"We've done some really hop-forward, Brettanomyces-fermented beers which have been really neat with Vic Secret too, just the way that the Brett biotransforms some of the compounds in Vic Secret is pretty cool."

In partnership with HPA, Australia's leading hop grower, we've created a series of podcast episodes – an Aussie Hop Series – looking closely at some of the country's most recognised and impactful hop varieties.

Over the course of the series, we've spoken to leading brewers from across Australia and abroad, as well as experts from HPA, discussing their experience with these hops, what they've learned along the way, as well as some technical tips and tricks to maximise the impact of these hops in their beers.

We wrap up the series in the company of Zach Nichols, owner and brewer at Cellar West in Colorado, and Chris Swersey from HPA. The hop in question is Vic Secret, known for its pine and pineapple qualities.

Zach and Chris talk to host Craig Williams about how and where the hop works best, the hugely diverse range of beers in which Vic Secret is used by Cellar West, how Chris first came across the variety, how the "oil monster" evolved over the years, and more.

For more information on HPA and their range of hops, visit hops.com.au.

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

“I think we’re just as surprised as anyone, really. We’ve been blown away by the awards.”

Since settling into their Bathurst brewpub in 2022, Reckless Brewing have been on quite the tear when it comes to beer awards. They’ve picked up three trophies for three different beers in three straight years at the Australian International Beer Awards while securing trophies at other beer competitions too.

Two of the brewery’s founders – Grace Fowler and Jarrod Moore – joined Will and James from their brewery venue to share their thoughts on trophy success, how they’ve built a community and loyal team in regional NSW, and their ambitions to become a national brand even as the landscape becomes more challenging and many others breweries are downsizing.

We also dive into their history, including Grace’s experience brewing at Ikon and Akasha, how the couple met, their friendship with fellow founder, Alice Wilson, why the trio launched Reckless in 2019, life-changing IPAs, and how luck – or maybe good timing – has played a key role in their rise.

Before the interview, James and Will discuss the Carwyn family’s recent re-acquisition of Carwyn Cellars, the familiar names back winning more trophies at the Perth Royal Beer Awards, and our latest Beer By Design story which focuses on the role of graphic designers. Midway through, you'll also encounter the first in a mini-series of segments featuring Beer30.

As ever, don’t forget to like and subscribe the show – you can rate and review it too if you like – and keep the entries coming for Bluestone Yeast’s Brewery of the Month and our celebration of good beer citizens, Have You Done A Rallings?

Start of Segments:

• 11:35 – Reckless Brewing Part 1
• 34:15 – Beer30 on COGS
• 42:21 – Reckless Brewing Part 2

Relevant links:

• Reckless Brewing
• Carwyns Buy Carwyn
• Beer By Design: The Graphic Designers
• Perth Royal Beer Awards
• Beer30
• Nominate a Brewery of the Month
• Nominate a good beer citizen
• Cryer Malt

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.

"I don't think you can really overpower it because it's just such a great hop and pairs really well with a lot of other tropical or fruity hops."

In partnership with HPA, Australia's leading hop grower, we've created a series of podcast episodes – an Aussie Hop Series – looking closely at some of the country's most recognised and impactful hop varieties.

Over the course of the series, we're speaking with leading brewers from across Australia and abroad, as well as experts from HPA, discussing their experience with these iconic hops, what they've learned along the way, as well as some technical tips and tricks to maximise the impact of these hops in their beers.

For this, the penultimate episode in the series, we chatted to Philter head brewer Max Hämmerle and Michael Capaldo from HPA, about Eclipse. The hop, renowned for its mandarin and citrusy qualities, was formally commercialised and given the name Eclipse in 2020 after appearing in beers for a number of years as HPA-016.

Max and Michael chat about its impact on beers, how and when it’s used by Philter, Eclipse in Spectrum liquid hop form, as well as a teaser about the latest experimental variety HPA are sharing with brewers.

For more information on HPA and their range of hops, visit hops.com.au.

To find out more about featuring on The Crafty Pint Podcast or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact craig@craftypint.com.