Episode Details

Ryan Allen of Soul & Spirits in Memphis loves brewing traditional lager—but when it comes to turning heads at big events like the Great American Beer Festival, he’s not afraid of putting that methodical approach to work on projects that other brewers might view as crazy.

Barbecue sauce–flavored beer? Yes. Beer with the taste and consistency of Southern gravy? Check. Barrel-aged stout that tastes like cola (with a spike of something harder)? Of course.

In this episode, Allen discusses these outliers in the beer-flavor pantheon—but also shares his approach to brewing with locally grown rice, which he cereal-mashes for everything from IPA to “Southern pilsner.” He also discusses:

• their Sauce line of barbecue sauce–flavored gluten-free ales
• using astringent and tannic spices in beer
• preventing oat milk from curdling in an acidic beer environment
• building cola flavor through a variety of ingredients
• malt blends in stout for depth and flavor
• brewing with locally grown rice
• making “Southern pilsner” with New Zealand–grown Riwaka hops
  

And more.

G&D Chillers
The Craft Brewers Conference is coming up April 20 through 23, 2026—and G&D Chillers will be there. If you’re heading to CBC, swing by and talk shop with the folks who know brewery operations inside and out. G&D’s biggest strength isn’t just the equipment—it’s our deep understanding of how a brewery runs. From cellar layout to production flow, our team brings decades of hands-on experience to every install and every conversation. Whether you’re running a single-stage 5H unit or scaling up with a Vertical Air Chiller, G&D builds systems that are reliable, efficient, and built to last. Because when your chiller’s solid, your beer stays cold—and your operation stays on track. Plan your visit at gdchillers.com/podcast—and come see us at CBC, Booth 1518.

Berkeley Yeast
Berkeley Yeast just launched Dry Tropics London! Our best-selling liquid yeast strain, now with all the ease-of-use benefits of dry yeast. Dry Tropics London delivers the soft, pillowy mouthfeel and juicy character you’d expect from a top-tier London Ale strain, but with a serious upgrade: a burst of thiols that unleash vibrant, layered notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A lot of brewers love the clean passion fruit you get from Tropics, but they don’t want every IPA to be a tropical-fruit bomb. At the dry yeast price point, you can pitch and ditch without breaking the bank. Or, you can co-pitch with your house strain to adjust the intensity of the notes. And with nationwide free shipping, there’s never been a better time to try Dry Tropics. Order now at berkeleyyeast.com and experience the ease and impact of Dry Tropics London Yeast.

PakTech
This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.

Indie Hops
Taste the flavors of Indie Hops at CBC this year in Philly! Fourteen incredible beers will showcase Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, and Audacia—plus our most p