With Heady Topper, John Kimmich created one of the most sought-after beers in the world, and effectively created the profile of the modern IPA. In Part 1 of this tour-de-force of a conversation, we talk to John about his path to opening The Alchemist with his wife, Jen, in 2003; the business — and current landscape — of craft beer; his advice on opening a brewery; and what distinguishes great beer from mediocre beer.TOPICS & TIMES:Pittsburgh Steelers (2:42)John’s Beer Background (4:50)The Effects of Prohibition (18:52)Mediocre Beer (22:42)Current Landscape of Craft Beer (25:42)Being Fortunate vs Being Lucky (34:28)Opening The Alchemist (39:23)Why the name, ‘The Alchemist’ (44:59)Skiing / Snowboarding (51:45)Why Vermont? (52:55)Heady Topper & It’s Origins (55:39)Advice on Opening a Brewery? (1:03:13)Great Beer vs. Mediocre Beer (1:05:25)Bitterness vs. Astringency (1:11:44)Today’s Hazy IPAs (1:18:21)RELATED LINKSPart 2: Our Conversation with The Alchemist's John KimmichThe Alchemist BreweryBLISTER’s Open Mic SeriesCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister PodcastBikes & Big IdeasOff the CouchGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.