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EP 815 Beer Tasting at Brooklyn Brewery with Garrett Oliver

Gary travels to Brooklyn to visit with brewmaster Garrett Oliver, to taste some interesting beers. Gary and Garrett discuss the beer and wine industry and Garrett’s new book, The Brewmaster’s Table.

Wines tasted in this episode:

Brooklyn Brewery Local 1
Brooklyn Brewery Local 2
Brooklyn Brewery Black Ops

Links mentioned in todays episode.


Latest Comment:

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luca bercelli

91/100

I started out thinking the guest wasn’t too great but he won me over in the end and it turned out to be a fascinating and entertaining episode.

Tags: beer, Brooklyn Brewery, review, Video

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  • gubby21

    Wow. I think that was the first time I've seen anyone “out-charisma” and “out-energize” Gary. Garrett is the MAN and has done wonders for elevating craft beer and food. Great episode.

    QOTD: I too would like to see more distribution. I live in Cali, and there are some world class craft beers, but I've never had the pleasure of tasting something from Brooklyn.

  • Jeff

    Garrett Oliver is a great guest, but GV have you read his book? While reading his book I was repeatedly distracted by his angle that beer is much more (everything) complex than wine. I'm not saying he is wrong (although I sense his view is scanted). I'm always learning about all this stuff, but his book reads like a beer fan dissed by wine snobs and looking to even the score. Its distracting. Watching this episode I'm much more in his camp, he seems like a rightous dude like you. Being a beer buyer in WA I'm hoping his beer is available to me. Anyway, great show. Thanks.

  • Alf Love

    Only 2 New York natives could talk for 40 minutes straight without a second of silence in between 🙂

  • Had a bit of an avatar problem, but should work again now!

    Blind tastings are loads of fun!

  • tflangan

    Dynamic is putting it mildly. I wasn't even disappointed that the show was not about wine. Garrett made me want to go out and try Brooklyn Lager right away. He obviously LOVES what he does.

    QOTD: Is it possible to make a beer that has some characteristics of a great wine?

  • At first I thought this was going to be some sort of Wine-Beer concurrence, but it turned out to be a brilliant show. Very curious what it tastes like.

    QOTD: Shipping to Holland.. 😉

  • CBone

    I always have loved the Brooklyn Beer logo. It is really a beautiful design, it looks like old time baseball, real Americana. The beers are great too!

    QOTD: My favorite style of beer is that super hoppy and bitter American Pale Ale, like the American take on IPA. I don't think Brooklyn Beer has ever done one of those, or at least not that I know of.

    Great show. I'm glad he went into how the USA is now the most exciting and dynamic beer nation. It's so wonderful – you can go anywhere in this country now and have the local beer or beers. It is the way it should be. Our beer and wine successes go hand in hand with our general food revolution of the past 30 years. Makes me happy.

  • M. Munoz

    Awesome episode!!! Inspired me to dust off my home brew equipment and get crackin'. This show with Garrett proves that experience, knowledge and charisma are a keys to success.

  • Don Simpson

    Awesome!!! Great episode to start commenting, this guest was incredible.

  • drt999

    QOTD — sorry, never heard of you guys! I will look and see if the local 'beer shelves' have any porter from you (if you make it)

    Interesting episode, though!

  • Don Simpson

    Gary – if you work with Garrett on a Vayniac beer, you should call it “Brooklyn Barolo” and integrate Nebbiolo skins and stems or use old Barolo barrels. That would be awesome…

  • Don Simpson

    There are a bunch of great breweries in Portland, Maine!!!! I love Maine beer…

  • bobbytiger

    Good job Garrett. You obviously have the passion of a Gary V. when it comes to beer, and it would appear from your success, that it is paying off big time. What recession?
    While I don't generally call myself a “beer drinker”, on a hot day, (unlike the current days in the DC-Metro area), I will pop a bottle or two.
    Having said that, your beers look really good. To the point that I can easily see myself trying a bottle, (or two……..or all three).
    QOTD- Need to take a pass, as I simply don't know that much about beer.

  • Was involved in a blind tasting last night…

    Had a truly amazing 1999 Cornas, which was mega-akward to begin with, smelling like a nice casual forrest fire gone wrong! Extremely woody on the nose, burnt wood & nothing more. We decided to decant it, and that worked wonders for the wine. Bring on the vegs, a bit of cherry fruit. Old school wine at it's best, rustic, and ended up being my favourite of the evening; 90+ p.

    Next up is 2006 Habla No. 4, an 100% syrah from Spain. Great also, loads of Raspberry on the nose, smooth and complex. A bit bomb-like, but not too over the top. Very modern. A wine for the future. Very collectable. 90 p.

    In 3rd place 2005 Clancy's from Peter Lehmann. A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlove… Nothing too fancy, a well made wine for sure (that's how Peter L rolls, his line-up of wines, are all bang for the buck) Spotted the mint from the cab, for sure. 88p.

    And last 2008 Yellow Tail Shiraz. The wine worlds answer to Coca-Cola. I'll admit i have a sweet tooth, but not THAT sweet. I don't get why this style of wine is popular, I just don't. Not my cuppa joe…. 70 p.

    All in all a great evening, and i think people should do more blind-tastings (are you listening Gary) Fun & challenging for the palate & mind.

  • Rob

    Beer needs to start being respected!!! Wine enthusiasts need to expand thier minds. Beer isn't just Bud and Coors anymore!!!

  • brixforbrains

    Haandbakk and Dark Force are phenomenal brews.

  • ONUMello

    Very charasmatic guy! I just got an Amazon gift card and added the book to my shopping cart! I've had the change to try the Brooklyn lager (available in Ohio!) but will definitely have to keep my eye out for additional products, especially the Local2.

    QOTDbrett: I have definitely had some wines that have brett-like character, but I think it was more due to the grapes themselves (Pinotage) than actual brett. I'm definitely curious to try an actual brett wine to see what it's like & get a firm opinion on it. I don't believe I've tried a brett beer yet (where it's obviously intentional, unlike wine) but hopefully will be expanding my palate there soon.

    QOTD2: Definitely use everything you've got to allow more direct-to-consumer availability. The 3 tiered system is antiquated and pointless, and laws setting minimum prices or prohibiting direct shipping only hurts consumers (AND stores, IMO- think about how much more business WL could do if they could ship everywhere!) The only ones that get any benefit from it is the distributors. I would love to order a case of Black Ops from you once your production ramps up, but I have a feeling it would currently be prohibited by law.

    PS Gary: gotta throw out my love again for the new comment system: I accidently hit the back button as I was finishing this post & was afraid it had all been lost as that's happened before, amazingly I hit the forward button & it was all still saved there!

  • ONUMello

    Also now that I've read a few of the other comments, I agree that there needs to be a 'part 2': Bring Garrett to WL & really put him to the test with some wine! Loved this episode! He should start a 'BeerTV'

  • mike_d_inFL

    I've been lurking for a few months now, and have learned so much about wine, hanging out in the shadows of Wine Library TV.
    I loved this episode! Garrett did a great job representing Brooklyn Brewery, and his creativity has inspired me to look for their brews.

    QOTD: I have never had Brooklyn Beer…but that will change TODAY. I'm on my way to Total Wine and More (they better have it or heads will roll).

  • Harry

    Great show, especially since I've been a big fan of Brooklyn Brewery for years. (When I first moved to Brooklyn, my roommate and I would only carry your stuff.) I just got back from living in Sonoma, and was very thankful to get to explore Russian Rivery Brewery as well. Glad to hear learn more, and I do hope you'll do a sour beer sometime soon, and keep going strong on the belgian style bottles (although a lot of people price you double what you quoted, charging $18-20 for Local 1). But having tried a number of brett beers, I can't say I really need them in my fridge. Despite appreciating a fair bit of brett in wine, beer lacks the fruit to balance out the funky notes. Its interesting stuff, and fascinating to pair, but not so delicious.

  • kranker23

    Garyvee,

    Fantastic job beer geeking it up a little bit. Garret seemed to take the interview in whatever direction he wanted, and to be honest, I am not even sure you tasted or commented on Local 1. Although the interview lacked some structure, I think it is great for you to expand your palate with other beverages.

    As a guy who knows beer, and is learning wine through WLTV, it is great to see you reach out and let those going into the Library know that it is OK to grab a bottle of Saison Dupont or Brooklyn Local 2 to go with dinner.

    QOTD: I need Brooklyn Brewery to make a nice high ABV White beer. Their beers usually have amazing aromas (specifically the caramel aroma of their Oktoberfest) and I think a nice white could further accentuate their already solid line up.

  • Don Simpson

    Gary – what do you think of Google Buzz? Interested to hear your thoughts, I just started using it.

  • Don Simpson

    I think Garrett Oliver might be the coolest dude in the world… period.

  • Don Simpson

    Garrett has to be one of the best guests in the HISTORY of the Thunder Show. Big kudos on this episode, it was TREMEMENDOUS!!!

    QOTD: Beer that smells and tastes like WINE. Could you do a fermentation with the Nebbiolo skins and stems, and call it… “Brooklyn Barolo”? Kind of catchy 🙂

  • robrx

    Wow!
    What a treat to meet the guy behind my favorite bottled American Beers. Now I understand why Brooklyn's brews are so good.

    QOTD–You mentioned Samuel Smiths brewery. They make in the opinion of many the best bottled ales in the world. How about using some of that new space to create a new world open slate fermenter like Sam Smith's uses? Think about the marketing potential (not to mention that if you can make those beers available fresh here in the U.S. beer folks will go wild!).

  • Don Simpson

    Ron – totally agree, Garrett was a amazing guest… Great episode.

  • Don Simpson

    Totally agree — very fun episode and an incredible guest. Very cool dude.

  • Wow. Totally blown away by the awesomeness of this episode….even though no one wine was served before its time. Great job GV, being a great host, and for seeking to broaden American beer knowledge. Garrett Oliver is such a genius: such a diplomat for beer and for America as a whole. Writing the Oxford Beer book? And part of the slow food movement too? And on your show? Damn! He is a part of everything good in the wine/food/beer scene!

    I've been following him and Brooklyn since the inception, and they just keep crankin out consistent great products and innovative new stuff too…they are the total beer package. Luckily, I have been hangin at a local specialty beer/wine store long enough to have had every single Brooklyn product, and their #1 has just been off the hook forever…and I got in on the ground floor of the Black Ops too…stuff is insane intense goodness! They even made a kick-ass Hefe in partnership with Schneider Weisse of Germany. Cutting-edge craziness. Can't watch a baseball game anymore without a 6 of Pennant Ale by my side either.

    That dude and his crew are the real McCoys of beer, and make me proud to be a beer-drinking American. I wish I could think of something clever to suggest for the QOTD, but they already do such a good job of producing solid, diverse products that there is not much to say. Maybe a Brooklyn true lambic? A framboise from the inner city may be something to brag about!

    I love Garrett's whole take on Beer-gardens too: that tradition needs to come back into the American psyche big time. A neighborhood-building, family-oriented, drinking forum is long overdue here in the states. Great job GV and Garrett.

  • Don Simpson

    Need to give a big shout out to MAINE breweries too. They make great beer up there for sure…

  • alexfrommontreal

    I've been absent for awhile, too much livin' not enough WLTV. Ok, so Sour Beer sounds amazing, I would love to see Brooklyn make some buckwheat beers. I am absolutely in love with this one buckwheat “wheat” style beer that I get in Montreal called Coup Grisoux. Wow! Unbelievable. I would love to see more than just the regular brooklyn lager here but alas government controlled liquor/ wine / spirits buying definitely puts a damper on the party.

  • After watching this I went to my local Central Market (Austin, TX) and picked up a bottle of the Local 2. It was pretty good; Nothing crazy though. I definitely tasted the Orange Peel and got a nice buzz from it. I look forward to trying more beers from Brooklyn Brewery.

  • Great Guest, I agree beer is totally underrated. Beer Chef! Love it! Slow food great site! Chef Robert's Pasta Carb…
    1 lb spaghetti
    1/2 lb bacon, diced
    1 egg, lightly beaten
    3/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
    2 tbsp low-fat (1%) milk
    1 garlic clove, minced
    1 dash freshly-ground black pepper
    Recipe Instructions:
    Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
    Meanwhile, in a large skillet on medium-high, cook the bacon until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, cheese, milk, garlic, and pepper to a thick paste. Stir into the hot, cooked spaghetti and toss until the egg begins to cook. Place in a microwaveable serving dish and microwave on high until the egg is fully cooked, 45 to 60 seconds. Remove and top with bacon pieces. Serve immediately.
    This recipe yields 8 servings. Serving size: 1 cup.
    Exchanges Per Serving: 3 Starch, 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 Fat.
    Nutrition Facts: Calories 312; Calories from Fat 81; Total Fat 9g; Saturated Fat 4g; Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 330mg; Carbohydrate 43g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Sugars 3g; Protein 15g.

  • Thanks for stepping outside your “comfort zone” and giving us some Beer love.

  • you were getting a buzz werent you brewbitch i love beer and wine and a good martini. creamating boom boom all they are is dust in the wind when im done with the meanies seeking partners with the ability to catertokindintellgent dominitrix who is and was a phenomena commnetator onthe air off the cuff on my knees no need for please its my dutyas the inferir sex to suckcum to the male agenda. i love being the second sex lololo simone de boivoier french female lesbian exostenilist friends with decarte and french paris culture crucified her inlife bowie celebrates her in death.

  • Garret! With craft brews blowing up over the past few years and states changing their laws to make it easier to brew and sell smaller batch brews, there are a TON of great local breweries out there cooking up some great stuff. Maybe there's something Brooklyn could do to reach out to local breweries in addition to the big guys like Russian River, Victory, etc., for some small projects that wouldn't take much from you guys but could help some of the great local shops out there that really help drive what's been great in beer over the past few yrs!!

    Great episode.

  • Garrett is maybe the coolest guy ever. I've read his book and have been drinking local 2 since it was first released. I love Brooklyn Brewery for striking a great balance between consistent quality (brooklyn brown has always been a bar go-to for me) and a desire to have fun and try new things. AWESOME show.

    QOTD: I would definitely be interested in some brett experimentation. I think you're right, Garret: some of the more sour, yeasty beers are coming into popularity, and people are becoming more willing to branch out in flavors and styles. What about a farmhouse/Saison style ale? (i.e. Saison Dupont)

  • cowz

    Great show love when you do beer one's really fun.

  • I enjoyed it!

  • I have had a Bourbon Stout before, it was a Goose Island (I live in Chicago). The beer had the consistency of motor oil. 14% Alcohol, definitely more like a bourbon than a stout. This black ops looks more appealing. Has a nice head and beautiful color.

  • ahillsey

    Garrett is awesome and thanks for the shout out to New Glarus, Wisconsin makes some killer microbrews.

  • your innocence in your early yearsofwtv were amazing the stick out your ass was legendary i like your early uncensecored less buymybook8million copies. one thing i noticed in twist was tesla a great band by the way when jason started ranking onhis staff i thought he was seriousls i hated him then the end of the show cannibis gambling and his ouzie i like him. alot but iiii im bitter dad failed to pay college tuition oh i hate when anyone whines about there issues with daddy cause he couldent pay fuck you hahah no whine radio . i love this brooklyn brewmaster meister???what was his title queens jets fan green is because go green earth organic kosher cum quats. valentines specials blood burgundy sunday bloody mary sunday cinderellas step sister was a red headed bitch .and shes dead now like your commentarty at az vinyards so we really are tasting judith hahah.wow you put your foot in it there so eric your hardcore fruit rollupsina microwave
    666 vines for his cab page cellars is where i went and corey was my tender you must have done that episode just after i left maynard was at whole foods signing his chupra cabrea tastes bettere coming back up thatn forcing it down i know he probobobly vince neil wine hahah dee sniders wine and avangarde program for the rich and famous noneed to fix my teeth im english i am in no way a racist or a mean person i love people and all people i run a predoominatly former yukoslavic /russian /turkish facebook fan site for maynard so if any comments sound raw lighten up

  • hi im sherry but the dotcomgal i love people and love meeting all people cultures and travel ive been arounc and i am not a racist or facist or phoney. but ihave a sense of humor that is sometimes over the top and people are like what>> dont judge me jesus wouldent well cleared that up for those of you who dont have the special glasses that came with my copy of crush it they are transparncy spectacles yea i was like one of the 1million sold so i can see thru the bs no need to explain your a poser and im here to expose you and your sorry ass with my special super power crushit specs lol

  • Awesome episode! It was really cool to see these two beverage nerds go crazy for almost 40 minutes. Both Garrett and Gary have influenced my drinking habits and listening to them both together was great.

    QOTD: I am not sure what more I can ask of Brooklyn Brewery, I love the lager and the IPA…the local 1 was a big hit at thanksgiving…a rep for the brewery hosted a cool beer/food event at a local bar…

  • Brooklyn has an IPA. I think it's called East India Pale Ale, and it is very good.

  • Anonymous

    Craft Beer!!!
    QOTD: I want to know WHAT can Brooklyn Brewery do for me in terms of a tasting dinner out here in LA? I can pair the food, all I need to know is what beer(s) you would like to serve and their characteristics and I’d LOVE to organize a tasting menu to accompany them with my chef’s food. PLEASE EMAIL if this is at all possible…
    -Dave
    davidalfano7@hotmail.com

    Tasca Restaurant & Wine Bar
    8108 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA

  • DPnCali

    I agree, hook it up in BevMo. They have several nice craft beers in there as it is and would love to see something from the Brooklyn Brewery in there. Until I do see it, I will stick with the New Belgium stuff like Fat Tire, which is a great beer by the way.

  • DPnCali

    Sorry but I gotta say, I'm lost as to what this post is even trying to get at…this one and the one above it. Maybe someone can help me out.

  • wayno daaa winoooo

    99 bottles of beer on da wall, 99 bottles o' beeeeeeeeer, if one a dhose bottles should
    happen ta fall, 98 bottles of beeeer on daaa waaaall……….YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAW!!!!!!!!!

  • Wow, this is the Green Day track, right? ; )

  • Been listening to too much Trout Mask Replica, have we?

    Smithers… release the hounds!

    ; )

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