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At its height, Pompano Beach’s Odd Breed in Pompano Beach was one of the best-regarded breweries in Florida, winning four GABF medals over a span of three years, and shipping mixed-culture beers to fans around the world. However, real-estate market forces ultimately worked against the niche brewery, and founder and brewer Matt Manthe closed up shop in the summer of 2024.
That’s no reason not to talk brewing, however, and Manthe learned plenty over his years shepherding his mixed cultures from homebrew to commercial scale, changing and adapting processes along the way. While he’s now brewing classic lager and ale styles in the mountains of Colorado—at Dillon Dam, about 70 miles west of Denver—mixed-culture beers still hold a strong place in his heart.
In this episode, he discusses:
- building a mixed culture through homebrewing
- shifting from mixed-culture to Saccharomyces fermentation to control acid production
- choosing primary strains, from London Ale III to 34/70, to optimize flavor, manage acidity, and more
- boosting hops with specific flavors and aromas for fermentation precursors
- challenges with fruit processing and refermentation
- the importance of not letting barrels sit unfilled
- blending very different base beers to achieve a finished product that’s greater than the sum of its parts
And more.
G&D Chillers
For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across North America and beyond. We’re proud of the cool partnerships we’ve built over the past 30 years because brewing doesn’t stop at 5 o’clock, nor do we. G&D uses quality components, expert craftsmanship, and constant innovation. With 24/7 service and support, your brewery will never stop. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly.
Berkeley Yeast. Founded by bioengineers. Yeast that’s designed to improve flavor, quality, and consistency; increase efficiency; and save you money. If you’ve been following yeast, we’re sure you’ve heard about our strains: Superbloom strains make classic hops flavor; Fresh strains keep diacetyl low even with large hop additions; Tropics strains make a tropical bouquet reminiscent of the finest Southern Hemisphere hops. And, we just dropped new strains that are even more futuristic. Nationwide free shipping. Mention this podcast for 20 percent off your first order.
A day in the life of a brewer is packed enough as it is, so why not let Old Orchard assist with R&D? Custom-blend development is available through our innovative R&D lab. Our bulk division supplies a wide range of beverage segments, making it the one-stop shop for flavoring beer and beyond. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops breeds new hop varieties to help brewers captivate beer lovers. Brewers worldwide trust Indie’s unique varieties—Strata, Lórien, Luminosa, Meridian, and Audacia—to modernize, brighten, and diversify their beer lineup. Indie also offers classics that thrive in Oregon terroir such as Chinook, Crystal, and Sterling. Thoughtfully crafted and selected hops to meet your brewing needs. Visit indiehops.com/podcast to discover what’s new in hop flavors. Indie Hops—Life is short, let’s make it flavorful!
Ss Brewtech was founded by a group of home and craft-beer brewers, dedicated to bringing an engineering-first approach to brewery equipment. Ss brewhouses are used to formulate new beer recipes at some of the world’s greatest breweries and are the cornerstone of many local breweries. To learn more about Ss Brewtech’s innovation list, head over to SsBrewtech.com.
Did you know that Isuzu trucks have been the best-selling low-cab-forward trucks in America every year since 1986? That’s right! For more than 38 years, the legendary durability, remarkable performance, and low cost of ownership of Isuzu trucks have made them a favorite for work truck owners. You may have seen their Ultimate Craft Beer Truck that debuted at the Craft Brewers Conference in 2019, and it has been there every year since. As members of the Brewers Association, we have partnered with breweries, suppliers, and distributors alike to support the craft-beer industry. Whether you are looking for a self-distribution solution or one to deliver supplies, there is an Isuzu truck that will fit your needs. Go to isuzucv.com to check out our impressive lineup or visit an Isuzu dealer today to find out why now, more than ever, Isuzu trucks are the trucks you trust for the work you do!