Why This Beer?
Join hosts Darren Binnema and Azlan Graves on "Why This Beer?" as they dive into the world of craft brewing. Each episode features engaging interviews with fellow brewers, uncovering the unique ingredients and processes behind their favourite beers. Expect positive vibes, insightful conversations, and plenty of learning along the way. Whether you're a seasoned brewer or a beer enthusiast, "Why This Beer?" offers a refreshing take on what makes each brew special.
Why This Beer?
Andy Innes on Driftwood, Fat Tug & West Coast IPA
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In this episode, we sit down with Andy Innes of Driftwood Brewery to break down the technical evolution of Fat Tug IPA, one of Canada’s benchmark West Coast IPAs.
Andy walks us through recipe development over time — from hop selection and layering strategies to process adjustments that maintain consistency at scale. We get into fresh hop logistics and chemistry, harvest timing, utilization challenges, and how Driftwood approaches bitterness, aromatics, and balance in a shifting IPA landscape. The conversation also touches on the transition from classic resin-forward profiles to the rise of juicy IPAs, and how Driftwood has navigated those trends without compromising identity.
We discuss quality control, sensory standards, and the discipline required to keep a flagship beer performing year after year. Andy shares insights into innovation within constraints, the realities of brewing in Canada, and what newer brewers should understand about process, precision, and patience.
This episode is a deep dive into hops, systems, and the work behind an enduring IPA.
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