From Passion Project to Real Business: Navigating the Challenges

July 19, 2026 • Mike Bernstein • Join the conversation

What began as a simple weekend hobby quickly transformed into something far more meaningful—a genuine passion for brewing. My drive to craft exceptional gluten-free beer pushed me beyond traditional ingredients like sorghum, leading me to explore innovative alternatives that could deliver authentic flavor and quality...

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The Starting Line: My First Steps in Home Brewing

December 19, 2025 • Mike Bernstein • 3 responses

Walking through the doors of Berkeley's Oak Barrel for the first time felt like stepping into a different world. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, packed with gleaming equipment and intriguing ingredients I'd never encountered. The air carried the distinctive aroma of hops and yeast—scents that were completely foreign to me then...

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Embracing Gluten-Free Living and the Quest for Great Beer

November 14, 2025 • Mike Bernstein • 4 responses

Everything changed during a conversation in 2006 with a close friend who'd recently transitioned to gluten-free eating. As she described the symptoms she'd experienced before making the switch, I realized I'd been dealing with many of the same issues—things I'd simply accepted as normal parts of life...

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