Tundra Brewery

WFMU's Beer Hear! Tundra Brewery podcast

Brewer Mark VanGladd of Tundra Brewery started out like may craft brewers -- as a homebrewer. Mark began homebrewing in college in upstate New York, before establishing the 10 barrel brewery located in Stamford, NY, about three hours north of NYC. He currently brews three styles, a Pale Ale made with maple syrup from his family's farm (Wool Homestead), an amber made with NY State honey and a brown ale.

So, what's the big deal about Tundra, then? For one thing, they're the first beer to be sold in the Green Markets. And Mark grows his own barley and hops for the beer! Talk about a self-sufficient brewery! The New York Times featured the brewery recently. The Trunda facebook page is here. You can find Mark selling his fine ales in sixpacks at the Green Market at Tucker Square on Saturdays and at Union Square on Fridays -- that's were we spoke to him for this week's podcast.

Brewed Awakening: Book By Josh Bernstein

WFMU's Beer Hear! Brewed Awakening podcast

Josh, his book, Bob and B.R.

Sorry to have been a bit tardy in posting the most recent podcast and blog post! Holidays, volunteerism, hockey, work... and beer -- they've all conspired to keep us from fulfilling our beer duties in a timely manner! (Well, aside from drinking beer -- THAT responsibility we've managed to honor!)

But FINALLY we're posting the fun barside interview that we conducted with Josh Bernstein at Minor Arcana, when we spoke to him about his new book, Brewed Awakening.

Josh, his beer, Bob and B.R.

Josh's dog.

Bartender Larry of Minor Arcana.

Tap list of Minor Arcana on an average night.

Lagunitas: Charitable Beer

WFMU's Beer Hear! Lagunitas podcast

Even though we were at the Blind Tiger the previous day for our annual post-Thanksgiving dinner digestive walk, we were very happy to visit there again with canned food in hand to donate to a food drive for the Food Bank for New York City organized by Mark of LAGUNITAS BREWING. 

Mark of Lagunitas, B.R. and Jim of Lagunitas.

The deal:  if you brought just one can of non-perishable food to donate, the brewery bought you a pint! Feeding hungry New Yorkers, one pint at a time...

Lagunitas' Facebook page.

Did you ever hear the story of when Lagunitas was raided and shut down by the California ABC? If you check out the podcast, then you will have!

Lagunitas will host another charity/beer drinking event in NYC, too. On Tuesday Dec. 20, 2011, they'll be coordinating with TOYS FOR TOTS, the US Marine Corps charity which collects toys to distribute to kids who may not otherwise have such a merry Christmas.

Just bring a new, unopened toy to Rattle 'n Hum on Dec. 20, and you'll get discounted beer AND a free Lagunitas pint glass that you can keep! We hope to see you there! (UPDATE: This event will now take place on Dec. 22 at Blind Tiger.)

Why is there no Brown Sugga' for the holidays this season? And what is in its place? Check out the podcast to find out!

Do you know about the collaboration that Lagunitas did with German brewery manufacturer ROLEC?   Podcast!