🍺 Beer In Front – Episode 296 Guest: Ska Brewing co-founder Dave Thibodeau<br /><br />🎙️ Episode Summary Dave Zalatoris is joined by craft beer OG Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing for a conversation that hits the sweet spot between beer, music, and staying true to your roots. From the early “punk rock” days of microbrewing to today’s ultra-competitive craft landscape, this episode dives into how Ska Brewing has stayed relevant for over 30 years. Plus: beer news, industry trends, and a review of Ska’s brand new West Coast IPA. 🍻<br /><br />In This Episode 🎤 Interview: Dave Thibodeau (Ska Brewing)<br /><ul><li>The origins of Ska Brewing and its deep roots in punk, ska, and DIY culture</li><li>What early craft beer was really like (hint: not always good… and nobody noticed)</li><li>How today’s drinker has changed—and why you can’t get away with mediocre beer anymore</li><li>The evolution of IPAs—from no IPA at all to flagship status</li><li>Brewing innovation: cryo hops, biotransformation, and modern West Coast IPA techniques</li><li>The wild story of opening (and closing) a location in 71 minutes due to COVID</li><li>Why “beyond beer” (seltzers, RTDs) still feels off-brand for many legacy brewers</li><li>Craft beer shakeout: who survives and why</li><li>Ska’s experimental “Mod Project” beers—including the unforgettable Pink Vapor Stew</li><li>The importance of community and Durango’s role in Ska’s identity</li></ul>🍺 Beer Review Ska Brewing – New West Coast IPA<br /><ul><li>Aroma: Mango, guava, bright tropical notes</li><li>Appearance: Clear, classic West Coast look with solid foam</li><li>Flavor: Balanced hop profile with noticeable bitterness (in a good way)</li><li>Takeaway: A modern West Coast IPA that respects tradition while using new-school techniques</li></ul>Verdict:<br />👉 “Put it in the cart.”<br /><br /><br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beer-in-front--5704447/support</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://beermediagroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beer Media Group</b></a>