Craft Brewing with John Mallett – BeerSmith Podcast #342
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In this episode of the BeerSmith Podcast, host Brad Smith welcomes John Mallett, former VP and Director of Operations at Bell's Brewery, now serving as Course Director for the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA). Mallett reflects on his 38-year career in craft brewing, including his pivotal role in shaping Bell's iconic beer lineup such as Oberon, Two-Hearted Ale, and Hopslam. He discusses the importance of malt in brewing, the value of holistic training through Bell's BODI program, and the evolving global craft beer landscape, highlighting opportunities and challenges in markets from South Africa to Southeast Asia. Mallett also shares insights on the post-pandemic decline in craft beer consumption and homebrewing, emphasizing the enduring human desire for connection, quality, and craftsmanship in beer. His new role at the MBAA focuses on fostering professional development and community through immersive brewing courses. Key takeaways include: malt is the soul of beer and deserves more attention; holistic training programs like BODI help develop well-rounded brewing professionals; global craft beer growth is driven by local innovation and access to ingredients; the decline in homebrewing may be due to reduced scarcity of craft beer; and the craft beer industry’s resilience lies in its deep cultural and personal connection to consumers. Despite market challenges, Mallett remains optimistic about the future of craft beer as a meaningful, quality-driven experience.
Malt is the foundation of beer—providing color, body, sweetness, alcohol, and much of the flavor.
Holistic training programs like Bell's BODI help brewers gain cross-functional experience and become more effective professionals.
Global craft beer is thriving in diverse ways, with local ingredients and creativity driving innovation in markets like Brazil and Vietnam.
The decline in homebrewing may stem from the abundance of craft beer, reducing the need to brew at home.
Craft beer’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to foster connection, creativity, and quality in a post-pandemic world.
Introduction and Guest Welcome
Brad Smith introduces John Mallett, the new Course Director at the MBAA and former VP at Bell's Brewery, setting the stage for a deep dive into Mallett’s career and the future of craft brewing.
Oberon and Bell's Brewing Legacy
Mallett discusses the cultural significance of Bell's Oberon release, the brewery’s commitment to traditional styles, and how Larry Bell’s visionary approach helped define the brand’s identity.
Mallett's Career Journey and BODI Program
“One of the great quotes I heard was, well, what would happen if we trained our people and they left? What happens if we don't and they stay?”
Global Craft Beer Trends and Challenges
“It's really gratifying to work with those folks, you know? Yeah. And bring different ideas like, you know, let's do an all Whirlpool hop beer. Oh, we can do that? Yeah, we can do that.”
The State of Craft Beer and Homebrewing
“People long for a connection to food, to beverage, to the things, the comestibles that we interact with.”
“Malt is the soul of beer and I can't agree more.”
“People long for a connection to food, to beverage, to the things, the comestibles that we interact with.”
“One of the great quotes I heard was, well, what would happen if we trained our people and they left? What happens if we don't and they stay?”
Host
Guest
John Mallett
person
Bell's Brewery
organization
Master Brewers Association of the Americas
organization
Brad Smith
person
Oberon
other
Beersmith
product
BODI Program
other
MBAA
organization
Two-Hearted Ale
other
Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine
other
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