On Tap with Corey and Ira

Michael Wagner, head brewer and production manager of Steel Toe Brewing, visits Corey and Ira in studio to talk about the St. Louis Park business. As one of the early entrants in the Minnesota craft boom, Michael talks about how Steel Toe set the stage for quality, well-crafted beer, and how they’ve strategically grown to […]

Corey and Ira travel to Saint Paul to visit with Tom Schroeder, proprietor of the outstanding Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery. The three talk about Waldmann’s approach to lagers, what food they offer and the long history of their building. Check them out if you haven’t! Montgomery Brewing provides this episode’s delicious beer samples, including the […]

Corey and Ira chat with Joe and Kevin of Angry Hog Brewery in Austin, Minnesota. They learn about the young brewery, how they’re connecting to the community and what to expect as summer nears. Beer samples come this episode from one of the newer Minneapolis breweries, La Doña Cervecería. Both were great! Be sure to […]

Corey and Ira pay a visit to Chapel Brewing in Dundas to chat with Andrew Burns, head brewer and co-owner (and contributor to this show) to catch up. They talk what’s taken place at the brewery in the past 16 months, and what lies ahead this spring and summer. Beer samples this week come courtesy […]

Corey and Ira welcome Waconia Brewing Company’s Bob DeLange and Tom Schufman to the KYMN studio to talk about the company’s creation, all the beers they’ve produced and what lies ahead as they near five years in business. For this week’s beer samples, Corey and Ira enjoy offerings from Surly Brewing Co., Indeed Brewing Company […]

Corey and Ira take the scenic route to visit Half Print Brewing Co. in Waseca, Minnesota. The guys chat with Mike and Amy McQuery, co-owners of Half Pint, and come straight from the farm brewery’s beautiful taproom to talk about the vision of the business, how the two landed in Minnesota to open it and […]

Corey and Ira visit Boathouse Brothers Brewing Co. in Prior Lake, Minnesota to chat with proprietors Emmett and Kevin. They hear about how the business came to be, how the love of water influenced the brewery heavily and how the first year has gone. Also, we go through many of the 16 taps available! It’s another […]

Corey and Ira wrap up their one-day winter voyage to Duluth by visiting Hoops Brewing on Canal Park. The two talk with proprietor and brewer Dave Hoops on a busy Saturday night in the heart of the brewery — its brewhouse. Hoops, a pillar of Minnesota brewing, shares the idea around developing his namesake business, his […]

In their third visit of four in Duluth, Corey and Ira stop at Blacklist Artisan Ales and talk with co-owner Jon Loss. They talk about the company’s approach to beer through a European lens, their re-imagining of a well-known downtown Duluth space and how the company has grown and plans to grow in the future. […]

Corey and Ira make their second of four stops in Duluth, Minnesota by visiting Bent Paddle Brewing Co. They talk with Laura and Colin Mullen, two of the co-owners of the brewery, about the tremendous success and growth of the business, their dedication to Duluth and the Lincoln Park neighborhood and, of course, the wonderful […]

Corey and Ira kick off their trip to the North Shore by visiting Lake Superior Brewing Co. in Duluth. LSBC, in operation for nearly 25 years strong, is under new ownership and has done some rebranding, but still offers the same great beer (and perhaps some new ones down the road). We chat with head […]

Corey and Ira take a nice drive to visit Tim and Dylan at Roets Jordan Brewery in, you guessed it, Jordan, Minnesota. They recap the origin story of the brewery, but spend most of the time talking about two years in business, the ever-changing lineup of beer offered in the space, and walk through what’s currently […]

Corey and Ira visit Badger Hill Brewing Co. in Shakopee to speak with Ariel, a brewer, and Michael, CTO (and former head brewer), about the brewery’s story, how they’ve grown and how they stay consistent and yet stand out in an ever-growing market. Beer samples continue to be strong, as this episode Corey and Ira […]

Ford and Brenda of Turning Waters Back Alley Brewing Co. visit Corey and Ira in studio to talk about their journey of opening a (very) small brewpub in Wabasha, Minnesota. They talk about the history and character of the area and space (including the homage to “Grumpy Old Men” lore), Ford and Brenda’s creative side […]

Corey and Ira welcome Steve and Dawn Finnie of Little Thistle Brewing Co. into the studio. The four talk about the Rochester-based brewery and the experience the couple brings to the city’s fifth brewery. They also talk about the influence of Steve’s Scottish roots, as well as the wonderful story behind the name “Brave Woman” […]

Corey and Ira take a trek to Dundas to visit Nate and check out Keepsake Cidery’s facilities. The three talk about the new tasting room, toastie (grilled cheese) and other food options available, and the growing season, among myriad other topics. It’s a great conversation shared over some tasty cider. It’s a busy show for […]

Corey and Ira take the short trek to visit Imminent Brewing in downtown Northfield. They speak with Randy Clay, head of brewing operations, about the brewery’s growth in its first 15 months, surprises and challenges they’ve experienced, and what to expect from Imminent moving forward. Randy also hangs out during the sample segment, this time […]

Corey and Ira visit Surly Brewing Co. and its Brew Hall in Minneapolis to talk recent and new beers, try some of their new food menu and to get the details on the revamped Darkness Day. Samples this show come courtesy of Wayzata Brew Works and Bent Brewstillery (including their rye whiskey!). And, as always, […]

Corey and Ira invite in Caleb Fenske of Lost Sanity Brewing to talk about his Madelia-based brewery. Hear about his origins as a brewer, why they landed in Madelia and what you can expect when you visit his brewery. Waconia Brewing Company sent a bevy of samples for Corey and Ira discuss. Spoiler: They enjoyed […]

Corey and Ira head down to Rochester to visit the second annual Kegs and Barrels Festival. They had a chance to sit down and chat with LTS Brewing Company, Grand Rounds Brewing Company, Kinney Creek Brewery and Four Daughter Vineyard & Winery. And, of course, the guys enjoyed some more great beer samples to discuss, this […]