The Show

Beverage Chronicles explores all types of beverages, with an emphasis on craft beer. We talk with the people who produce, distribute and sell these drinks.

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Long-lost beers are making a comeback, with breweries reviving classic brands and recipes to tap into nostalgia and reconnect with drinkers.

Chilled red wine is becoming a summer trend, especially for light-bodied styles like Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc served slightly cooler than traditional room temperature.

Homebrewers played a major role in building American craft beer, helping shape experimentation, style diversity, and the rise of many iconic breweries.

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Publish Date: 8/3/2026


We explain the differences between single malt, blended malt, and blended Scotch, dispelling common whiskey misconceptions and helping listeners choose based on taste rather than labels.

The fascinating history of the Pilsner is traced, from its revolutionary debut in 1842 to becoming the world's most influential beer style.

The enduring appeal of the Old Fashioned is explored, including its origins, evolution, and why the choice of whiskey makes all the difference. 

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Publish Date: 7/29/2026


    Beer ratings can help drinkers discover new breweries and styles, but they're only opinions—not facts—and personal taste should always come first. Contributors Josh Seaberg and Rachel Benkowski offer segments on the classic Pegu Club cocktail and why the right beer glassware dramatically enhances aroma, flavor, and the overall drinking experience.Bartenders are using salt and saline solution to balance cocktails, brighten flavors, and elevate drinks without making them taste salty.  


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Publish Date: 7/21/2026


Beer foam isn’t waste — it’s a sign of proper brewing, protects aroma, and improves texture

Pizza-and-beer harmony comes from yeast, carbonation, and choosing the right style for the slice

New RTDs, wine tips, and Leslie Jesperson’s BFD TV round out this week’s highlights

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Publish Date: 7/14/2026


    We explore the competing origin stories of the Long Island Iced Tea and explain why the cocktail is enjoying a modern revival.Learn how beer was brewed before refrigeration, why lagers were stored in caves, and how seasonal brewing shaped beer history.Flavorful mid-strength beers are growing in popularity as craft breweries respond to consumers seeking moderation without sacrificing taste.


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Publish Date: 7/7/2026


Discover refreshing warm-weather wine styles that are perfect for summer meals and relaxing evenings.

Explore how the Lake Erie Ale Trail has become a premier craft beverage destination with 17 unique breweries.

Learn how local ingredients, seasonal brews, festivals, and brewery collaboration are helping drive tourism and regional pride.

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Publish Date: 7/3/2026


Dive bars remain cultural icons, valued for authenticity, community, and unpretentious atmosphere.

Brown beer bottles protect flavor by blocking light that can cause beer to become "skunked."

Several companies have launched pickle-flavored beers, reflecting growing consumer interest in bold, tangy flavors.

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Publish Date: 6/24/2026


    Prohibition failed to stop Americans from drinking, but it sparked the rise of speakeasies, bootlegging, and the cocktail culture we still enjoy today.The aftertaste of a beverage can significantly influence enjoyment, with bitterness affecting people differently based on genetics and taste perception.Modern canned cocktails combine convenience with quality, using refined spirits and craft-inspired recipes to deliver bar-quality drinks anywhere.


Publish Date: 6/17/2026


This episode of Beverage Chronicles explores the nostalgic origins of root beer, from its sassafras‑root beginnings to its clever rebranding by Charles Hires in the 1870s. It then shifts to the rise of flavored vodka and how it reshaped modern drinking culture, before closing with a surprising look at how everyday fruit juice can naturally ferment into low‑alcohol beverages. Together, the segments highlight how tradition, innovation, and chemistry all shape what we drink.


Publish Date: 6/8/2026


*Learn the best way to enjoy a beer flight by tasting from lighter to heavier styles.
*Discover how public relations helps beverage brands build trust, visibility, and sales opportunities.
*Get the latest on Starbucks Rewards changes and new research linking coffee consumption to lower dementia risk.


Publish Date: 6/7/2026


    Schlitz beer rose from Milwaukee brewing roots to become the world’s top-selling lager before collapsing in the 1970s after cost-cutting changes damaged quality and consumer trust.Founders All Day IPA helped redefine the “session IPA” category by offering full hop character with lower alcohol, making craft beer more approachable and widely drinkable.Starbucks’ new summer lineup uses colorful, layered drinks and experiential marketing to create premium, Instagram-ready beverages aimed at making customers feel the experience is worth the price.


Publish Date: 6/1/2026


    Guinness is finding new life as a cocktail ingredient in drinks like the Espresso Stout Martini, Black Velvet, and Top Hat.We highlight gin cocktails, including the lighter and refreshing Gin Sonic.Beverage Chronicles visits Atlantic City to explore Finland’s famous Long Drink and its growing popularity in the United States.


Publish Date: 5/24/2026


    Breweries are simplifying beer style names to attract casual drinkers while trying to avoid losing the identity and uniqueness that built craft beer culture.Beer historian Rachel Benkowski explores the history and cultural importance of Belgian lambic, a spontaneously fermented beer deeply tied to place, patience, and tradition.A new study compared health outcomes among beer, wine, and spirits drinkers, while Columbia Sportswear grabbed headlines with a bizarre “bear scat infused” promotional beer.


Publish Date: 5/18/2026


    Poitin, Ireland's ancient unaged barley spirit, was illegally bootlegged for 300+ years until 1997, predating whiskey and inspiring global moonshine culture.Maura Clare learned a secretive 20th-century recipe with molasses and beet sugar from a retired bootlegger, blending whiskey warmth, tequila aroma, gin complexity, and rum sweetness at 45% ABV.Named after her nun cousin who smuggled it in a holy water bottle, the Gothic-arch bottle ships to 40 states via smugglingnun.com, perfect for cocktails like Celtic sours or neat sips.


Publish Date: 5/12/2026


    Many IPA critics just haven’t found the right style—flavors vary widely and bad storage can ruin the experience.Modern IPAs are more balanced and approachable than the overly bitter versions of the past.Freshness, proper storage, and open-minded tasting can completely change your perception of the style.


Publish Date: 5/4/2026


We break down the differences between ales and lagers, explore the
evolution of hops from ancient brewing to modern IPAs, and dive into
the tradition of British cask ale. We highlight how ingredients,
techniques, and culture shape the diverse flavors and experiences
found in beer.

Publish Date: 4/24/2026


Alcohol affects the body quickly, with impacts on brain and body functions within minutes and peak effects within an hour, depending on factors like metabolism, food intake, and drink strength. Beyond biology, beverages like wine have historically fostered social bonding and civilization. Modern beverage choices are also shaped by branding and health perceptions, while emerging research suggests coffee may contain compounds with potential benefits for managing conditions like type 2 diabetes.








Publish Date: 4/20/2026


    Gluten-free beer avoids barley and wheat, using alternative grains like millet, rice, and buckwheat, while gluten-reduced beers use enzymes to break down gluten but may not be safe for everyone. 

    Brewing gluten-free beer requires extra steps and precision, but modern techniques have greatly improved flavor, offering styles that rival traditional beers. 

    Once a niche product, gluten-free beer now appeals to a wider audience—from those with celiac disease to curious drinkers—making the beer world more inclusive. 

    Many classic cocktails we still enjoy today were born during Prohibition, when bartenders had to mask the harsh taste of bootleg liquor with creative ingredients. 

    Drinks like the Bee’s Knees, Southside, and French 75 combined citrus, sugar, and herbs to transform rough spirits into balanced, enjoyable cocktails. 

    These Prohibition-era creations remain popular today, celebrated not just for their flavor but for the ingenuity and rebellious spirit that brought them to life. 



Publish Date: 4/10/2026


Cornbread Hemp's CEO Eric Zipperle discusses the rapid rise of THC beverages as a wellness alternative to alcohol, highlighting their company's growth, key partnerships, and regulatory hurdles.

Publish Date: 4/1/2026


Definition of “straight bourbon”
Which state produces the most straight bourbon
How premium pricing and bottle design influence purchases
Freshness window for different styles of beer

Publish Date: 3/31/2026


Unrefrigerated beer and the effects on quality
Canned beer has evolved from low-quality perception to the best format
for freshness and protection
How Public Relations help beverage brands grow
History of the Espresso Martini


Publish Date: 3/24/2026


Plus:Discover the Perfect Wine for Every Meal!
Bottle Labels: Why They Draw You In & Change Everything You Drink!
...and more

Publish Date: 3/17/2026


What “Beer Babe Jess” Merritt Knows About Beer
Celebrating Women's Beer Month: Uniting Flavors & Breaking Barriers!

Publish Date: 3/6/2026


Plus:
Brand Magic: PR for Drinks
Drink Smarter: Perfect Food & Wine
Canned Beer: Myths Debunked


Publish Date: 2/23/2026


Host Gary Monterosso speaks with Hannah Mizrahi of the New York Cocktail Expo. Hannah tells us about upcoming trends in the cocktail segment for 2026.



Publish Date: 2/10/2026


Join host Gary Monterosso as he chats with Jonathan Turnea and Nina Rosenberg, the passionate owners of the upcoming Rag and Bone Meadery, set to open this spring! In this episode, they dive into their love for mead, a beverage steeped in history, and share their journey of recreating this ancient drink. Discover the fascinating stories behind mead-making and what inspired them to bring this unique beverage to life. Don't miss out on this sweet conversation!



Publish Date: 2/4/2026


The state of brewing in America and beyond.
This classic beer has exploded in popularity once again with our new contributor, Katie Johnson.
The beer styles that are poised for success in 2026.
The history of an iconic American beer, plus a tasting review.

Publish Date: 1/19/2026


Iconic beers that have changed their recipes.
The chilling truth about a frosted glass and your favorite drink.
Dry hopping.
Why consumers rely on a company's reputation before they decide to purchase their products.  

Publish Date: 1/10/2026


Classic beers Americans rarely order any longer.
Jeff Eichinger provides tips on cellaring beers. Can this be done as witrh wines?
Pinor Noir wines with John Mahoney.
Is Anheuser-Busch InBev in crisis mode?
Our co-host Michelle Lam is back with public relations tips.

Publish Date: 12/27/2025


Our guests are Brian Jackson, Agnes Jamora, Ludovica D'andria from Cold Flame Ventures, as they discuss their new award-winning gin, “IL Dottore.” 
IL Dottore Gin is distilled in Italy, typically described as coming from a small, family‑run distillery that blends traditional methods with a modern flavor profile. Messaging around the brand emphasizes Italian craftsmanship and Mediterranean character rather than the traditional London Dry template.​


Publish Date: 12/11/2025


Our special guest is Sam Calagione, founder and CEO of Dogfish Head. 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the company. Sam discusses DH’s origin, merger with Boston Beer (Samuel Adams) and goals for the future.

Publish Date: 12/10/2025


Also: Pop the Cork: Exploring Sparkling Wines with Robin Shreeves
Cocktail Recipes
How This Unique Liqueur is Taking the World by Storm



Publish Date: 11/4/2025


Mixology Magic: Secrets from Frankie Solarik’s BarChef. Plus: Fizz vs. Foam: What’s the Real Difference?

Publish Date: 10/19/2025


Also: A Taste of Tradition: Exploring the Last of the Stirred Classics. Draft, Bottle, or Can? The Beer Taste Challenge You Didn't Know You Needed

Publish Date: 9/24/2025


Also: How some traditional drinking customs are being challenged. Are energy drinks in danger of being banned?



Publish Date: 9/14/2025


Co-host Michelle Lam introduces us to Malexi Brands, a family-owned German-American business that imports and distributes German brands to the US market, including German wine producer Weegmüller Wines. The company was founded by Ines and Marc, who moved their family from Germany to the United States in 2022. Wine expert John Mahoney describes his choice for a remarkable late summer wine.

Publish Date: 8/29/2025


How Tariffs are Changing the Beer Landscape. Who is affected? Who is being hurt the most? Crafting Spirits: The Vision Behind “Before the Barrel Distillery”

Publish Date: 8/21/2025


Sipping Sunshine: The CoAqua Coconut Water Experience... Is it a Love Affair? Peter LaFrance Reviews Goose Island’s Hazy Beer Hug.

Publish Date: 8/14/2025


Ommegang's Hidden Brew Experience. The Origins of Imported Beer Names. Michelle Lam offers public relations trends that are reshaping the beverage world in 2025.

Publish Date: 8/4/2025


Also, Michelle Lam Tastes the Future: Predicting Beverage Trends through Public Relations. Mastering the Old Fashioned: Tips from Mike Vander Horn

Publish Date: 7/28/2025


The Dark Side: A Deep Dive into Porters and Stouts. From Grain to Glass: The Story Behind Founders Kalamazoo Stout. Bubble Wars: Which Soft Drink Will Reign Supreme in 2025?

Publish Date: 7/21/2025


Plus: Rice in Your Beer as a Main Ingredient? Will breweries be returning to glass? Beer Cocktails. Public Relations Trends Shaping the Beverage World for 2025.

Publish Date: 7/14/2025


Plus: Summertime Beer Traditions with Rachel Benkowski, Review of Founders KBS, Michelle Lam Prrovides the Top PR Trends Revolutionizing The Beverage Industry in 2025

Publish Date: 7/7/2025


Plus: How AI is Transforming Public Relations: The Future is Here!

Publish Date: 6/30/2025


Plus: State by State: The Craft Brewing Powerhouses You Need to Know. Michelle Lam on Merging AI with Public Relations: What You Need to Know

Publish Date: 6/22/2025


A new category on the horizon. Rachel Benkowski’s take on beer as medicine. Yuengling’s innovative expansion, more to come?

Publish Date: 6/16/2025


Unveiling the 2025 Glassboro Craft Beer Festival with Scott Kronberger and Cheers to Summer: Discovering New Wines with Robin Shreeves at Sharrott Winery

Publish Date: 6/9/2025


We talk with podcast host Kali-Kat, who tells us about her new craft beer show and discusses the story behind a couple of memorable episodes.


Publish Date: 6/3/2025


Plus: Michelle Lam talks Bronx Bull Bourbon Whiskey at the NYC Whiskey & Spirits Festival, Andrea Young creates a wine-chocolate pairing with Aubrey Graf-Daniels of The Ancestral Vine

Publish Date: 5/26/2025


Plus: The Evolution of American Beer: Insights from Rachel Benkowski and Inside Dovetail Distillery: Michelle Lam's Exclusive Report

Publish Date: 5/19/2025


Plus: New releases from Boston Beer. Robin Shreeves reports on dandelion wine. Sake, Gourmet Cocktails









Publish Date: 5/12/2025


Why the World Beer Cup is the Ultimate Beer Showdown

Publish Date: 5/4/2025


We discuss the future of Rampur in America, their product line and bold expansion plans.

Publish Date: 4/26/2025


Included: The great Indian heritage of premium single malt whiskys, adapting to the American market, unique flavor profiles.

Publish Date: 4/21/2025


Also: Inside Railroad Distillery: Michelle Lam's Exclusive Update! The Chilling Truth: Rachel Benkowski on Beer Storage and Refrigeration

Publish Date: 4/13/2025


We talk with Aaron Ho, CEO and Founder of Sugar Mouse NYC, Manhattan's new hotspot game hall and music venue (www.sugarmousenyc.com)

Publish Date: 4/6/2025


Also: The World of IPAs and Farmhouse Ales. Exploring the Essence of Do Good Spirits

Publish Date: 4/1/2025


 Plus: From Hops to Grapes: Exploring New Jersey's Brewing Landscape. Unveiling theLatest Buzz: New Jersey's Brewery Breakthrough! The Untold Story: How Yeast Revolutionized Fermentation

Publish Date: 3/23/2025


Plus: Rampur Whiskey: Unveiling the Secrets Behind India's Finest Spirit and The Last Pour: A Heartfelt Farewell to Philadelphia's Beloved Brewery

Publish Date: 3/16/2025


Plus The Latest from New Jersey's Craft Beer Scene, Essential Wine Tips for Every Enthusiast, Boost Your Brand: Michelle Lam's Proven Marketing Techniques

Publish Date: 3/9/2025


We have a sneak peak at Dogfish Head's upcoming 2025 releases, plus we have details on the Hammonton Brewmasters' Beer Crawl.

Publish Date: 3/2/2025


Celebrating Craft Beer: The Newest Inductees to the Hall of Fame plus we have an exclusive interview with Swedesboro Brewing's Associate Brewer.

Publish Date: 2/24/2025


This week, we focus on an upcoming event, the 12th Annual German Bierfest in Philadelphia, featuring a guest expert, Marnie Old.

Publish Date: 2/17/2025


Rob Mullin of Flying Fish Brewing tells us the very latest regarding the company. Robin Shreeves debuts her new wine report. Michelle Lam offers great marketing tips for beverage companies.

Publish Date: 2/8/2025


German Bierfest in Philly: A Celebration of Brews You Can't Miss, PR Tips with Michelle Lam, New Contributor Chef Barbie Marshall from the “Hell’s Kitchen” TV Show, more!

Publish Date: 2/2/2025


We are joined by Marty Nachel, founder of the United States Craft Beer Hall of Fame. Michelle Lam offers PR tips for marketing beverages, and Dogfish Head news.

Publish Date: 1/26/2025


We take an extensive look at the world's most popular style of beer. Our Michelle Lam offers marketing tips for the business owner.

Publish Date: 1/19/2025


We’re excited by the grand opening of Snouts and Stouts Brewing in Hammonton, NJ, owned by Daniella Morrow. We tried her beers; hear our opinion.

Publish Date: 1/11/2025


Are brewery consolidations the latest? Michelle Lam’s public relations tips for marketing beverages, Swedesboro Brewing adds another company to their portfolio

Publish Date: 1/6/2025


AC Beer Fest, New flavors to attract and retain drinkers, Beer History with Rachel Benkowski, Tips for marketing beverages with Michelle Lam, Join NJCraftBeer.com for discount promotions

Publish Date: 12/30/2024


Are large beer festivals losing their steam? How to develop your hop sense. PR/Marketing tips with Michelle Lam and more!

Publish Date: 12/22/2024


A complete review of NJ brewery news (new releases, openings, closings), health benefits, keg sizes, PR tips for marketing beverages

Publish Date: 12/15/2024


New beers from Cape May… served bad beer, what to do?...low alc? High alc?… Tips for marketing beverages

Publish Date: 12/8/2024


We start with some of the latest craft beer news, then head to the Philly Wine Fest to speak with some of the vendors offering new and unique products. After that, we welcome new regular Michelle Lam, founder of Bklynite Media, as she offers invaluable tips for business owners.

Publish Date: 12/1/2024


We look at projected beer sales for the next few years, examine the new Brewers Assoc. Style Guidelines and more.

Publish Date: 11/25/2024


We take a deep look into international beer brands that are setting up shop in the US to meet demand.

Publish Date: 11/22/2024


Our team takes a look at some of the more famous (or infamous) quotes relating to beer

Publish Date: 11/16/2024


Our guest is Daniella Morrow, the owner of the new Snouts and Snouts Brewing in Hammonton, NJ. This brewery formerly was called Vinyl Brewing. We’ll learn of plans for a grand opening. Beverage Chronicles can be heard live every Saturday at noon on POP FM 99.9 in southern NJ and online at www.popfm999.com

Publish Date: 11/15/2024


It's a personal pleasure to meet with Dennis Carradin because of the exemplary work he does in so many different areas. We enjoy a detailed recount of the valuable work he continues to do and the services he performs. Yet, he still has the time to oversee the 2024 Delaware Beer Fest, slated to be the biggest in their history. 

Publish Date: 5/29/2024


Say hi to Alicia (Ali) Robinson, joining us as co-host on What's On Tap.



Publish Date: 5/29/2024


Swedesboro Brewing is one of the top breweries in New Jersey. They were recognized by USA Today as the second best new brewery in the country last year. Now they are expanding into two new locations.

(Note: This episode was recorded prior to their official announcement of a second location in Collingswood, NJ.)



Publish Date: 5/14/2024


We're joined by Chris Henke, Justin Vitti and Brian Hink, owners of Wander Back Beerworks of Vineland, NJ. They tell us about their upcoming opening, distribution plans and the flavors to be released.

Publish Date: 5/12/2024


We visit with Larry Sharrott, owner of Sharrott Winery in Hammonton, NJ. Larry takes us through the history of the winery and give us insight as to the microclimate of the region and how it compares to one of the top wine areas in the world.

Publish Date: 4/23/2024