What to Watch: Brew Masters

Beer and craft brewing information can come from all kinds of sources, from internet to books to in-person beer classes and tastings, and even from TV and movies.  A surprisingly small number of my craft fan friends have heard of the 5 episode series following Dogfish Head owner Sam Calagione through his brewing adventures that aired on the Discovery Channel in 2010 -though maybe it isn't that surprising considering Discovery crumpled under corporate beer sponsor pressure and pulled the show before it could even make it a full season.  

Sam Calagione has been somewhat of a hero to me since I started in on craft brewing.  He built Dogfish Head starting as a college student and a home brewer, and has turned it into what is arguably one of the most recognizable craft beer companies in the United States.  

For budding brewers like myself, Brew Masters gives an insightful glimpse into the world of craft brewing from the business standpoint.  While Calagione certainly has a good time with his business, the show also has an underlying word of caution to up and coming commercial craft brewing hopefuls - the brewing business is hard!  During the course of the 5-episode series, the Dogfish Head crew goes through all manner of brewing challenges and trials.  Many of us small time brewers don't take the time to think over just how much is at stake in a small business, especially one that is financially based almost solely on the product it produces.  

Hopheads and beer junkies will also find enjoyment in this miniseries, with its multifaceted approach at exploring all that is craft beer through Dogfish Head.  Inside looks at the brewery and main restaurant, tasting discussions, and of course fun adventures to discover new and interesting methods and recipes for brewing some of our favorite beers are all sure to draw in even the newest beer fans.  If you're trying to convert someone to the craft scene, I recommend cracking open a bottle of your favorite Dogfish Head brew and sitting them down in front of the screen.  If you can't make a conversion by the end of the 5th episode then there's just no hope for them!

In all, I give Brew Masters five stars.  My only complaint is that it was cut off much too soon.  I would have loved to continue watching the stories behind some of my favorite beers, and I'm highly disappointed that Discovery would crumple to the corporate pressure of a sponsor that caters to an entirely different market.  If you haven't yet seen Brew Masters, give it a watch.  It can be purchased on Amazon and is currently available to stream on Netflix!