Again, super late post regarding our release of podcast episode 30 of A Woman's Brew Podcast (doing really great at this work-life balance thing just now, as you can tell) so apologies as today will have double posts - starting with our episode from last week: A conversation with Merakai Brewing Co!
Joanne and I were joined by powerhouse brewery couple: Emma and Olly. They're the faces behind Merakai Brewing Co. - currently cuckoo brewing while finding a permanent home for their kit which is in storage (we discuss further in the episode). Having been founded only 6 months ago in November of 2020, Emma and Olly chat to us about their prior background, how the brewery came to fruition, what it's like to start a business (especially within hospitality) during pandemic times, and how it's been being the new kids on the block. It was really fascinating to hear about their journey from where they started to where they are now. In true Joanne and Tori fashion, we veer off into a discussion of RuPaul's Drag Race and chat about what their hopes are for the future (fingers crossed for drag brunch at a future Merakai tap room location near you and many MANNNNYYY more #MidweekMerakai 's to come!).
(play "spot the Olly" on the can if you can....")
On a more serious note, we also discuss their overall ethos of equality and inclusivity which initially drew me to them (alongside their eye-catching label art) and all the social responsibilities they have chosen to take on. When this episode was recorded, they were awaiting the release of their new helles lager - How's Your Head Hun. It has now been released for sale (here) and it's running alongside their campaign for mental health to raise money for MIND (details can be found here in their linktree and on their instagram page). They are passionate about normalising the discussion around mental health and it's something that is particularly close to my heart as well. I've already donated to the cause (you could win some great prizes) and I'd strongly encourage you to donate as well and check out some of the great events they are putting on - like Yoga mornings and regular instagram lives with CraftBeerPinup.
It'd also be amiss to not take the opportunity to highlight that they may have made one of the most sessionable DIPAs I've ever had. Not only is the name excellent (E.G. I Licked It So It's Mine - we get some insight around the names during out chat), but it was incredibly easy drinking and flavourful without the booze-burn you get from many DIPAs. If I wasn't being extra careful on money at the moment, I would've purchased so many more of them when I ordered my How's Your Head Hun ("no complaints..." - if you know, you know) and T-shirt.
Episode 30 of A Woman's Brew is out now on all major podcast platforms and Youtube (links below for ease):
A Woman's Brew on Youtube (video) A Woman's Brew on Spotify (audio only) A Woman's Brew on Sounder (audio only) Overall tree with all the links for our podcast can be found here.