Midwest Microbrew

Midwest Microbrew is a craft beer discovery site dedicated to celebrating and promoting the independent brewing scene across the American Midwest. We go beyond the tasting notes to share the untold stories behind the Midwest's best craft breweries.

Midwest Microbrew is a leisure podcast hosted by Henry Nosek, with 28 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Henry Nosek hosts Midwest Microbrew, a leisure show with 28 episodes published.

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  Episode #28

  Episode 28: Mark Westbrock, Owner & Cidermaker at PAHA Cider

  Aug 13, 202623 minS1

  In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we sit down with Mark Westbrock, founder of PAHA Cider in Waverly, Iowa. Mark shares how a homebrewing hobby turned into a 375-tree orchard and full-scale cidery, PAHA's commitment to real fruit and locally sourced ingredients, and a tour through their core lineup — from the dry-hopped Brute to their fortified Pomeau. Whether you're a cider newbie or a seasoned fan, this episode has something for you. Audio-only episode Learn more about PAHA Cider: pahacider.com #Cider #HardCider #CraftBeverage #Iowa #Midwest #PAHACider #MidwestMicrobrew #CiderMaking #CraftCider

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  Episode #27

  Episode 27: Zach Bott, Winemaker at Fireside Winery

  Jul 23, 202618 minS1

  In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, we step outside the world of beer to explore Iowa wine country with Zach Bott, head winemaker at Fireside Winery in Marengo, Iowa (with a second location in the historic Amana Colonies). Zach shares how his family transitioned from farming 4,000 acres of row crops to growing their own Iowa grapes, and what makes Midwest wine worth a second look. We cover the full Fireside Winery experience — from their $10 tasting flights and wine club perks, to their live music nights, monthly production tours, and the low-ABV wine and cider trends they're leaning into. Whether you're a craft beverage fan, a wine newcomer, or just curious about Eastern Iowa's growing wine scene, this conversation has something for you.

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  Episode #26

  Episode 26: Scott Whitson, Co-Owner of BIT Brewery

  Jul 2, 202629 minS1

  Scott Whitson, head brewer and owner of Bit Brewery in Central City, Iowa, returns to Midwest Microbrew to break down exactly what's working (and what's not) in small-town craft beer marketing. From wrapped golf carts that flopped to a "brewer in training" program that's bringing in new customers every month, Scott shares real numbers and real lessons from six years of running an independent brewery. In this episode, we cover: 🍺 The story behind the "Best in Three" (Bit) brand identity 🍺 Which marketing channels actually move the needle — social media, local radio, and word of mouth 🍺 Why Google's "breweries near me" searches matter more than paid ads 🍺 A $2,500 golf cart marketing swing that didn't pay off (and what he learned) 🍺 How their homebrew competition and mug club programs build community 🍺 The "brewer in training" experience that lets customers help brew their own beer 🍺 What it means to lean into a true Midwest, small-town identity If you love craft beer, small business marketing, or Iowa brewery stories, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. 📍 Bit Brewery is located in Central City, Iowa, about 25 minutes from Cedar Rapids. 🔗 Find Bit Brewery on Untappd, Facebook, and Instagram — search "Bit Brewery." 🎧 Subscribe to Midwest Microbrew for more interviews with the brewers, owners, and innovators shaping the Midwest craft beer scene. #CraftBeer #Homebrewing #IowaBreweries #MidwestMicrobrew #SmallBusinessMarketing #BitBrewery #CentralCityIowa #CraftBeerPodcast #BreweryMarketing #IndependentBrewery

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  Episode #25

  Episode 25: Sam Goerdt, Co-Owner at Goerdt's Brewhaus

  Jun 24, 202629 minS1

  In this episode of Midwest Microbrew, I sit down with Sam Goerdt, co-owner and brewer at Goerdt's Brewhaus in Galena, Illinois. Sam shares his journey from the Marine Corps to brewing school to opening his own craft brewery, and we dive into his European-inspired lagers and ales, his BBQ menu, and what's coming up next at the brewery. 🍺 What we cover: Sam's path from the Marines to professional brewing Training at the Siebel Institute in Chicago How Goerdt's Brewhaus was born in Galena, IL European-style lagers, ales, and unique specialty brews Family-friendly brewery with BBQ, arcade games, and a mug club Upcoming seasonal releases including Oktoberfest and Loco Mango 📍 Goerdt's Brewhaus | Galena, Illinois 🔗 Follow them on Facebook for events, new beers, and more If you're a craft beer fan in the Midwest, Galena is worth the trip. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode of Midwest Microbrew! #MidwestMicrobrew #CraftBeer #Galena #Illinois #GoerdtsBrewhaus #CraftBrewery #MidwestBeer #Brewery #HomebrewToCraftBrew #BeerPodcast #LagerLovers #BBQAndBeer

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  Episode #24

  Episode 24: Russ Klisch, President of Lakefront Brewery

  Jun 5, 20264 minS1

  <p>In this short interview, Henry Nosek of Midwest Microbrew sits down with Russ Klisch of Lakefront Brewery to discuss what it truly takes to start and run a successful craft brewery. Russ shares his hard-earned wisdom on managing cash flow, choosing the right business partners, building a distribution strategy, and why passion and personality are just as important as making great beer.<br/>Whether you're a homebrewer dreaming of going pro, an aspiring brewery owner, or simply a craft beer lover, this interview is full of practical advice straight from one of the Midwest's most experienced brewers.<br/>🍺 Topics cov...

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