Ep. 3 - Leadfoot Brewery

In this episode of Beers That FITZ, I sit down with Hannah and Courtney for a fun beer-tasting session featuring three unique 5oz pours. Courtney, who’s not a big beer drinker, joins us to explore some bold flavors and give her honest takes as we discuss and rate each brew.We start with Other Half Brewery’s Berry Mallow Crunchee, an Imperial Granola Berliner Weisse packed with an impressive lineup of ingredients, from berries to marshmallow and even toasted coconut. Next, we dive into White Lion Brewery’s Tropical Secrets, a Fruited Golden Ale bursting with mango, peach, and guava. Finally, we close with White Lion’s Marcus Camby NEIPA, a juicy brew crafted in collaboration with UMass legend Marcus Camby.Grab your favorite drink and join us for a lively conversation about bold flavors, honest opinions, and what makes these beers stand out. Cheers to good times and great brews!

In this episode of Beers That FITZ, we sit down with Mike Yates, Head Brewer of White Lion Brewing Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mike shares his journey through the Western Mass beer industry, from his early days under one Ray to coming full circle to work alongside White Lion’s founder, Raymond Berry Jr.We dive into White Lion’s history, born from a vision to bring local craft beer to Springfield and now a community fixture at 1500 Main Street. Mike gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity behind their lineup, including their Carnival Candy Sour, classic pilsner, and innovative seltzers. Grab a pint and join us as we explore what makes White Lion a local favorite!

In this episode of Beers That FITZ, we sit down with Todd from Rustic Brewing Company to uncover the story behind this beloved Western Massachusetts brewery. From their passion for craft beer to the creative process behind each brew, Todd shares insights into Rustic Brewing’s journey, their dedication to quality, and their signature approach to brewing. We dive into fan favorites like Mango Daydream, a milkshake IPA with hints of mango and guava, and Azacca Blind, a New England IPA packed with bold Azacca and other hops. Join us for a closer look at the people, passion, and craftsmanship driving Rustic Brewing Company!

In this special episode, Beers That FITZ goes live from the Boos and Brews brewfest at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts! Hosted by the Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, this event brought together craft beer and hockey fans alike. We sat down with some breweries—Easy Company Brewery, One Way Brewing, Little Willow Brewing Company, and Connecticut Valley Brewing—to get the inside scoop on their latest creations and brewing stories. Plus, we wrapped up with a conversation with Nate Costa, president of the Thunderbirds, for a look at the intersection of craft beer and local sports. Grab a pint and join us for an unforgettable night of brews and hockey!

In Episode 3 of Beers That FITZ, we’re joined by Patrick Randall, Owner of Leadfoot Brewing, to explore the rich history and world-class beers of this Chicopee-based brewery. From its humble beginnings with a 15-gallon home brewing setup to becoming a standout in Western Massachusetts, Patrick takes us through Leadfoot’s journey. We discuss their flagship beers like Leadfoot Lager and Pilsner, alongside creative brews like Monkey Punch IPA and the fan-favorite Fizzy-Foot hard seltzer. Tune in as we dive deep into the brewing process, the inspiration behind their unique flavors, and the historic Hampden Brewing building they now call home!

Join us for a fun-filled episode of "Beers That FITZ" as we recap our unforgettable trip to the Big E—Eastern States Expo! My wife Hannah, our friends Chris, Kate, Courtney, and Britain, and I spent the day exploring the best of local brews, from the Connecticut and Massachusetts Buildings to the Sam Adams Garden and the Irish Cultural Center. We'll share stories of the incredible beers we tried, including the perfect Irish Car Bomb from bartender Kevin, and some unique food discoveries like Buffalo Chicken Chompers and pickle pizza. It was a day of great laughs, delicious drinks, and memorable moments. Grab your favorite brew, settle in, and enjoy the ride through the Big E with us. Sláinte!

In this episode of "Beers That FITZ," we sit down with Mark Avery, the Owner and Head Brewer of Two Weeks Notice Brewery in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Mark shares his inspiring journey from receiving a home brewing kit as a Christmas gift to turning his passion into a thriving brewery. We dive into the origins of Two Weeks Notice, the challenges Mark faced along the way, and, of course, the incredible beers he’s crafting. Grab a pint and join us as we explore the story behind one of Western Mass’s favorite breweries! Sláinte!

Beers That FITZ is your ultimate passport to the vibrant world of craft beer! Hosted by Rob Fitz, this interview-style podcast brings you closer to the heart of the brewing industry, one pint at a time. Each week, Rob sits down with the passionate owners and master brewers behind your favorite breweries to uncover the stories, inspirations, and secrets behind their unique creations.Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a newcomer to the craft beer scene, "Beers That FITZ" offers something for everyone. From deep dives into brewing techniques and ingredient sourcing to the latest trends and challenges in the industry, you'll get an insider's look at what makes each brewery special.Tune in every Thursday for a fresh episode filled with engaging conversations, tantalizing beer tastings, and a celebration of all things craft beer. Don't forget to grab your favorite brew, sit back, and join us as we explore the world of craft beer, one story at a time.Slainté