While Connecticut's craft beer industry has grown steadily over the last decade, the pandemic posed challenges to taprooms and wholesale retailers alike. Nearly half of the state's 125 breweries received federal relief funding, according to the Brewers Association.

This hour, we hear from the Connecticut Brewers Guild about how staffing shortages, supply chain snags and price hikes are still a factor for the industry.

WBUR recently reported a "carbon dioxide shortage is affecting Massachusetts craft production." Brewers Guild Executive Director Phil Pappas says the price of CO2, an integral ingredient in production and canning, has already gone up. He has concerns the shortage could affect Connecticut in the future.

The Brewers Association's annual report found that, nationally, small and independent craft brewers had "rebounded" from the pandemic. While 12 breweries have closed in Connecticut since the start of the pandemic, 22 have opened.

Plus, we hear about a new scholarship opportunity aimed at diversifying the Connecticut craft beer industry. New England Brewing Company's (NEBCO) Director of Marketing and Sales Jamal Robinson recently launched the NEBCO African American Brewers Scholarship.

The goal was to finance one aspiring Black brewer annually, through Sacred Heart University's new 11-month brewing science certification program, they were able to support four young brewers.

Robinson also organized this year's Change in the Air Beer Festival, the first Black-run beer festival in the state.

Robinson says the Change in the Air Committee that has formed around the effort has submitted an application for non-profit status.

GUESTS:

• Jamal Robinson: Director of Sales and Marketing, New England Brewing Co.
• Phil Pappas: Executive Director, Connecticut Brewers Guild
• Bart Watson: Chief Economist, Brewers Association

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