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David Nilsen

@davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social
1.3K followers 423 following 1.5K posts

Beer and craft chocolate writer and educator based in Dayton, OH. Advanced Cicerone©. Host of Bean to Barstool, co-editor of Final Gravity print zine. Author of Pairing Beer & Chocolate. davidnilsenbeer.com

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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
In his article for Final Gravity Issue 13, @brettthepoett.bsky.social takes a look at a centuries-old beer drinking game that pops up in several classic paintings - if you know what you're looking at. You can pick it up the issue here: www.beantobarstool.com/shop/p/final...
Graphic for Final Gravity Issue 13. On the right is a classic painting showing a man and a woman hoisting an unusual, tall glass of beer. On the left is text reading "Through a Passglas, Darkly by Brett Cortelletti. Fine art. Drinking games. Dutch morality."
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Pellicle @pelliclemag.com · 24/09/2026
We should have a sign above Pelli HQ that reads "twinned with Chicago" because we love it, and so do you! This week, @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social takes us to Off Color Brewing, a place where creativity thrives. www.pelliclemag.com/home/2026/9/...
pelliclemag.com
Beer for Mischief — Off Color Brewing in Chicago, Illinois — Pellicle
A group of mice is known as a mischief . This fact strikes me as appropriate as I stare at the line-drawn mouse on a can of Off Color Brewing’s Beer for Lounging. The mouse is one in a menagerie of c...
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Off Color Brewing @offcolorbrewing.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Love this sound bite @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social grabbed from Laffler. “Sometimes we just make a Pilsner because we like to make Pilsner.”
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I was super excited to write about one of my favorite breweries for @pelliclemag.com - Off Color in Chicago!
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
There's been a lot of growth in mezcal-infused craft chocolate in recent years. The flavor interactions are fascinating. www.beantobarstool.com/episodes/mez...
Photo of 9 different craft chocolate bars made with mezcal
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In my latest for @ohiomagazine.bsky.social, I profiled Wandering Monsters, a brewery where kids and adults can both have a good time: www.ohiomagazine.com/food-drink/c...
ohiomagazine.com
Kids and Adults Both Love Wandering Monsters Brewery
Craft beer, smoked barbecue and duckpin bowling add up to a family-friendly destination in Cincinnati. 
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
If you're in the area, join us this Saturday at Third Eye Brewing's Hamilton taproom for a field trip! Brewmaster interview Brewery tour Guided tasting Register here, pay at the door: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Photo of an amber colored beer in a willi becher glass with Third Eye Brewing Company on the side. Test reads Third Eye Brewing field trip with Tipp City Public Library's Overdue for a Brew. Saturday, September 19, 12:00 p.m.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
For our nonprofit spotlight in Final Gravity Issue 13, we focused on two Ohio orgs providing period supplies & education for anyone who needs them: Period Kits Ohio & Free Flo Box.
Graphic for Final Gravity Issue 13 Non-Profit Focus. At the top is the logo for Period Kits Ohio, with the description: "Period Kits Ohio fights period poverty by partnering with nonprofits that support individuals and families, ensuring access to menstrual products as a basic human need." Below is the logo for Free Flo Box Free Period Product Pantry, with the description: "Free Flo Box provides education and period products for menstruators, and has two free period products pantry locations in Dayton, Ohio."
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
In his first-person narrative in our most recent issue, Christopher A. Smith reported from New Orleans on how this past winter’s immigration raids had impacted the city’s laid back vibe & closeknit hospitality industry: www.beantobarstool.com/shop/p/final...
Quote graphic from Christopher A. Smith for Final Gravity Issue 13 that reads "But there was more anger than panic that I saw and heard during my time in the city. Anger, and resolve."Quote graphic from Christopher A. Smith for Final Gravity Issue 13 that reads "How can the good times roll if you’re looking for overzealous and undertrained federal agents over your shoulder? … That eerie feeling seemed to have taken over some of the drinking holes in the city."Quote graphic from Christopher A. Smith for Final Gravity Issue 13 that reads "There’s a belief in New Orleans that the city welcomes who it wants, and repels who it doesn’t."Graphic for Final Gravity Issue 13. Top is hand-drawn illustration of a faceless crowd of protesters holding signs. Two are legible. One reads "No Kings" and the other reads "Protect your neighbors" with ICE crossed out. The bottom of the graphic reads "The City Welcomes Who It Wants: Good & Evil in NOLA by Christopher A. Smith. The big easy. ICE protests. A city that knows its own."
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Sarah Kendzior @sarahkendzior.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"Loneliness is all that oligarchs will give you for free. Loneliness without solitude: the ultimate totalitarian win." sarahkendzior.substack.com/p/i-wandered...
sarahkendzior.substack.com
I Wandered Lonely in The Cloud
How AI is destroying the life of the mind.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Take a few minutes to hear Caroline Houghton of Carobeans in St. Paul talk about how her community came together to protect their neighbors during the raids earlier this year, & the Ice Melter bar she created to raise awareness & funds for immigrant justice. www.beantobarstool.com/episodes/bit...
beantobarstool.com
Caroline Houghton of Carobeans on the Ice Melter Bar — Bean to Barstool
David Nilsen talks with Caroline Houghton of Carobeans in St. Paul, Minnesota. Caroline talks about how her community came together to protect their neighbors during the immigration raids earlier this...
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
In Final Gravity Issue 13, I interviewed the fine folks at @astronomyontap.bsky.social, who are working to making science fun and approachable through brewery and bar events. www.beantobarstool.com/shop/p/final...
Graphic for Final Gravity Issue 13. Top shows photo of two scientists - Drs. Emily Rice and Jeffrey Silverman. Text at bottom reads: "Galaxy Isn't Just a Hop: Astronomy on Tap by David Nilsen. Learning. Drinking. Making science approachable."
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Better Things Are Possible @internethippo.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
But we're going to touch the stove and we'll be touching it more than probably ever before. And we're not going to get burned. We're not going to get burned
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We have a big new episode of Bean to Barstool out doing a deep dive on a segment of spirits-infused craft chocolate I’m seeing more growth in than any other: Mezcal. www.beantobarstool.com/episodes/mez...
beantobarstool.com
How Craft Chocolate Makers Are Using Mezcal in Chocolate — Bean to Barstool
Advanced Cicerone David Nilsen talks with Lou Bank of SACRED Agave, Kelly Campos of Sleep Walk Chocolate, Eric Parkes of Somerville Chocolate, Caroline Houghton of Carobeans, and Hans Westerink of Vio...
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I understand it's the name of the restaurant, but I feel like we could have worded this differently.
News clip with photo of restaurant and headline "Bravo! Italian Kitchen closes at Dayton Mall."
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⛧ Mother Suspiria ⛧ (Stina Marie) @stinasdemons.com · 08/09/2026
RT if you've never had a tab of ChatGPT open, period. [Since everyone is quote posting vs actually RTing this]
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A few years ago, a local brewery did away with stemmed glasses because male customers felt threatened by them. Yes, really. I told my sister, and she sent me this little watercolor as a joke. Think we should turn it into stickers?
Photo of a hand holding a small, square watercolor painting of a Teku-style glass filled with beer against a green background. The text at the bottom reads "This glass is not as fragile as your masculinity."
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It's Pipes, Mum! Pipes is here! @scriblit.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
If you see something*, say something** * art you like **leave as many reviews and recs as possible on as many platforms as possible
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
In his short essay for our latest issue, @nagbw.bsky.social member Dean Brightman shared the story of traveling home for his aunt's memorial with his dad, his complicated family history, & how simply sharing a beer after a hard day brought some healing. www.finalgravityzine.com/articles/fg1...
Graphic for Final Gravity Issue 13. Top of graphic is a photo of a beer taplist. Text below photo reads "Travel Companions: On Leaving, Lager, & Loss by Dean Brightman. An aunt's Memorial. Complicated families. Reconnecting over beer."
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Hey, all. I'm going to do that annoying thing where I ask for support for my creative project, so bear with me.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Pick up a zine and get left behind by AI with us! #zinesruleAIdrools
Photo of person holding a hand drawn sign reading "Zines rule, AI drools"
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
In her excellent reported story for Final Gravity Issue 13, Alisha Miranda covers the rising craft beer scene in Puerto Rico, looking at the unique challenges producers on the island face, as well as the enthusiasm and ingenuity they display at they seek to build something sustainable and authentic.
Graphic for Final Gravity Issue 13. Top of graphic is a crowd photo taken at a beer festival, showing drinkers, tents, and pouring stations. The text at the bottom reads Brewing in Borikén: Puerto Rico's Rising Craft Beer Scene by Alisha Miranda. Community. Local flavors. Patria.
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Brian Alberts @brewedculture.org · 23/08/2026
I read this right after paying $17.50 (pre-tip) for a flight, and it immediately churned up memories of $1 lagers in central Wisconsin. What a snapback. Well played, @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social, and long live the Midwest.
Photo of text from Final Gravity Issue 13. 

"Long story short...

Actually, this isn't even a story, just a brag: last week we got a round of High Life and Gansett at Blind Bob's, or favorite dive bar in Dayton,  and our total came to $5.38. Long live the Midwest."
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Pellicle @pelliclemag.com · 23/08/2026
Looking for a quick boost of endorphins as you scroll through Sunday afternoon? Sign up as a Pellicle Patreon and feel good about supporting independent food and drink media! www.patreon.com/pelliclemag
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Peak Brewery Dad in this brewery bathroom, holding his 15 month old: "Okay, buddy, let's make sure we didn't get any buffalo sauce in your hair."
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Like Mike. Like to be like Mike.
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Mike @mikelovesbeer.com · 15/08/2026
Got this card in the mail from @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social and Final Gravity zine. Yes, I completely forgot to renew my subscription. Thank you for this totally awesome physical card to remind me. I renewed and set auto renewal this time. Maybe I can get some shots in there some day. 😉
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
It's release day for Final Gravity Issue 13! Final Gravity is a quarterly print beer zine telling personal, human-centered stories about beer. (short 🧵) www.beantobarstool.com/shop/p/final...
beantobarstool.com
Final Gravity A Beer Zine Issue 13 — Bean to Barstool
Final Gravity Issue 13 is full of personal, human-centered beer stories, including Alisha Miranda covering Puerto Rico's rising craft beer scene, profiles on Basqueland Brewing and Fauve Craft Bière, ...
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Pellicle @pelliclemag.com · 10/08/2026
We need more subscribers. We're working our socks off at the moment and it's all very exciting, but we need your support to keep going! Please consider signing up to our Patreon if you enjoy what we do. www.patreon.com/pelliclemag
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
In the new episode of HopLit, librarian and champion of intellectual freedom Drew Wichterman talks books, beer, and public libraries: www.buzzsprout.com/2500369/epis...
buzzsprout.com
Books, Beer, and Public Libraries with Drew Wichterman - HopLit
HopLit cohosts David and Emily are big fans and supporters of public libraries, and in this episode they sit down with librarian Drew Wichterman to talk books, beer, and libraries. Drew is the Directo...
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
I recently talked w/Allo & Rachel of the Craft Connections Beverage Education Summit about the philosophy & passion behind the Summit, why beer education is so important, & how we can provide tools for staff & consumers w/o overwhelming or talking over them. www.beantobarstool.com/episodes/cra...
beantobarstool.com
Allo Gilinsky and Rachel Benkowski of Craft Connections Beverage Education Summit — Bean to Barstool
In this episode, host David Nilsen talks with Allo Gilinsky and Rachel Benkowski about the philosophy and passion behind the Craft Connections Beverage Education Summit, why beverage education is so i...
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Luke Owen Smith has launched A Bar Apart, an organization with a corresponding emblem that certifies the quality & practices of New Zealand-based craft chocolate makers. Here Luke shares what A Bar Apart is, what it means, & what he hopes it will accomplish. www.beantobarstool.com/episodes/a-b...
beantobarstool.com
Luke Owen Smith Sees New Zealand Craft Chocolate as A Bar Apart — Bean to Barstool
Luke Owen Smith in New Zealand has launched A Bar Apart, an organization with a corresponding emblem that certifies the quality and practices of New Zealand based craft chocolate makers. In today's ep...
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Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Do we know any lefty sports writers in Chicago? 👀 Asking for a friend!
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Raven of @theravenof.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
I am delighted to have an article coming out in this zine next month. If you are An Beer Guy, plz consider preordering.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
July is International Zine Month, so let's celebrate some zines by beer writers! Lots of fun ones here by @katiematherkm.bsky.social/@pelliclemag.com, @lucyburningham.bsky.social, @dinfontay.com, @melindag.bsky.social, & others.
Photo of a variety of beer zines
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Meg Linehan @meglinehan.com · 16/07/2026
rose lavelle, man.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Final Gravity loves libraries! Wherever you are in the United States, ask your public library to subscribe! We can laminate covers for durability in library use.
Corner of Final Gravity, a Beer Zine, with laminated covers
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Anaïs Lecoq @anahlcq.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
So happy to write again for Final Gravity! 🎉 🎨 Color, texture, abstract: the art of Fauve Craft Bière 👉🏻 Preorder here: www.beantobarstool.com/shop/p/final...
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Final Gravity Issue 13 is now available for preorder! Preorders get free domestic shipping when the zine mails out at the beginning of August. www.beantobarstool.com/shop/p/final...
beantobarstool.com
Final Gravity A Beer Zine Issue 13 — Bean to Barstool
Final Gravity Issue 13 is full of personal, human-centered beer stories, including Alisha Miranda covering Puerto Rico's rising craft beer scene, profiles on Basqueland Brewing and Fauve Craft Bière, ...
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Melinda and I often refer to Lily's Dayton as our second living room, and I was excited to get to write a short profile on them for the latest issue of Ohio Magazine. The article is also available online here: www.ohiomagazine.com/food-drink/a...
ohiomagazine.com
Lily's Brings Southern Flavor to Dayton
Located in Dayton’s Oregon District, Lily’s serves tasty fare and fun cocktails in a colorful setting filled with personality.
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Tinamarie Cox @tinamariecox.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Happy International Zine Month! Celebrate your love for #zines my #zinesters I'm so excited to be hosting a zine workshop later this month with my writing group. #tinamariethinkstoomuch #internationalzinemonth
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Today on the Final Gravity site, you can read Jorge Torres’s article from Issue 12 about Fio & Romi Rossel, the sisters behind The Bountiful Bag and San Diego Brewcycling, who are helping breweries turn craft beer trash into craft beer treasure. www.finalgravityzine.com/articles/fg1...
finalgravityzine.com
The Rossel Sisters of The Bountiful Bag Help Breweries Recycle Brewing Waste — Final Gravity, a beer zine
In this sample article from Final Gravity Issue 12, Jorge Torres profiles Fiorella “Fio” Rossel Borkert and Romi Rossel, the sisters behind The Bountiful Bag and San Diego Brewcycling, which turn craf...
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Jeff VanderMeer @jeffvandermeer.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
I had a piece commissioned by The Yale Review. However, since they published Christopher Sorrentino's sophomoric, frankly pathetic ode to using generative AI for his writing, I have told them in the strongest possible terms that I no longer have any interest in writing for them.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Emily & I are continuing our genre series on HopLit today w/a deep dive on mystery fiction. It's not a genre either of us have prioritized over the years, so if you love these stories, give it a listen, let us know why you love mysteries, & share your favorites! www.buzzsprout.com/2500369/epis...
buzzsprout.com
Whodunit? An Exploration of the Mystery Genre with HopLit - HopLit
HopLit hosts David and Emily continue with their genre focus series, taking you from genre to genre to discuss definitions, subgenres, iconic authors, histories, personal favorites, and new titles. Th...
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Happy International Zine Month!
Photo of a variety of beer zines scattered on the floor
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Long live Dayton. A round of High Life and Gansett - $5.38 total. I love the Midwest.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
I had the chance to present some bars from Sisters A Chocolate in a tasting class last night, and the attendees predictably loved them. I am continually inspired by this talented Ukrainian duo: www.beantobarstool.com/blog/sisters...
beantobarstool.com
Sisters A Chocolate in Ukraine — Bean to Barstool
The sisters behind Sisters A Chocolate in Ukraine are crafting beautiful craft chocolate bars in the midst of ongoing violence, hoping to bring a smile to their customers.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Kayla Lewis of Honest Friend Brewing in Columbus says she wants to “offset the macho aspect of breweries.” The Honest Friend taproom feels like a place people come not just to drink, but to breathe.
Quote graphic for Final Gravity Issue 12, reading: "Kayla says they’re hoping to “offset the macho aspect of breweries.” The taproom feels like a place people come not just to drink, but to breathe." Quote by David Nilsen.
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Casey S. Pumpkins 🎃 @caseyexplosion.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Two things about this argument. Firstly, AI proponents are desperately trying to wear down your resolve any way they can, and they wouldn't be so keen to tell you it's inevitable if they weren't terrified of the push back. Secondly, all AI slop can be expunged given the time, effort, and drive.
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David Nilsen @davidnilsenbeer.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
In the new episode of Bean to Barstool, I talk with Ava J. Holmes and Fiorella Richter, the founders of Women of Cacao, a global, bilingual professional network that culminates each year in the Women of Cacao Summit. www.beantobarstool.com/episodes/wom...
beantobarstool.com
Ava J. Holmes and Fiorella Richter of Women of Cacao — Bean to Barstool
In this episode, host David Nilsen talks with Ava J. Holmes and Fiorella Richter, the founders of Women of Cacao. Ava and Fiorella speak to the rich history of women in cacao and chocolate, their own ...
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