From Italy to Chico, CA, we're talking great craft beer on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone welcomes back Dave Brodrick, and calls filmmaker John R. Richards of Beer Hunter the Movie to talk about what made beer writer Michael Jackson so special. Find out where you can see the film in New York City! Jan Apanich and Jerry Clum of Sierra Nevada are in the studio talking about their brand's role in the craft beer movement, and how their East Coast expansion will affect their carbon footprint. Hear from food writer, historian, and sommelier Katie Parla about the unique craft beers being produced in Italy. Jon Lundbom of B. United talks about the cost of importing Italian brews, and how Italian beer history allows for creativity. You don't want to miss this episode; tune into Beer Sessions Radio! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Dead Stars for today's music.

"He was more about people, history, geography, and music than about beer. But he had an amazing palate, and no one could describe the flavors in beer better than Michael Jackson... He was a journalist; he really captured the stories of people." [9:10] -- John R. Richards on Beer Sessions Radio

"People are realizing that the number of flavor profiles of beer pair with food so well." [12:00] -- Jerry Clum on Beer Sessions Radio

"These Piedmont-based brewers are doing a lot of beers with fruit, and to great effect." [22:25] -- Katie Parla on Beer Sessions Radio

The topic of the day: English cider and perry! This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Tom Oliver of Oliver's Perry & Cider House. Learn about Tom's family history in the cider, perry, and winemaking business, as well as some common misconceptions about cider and perry in the United States. BR Royla and Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers Importing are in the studio to explain why they import Tom's product, and how they hope that cider gains a wider audience in this country. Tony Forder of Ale Street News plays the flute and talks about his upcoming European beer tour, while Clint Carter of Men's Health Magazine talks about the nutritional benefits of a good brew. Listen in to learn more about some awesome, rare Belgian beers, as well as signature characteristics of wild yeast! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com, and thanks to Pamela Royal for today's musical selections.

"At this time, I see cider with the brightest future it's ever had because it's not just the die-hard cider drinkers who are enthusiastic, but the younger drinkers are showing interest." [3:30]

"Wild yeast are so interesting, and I admire every beer-maker who dabbles in that world." [27:30]

-- Tom Oliver on Beer Sessions Radio

This week's Beer Sessions Radio is live from Jimmy Carbone's bar, Jimmy's No. 43! Guests on today's show include the authors of The World Atlas of Beer, Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont, and Chimay ambassador, Luc "Bobo" Van Mechelen. Tune in to hear about Bobo's storied history in the beer world, and why Chimay has been so successful in the United States. Tim and Stephen discuss their reverence for famed beer writer, Michael Jackson, and how their book was influenced by his writings. Bobo and Tim talk about lambics, and what beers can be officially labeled with the title. Hear the gang's opinions on Italian beers, and listen in to hear about some European countries with burgeoning beer scenes! Learn more about beer in South America, Asia, and Africa! This episode has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com.

"By the time we came out of it [writing the book] over a year later, the both of us were reeling that we really hadn't had any idea of exactly how big the beer thing was globally, and is only getting bigger." [12:00] -- Stephen Beaumont on Beer Sessions Radio

"As there are brewers all around the world that are trying to make spontaneously fermented, wild-fermented beers- should 'lambic' become the genuine... from Belgium? And the other revitalized types of beers using wild yeast should just be called something else?" [20:30] -- Tim Webb on Beer Sessions Radio