of Side Launch Brewing from founding to Equals ownership The "Built to Launch" rebrand and what it means for the brand's future What the day-to-day of leading beer sales actually looks like Industry headwinds, cautious optimism, and advice for anyone looking to break in  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode, Troy sits down with Alex Diamandas, Regional Sales Manager at Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), to explore the world behind one of beer’s most important ingredients: hops. From collaborations like Continental Rift and Karma Cryo IPA to experimental Flight Series releases, GLB has worked closely with YCH over the years and this conversation pulls back the curtain on how those hops go from field to glass.   Alex shares his journey from microbiology labs and homebrewing to the brewhouse and eventually into the global hop supply chain. They talk about what YCH actually does, how the hop industry operates at scale, and why hops have become such a defining force in modern craft beer. Along the way, they get into hop varieties, Cryo and extract products, and how brewers today approach building hop-forward beers with more intention than ever before.   What’s in this episode: The role Yakima Chief Hops plays in the global beer industry How hops are grown, processed, and turned into pellets, Cryo, and extracts Alex’s path from science and homebrewing into brewing and hop sales A breakdown of popular hop varieties like Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe What hop selection in Yakima looks like and why brewers travel there every year Insights into new hop development and the future of hop innovation Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy sits down with a true pioneer of Ontario craft beer: Jim Brickman, founder of Brick Brewing. Long before hazy IPAs, tall cans, and hundreds of Ontario breweries, Jim took a risk on a simple idea - that Canadians might want something different from the handful of macro lagers dominating the market. In 1984, he opened Ontario’s first modern post-Prohibition craft brewery, helping spark the movement that would eventually reshape Canadian beer.  Jim shares the story behind Brick Brewing’s early days, from traveling the world researching breweries to convincing skeptical bankers that a small independent brewery could survive in a market ruled by giants. We talk about building a brewery from scratch, the realities of launching a new beer category, how those early bets helped create the craft scene we know today, and what his chapter will read in the history books.  What’s in this episode: The start of the craft beer movement How European beer culture inspired Jim to start a brewery in Canada Convincing banks to fund a brewery competing against the “Big Three” Opening Brick Brewing in 1984 and selling out the first batch Early Brick beers like Brick Premium Lager, Red Baron, and Amber Taking Brick Brewing public and raising money to grow Behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of Canadian craft brewing  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode, Troy sits down with Mandie Murphy, the marketing mind, industry advocate, and co-founder of Toronto’s Left Field Brewery. Widely respected for her leadership and voice in Ontario craft beer, Mandie shares her journey from corporate marketing to building a purpose-driven brewery rooted in community, independence, a love of baseball, and doing so alongside her partner in business and in life.   They get into the baseball-inspired brand, the now-infamous noise complaint that went all the way to city hall, leadership lessons learned the hard way, and Mandie’s perspective on growing craft beer beyond its 11% market share in Ontario. An honest conversation about risk, resilience, and creating joy through beer... and renting U-Hauls on the weekend.   What’s in this episode: The Left Field origin story – from reading a blog to Niagara College to contract brewing Building a baseball-driven brand  Becoming the first brewery in Toronto’s East End Scaling up: opening Leslieville and launching Liberty Village Navigating controversy, community, and city hall Leadership, burnout, and industry advocacy What’s next for Ontario craft beer Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy Burtch sits down with Cam Fryer, co-founder of Royal City Brewing, a passionate beer industry veteran whose story has seldom been told. From early days hauling kegs at Great Lakes Brewery to studying German history and falling head-over-heels for classic European beer culture, Cam’s path into brewing feels both intentional and serendipitous. The conversation traces Cam’s journey through Germany and the UK, the formative beers that changed how he thought about brewing, and the vision behind building Royal City as “Guelph’s brewery”. Along the way, Cam reflects on partnerships, their place in the industry, the Guelph community, and what it really takes to open, and sustain, an independent brewery in today’s beer landscape.  In this episode: Cam’s early beer industry roots at Great Lakes Brewery The serendipitous moments that shaped his brewing philosophy How the German beer culture influenced Royal City Brewery Building a brewery grounded in place, partnership, and community Lessons learned and advice for aspiring brewery founders Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

This week on Between Two Fermenters, we’re joined by two longtime friends, collaborators, and absolute heavyweights of Ontario craft beer: Steve “Bebo” Pilotto and Chris Steininger from Third Moon Brewing.  Before Third Moon became one of the most talked-about breweries in the province, Bebo was a homebrewer turning heads with hazy IPAs, and Chris was a GLB superfan lining up for releases, hauling cases home, and chasing the beers he loved. Their shared obsession eventually turned into a partnership, and in May 2020, right in the middle of a global pandemic, Third Moon Brewing was born.  In this episode, Bebo and Chris get candid about the road that led them here, the pressure of turning passion into a livelihood, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in craft beer. We dig into: How two beer nerds met, bonded, and realized they were “the maniacs” in the room Bebo’s homebrewing roots and the Unfazed by Haze collab that helped shape GLB’s hazy IPAs Opening a brewery during COVID and why those early, chaotic days were both terrifying and magical Friendship vs. Partnership – how that changes when beer stops being a hobby and becomes your life Building Third Moon’s culture, team, and ethos (and why “everyone pushing the car” matters) Why they brew the beers they want to drink, trends be damned  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, we welcome a strong voice in global beer education - Mirella Amato. Mirella is a trailblazing beer educator, sensory expert, author, and judge who has shaped beer appreciation worldwide, making history as the first and only Canadian to hold both the Master Cicerone and Grand Master BJCP Judge titles.  Reconnecting after nearly a decade, Troy and Mirella trace her journey from the early days of Canadian craft beer media and podcasting, to founding her own company (Beerology), covering and showcasing the early days of Quebec craft beer, helping co-found CASK! Toronto and the Toronto chapters of Barley’s Angels and Pink Boots Society, to shaping beer qualifications at WSET, and mentoring many devoted beer drinkers across the country. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

2025 was a year of sharp turns and constant adjustment in the beer industry and early signs suggest 2026 isn’t here to slow things down.In this short kickoff episode, we reflect on the past year, the uncertainty ahead, and what it means to keep showing up in an industry that never stops changing. No buzzwords, no hype, just an honest check-in on beer, brewing, and the people behind it.Whether this year brings growth, rebuilding, or simply holding steady, we’re here for the conversation.

This week on Between Two Fermenters, Troy is joined by Dr. Dan Malleck, Professor and Chair of Health Sciences at Brock University, author, and one of Canada’s leading experts on alcohol policy and regulation. With decades of research into the history of booze, prohibition, and temperance movements, Dan brings crucial context to today’s debates around alcohol regulation. From the lingering legacy of prohibition to the power and persistence of modern temperance narratives, this conversation dives deep into how policy shapes drinking culture... and how it continues to impact brewers, consumers, and communities across Canada. The episode explores: The historical roots of Canada’s alcohol laws and the creation of the LCBO Why prohibition-era thinking still influences modern policy The role of beer in shaping Canadian identity Dan’s testimony before the Canadian Senate and his critique of the CCSA’s low-risk drinking guidelines Why pubs, breweries, and third places matter more than ever in an age of social isolation Equal parts academic insight and taproom conversation, this episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about craft beer, public policy, and the cultural role alcohol plays in our lives. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Raise a pint - Between Two Fermenters hits episode 50! To mark the milestone, Peter Bulut, Owner and President of Great Lakes Brewery, joined the show. Peter first appeared on Episode 1, helping set the tone for this show dedicated to preserving the stories, voices, struggles, and triumphs of the Canadian craft beer industry. Now he’s back for a deep, unscripted conversation about nearly four decades in beer, leadership, family legacy, hard lessons, and the relentless spirit that built GLB into Ontario’s fiercely independent local brewery. In this episode, Peter reflects on: His unexpected start in beer: from construction school to walking into a tiny Brampton brewery brewing extract beer and selling it in 1-litre plastic bottles Early GLB chaos: burnt batches, infected tanks, dumping beer, and the grind of rebuilding quality and trust Surviving the dark years and the long road from near-collapse to national awards, modern craft innovation, and explosive growth The move to Etobicoke, scaling up, and learning the business from the ground up, one bag of malt at a time Leadership, culture, and caring for people: building a team that stays, grows, and believes in the Vision together The beers that shaped GLB, from Devil’s Pale Ale and Pumpkin Ale to Canuck and beyond. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears.

In this packed episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch of Great Lakes Brewery sits down with one of Ontario’s most influential beer leaders: Todd Lewin, President and Partner at Muskoka Brewery. With nearly three decades spent in beer, Todd brings a wealth of insight, experience, and candor to the conversation. From his early days teaching ski lessons, to cutting his teeth at Molson during the industry’s heyday, to ultimately helping steer Muskoka Brewery through major expansion, operational transformation, taxation hurdles, retail reform, and the rise of non-alc, RTD drinks, and more, Todd walks us through the highs, lows, and defining moments of a life spent in beer. Highlights include:  Todd’s origins, like his unconventional route into beer His years at Molson - the glory days of beer as some might say - cultural shifts, and a sudden downsizing that reset his path. The Muskoka chapter - joining the brewery in 2011, transitioning from 8,000 to 80,000 sq ft, becoming a partner, and eventually taking on the role of president Leadership lessons - building trust, staying close to the team, walking the floor, and leading with long-term vision Muskoka Brewery’s roots in Bracebridge, local involvement, and the mission to reignite the fun that beer brings to people. What’s next - the brewery’s upcoming 30th anniversary and the future of Ontario craft beer. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Brad Clifford of Clifford Brewing in East Hamilton, one of Ontario’s most respected and quietly talented brewers, joins the show for the first time for a frank and honest discussion.  From humble beginnings homebrewing in a 700-square-foot condo to building one of Ontario’s most award-winning, community-driven breweries, Brad shares the full journey. Hear how early inspiration from those that came before him, a nano-brew setup inside Toronto’s Get Well bar, and countless award-winning batches helped shape Brad’s precise, style-driven brewing philosophy. In this episode: The homebrewing roots and early Toronto craft beer days that sparked Brad’s brewing career How a tiny two-hectolitre system at Get Well became a launchpad for Clifford Brewing The origin story of the now-iconic Clifford Porter Finding and transforming a massive East Hamilton industrial space into a thriving taproom Why community, consistency, and classic styles are at the heart of Clifford Brewing The challenges and realities of running a small, independent brewery today The moment Clifford Brewing became Canadian Brewery of the Year Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Host Troy Burtch from Great Lakes Brewery sits down with Emma Hambrock, Inside Sales Representative and long-time team member at Fairweather Brewing in Hamilton, Ontario. Since Fairweather opened its doors in 2017, Emma has been at the heart of the brewery, helping shape its welcoming taproom, community-driven culture, and creative beer lineup. In this episode, Emma shares her journey into the craft beer world - from her early days at Silversmith Brewery to helping build Fairweather from the ground up (literally, with her handprints in the concrete). She and Troy chat about the Hamilton beer scene, the art of creating memorable beer experiences, and the people behind Fairweather’s signature beers like High Grade, Donna, and Wishing Well. Expect laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of craft beer love as they dive into what makes Fairweather Brewing one of Hamilton's most beloved breweries. Highlights include: How Emma found her way into the beer industry The origin and evolution of Fairweather Brewing Building a strong brewery culture and community in Hamilton Insights on beer education, design, and storytelling in craft brewing A sneak peek at Fairweather’s latest releases and what’s next for the team Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode of Between 2 Fermenters, host Troy Burtch of Great Lakes Brewery sits down with Tomas and Julian Morana, the brothers who have redefined Toronto’s beer scene. From the legendary Bar Volo and Birreria Volo, to Keep Six Imports, Cask Days, and their latest venture Bottega Volo, the Moranas have built an empire that shaped Ontario’s craft beer scene while putting Toronto on the global stage. Together, the Morana’s discuss their journey - growing up in the original Caffé Volo as young boys, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, their design-driven approach to hospitality, and how they’ve carried forward their father Ralph’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a beer bar can be. They get into all the ventures and projects that are tackling and share why and how they are intentional in all they do.  In this episode: The evolution of Volo from their perspective - from Caffé Volo to Bar Volo, Birreria Volo, and beyond How Keep Six Imports and Cask Days helped connect Ontario to the global beer community Balancing family, fatherhood, and running multiple venues The Moranas’ design and travel influences that shape the look and feel of their spaces Carrying forward Ralph Morana’s legacy while making their own mark on Canadian beer culture Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Ontario’s craft beer scene is changing fast, very fast, and nobody knows that better than Jason Stein. When a large distributor of craft beer announced it was shutting down their beer operation, breweries scrambled to find new ways to get their beer to market. Enter FIL Delivery Inc., the logistics company Jason founded in 2020. In this episode, host Troy Burtch of Great Lakes Brewery sits down with Jason to talk about the rise of FIL Delivery, the challenges of scaling from two vans to a fleet of 36 trucks, and how technology is reshaping beer distribution. They also dive into Jason’s other passion project, Burdock Brewery (Co-Founder), a Toronto staple known for its lagers, experimental wine-beer hybrids, thriving live music venue, and laying down roots in Toronto’s Kensington Market neighbourhood. From turning lemons into lemonade during the pandemic, Jason shares candid insights on entrepreneurship, growth, and staying independent in a rapidly shifting industry. How FIL Delivery scaled from two vans to a province-wide fleet The role of technology in modern beer logistics Burdock Brewery’s origin story and its unique blend of beer, wine, and music How the Kensington Market neighbourhood has accepted Burdock Lessons Jason has learned about growth, risk, and staying focused Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

This episode of Between Two Fermenters welcomes Brad McInerney, Marketing Director at Wellington Brewery, to the show. With nearly two decades under his belt at one of Canada’s original craft breweries, Brad’s journey started on the packaging line and grew into shaping the brand’s creative vision, events, and community impact. Host Troy Burtch dives into Brad’s story - from booking punk shows in Hamilton to leading Wellington’s marketing and sales, building a thriving taproom, and helping define Guelph’s beer culture through initiatives like the Guelph Beer Bus (named Ontario’s Culinary Tourism Event of the Year, 2023). The fellas talk Wellington’s rich 40-year history, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, the return of cask ale, and what’s ahead for one of Ontario’s oldest independent breweries.  What’s Inside This Episode: Brad’s start on Wellington’s packaging line and rise to Marketing Director How booking punk shows shaped his approach to beer and community The story behind the award-winning Guelph Beer Bus Wellington Brewery’s 40-year legacy and upcoming anniversary celebrations Balancing tradition with innovation in craft beer Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Hilary Hoogsteen’s path in craft beer has taken her from British Columbia to Northern Ontario and now onto the national stage. After time spent at Fernie Brewing (BC) and Sleeping Giant Brewing (Thunder Bay, ON), she has taken on the roles as Competition Director for the Canada Beer Cup alongside the contributions she has made through her work with both the Canadian Craft Brewers Association and Ontario Craft Brewers. In this episode, Hilary sits down with host Troy Burtch to talk about the evolution of her career, the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian breweries, and what it takes to organize one of the country’s most ambitious beer competitions. She also provides an overview of the growing craft beer culture in Thunder Bay and reflects on the community that continues to inspire her work. They also discuss:  The work that the CCBA and OCB are doing for independent breweries Elevating Canadian brewing on a global stage through the Canada Beer Cup  Offers a behind the scenes tour of Thunder Bay’s beer scene Life, family, and finding balance in a passion-driven industry Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch sits down with Great Lakes Brewery’s Experiences Manager, Nick Densmore, to talk about the second annual Brewed For You Festival, taking place Saturday August 30th at GLB in glorious Etobicoke. The fellas also discuss the upcoming 25th anniversary of opening the GLB retail store and what they will be doing to celebrate it.Troy and Nick chat about: What makes this brewery-run beer festival truly equitable and community-driven Two epic music sessions: 80s cover band Born in the 80s and 90s legends Discmen Festival food lineup featuring smash burgers, momos, BBQ, and more A sneak peek at the exclusive Brewed For You festival beer How to get there (hint: free shuttles from TTC & GO) Why $30 gets you way more than just entry Brewed for you Festival - sponsored by Zenan GlasswareWhether you attended last year or are a curious newcomer for BFY Fest, this episode will get you hyped for one of Ontario’s most anticipated craft beer events. Grab your tickets, rally your buds, and get ready to “drink beer from here”! Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch is joined by the dynamic Catherine Oppedisano, VP of Marketing at Steam Whistle Brewing. From a memorable one-night shift with Great Lakes Brewery in 2012 to spearheading major brand revivals across Ontario’s craft beer landscape, Catherine shares her inspiring journey through the industry. Catherine reflects on her early beer days, her pivotal introductory role in beer at Flying Monkeys, educational years at Mill Street, the huge growth experienced at Collective Arts, and now the fun she’s having at Steam Whistle. She dives into lessons learned while navigating takeovers, driving innovation, creating memorable campaigns, and leading one of the country's most recognizable beer brands back to its roots. Get ready for a fun, fast-paced conversation full of branding gold, beer nostalgia, and candid insights from one of Ontario’s most respected marketing minds. Some highlights in this episode: Getting her start at Great Lakes and learning to “figure it out” on the go The influence of creative mentors and DIY design roots Reinventing Steam Whistle’s brand while respecting its legacy Why brand consistency is more powerful than perfection Navigating the intersection of marketing, creativity, and strategy Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

In this 40th episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch sits down with longtime friend, former Great Lakes Brewery legend, and mixed-fermentation evangelist Rob ‘Bobo’ Hern, founder of Short Finger Brewing Co. in Kitchener-Waterloo. From sorting empties at the Beer Store to forging his own DIY path in Ontario's craft beer scene in homebrewing, Rob’s journey is packed with perseverance, weirdness, and a whole lot of passion and hard work. Troy and Rob reminisce about their GLB days, including the time a ping pong table took over the office, rooftop beers, the early years and the wild west attitude, and off-roading in questionable company vehicles. Rob reflects on how a love for homebrewing, a rogue furniture relocation incident, and support from his brilliant wife helped shape the vision for Short Finger, a brewery now known for its bold barrel-aged and mixed-fermentation offerings. Some highlights: The origins of the nickname "Bobo" Starting Short Finger from a homebrew shop in his basement Influences from Mike Lackey and the GLB crew Kitchener-Waterloo as the perfect place for Short Finger The legacy of homebrew competitions, pumpkin ale, and forgotten couches Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

Host Troy Burtch of Great Lakes Brewery is joined by Sam Corbeil, the mustachioed brewmaster and co-founder of Sawdust City Brewing Co. in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Known for his big ideas and even bigger beers, Sam opens up about his journey from the world of advertising to becoming one of Ontario’s most recognized people in craft brewing.  The conversation traces his early days at Magnotta, Robert Simpson (now Flying Monkeys), and Mill Street, his brewing education in Berlin, and the birth of Sawdust City. Along the way, Sam reflects on the changing landscape of Ontario’s beer scene, the value of community and giving back to others (paying it forward), and what it takes to remain an independent brewery in an evolving industry. Troy and Sam discuss how they first met and how they worked together back in the day, dig into the recent “merger” between Sawdust City and Lake of Bays Brewing, and much more.  This is a rich, honest, and passionate conversation that blends storytelling, friendship, and a deep love for craft. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, we're welcoming back a familiar voice in Scott Simmons, President of theOntario Craft Brewers Association (OCB). If there’s anyone who knows how to navigate the ever-changing intersection of beer and policy, it’s Scott. He joins Troy to unpack what many are calling a game-changing and historic moment for Ontario’s craft beer industry: the recent 2025 provincial budget. Troy and Scott discuss what was announced, why it matters, and what it means for both brewers and beer drinkers alike. From tax relief and retail reforms to red tape reduction and long-overdue modernization efforts, Scott breaks down the wins, the work still ahead, and the exciting direction things are headed in. They also get into the role of the OCB moving forward, how breweries can stay engaged, and why this moment is bigger than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery is where craft beer and conversation collide - straight from the tanks to your ears. 

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy Burtch is joined by someone who’s had a profound impact on his life - a mentor, pioneer, and dear friend: Ron Keefe, founder of Toronto’s family-owned Granite Brewery. If you heard Episode 15 with his daughter Mary-Beth, you’ll know how much the Keefe family means to Troy. Ron welcomed him into the world of Ontario craft beer back in 2007, answering every question with patience and generosity, and later entrusted me with his Beer Appreciation course at George Brown College. His quiet leadership, deep knowledge, and genuine kindness have shaped not just Troy’s beer journey, but the paths of countless others in the industry. In this wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, we explore Ron’s life before the Granite, the origins of the brewery in Halifax (opened by his late brother, Kevin Keefe), and how it became a midtown Toronto institution. We talked about the joys and challenges of running a family business, what it means to build a legacy, and Ron’s role in pushing for licensing reforms that opened doors for so many Ontario brewers. We also discussed his battle with ALS and the powerful story behind Ron’s Lager. Ron may be modest, but his influence is undeniable - this is a conversation with one of Ontario’s true craft beer trailblazers. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Kangaroo Wants to Fight... Troy is joined by Craig Thorn and Nathan Lefebvre from Beer and Other Shit - or BAOS, as most know it as - a multimedia craft beer platform that’s been serving up content since 2015. Alongside co-host Tiffany Alexis Davey (Thorn's better half), the BAOS crew produces one of the longest-running beer podcasts around, featuring in-depth conversations with brewers, owners, and industry insiders. Their episodes dive into everything from brewing techniques and marketing strategies to the personal stories that shape the people behind the pours and pints.  Beyond the podcast, BAOS keeps busy with beer reviews, brewery visits, and candid one-on-ones through their YouTube web series and blog - including pieces like “Top 10 Breweries in Ontario for 2024” (EVEN THOUGH THEY DIDN’T CHOOSE GLB). Craig and Tiffany also founded Link UP, a not-for-profit aimed at increasing BIPOC representation in craft beer through collaboration, education, and access. With 2025 marking their 10th anniversary, they’re throwing a celebratory beer festival in partnership with breweries across Ontario and Quebec, and we got in on the fun by brewing Kangaroo Wants to Fight IPA together. In this episode, we’ll cover the BAOS origin story, the impact of Link UP, what’s in store for the big anniversary, and why Thorn can’t stop screaming in photos.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com.Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, host Troy Burtch welcomes Troy Baxter, Co-Founder and Brewer at Badlands Brewery from Caledon, Ontario, a small-but-mighty ‘farm’ brewery turning heads (and hops) across the province. From a 1-barrel system in a retrofitted calf barn (2017) to a 15-barrel “IPA factory,” Badlands has built a loyal following for their hazy, hop-forward beers, all brewed on a 100-acre working farm with Holsteins grazing just a few steps away. No LCBO sales. No Beer Store presence (anymore). Just straight-from-the-brewery freshness done their way.  In this episode, we dig into Troy’s unconventional journey from an inexperienced homebrewer to head brewer with zero formal training and zero investors alongside his wife Grace and longtime friend Mike. Burtch gets Troy to tell the story of the legendary beer bus (taproom), why the cows are basically on payroll, and what it means to keep things small, and rooted in community. The fellas crack some beers, discuss Badlands’ history, the underrated power of brewery blogs, and hear firsthand what it’s like to turn a family farm into one of Ontario’s most buzzed-about breweries. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.  

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy cracks a cold one with Kristin MacDonald, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Muskoka Brewery, to hear her incredible journey from Summer Brand Rep in 2010 to executive leadership. They dive into the history of Muskoka Brewery, from its humble beginnings in a Bracebridge granary in 1996 to becoming a cornerstone of Ontario craft beer and a community landmark in the heart of cottage country, and how Kristin’s father, Bob MacDonald, helped steer its growth after becoming majority owner in 2008. Kristin shares what it’s been like to grow alongside the brewery, taking on nearly every role imaginable (9 positions), getting to know the business inside and out. They also chat about Kristin contributing to the purchase of Vancouver Island Brewery and Rally Beer Co. through the family-run Krismark Holdings and the impact that had on the brewery and why these acquisitions were made.Troy and Kristin cover everything from Muskoka’s most iconic beers and the rise of Muskoka Spirits to tough decisions like the closure of VIB, the impact teamwork has had on the success of the brewery, and what the next chapter looks like for this proudly independent family-owned business. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

You know the name. You’ve heard about the beer. Big Rock Brewery has been a pillar of Canadian craft brewing since 1985, founded by Ed McNally, a Calgary-based lawyer, farmer, and visionary who was fed up with boring mass-produced lagers and decided to do something about it (attaboy, Ed). From just three original beers Traditional Ale (TRAD), Porter, and Bitter to trailblazing brews like Grasshopper Wheat Ale, Big Rock helped kickstart not just Alberta’s craft beer scene, but Canada’s. Today on the pod, we’re heading west. To the land of big rocks, big hats, and, apparently, bowties. I’m joined by none other than Brad Goddard, Vice President of Innovation, Business Development, and Government Relations at Big Rock Brewery. He’s also the Chair of the Coalition of Canadian Independent Craft Breweries (CCICB) and the Alberta Small Brewers Association. If anyone knows what’s brewing - politically, economically, or in the tanks - it’s Brad. We’ll chat about Big Rock’s roots and its role in shaping the Canadian craft scene, the challenges and opportunities facing independent brewers today, and how Brad went from chasing acting gigs in Toronto to pulling off a legendary twin switcheroo at Steam Whistle (yes, we’re telling that story). And friends, Brad is an excellent storyteller!  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

We’ve got a special episode for you today - shorter, but packed with flavour, just like the beer we’re celebrating. We’re taking you lakeside, where sunshine, hops, and good vibes come together in a can of pure refreshment. This one’s all about Sunnyside Session IPA and our province-wide celebration, SUNNY DAY. We’ll take you behind the scenes, diving into the history of Sunnyside, its rise to fame, and the story of the cheerful little guy on the label, Roland Baggetts... who might just introduce himself. Troy is also joined by Sharla Paino, GLB’s Content Marketing Manager, who will break down what Sunny Day is all about and how you can get involved on Friday, April 4. And of course, we couldn’t do this episode without the voices of GLB staff, sharing their love for this iconic beer. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to followGreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

In this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy sits down with one of Canada’s most serious, passionate, and proud brewers - Matt Tweedy, co-owner and Brewing Director at Ottawa’s Tooth and Nail Brewery.  Matt’s dedication to the craft is second to none. From honing his skills at legendary breweries like Cantillon in Belgium, Lost Abbey in the US, and Fullers in the UK, to flourishing in Ontario’s beer scene at King Brewery, Beau’s, and Toronto’s iconic beerbistro, his journey has been relentless in the pursuit of brewing perfection. Now, as Tooth and Nail celebrates its 10th anniversary, Matt continues to push boundaries, earning respect across the industry, especially for his Vim and Vigor Pilsner, a beer beloved by brewers and drinkers alike. Troy and Matt dive into his brewing philosophy, the origins of Tooth and Nail, and his path through some of the most influential breweries in the world and how it shaped him as a brewer. Plus, we chat about his latest collaboration brew with GLB, reviving an extinct East German pilsner style, the Pilsator. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to followGreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

If you’ve ever browsed the beer section at your local bookstore, chances are you’ve seen the name Stephen Beaumont. Stephen is the author of an astounding 15 beer books, and his work has graced the pages of The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Whisky Advocate, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast, and even Playboy. He’s also contributed to legendary beer publications likeAll About Beer, The Celebrator, Ale Street News, and TAPS Beer Magazine. With a career spanning over three decades, Stephen is Canada’s longest-tenured beer writer, a globally recognized beer judge, and was a co-founder of the iconic Toronto beer destination, Beerbistro. When he’s not jet-setting to the world’s greatest breweries, he’s sharing his no-nonsense, expert opinions on his platform, Beaumont Drinks. In this episode, we cover it all - his early days as a beer writer, the evolution of beer journalism, why Canadian beer is amazing, his insights as a beer judge, and his take on where beer is headed.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Ever had a flat, foamy, or off-tasting pint? Chances are that the problem wasn’t the beer... it was the draught system. On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, we’re pulling back the tap handle and diving deep into the world of draught quality with Paddy Treacy, Founder of Northern Lines, a Toronto-based company specializing in draught line cleaning, repair, and installation. Paddy has been ensuring top-notch beer quality for Great Lakes Brewery and others for years now, encountering everything from horror-story-worthy lines to perfectly dialed-in systems. In this episode, he shares insider knowledge on the importance of regular draught line maintenance, best practices for achieving the perfect pour, the wildest things he’s seen on the job and who’s really responsible for keeping beer lines clean (and why it’s a hot topic in the industry). Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a bartender, or a brewery owner, this episode is packed with insights that’ll change the way you think about draught beer.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

The guest on this episode is nothing short of a legend. Some call him the Godfather of beer in Ontario, while others simply call him Ralph. Ralph Morana is the visionary behind Bar Volo, Cask Days, Birreria Volo, and so much more—a man who has shaped craft beer culture in Toronto, across Ontario, and beyond. From transforming an Italian café on a corner of Yonge Street into one of North America's most influential beer spots to pioneering cask ale in Ontario, launching the IPA Challenge, and building Cask Days into an internationally recognized event, Ralph has done it all, inspiring so many along the way. Bar Volo gave brewers a space to experiment, connect, and push boundaries. It helped shape the beer industry we know today.  Ralph’s story has been told many times, but rarely by the man himself. With this episode, we change that, as we sit down with Ralph to reflect on his journey, the stories behind Bar Volo, and the legacy he continues to build with his sons, Tomas and Julian, with their always evolving locations.   Thank you for tuning into the#BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to followGreatLakesBeer on all social channels.greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted byTroy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Welcome to Between Two Fermenters, the podcast where we dive deep into the stories shaping the craft beer industry. In this episode, Troy sits down with Natasha Fritzley, President of Cowbell Brewery, to explore her incredible journey through various leadership roles since joining the company before its doors opened in August 2017.  We’ll discuss the story of Cowbell, often referred to as Canada’s Destination Brewery. Natasha shares insights into its massive facility in Blyth, Ontario, the Sparling family’s bold vision to create such a brewery, and the company’s commitment to sustainability and beer tourism.  Beyond Cowbell, Natasha is a leader in Ontario’s craft beverage industry, serving as Chair of the Ontario Craft Ready-to-Drink Coalition and a Board Member of the Ontario Craft Brewers Association (OCB). Troy and Natasha explore her advocacy for small breweries and the policy changes she’s championing. Natasha also shares her thoughts on leadership, why understanding a business from the ground up is key, and her advice for aspiring industry leaders.  Cole’s Notes returns with Cole Raiskums, GLB’s Quality Assurance Lab Supervisor. Cole takes us on a colourful tour into the history of colour measurement in beer, and how it is related to the invention of colour printers.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.  

"I loved brewing when I first started doing it in my early 20s" - In this episode, we sit down with Michael Lackey—better known as Lackey—a legendary figure at Great Lakes Brewery (GLB) and the brewery’s Brewing Operations Manager. You might recognize him from the very first episode of Between Two Fermenters: The Stories We Could Tell, where he joined Peter Bulut, GLB’s Owner and President, to celebrate 37 years of brewing excellence.  This time, we’re dive deeper into Lackey’s 34-year journey at GLB, exploring his day-to-day responsibilities, his passion for quality and freshness, and the unique brewing philosophy that helped shape GLB’s transformation from a lager-heavy brewery to an industry leader in craft beer. Along the way, Lackey reflects on the golden age of Ontario craft brewing (2010-2019), the inspiration he drew from breweries like Three Floyds, and the incredible influence of a trip to the Czech Republic.  We touch on the state of the beer industry today, the value of collaboration beers, and Lackey’s hopes for 2025 - “The Year of the Octo” - as it’s called internally. It's a lively chat filled with fun memories, stories about giant sombreros, blankets, some key insights, and lots of laughs.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.  

In this episode, we sit down with Christine Comeau, the Executive Director of the Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) - the voice of Canadian craft beer. Representing nearly 1,200 small and independent craft breweries, brewpubs, and supplier partners across the country, the CCBA plays a pivotal role behind the scenes here in the country.  Join us as we delve into Christine's insights on some of the most pressing topics for Canadian craft brewers: the recent federal beer excise tax victory, the GST/HST federal Tax Holiday and its impact on the industry, her experience representing all New Brunswick alcohol producers, low-risk drinking guidelines, "poison" label requirements, and her excitement surrounding the Canada Beer Cup.  With experience in marketing, brand strategy, and leadership, Christine has had an impressive career, including roles as the Executive Director of Craft Alcohol NB and Marketing Director at Moosehead Breweries (rumour has it she was Andrew Oland’s boss back then!).  YEE-HAW! The man in the white lab coat is back and ready to WRANGLE some yeast. GLB’s Quality Assurance Lab Supervisor, Cole Raiskums, returns to take you on one adventurous ride into the world of yeast.    Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Welcome to another episode of Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto’s Great Lakes Brewery, where we dive deep into the world of craft beer and the passionate people behind it. Today, it’s our pleasure to welcome one of our own, Nick Perry, to the show for the first time!  Nick is the Production Supervisor at GLB and has been part of the team since 2016. Over the past eight years, Nick, who started with the company on the packaging line, has experienced a lot – from overseeing our packaging department to a switch to brewing, cellaring, experimenting with new styles, learning and growing every step of the way.  We explore Nick’s journey from his early days of homebrewing to his career in photography and entrepreneurship (pizza) to becoming a key member of the GLB brewing team. From brewing standout 7 Barrel Series beers like Monty Mild and Absacker Helles to managing early mornings as GLB’s 4am brewer, Nick has had a hand in crafting some of your favourite brands. We also chat about his experience training in Germany, the lessons he’s brought back to GLB, and the advice he has for those dreaming of switching careers to follow their passion.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels and at greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.   

"My beers are the portfolio of my life.”  In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Luc ‘Bim’ Lafontaine, the mastermind behind Godspeed Brewery, a "neighbourhood brewpub with an international reputation”, located at 242 Coxwell Avenue in Toronto. Bim’s reputation as a world-renowned brewer precedes him, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry icons like Garrett Oliver, Yvan De Baets, Jan Van Roy, Sam Calagione, and others who define brewing excellence.  From his humble beginnings as a teenage homebrewer to his transformative years at Montreal’s famed Dieu Du Ciel, Bim’s journey has taken him across the globe—from perfecting his craft in Japan to building Godspeed into a showcase of Czech brewing in Ontario. Known for his meticulous approach, unwavering commitment for perfection, and innovative yet traditional styles, Bim’s influence resonates throughout the beer industry, inspiring brewers and captivating beer lovers alike.   Cole Raiskums is back with his Cole’s Notes, educating us all on what’s really GROWING in our beer... Interesting!  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Hancock himself, a legend in Canadian brewing with four decades of stories, innovations, and inspirations.   Step back to 1976, when a young Hancock arrived in Canada for what he thought would be a brief engineering role at Molson’s. But a decade later, Michael’s passion for the craft of brewing sparked a new path. After studying at the prestigious Siebel Institute and an inspiring encounter with Bavarian royalty, Michael pivoted from engineering to brewing—a decision that would change Ontario’s beer scene for good.  In 1989, Denison’s Brewpub at 75 Victoria Avenue in Toronto was born with a focus on German style beers in a predominately English Ale era in Ontario. Denison’s quickly became an institution, a place where Hancock’s beers set the stage for a new generation of brewers. Though Denison’s closed in 2003, his passion didn’t waver. Through collaborations and contract brewing, he kept Denison’s flavors alive until he found his new home at Side Launch Brewing in 2014, bringing new vigor to his iconic brands and earning Side Launch the title of Canadian Brewery of the Year in 2016. We discuss it all and more in this in-depth interview.    Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!      Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

In this episode, we dive deep into the 38-year brewing journey of one of the provinces beer pioneers, Mr. Paul Dickey, Ontario’s Iron Brewer. Since starting in 1986, Paul has made an enduring mark on the craft beer scene, from co-founding the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association (CABA), serving as a Grand Master Level I Beer Judge, and creating the Iron Brewer competitions.   From his apprenticeship at Denison’s Brewing in the '80s to brewing iconic beers at Pepperwood Bistro in Burlington, Black Oak Brewing Co., and founding Cheshire Valley Brewing Co., Paul has created, and crafted, some of Ontario’s most beloved beers. Whether it's Black Oak Saison or Nutcracker Porter, Mill Street Coffee Porter, Kensignton’s Augusta Ale or Trailer Park Boys' Freedom 35, Paul's recipes have been enjoyed throughout Ontario and beyond.  Tune in to hear about his illustrious career, his contributions to the Beer Judge Certification Program, and his latest projects. Paul's passion for brewing is unmatched, and this episode will take you on a journey to Ontario’s vast beer history with one of its legends.   Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

On October 15, news broke about two Ontario breweries joining forces. That information garnered a lot of attention, and the industry was a buzz with the news, so like a one-off beer, we had to record a special episode to get all the juicy details. Yes, Lake of Bays Brewing Co and Merit Brewing shared the news that they were merging their two breweries, eliciting a lot of congratulatory messages and questions like “what does this mean” - a brewery in Hamilton... and a brewery in Baysville (that’s up north folks)... merging?  Was it a sale? What will happen next? To learn more about it, Darren Smith (President and CEO, Lake of Bays Brewing) and Tej Sandhu (President and Co-Founder, Merit Brewing) joined Troy on the pod to spill the beans, to walk him through the details and what it all means for Ontario craft beer drinkers. Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.  

Aaron Protho, the Founder and CEO of Mascot Brewery, joins the show for the first of what will likely be multiple appearances on the pod. He’s as passionate as they come in this industry, from both a brewing and entrepreneurial perspective, and he’s created something very special with his company.   Through Aaron, Mascot was Canada’s first Black owned and operated brewery when he opened the doors back in 2015, something that he is extremely proud of and uses for good. Through his “Black Owned Collab” series he aspires to empower other black entrepreneurs to build a better world, knocking down barriers to entry for everyday people who just want to drink a delicious beer. He tells Troy all about that and more, like how he got his start in beer, what is important to him, and how he’s the Chill Master.   The Cole’s Notes segment has Cole talking about the multiple antimicrobials layers of beer which make it safe to drink. It’s an interesting one.   Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto'sGreat Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

In this episode, Troy sits down with Jen Reinhardt, the Senior Sales Manager with Great Lakes Brewery and one of the driving forces behind the brand, to discuss her journey in the craft beer industry.   Jen has been with GLB for almost six years, but her journey with us started way back in 2014. After getting her feet wet in the beer industry while still working in publishing, Jen realized how thrilling this world was and moved on to Muskoka Brewery before returning to her true home at GLB in 2019. Since then, she’s reshaped our sales team and brought incredible energy to the brewery, leading teams with kindness.   But there’s so much more to Jen’s story. From co-founding the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies to her past life as a DJ, Jen has worn many hats, and today we’re diving into it all.  The Cole’s Notes segment has us diving into what the mash is and why it’s important in the brewing process. The mash is the very first step when you brew a beer, and it all happens inside a large vessel called the mash tun.  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Jeff Talmey, one of the founders of Town Brewery in Whitby, ON, made his way to Etobicoke to tell us about the history of the seven-year-old brewery, how he got into the beer industry, discusses social media and their recent rebrand, his work with the Ontario Craft Brewers Conference, and much more.   Town was founded with a simple goal in mind; to make better beer and build a stronger community, something that Jeff and co have worked extremely hard one since opening their doors. A strong voice in beer, Jeff weaves together the startup story of the brewery with today’s current landscape and how Town fits into in. A fun and lively conversation with the Town Mayor! Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Steve Hukari, one of the founders of Southern Ontario Beer Boys, a group of Beer lovin' buddies from, you guessed it, Southern Ontario, joins the pod for the first time. Steve, and the SO Beer Boys, as they are frequently referred to, are said to be “ready and willing to conquer all beers while doing their part to make the world a better place,” and indeed they do.  What started out as an Instagram account, documenting what they were drinking and where they were drinking it, has morphed into something much larger with the crew organizing and running some amazing events like "Kans 4 Kids (Can/Bottle drives)" and the Brewers Ball (Brewery baseball tournament), raising thousands and thousands of dollars in the process. A force for good, Steve discusses the importance of community, why the Ontario craft beer industry means so much to him, and has a fresh Canuck Pale Ale or two in the process. Cole Raiskums answers listeners questions in his beloved Cole’s Notes segment, including a weird one from his assistant?? If you’re interested in sour beers, you’ll enjoy this one.   Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.    

Milos Kral joins the pod all the way from his perch above Milos’ Craft Beer Emporium. It would be hard to argue that no one person has done more for the London, ON beer scene, since the days of John Labatt himself, than Milos has. He’s created a place for beer lovers to enjoy from all parts of the province – a place people add to their “beer bucket list” to visit. Why? Because he curates a dynamic beer menu, supports local, and puts the customer first and foremost. He’s propped up and supported start up breweries and has done so while continuing to work with the old guard of craft and does so with one goal in mind – to be the best at what he does day in and day out while having a fun time doing it. A colourful storyteller, Kral will have you captivated with his views on hospitality, craft beers, and how much he loves hearing chatter in his pub. Milos Kral - King of the Beer Emporium Cole Raiskums, the Quality Assurance Lab Supervisor at GLB is back with his Cole’s Notes, and he spills the beans on what really goes on in the lab, and why it is important for a brewery to have a lab. It’s riveting!   Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.  

Mary-Beth Keefe, the Head Brewer of Toronto’s family-owned Granite Brewery joins the pod for her first time in the hot seat. The Alpha Female Mom and Lifter of heavy things, as she describes herself on her Instagram account, takes us through the history of the Granite, shares how she got her start in brewing and why she chose to pursue a career in the family business. She’ll also discuss what it’s like being one of only a handful of female brewmasters in Ontario and why she loves Ringwood yeast.  The Granite Brewery, and its Toronto founder, Ron Keefe (MB’s Father), hold a special place in the beer industry here in Ontario. Ron, a friend and mentor to many, has passed down his wisdom to Mary-Beth as she leads the second generation of Keefe’s in the operation of the brewhouse. A long-time friend, Mary-Beth and Troy tell some fun stories never told before.   Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! 

Dan Grant, the co-founder/owner of Toronto’s Bossanova Wine and Beer Shop, joins the pod to discuss the wonderfully curated wine and beer shop, or boutique if you want to get fancy, at 103 Roncesvalles Ave in Toronto.   But, Dan was in the beer industry long before he opened the doors to Bossanova in 2021, and Troy and Dan cover that in great detail.  From his beer writing days with NOW Magazine, his own blog BrewScout, to the founding of the very popular RUNTOBEER run club, teaching Prud’homme, hosting Toronto Brewery Tours, and more, Dan has been a fixture in the Ontario beer scene since 2012 and it was a pleasure to sit down with him to discuss it all, and more - like the time he attempted to run a marathon dressed as Gordie Levesque (Lumberjack on Canuck Pale Ale can), or when he got his head shaved at GLB for charity, or all the collaboration beers we’ve done together to support local causes. Buckle up for some fun stories.  Our Cole’s Notes segment has our man in the lab, Cole Raiskums, talk about seltzers and how they are different than beer, which is ironic as we just released a new Seltzer – Electric Spritz with Hibiscus & Lime Seltzer   Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good!  Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.