Sam Calagione makes great beer. Now he makes great TV. Watch “Brew Masters” on Discovery Channel and get a very cool and very informative behind the scenes look at the making of Dogfish Head ales and more importantly, watch Sam take amazing vacations that he can write off as business expenses. I’ve been down to the Dogfish plant a couple times for their annual Dogfish Dash and everyone who works there is super nice and proud and fun. I could not be happier for a local business (unless it was UsedWigs Radio getting a cash injection of a couple mil from some misguided Saudi financiers in the  previously-owned human hair business).

SHAMELESS PLUG: Before Sam was a charming TV star, he sat down with us during Philly Beer Week 2009 to drink some beers and discuss some beers, as well as music, health, The State, Philadelphia and other assorted nonsense. Have a listen!

Play Now: http://www.usedwigs.com/pod/podcast60.mp3

Preview: “It tastes like tongue kissing Laura Ashley…”

Playlist: Beast, Cursive, Bishop Allen and Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band.

Pictured: (L to R) Sam Calagione, Todd-Todd, Russ and Fatface McGee.

Pictured: (L to R) Sam Calagione, Todd-Todd, Russ and Fatface McGee.

Topics: Dogfish Head, Preteen Beer Making, Terry Gross Likes Nude Scenes, Esperanto, SXSW Overkill, Bishop Allen, Hottest Funny Woman? and Wiretapping.

Playlist: Beast, Cursive, Bishop Allen and Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band.

Preview: “It tastes like tongue kissing Laura Ashley…”

Play Now: http://www.usedwigs.com/pod/podcast60.mp3

Website: www.usedwigsradio.com

Pictured: (L to R) Russ, Justin Rice of Bishop Allen and Todd-Todd.

I just poured over a very interesting article in the latest New Yorker on “Extreme Brewing” (we touched on the topic in our latest podcast) and it features Delaware’s own beer nut Sam Calagione at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. According to this piece, Sam is “the man” when it comes to producing exotic and powerful beers (hey there, 12% alcohol!), and has a cult following in the beer geek community.

Not all beer people drink from the “extreme” vat though, Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery, an elder statesmen of craft brewing and more of a traditionalist, also chimes in and gives a pretty fair assessment of this growing trend in beer-making.

So, whether you’re always on the prowl for a growler of the strong stuff or you’re are a purist and content with the traditional brews, you should enjoy this little glimpse into the beer culture. Writer Burkhard Bilger gives a nice history of beer along the way and makes you want to visit your local beverage store posthaste.

Speaking of Dogfish Head, our friends The Afterschool Specialists made an award-winning “Zombie” commerical for the brewery, check it out!