This section is intended to answer th questions we get most from our listeners. If you have questions that are not answered in this section feel free to drop us a line at info@brewcast.net.

PODCAST
When did you start?
Why did you start?
Why beer as a topic?
What do you use to record the show?
Where do you get the music for the show?

BEERS
How do you choose the beers for the podcast?
What beers do you recommend?
Why did you give my favorite beer a bad grade?
Do you hate the big breweries?
How can I recommend a beer for you to try?

GRADING
What grading system do you use?
Why an A to F grading scale?
Is that like the grades we got in school?

CAST
Why do you use a panel?
How did you recruit your panel?
Can I join?
Is there more information on the individual cast members?

Podcast
When did you start?
We have been recording a weekly podcast since the Fall of 2006.

Why did you start?
John was returning to school and wanted to brush up on his html, css, and php from so long ago. The thought was that a podcast would be good, because it required regular updates and upkeep. So BrewCast.NET was born.

Why beer as a topic?
At the time podcasting was becoming popular. We looked at the podcasts available at the time and the topics we thought would be fun and beer was the only one that didn’t have any podcasts we could find. Thinking we were possibly the first beer podcast the choice was made.

What do you use to record the show?
Currently for hardware we are using a laptop, condenser mic (MXL 990), a low end mixer (Beringer 820), and a Griffin iMic to pull it all together. On the Software side we use Castblaster, Levelator, & iTunes (For tagging the file). Have recommendations for hardware or software we should try email us at info@brewcast.net.

Where do you get the music for the show?
We use music available from Podsafe Music Network and the IODA Promonet as well as other creative commons licensed music. We appreciate them all as they make the podcast better.

Beers
How do you choose the beers for the podcast?
The beers that are on the show are the ones that were recommended to us by listeners, provided by brewers, gathered when we travel or look interesting on the shelf of our local stores.

What beers do you recommend?
Under the new grading system any beer receiving a B or higher should be a good bet. Under the old system anything in the 75% or higher is what we would recommend.

Why did you give my favorite beer a bad grade?
There could be a few reasons:

1. The batch could have been stored incorrectly before we received it. If a beer was exposed to extreme hot and cold in its life it can greatly compromise the quality of the beer.

2. We could have gotten one of the rare bad batches from that brewery. Brewing is a delicate art and things can go wrong. Every brewery has had or will have a bad batch. Sometimes a few of those bottles get shipped out.

3. We really didn’t like it. It happens. People have different preferences.

Due to reasons 1 & 2 we are always willing to give a beer a second chance. If there is one in particular that you feel we were wrong about drop us a line at info@brewcast.net.

Do you hate the big breweries?
No, we don’t hate big breweries. They are a part of our economy and are the livelihood of tens of thousands of Americans. They have a laudable goal of consistency in everything they produce. They desire to create a beer that won’t offend any pallet. This produces a consistent but less flavorful product compared to the craft brewers who are willing to take bigger flavor chances. That is what typically shows in the grades, not a love or hate for them or their products.

How can I recommend a beer for you to try?
The easy way is to email us at info@brewcast.net or call us at 402-817-0351. If you would like to send us a beer drop us a line and we get you the address.

Grading
What grading system do you use?
Since December of 2008 we have used our own A-F grading scale to rate beers tasted on the show. The overall grade given to a beer reflects the average of the opinions given by our panel. We recommend any beer that receives a B or higher.

Click here for more information on the grading scale.

Why an A to F grading scale?
It seemed simple to understand. Most people would have had grades like this sometime in their life and understand the goal is an A, but a B isn’t bad and a C is average.

Is that like the grades we got in school?
Yes.

Cast
Why do you use a panel?
We tried to get a group of people who have different preferences and tastes. The hope is that these differences will provide more accurate scores.

How did you recruit your panel?
Mostly people we have met who like beer and are interested in learning more about it.

Can I join?
Currently we are not looking for new panel members, but if you live in the Lincoln, NE area and are interested in joining drop us a line at info@brewcast.net and we will keep you in mind for the future.

Is there more information on the individual cast members?
Yes at our cast page here.