The episode begins by noting the common sight of board games in tap rooms, setting the theme of craft beer and gaming. Perry Miller introduces Seth Cook from What Makes Brewing in Brookings as the guest. Seth explains that his brewery hosts a regular game night on the second Friday of every month. This event is co-sponsored by the local library, which brings its entire collection of games to the pub. The library allows patrons to check out games for up to four weeks, providing a resource for the community. Seth mentions that the pub has built its own library of games to encourage socializing. He notes the intentional lack of TVs at the pub, except for game days, to promote a screenless atmosphere. Games range from simple ones like cribbage and shut the box to more complex titles like Pandemic and Ticket to Ride. The purpose is to facilitate conversation and enjoyment of company. Seth connects this to the cold season and upcoming holidays, where playing games with friends and family becomes a common activity. He reflects on the historical dominance of video games but observes a resurgence in board games for social settings. The episode emphasizes how this pairing enhances the craft beer experience by creating interactive, community-focused environments. It also highlights local initiatives like the library partnership that support this trend. Overall, the discussion provides practical insights into how breweries integrate gaming into their social spaces.
