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 30 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Henry Nosek hosts Midwest Microbrew, a leisure show with 30 episodes published.

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  Episode #30

  Episode 30: Logan DePover - Brewmaster at Reunion Brewery

  Sep 24, 202617 minS1

  ReUnion Brewery has been pouring craft beer in the Iowa City area since 2015 — and in this episode, brewmaster Logan DePover takes us behind the tanks to talk about how a college homebrewing hobby turned into a decade running one of Iowa City's favorite breweries. In this episode, we trace Logan's path — from homebrewing in a tiny apartment on a five-gallon stovetop kettle, to sneaking onto the packaging line at Backpocket Brewing in 2013, to helping start ReUnion in 2015. We get into the brewery's guiding philosophy (if they wouldn't drink it themselves, it doesn't go in a tank), the story behind the hazy IPA lineup — Tank Puncher, Juice Factory, and Pounder — and how each one was built around a different hop profile, from tropical to citrus to bright lemon. Logan also walks us through the Floral Pilsner's unconventional hop bill, the return of West Coast IPAs with ReUnion's original Columbus-and-Chinook recipe, and a wild one-off Brett beer that turned funky and overripe after two years in a forgotten keg. We close out talking upcoming events like North Side Oktoberfest, a new collab with Clockhouse Brewing up in Cedar Rapids, and what makes ReUnion's two taprooms — the original Coralville brewpub and the downtown Iowa City spot — each worth a visit. MORE FROM MIDWEST MICROBREW Discover the full story and explore more Midwest breweries at https://midwestmicrobrew.com FEATURED BREWERY ReUnion Brewery Coralville & Downtown Iowa City, Iowa Website: https://reunionbrewery.com LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: https://midwestmicrobrew.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midwest-microbrew/id1865969965 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7CeIJHD1i3KJ9YGEqK9Dbw Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/es-us/podcasts/b3b6034f-6b36-4f30-9cf2-e81d9714c4ac/midwest-microbrew Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582312585097 #MidwestMicrobrew #IowaCityBeer #ReunionBrewery #CraftBeerCommunity #CoralvilleIowa

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  Episode #29

  Episode 29: Kristin Mondanaro, COO of ReUnion Brewery

  Sep 3, 202619 minS1

  ReUnion Brewery has been pouring craft beer in the Iowa City area since 2015 — and in this episode, COO Chris Mondanero takes us behind the bar to talk about how a family restaurant turned into a two-location brewery, and what it takes to survive a decade in an industry that's constantly shifting under your feet. In this episode, we trace ReUnion's origin story — from Mondo's Tomato Pie in Coralville, to the moment brewmaster Logan De Pover (originally hired for the cheese department at Bread Garden Market) became the guy actually brewing the beer, to fan-favorites like Dr. Dank, Juice Factory, and Tank Puncher. We get into the wild ride of nearly launching a THC beverage line before insurance costs killed the plan, and how tariffs, rising CO2 and aluminum costs, and a national dip in beer consumption are squeezing breweries big and small. Chris also breaks down the difference between the original Coralville taproom and the newer, late-night downtown Iowa City location (complete with a second-floor dance floor), why they created lighter, more approachable beers like OG Gold and OG Light for a broader crowd, and how they've built loyalty with regulars who can taste the difference between batches. We close out talking community events like Taste of Iowa City and the Roast of Iowa City with Little Village, nonprofit partnerships, and why supporting your local brewery matters more than ever right now. MORE FROM MIDWEST MICROBREW Discover the full story and explore more Midwest breweries at https://midwestmicrobrew.com FEATURED BREWERY ReUnion Brewery Coralville & Downtown Iowa City, Iowa Website: https://reunionbrewery.com LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: https://midwestmicrobrew.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midwest-microbrew/id1865969965 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7CeIJHD1i3KJ9YGEqK9Dbw Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/es-us/podcasts/b3b6034f-6b36-4f30-9cf2-e81d9714c4ac/midwest-microbrew Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582312585097 #MidwestMicrobrew #IowaCityBeer #ReunionBrewery #CraftBeerCommunity #CoralvilleIowa

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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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