Somewhat quietly, Jerry Nelson from Une Année has been making some of the best sour beers in Chicago - or anywhere, frankly. On this show, we review the first five beers from the Le Seul series of wild ales and fall in love with the solera method. We also talk about Une Année’s recent news, share some info on the souring process from Jerry, and discuss the challenges of a sour beer membership program. Also, Craig’s voice is eating itself, Ryan gives Chris from Transient Artisan Ales tips on naming beers, and we play another (a)rousing round of Beers Against Humanity. The phrase “canonical dingleberry” has never been so appropriate. Beers Reviewed: Le Seul I (Reddish brown sour with tart cherries and cranberries) Le Seul II (Hoppy golden sour with raspberries) Le Seul III (Wild ale with blackberries) Le Seul IV (Blended golden sour with peaches) Le Seul V (Blended golden sour with kiwifruit)

Two Michigan breweries enter Illinois; only one will be declared victorious. Well, not really, as we’re sure that both Short’s Brewing and Odd Side Ales will make a lot of new fans in Illinois. We pit six of these Michigan export beers head-to-head on this episode - and the real winner is good taste. But also, we take asides on Craig’s Street Fighter knowledge, offensive beer names, Johnny Cage the Elephant, and that time Ryan almost witnessed Sugar Ray die. (Long live Sugar Ray!) And yes, there will be a little Ween. Beer Matchups Round 1: Short’s Bellaire Brown vs. Odd Side Bean Flicker Round 2: Short’s Huma Lupa Licious vs. Odd Side Citra Pale Ale Round 3: Short’s Soft Parade vs. Odd Side Flash Golden  

We disengage our clutches and rev up our car metaphors for a whole show dedicated to the Speedway Stout from AleSmith. Mike Zoller from PorchDrinking joins us to taste five versions of this coffee-fueled, high-octane stout, and it’s a damn good thing we’re not actually driving. We talk about aging coffee beers, infected beers, and barrel-aging’s impact on ABV. But we also discuss Wacky Races, recoil from political talk, step on Craig’s pole, and try not to offend any volcanoes. And someone gets threatened with his own Cicerone pin. There are no friends at 200mph. Got speed? Drive Hard; Get Dirty. Beers Reviewed Speedway Stout (2015) Barrel-Aged Speedway Stout (2015) Speedway Stout - Vietnamese Coffee Speedway Stout - Kona Coffee Speedway Stout - Hawaiian (with coconut and vanilla)

Episode 111 - Stoneface Brewing Co. Since 2014, the people of Stoneface Brewing Co. have been focused on churning out a small variety of high quality brews. We drink five from the New Hampshire brewery, and there’s nary a complaint to be made about these great beers. But the diversions we take are more, uh, graphic than ever. Expect to hear about a Mozzapocalypse, perfect rimjobs, the genius of Neil Breen, eating babies, Nick Nolte’s Sea Captain period, and Craig’s sexual proclivities. It’s actually not as bad as it sounds. But we do say maybe the worst words we’ve ever said, Craig reveals he’s a Certified Beer Server, and Ryan subjects Craig to a game of “Name That Stone or Face.” Caution: it gets frothy. Beers Reviewed Blip (Session IPA) Rye (India Red Rye Ale) Porter RIS (Russian Imperial Stout w/coffee and vanilla beans) BA RIS (Rum barrel-aged) CORRECTION: Marvin Berry in Back To The Future is actually Chuck Berry’s cousin, not his brother. ABV Chicago would like to formally apologize for this error.

To celebrate the opening of their new bottle shop, Off Color has released a few unique beers that we combine with two other shelf selections for review on this episode. And because Craig spent the day acquiring cideries at the Cider Summit, we try to keep it brief and on topic - which fails quickly. There’s a little talk of food color byproducts, two new Craig characters (John Apple and French Stupid), Ryan’s trouble in the produce aisle, a reappearance from the orgy tarp, and a solid eight minutes on our second favorite subject: candy. Furry little creatures are welcome. Beers Reviewed Bare Bear (Sahti) Le Woof (Biere de Garde) Whiskers (American Wild Ale) Space Tiger (American Wild Ale)

We enter unfamiliar territory on this one by doing our first-ever cider show. Kim Leshinski of Hail to the Ale and MC Johnsen of Worth 1000 Beers join us to educate us on these fermented apple beverages. You’ll learn a lot about how ciders are made, apple varieties, local cider sources (including Broken Nose Cider), heirloom apples, and “the long pour.” We go from “cider stupid” to just plain stupid at times, as the diversions here are frequent and give Craig a good core workout. And Ryan is made to feel stupid by being the only one familiar with Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader. Listen and let us be the apple of your...ears?   Ciders reviewed Farnum HIll Dooryard Cider Shacksbury Farmhouse Bantam The Americain Uncle John’s Apple Hard Cider Vander Mill Chapman’s Blend 2014 Wandering Aegnus Wanderlust

Straight out of the cellar and into your earholes, five Side Project beers are on the table for this one as Steph from The Girl and Her Beer joins us to review these ridiculous works of liquid art. It’s not news that Cory King makes badass 100% barrel-aged beers, but you can live vicariously through us as we experience them. There’s also a musical side projects game, blending talk, a wall of acetone, origins of blue raspberry candy, ideas on how to make wax better, and a gusher we won’t soon forget. We also find out how Craig screens potential guests, and the details will SHOCK you. CLICK to find out MORE!!! Beers Reviewed Marietta Ave. Saison Pulling Nails (Blend 2) Wild Ale Black & Wild (Blend 1) Wild Black Ale The Origin Imperial Stout Blueberry Flanders

From the caves and laboratories of New Glarus, these four beers undergo our own “research and development” - by which we mean we “review” them and get surprisingly “drunk.” But the beers are of the usual New Glarus quality, so it gives us a lot to talk about: if Barney Rubble smells worse than a band-aid; what a “funk blanket” is and how to use it to get out of your Cicerone exam; and whether or not Craig has ever eaten celery. We also give some tips on beers with Belgian yeast and read an absurd poem. Beers Reviewed Wild Bitter Vintage 2014 Wild Barrel Golden Ale

We dipped into our vault this week to bring you our little tribute to working together. All five beers on this show were the product of collaboration featuring at least one local brewery (or liquor store) and a brewing buddy. Recorded back in August, this episode just got buried in our release schedule, but we’re proud to finally bring it to you so you can hear our trite discussions of the Aggro-Crag, smelly toys, One Direction, supple buttcheeks, and our idea for a naughty collaboration beer. Also, stay tuned to the end for some HOT TIPS on how to totally ignore bottle release allotments. Grab a friend and do it together! And come to Beermiscuous on February 6th for our 2nd Anniversary party! Beers Reviewed Off Color/Side Project - Corybantic (American Wild Ale) Arcade/Ale Syndicate - Dubbel Time (Dubbel with cocoa nibs) Pipeworks/4 Hands - Black Tuna (Black DIPA with honey) Hubbard’s Cave (Slapshot/Une Année) - Imperial Stout (with vanilla) Jester King/West Lakeview Liquors - Encendia (Mezcal barrel-aged saison with agave nectar, ancho chiles, and epazote)

It’s about to get all rustic up in here with four tart beers from Casey Brewing and Blending. Troy Casey subscribes to the Old World philosophy of brewing by using local Colorado ingredients and 100% oak fermentation to create these masterful brews. We subscribe to the ABV philosophy of getting completely off-topic from our beer reviews to create a fever-dream of a podcast. In addition to our take on these finely-crafted ales, there’s bits about Craig’s garbage mouth, overzesting your lemons, spaghetti sauce beers, and a long discussion of what styles of beer pair with certain weather and/or clothing. Because why the hell not. Beers Reviewed East Bank Saison (with honey) Apricot Fruit Stand Saison Oak Theory Wild Ale The Cut: Montmorency Cherry Wild Ale

To clumsily pay tribute the only way we know how, we drink some beers to honor David Bowie that have some tangential relationship to his career. And though we don’t attempt to give Bowie a proper send off, the beers turn out really damn good and silliness abounds. We talk Monster cereals, sing some Cher, fear “target character drift”, defend Elisabeth Shue’s honor, and recall Quantum Leap. And there’s more conclusive evidence that Craig is our greatest living beer poet. Thank you, David Bowie. Beers: Bayerischer Bahnhof - Berliner Style Weisse Marz Community Brewing - Marzcal Kolsch Half Acre Beer Co. - Space IPA Revolution Brewing - Blue Gene BA Porter Uinta Brewing - Labyrinth Quadruple Black Ale/Imperial Stout (2013)  

It’s a mother-loving good time on this episode as we drink six different beers from Springfield, Missouri’s own Mother’s Brewing Company (Thanks Jeb and Eden!). And just like our own mothers, these beers fill us with warm feelings and happiness and alcohol. So we also rattle on about resolutions, crappy candy, hard root beer, TV moms, and Craig’s eHarmony profile. One beer brings out the 15 year-old in both of us (take a wild guess), and then there’s a little coffee talk - no big whoop. Ryan Winter Grind Coffee Stout Vanilla Winter Grind Coffee Stout MILF Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout Foggy Notion Barleywine Raspberry Imperial Three Blind Mice Brown Ale Three Blind Mice Brown Ale Craig Winter Grind Coffee Stout MILF Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout Vanilla Winter Grind Coffee Stout Foggy Notion Barleywine Raspberry Imperial Three Blind Mice Brown Ale Three Blind Mice Brown Ale  

Who says a little danger can’t be a lot of fun? Well on this show, we drink five random beers we had around and give them the ol’ arbitrary review treatment. Ryan shares his complete pitch for Yet Another Stakeout, the prospective third film in the Stakeout Trilogy. And for some godforsaken reason, the whole show is soundtracked by the music of Steven Seagal. It’s like we’re challenging you not to listen - so thanks if you do!   Craig   Anchorage Brewing Company - A Deal With The Devil (Cognac Barrel-Aged Barleywine) Grimm Artisanal Ales - Double Negative (Imperial Stout) The Alchemist - Petit Mutant (American Brett Ale with Cherries) Stone/4 Hands/Bale Breaker - Sorry Not Sorry (DIPA with Peaches) Prairie Artisan Ales - Brett C.   Ryan   Grimm Artisanal Ales - Double Negative (Imperial Stout) Anchorage Brewing Company - A Deal With The Devil (Cognac Barrel-Aged Barleywine) Stone/4 Hands/Bale Breaker - Sorry Not Sorry (DIPA with Peaches) The Alchemist - Petit Mutant (American Brett Ale with Cherries) Prairie Artisan Ales - Brett C.

It’s sweaters and stouts season again, and we bask in the warmth of five dark beers on this episode. We also look back on the year in beer by reminiscing on some of our favorites beers and events of 2015. There’s a lot of love for local favorites like Middle Brow, Temperance, Transient, Imperial Oak, Spiteful, Pipeworks, Pollyanna, and Une Annee; but some of the best beers of the year came from out East thanks to Tree House, Trillium, and Voodoo. Also experience a magically truncated rant on bottle release lines, weird homophone problems, a baby dinosaur Craig (awwww!), and a generally unpleasant walk-up we’ll call Fart Wars. No, Star Farts. No, Star Wars: The Farts Awaken. Yeah, that’s the one.   Ryan Transient/The Beer Cellar Neckbeard Nectar (imperial stout w/vanilla, cinnamon, coconut, and molasses) Brickstone Barrel-Aged Dark Secret (imperial stout aged in 12-year Elijah Craig barrels) Half Acre Big Hugs (imperial coffee stout) Ballast Point Peppermint Victory at Sea (porter w/coffee, vanilla, and peppermint) Funky Buddha Last Snow (porter w/coffee and coconut)   Craig Brickstone Barrel-Aged Dark Secret (imperial stout aged in 12-year Elijah Craig barrels) Transient/The Beer Cellar Neckbeard Nectar (imperial stout w/vanilla, cinnamon, coconut, and molasses) Funky Buddha Last Snow (porter w/coffee and coconut) Half Acre Big Hugs (imperial coffee stout) Ballast Point Peppermint Victory at Sea (porter w/coffee, vanilla, and peppermint)

For the big 100, we threw a little holiday party and invited our friends - and to our delight, they came bearing gifts of beer! On the show, we drink with them and give our usual reviews while catching up with them and taking many topical detours. Joining us are Kim Leshinski (Hail to the Ale), Ken Getty (from CHAOS Homebrew Club), Nick Burica (of Middle Brow Beer Co.), Chris Betts (of Transient Artisan Ales), Marie Cummins (Down the Hatch beer blog), Dennis Lee (of The Pizzle), MC Johnsen (Worth 1000 Beers) and Matt Johnsen (of Horse Thief Hollow and The Beer Cellar). In addition to thrilling excerpts from Secret Agent Santa (Harlequin 2015), we talk about kettle sours, sensuous languor, the troubles with opening a brewery, fingerless gloves, and much more. Thanks for listening and happy holidays!   Beers Reviewed:   Kane Brewing - Cortijo (Agave Nectar Saison Aged in Tequila Barrels) OEC Brewing - Malefactus (Wine Barrel-Aged Stout) Transient Artisan Ales - Black Raspberry Maigre (Berlinner Weisse) Lake Effect Brewing - Imperial Stout (Bourbon Barrel-Aged) BrainDead Brewing - Bent De Garde (Wine Barrel-Aged Biere de Garde) de Garde Brewing - L’Hiver Melange No. 2

On this episode, we sit in the sticky lap of luxury and sip on some premium barrel-aged offerings from Spiteful Brewing. We review four beers: two of which rightfully won gold medals at FOBAB, and one that leaves us speechless (and hallucinating). In addition to all the beer and brewery talk, we audit Craig’s purchases, preview Ryan’s “Goonies 2” script, and drink some semi-legal absinthe. It’s gross. But it’s all worth it in the end, trust us.   Craig Barrel-Aged Malevolence Chocolate Caliente Barrel-Aged Malevolence (2014) Barrel-Aged Belligerent Bob Barleywine Absinthe Barrel-Aged G.F.Y. Stout   Ryan Barrel-Aged Malevolence Chocolate Caliente Barrel-Aged Belligerent Bob Barleywine Barrel-Aged Malevolence (2014) 4. Absinthe Barrel-Aged G.F.Y. Stout

2015 might as well be deemed “The Year Pipeworks Came to Cans”, because as this show proves, it’s one of the best things to happen to Chicago beer in a while. We review the five currently available canned beers from Pipeworks because we were too impatient to wait for the sixth. Additionally, we unveil a new game (temporarily) titled “Beer Carnac,” and it goes off better than expected. We also give advice about Beer of the Month clubs, Ryan joins the “Smells Creamy” movement, and Craig is terrible at animals. And we tell a story about the Worst Trivia Prize ever. Caw-caw! Craig Lizard King Pale Ale Ninja vs. Unicorn Double IPA War Bird Session Ale Close Encounter Stout Blood of the Unicorn Red Ale Ryan Ninja vs. Unicorn Double IPA Lizard King Pale Ale War Bird Session Ale Blood of the Unicorn Red Ale Close Encounter Stout  

No tents were pitched in the making of this episode as we review the 2015 lineup of Goose Island’s signature special release stout. And we went extravagant on this one, pairing all six Bourbon County beers with special chocolates and the scandalous commentary of one Dennis Lee from The Pizzle. Find out if we think if these were worth waiting in line for on a cold Black Friday morning. In addition to our unique take on these most-desired beers, you’ll get to sup upon our sordid stew of nail polish remover, Charo, porns, Juggalos, David Lynch, Arby’s, salt sticks, and banjos. We also do some crappy improv, talk about Dennis’ tiny hands and Craig’s muppet voice, and spoil some movies. Thanks to Goose Island for providing a few of the beers to help make this vulgar trainwreck possible.   Rankings   Ryan Bourbon County Brand Stout Bourbon County Brand Barleywine Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout Bourbon County Brand Regal Rye Stout Proprietors’ Bourbon County Brand Stout   Craig Bourbon County Brand Stout Bourbon County Brand Barleywine Bourbon County Brand Regal Rye Stout Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout Proprietors’ Bourbon County Brand Stout   Dennis Bourbon County Brand Stout Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout Bourbon County Brand Barleywine Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout Bourbon County Brand Regal Rye Stout Proprietors’ Bourbon County Brand Stout  

For our brief, annual sabbatical, we drink ten different craft sodas while recapping our experience at this year’s Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers. We attempt to review the sodas, with five produced locally, but spend a lot of time reliving our favorite FoBAB moments. Our highlights include beers from Perennial, Off Color, 2nd Shift, Goose Island Clybourn Brewpub, Spiteful, Brickstone, The Lost Abbey, Metropolitan, Moody Tongue, August Schell, Half Acre, Temperance, Hardywood, and more. But there’s a lot of craft soda information packed in here too, and you’ll learn why we’re so grateful for Prohibition. We also work on Craig’s arts-and-crafts-based standup routine. Come for the FoBAB, stay for the sodas, leave with a gut full of sugar.   FoBAB Moments:   (00:11:30 - 00:18:18) Overall festival talk: organization, glassware gripes, expedited lines, strip club music, and more. (00:26:20 - 00:32:27) Ryan’s top five beers of FoBAB, plus a drunk volunteer story (00:34:44 - 00:38:22) Craig’s top five beers of FoBAB (00:42:10 - 00:50:16) Other beer highlights (00:54:29 - 00:59:19), (01:00:38 - 01:04:14) The beer lowlights (01:06:59 - 01:11:02) What we missed (01:14:12 - 01:15:45) Ranking previous FoBABs Craft Sodas Reviewed:   WBC Chicago-Style Root Beer Virgil’s Black Cherry Cream Soda Green River Fentiman’s Curiosity Cola Deadworld Slow Decay Vanilla Root Beer Cicero Beverage Co. Salted Caramel Root Beer Berghoff Orange Sioux City Orange Cream Filbert’s Strawberry Boylan Creamy Red Birch Beer

On Craig’s day off, he went due south to central and southern Illinois to check out their burgeoning beer scene. He brought back five beers for us to review, and we’re all over them like Abe Lincoln on a steamin’ stack of corn cakes. Amidst the beer talk, we touch on such provincial topics as adhesive, hand growlering, the Kennedys, spray shields, penguin movies, Charleston Chews, service ducks, and Paul Walker. And stay tuned to the end when we pay tribute to the late Jonathan Taylor Thomas. We’re never getting out of this one-stoplight town. Ryan Brickstone Brewery APA Rolling Meadows Brewery Lincoln Lager JT Walker’s Barrel Series #2 Triptych Brewing You Don’t Win Friends with Sours #004 Big Muddy Brewing Vanilla Stout Craig JT Walker’s Barrel Series #2 Brickstone Brewery APA Triptych Brewing You Don’t Win Friends with Sours #004 Rolling Meadows Brewery Lincoln Lager Big Muddy Brewing Vanilla Stout  

Man, it’s a hot one. We try five West Coast beers that have started popping up on Chicagoland shelves to determine if they’re worth your all-important dollar with our arbitrary reviews. Learn about these new entries to the Chicago market while we pay tribute to a song that defined a generation. Plus, we rant about beer pricing, brewery buyouts, the Better Business Bureau, the Rule 34 of beer, doing the Haka, and using “Mambo #5” for terrorism. We’ll be your Drunken Holiday Uncle. Or else forget about it. Craig Cascade Kriek (2013) Logsdon Seizoen Bretta Almanac Wakatu Sour AleSmith Anvil ESB Alpine Hoppy Birthday Session IPA Ryan Logsdon Seizoen Bretta Cascade Kriek (2013) Almanac Wakatu Sour AleSmith Anvil ESB Alpine Hoppy Birthday Session IPA

Listener Keef Debonzo sent us a box of treats from Wicked Weed Brewing, and we sat down on Halloween night to taste ‘em. We’re downright giddy to find out that this Asheville brewery is doing just about everything right. To add to the wickedness of this show, we play our favorite game, Beers Against Humanity, and it elicits talk about Cialis, Nickelback, orgies, Def Leppard, and more. We also talk craft beer Halloween costumes, shelf life on hoppy beers, herbaciousness, and naming your brewery. Check out Keef’s band The Debonzo Brothers on their website and iTunes! Ryan Black Angel Cherry Sour Freak of Nature Double IPA Pernicious IPA Oblivion Sour Red (w/blackberries and dates) Silencio Dark Sour (w/coffee and vanilla bean) Craig Black Angel Cherry Sour Pernicious IPA Oblivion Sour Red (w/blackberries and dates) Silencio Dark Sour (w/coffee and vanilla bean) Freak of Nature Double IPA  

For this episode, we blend with the Johnsens - MC and Matt - for this special trip on the Gueuze Crueuze™. We taste-tour five Belgian gueuzes and attempt to rank them, which is mixed in with some lambic education, brewery history, Belgium travel stories, and more diversions than usual. Here’s a small sampling of non-beer topics: Nazi ghosts, Eddie Bauer, peanut butter tapeworms, wine bongs, home coolshipping, DMX, pipe-aging, Magic Eye puzzles, Belgian motorcycle gangs, and dangerous roadside Limburger. We also add a few to the Great Band Names List, and Craig continues to smell weird. Check out MC’s excellent visual beer blog Worth A Thousand Beers and buy her kickass art! Matt & Ryan Cantillon Gueuze 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze Oude Gueuze Tilquin à l'Ancienne Girardin Gueuze 1882 (Black Label) Boon Oude Geuze MC 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze Cantillon Gueuze Oude Gueuze Tilquin à l'Ancienne Girardin Gueuze 1882 (Black Label) Boon Oude Geuze Craig 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze Oude Gueuze Tilquin à l'Ancienne Cantillon Gueuze Girardin Gueuze 1882 (Black Label) Boon Oude Geuze  

18th Street Brewery from Gary, Indiana is just over halfway through their Hunter variant series, and we round up five beers to review for this one. Colin Joliat from Boozist joins us to knock back this vertical of Hunter beers and to help us not end up horizontal. Craig is the game master on this episode with several “hunter”-themed trivia segments. We also discuss the Neo and Ne-Yo conundrum, Rare Day, sun tan lotion, blue licorice, and androgynous vampires. This episode is brought to you by Lions Gate Entertainment's “The Last Witch Hunter” starring Vin Diesel, opening October 23rd.* Hunt forever. Live forever. Ryan Hunter Cherry Hunter Coffee Hunter Vanilla Hunter Double Milk Stout Hunter Coconut Colin Hunter Cherry Hunter Vanilla Hunter Double Milk Stout Hunter Coffee Hunter Coconut Craig Hunter Coffee Hunter Cherry Hunter Coconut Hunter Double Milk Stout Hunter Vanilla *We’re really not sponsored by this. Please don’t sue us, fine people at Lions Gate Entertainment. Without you, we’d have no Madea.  

Before the weather all goes to shit, we look to the north for a flavor vacation with beers from Door County Brewing Co. We try almost everything they make while helping you plan your next vay-cay on Wisconsin’s Prehensile TailⓇ (Segway Tours are highly recommended.) We talk about beers with an eco-conscience, the Doors, fish boils, bottle dating, Shebobs N’ Such, and, of course, Kevin Bacon. Thanks to Sarah Rehmer and Danny McMahon for the beers for this episode!   Craig L’Automne Farmhouse Silurian Stout w/Vanilla Pastoral Saison Biere De Seigle Rye Farmhouse Little Sister Witbier Polka King Porter Big Sister Hibiscus Witbier   Ryan Biere De Seigle Rye Farmhouse Silurian Stout w/Vanilla L’Automne Farmhouse Pastoral Saison Polka King Porter Big Sister Hibiscus Witbier Little Sister Witbier

We load up the wagon for a cross-country tour of saisons, and we go all ‘Murica on you anyways despite drinking delicate Belgian-style beers. On this episode, we review five saisons from five different states all over this great land. You’ll hear some talk of serving temperatures, food pairings, and off flavors as we lazily audition for a freebie Cicerone certification. There’s also some creepy man-crush talk about Cory King and Troy Casey, a digression about the hyper-religious 90’s, some dangerous note-taking, and a few gushing saison problems. We also try hard not to turn it into one giant lemon party. God Bless America. Craig Hill Farmstead Anna Side Project Saison du Blé Casey Brewing and Blending Saison (Batch 3) Sante Adairius Rustic Ales Saison Bernice Jester King/Crooked Stave/Trois Dames Sin Frontera Ryan Side Project Saison du Blé Hill Farmstead Anna Sante Adairius Rustic Ales Saison Bernice Casey Brewing and Blending Saison (Batch 3) Jester King/Crooked Stave/Trois Dames Sin Frontera

Once again, we concluded our extended weekend of drinking and chafing in Denver at the Great American Beer Festival by recording an episode chock full of interviews and arbitrary beer reviews. You’ll hear interviews with Jonathan Wakefield (J. Wakefield Brewing, Miami, FL); Sean Lawson (Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Warren, VT); James Howat (Black Project Spontaneous and Wild Ales, Denver, CO); Paul Kreiner (Noon Whistle Brewing, Lombard, IL); Craig Mycoskie (Rahr & Sons Brewing, Fort Worth, TX); Jason zumBrunnen (Ratio Beerworks, Denver, CO); Jay Goodwin (The Rare Barrel, Berkley, CA); and the lunatics from Melvin Brewing (Jackson, WY). We cover many highlights and aspects of the fest, while still allowing time for our usual random digressions. Craig discusses his weekend spent stalking Troy Casey, and Ryan shares his numerical observations about babies, dreadlocks, and sandals. When you get this high, coming down is the hardest part.   Beers Reviewed/Mutual Rankings Casey Brewing and Blending Cherry Fruit Stand Crooked Stave Flor D’Lees AC Golden Hidden Barrel Kriek (Batch #3)  

  Prost! This week, we put nine Oktoberfest/Märzen-style beers into an ultraviolent cage match of arbitrary opinions. Beers from Germany, the U.S., and Chicago all enter, and a lot of them are kind of the same, but it’s the small differences that are amplified. We give a real informal history of the style, ponder what Germany smells like, and talk about the common problem with reviewing beers from Europe. But also, we smell creamy, maintain the cage, talk about goalie fights, and discover why we don’t let Craig do the walk-up. How high have we raised the discourse with this episode? So high.   Rankings   Ryan New Glarus Staghorn Metropolitan Afterburner Surly SurlyFest Revolution Oktoberfest Two Brothers Atom Smasher Great Lakes Oktoberfest Spaten Oktoberfest ur-Märzen Paulaner Oktoberfest-Märzen Hofbräru Oktoberfestbier   Craig Metropolitan Afterburner New Glarus Staghorn Revolution Oktoberfest Two Brothers Atom Smasher Spaten Oktoberfest ur-Märzen Surly SurlyFest Paulaner Oktoberfest-Märzen Hofbräru Oktoberfestbier Great Lakes Oktoberfest

The brewers from Oregon’s de Garde Brewing use a coolship to ferment their beers year-round before aging them in oak, and we taste five of the resulting beers. Despite moments of oppressive heartburn, we find that the Oregonian Coast is blowing some sweet pixie farts into these wonderful beers. We try not to be too self-gratifying, but clutch tightly as this episode includes a touch of French speak, a rub of new band names, and a gentle caress of sensual GoGurt. Craig also loses control of his spittle. And Ryan pleases himself with a very satisfying musical theme. Bu.   Ryan 1. Imperial Cherry Marion Bu Berliner Weisse 2. Amarillo Hose Gose 3. Special Rouge American Wild Ale 4. Oude Rruin Flanders Oud Bruin 5. Peach Bu Berlinner Weisse   Craig 1. Imperial Cherry Marion Bu Berliner Weisse 2. Special Rouge American Wild Ale 3. Amarillo Hose Gose 4. Oude Rruin Flanders Oud Bruin 5. Peach Bu Berlinner Weisse

In the annals of ABV Chicago, this one will certainly go down as Craig’s masterpiece. We have five maple syrup and coffee breakfast beers and pair them with five doughnut creations from local baking geniuses Glazed & Infused. Once again we are joined by Chicago Reader’s 2015  Best Food WriterDennis Lee, and like the feeling of syrup in the corners of your mouth and the rot of sugar in your belly after a giant stack of pancakes, he will make you feel disgusting yet oddly satisfied. Dennis shares some Pizzle updates, a sad birthday story, his thoughts on a Freegan challenge, and some helpful explanations of “Red Velvet” and ganache. But mostly we hear about his garbage life and Tinder disappointments. Other topics include continental breakfasts, the film “Independence Day” (and the eternal Paxton or Pullman debate), new CK scents, and Craig’s awful diet. Please send insulin.   Featured Glazed & Infused Donuts   Terry’s Mocha Koffee Toffee Maple Bacon Long John Sweet Tooth (w/Butterfinger topping and vanilla glaze) Red Velvet Chocolate   Rankings   Craig 1. Toppling Goliath Mornin’ Delight 2. Tree House Good Morning 3. Transient Buckley 4. Terrapin French-Toasted Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout 5. Funky Buddha Maple Bacon Coffee Porter   Ryan 1. Tree House Good Morning 2. Toppling Goliath Mornin’ Delight 3. Funky Buddha Maple Bacon Coffee Porter 4. Transient Buckley 5. Terrapin French-Toasted Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout   Dennis 1. Tree House Good Morning 2. Toppling Goliath Mornin’ Delight 3. Transient Buckley 4. Terrapin French-Toasted Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout 5. Funky Buddha Maple Bacon Coffee Porter

The spoils of Craig’s epic East Coast trip come to an end here, and boy are we spoiled! Trillium Brewing Company out of Boston is making a variety of beers better than pretty much everyone, we discover. Six beers of varying styles get our unequivocal praise here, which leaves plenty of time for Craig to talk about his visit to the brewery, their upcoming expansion plans, and why they should be on everybody’s radar. Also, hear us explain how your stinky ass can help you appreciate beers, the difference between bags and cornhole; our vague memory of “Good Will Hunting” quotes, a story where Craig effortlessly connects drinking syrup and Zelda, some SRM insanity, and something about a fat robot. Trill recognize trill, homie.   Craig 1. Artaic Double IPA 2. Congress Street IPA 3. Bees American Wild Ale with Honey 4. Fort Point Pale Ale 5. Stonington Barrel-Aged Wild Saison 6. Day and Night Blonde Barleywine with Coffee   Ryan 1. Fort Point Pale Ale 2. Artaic Double IPA 3. Bees American Wild Ale with Honey 4. Congress Street IPA 5. Stonington Barrel-Aged Wild Saison 6. Day and Night Blonde Barleywine with Coffee  

This episode goes out to our BFFs in Chicago beer as we open five brettanomyces-enhanced bottles. And despite our fully-disclosed amicable relationships with these brewers, we manage to be brutally honest in our reviews. You’re welcome, buds! Mostly though, you’ll hear us analyze our own friendship through some light reminiscing, reflect on being held, articulate Craig’s specific measurements for beer success, and make at least two fart jokes. Ryan also reads a brief essay about brettanomyces he cobbled together, and Craig is angry about cucumber water. And we become better brett friends than we thought possible. Forever? Forever-ever? Forever-ever?   Ryan 1. Goose Island Clybourn - Brettanomite Sour Wheat Ale 2. Lake Effect - Session Brett Extra Pale Ale 3. Une Année - Xellensis Belgian Blonde Ale 4. Transient - Peur Saison 5. Middle Brow - Cobrastyle Saison   Craig 1. Lake Effect - Session Brett Extra Pale Ale 2. Transient - Peur Saison 3. Goose Island Clybourn - Brettanomite Sour Wheat Ale 4. Une Année - Xellensis Belgian Blonde Ale 5. Middle Brow - Cobrastyle Saison  

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Simply put, we had a bunch of fresh, hoppy beers and needed an excuse to drink them - but then we go all meta on you. We have six beers from all over and play a game of Hop Bingo © to hopefully invigorate our limp descriptors. Craig takes control of the music on this one, and we explain how Ryan almost sabotaged this show. Also, we explain why we have so many Pipeworks beers on the show, explore the troubling distance growing between the two of us, and discuss how a little Donnie Brasco can go a long way. And, as was written, only shooting stars break the mold.   Play along with the Hop Bingo © Home Edition:   Craig 1. The Lone Pint Brewery - Yellow Rose IPA 2. Lawson’s Finest Liquids - Sip of Sunshine IPA 3. Pipeworks Brewing - Square Grouper DIPA 4. Lawson’s Finest Liquids - Super Session #2 IPA 5. Half Acre Beer Co. - Navaja DIPA 6. Fat Head’s Brewery - Head Hunter IPA   Ryan 1. Pipeworks Brewing - Square Grouper DIPA 2. The Lone Pint Brewery - Yellow Rose IPA 3. Half Acre Beer Co. - Navaja DIPA 4. Lawson’s Finest Liquids - Sip of Sunshine IPA 5. Fat Head’s Brewery - Head Hunter IPA 6. Lawson’s Finest Liquids - Super Session #2 IPA

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} We can hardly believe the number of local breweries canning beers these days, and in this episode we barely scratch the aluminum surface. We review six diverse styles in our attempt to arbitrarily decide who can kick it. Sidebars and distractions ensue, and we end up doing the sour mash, testing Craig’s local can knowledge, and determining the appropriate number of scarves needed to enjoy absinthe. And Craig sings - BEAUTIFULLY. Can you believe it?!?   Craig 1. DESTIHL Lynnbrook Raspberry Berliner Weisse 2. Spiteful God Damn Pigeon Porter 3. Half Acre Vallejo IPA 4. Atlas Farmhouse Wheat 5. Mikerphone Vinyl Frontier DIPA 6. Slapshot Tripel Deke   Ryan 1. Half Acre Vallejo IPA 2. Spiteful God Damn Pigeon Porter 3. DESTIHL Lynnbrook Raspberry Berliner Weisse 4. Atlas Farmhouse Wheat 5. Mikerphone Vinyl Frontier DIPA 6. Slapshot Tripel Deke

We continue our mission to drink the United States with a little help from listener Jeb who provided six Minnesota beers for this episode. And we’re positively blown away by some of the beers coming from the North Star state. In addition to our reviews and arbitrary rankings, there’s much discussion of Minnesota’s cultural contributions and infuriating baseball team (for two White Sox fans). We also let our inner fat kids loose and rage about Oreo Thins a little bit. Craig shares his extensive research. Ryan does a bad Craig Finn impression. Boof Bonser has a pipe made from a Pringles can.   Rankings   Ryan 1. August Schell Dawn of Aurora Berliner Weisse 2. Dangerous Man Peanut Butter Porter 3. Indeed Let It Ride IPA 4. Bent Paddle Cold Press Black Ale 5. Bauhaus Stargrazer Schwarzbier 6. Steel Toe Size 7 IPA   Craig 1. August Schell Dawn of Aurora Berliner Weisse 2. Dangerous Man Peanut Butter Porter 3. Bent Paddle Cold Press Black Ale 4. Bauhaus Stargrazer Schwarzbier 5. Indeed Let It Ride IPA 6. Steel Toe Size 7 IPA

Join Ryan and Craig, your guides to the urban beer jungle, as they experience the eccentric, offbeat, and unexpected Wild beers of Chicago! They imbibe six different ales fermented with wild yeasts and bacteria and review them for your listening pleasure. They’ll also visit with a singing cab driver, check out the 14th annual Contortionists’ Parade, and visit the last Russian bathhouse in Chicago! Or they’ll complain about heartburn and wax, discuss childhood television, and describe things as “lemony” a lot. Either way, you’ll want to strap on your safari hat and join them on this episode. And f’ your wax!   Ryan 1. Off Color/Jester King Radiolaria 2. Transient/Fountainhead Brutus 3. Une Année Esquisse 4. Lake Effect Vielle Blond 5. Marz Duchesse de Bridgeport 6. Penrose Wild XI   Craig 1. Transient/Fountainhead Brutus 2. Off Color/Jester King Radiolaria 3. Une Année Esquisse 4. Marz Duchesse de Bridgeport 5. Lake Effect Vielle Blond 6. Penrose Wild XI

Achtung Chicago! On this episode, it’s a pilsner face-off between Germany and Chicago as we review eight of these pale-malted and lightly-hopped lagers to determine the definitive LAND OF PILSNERS. We choose somewhat predictably. In addition, you get a taste of Pilsner history from Craig and a healthy dose of distractions from Ryan. Also, neither of us realize how drunk we’ve become by the end. We also say “balls” three times in the first fifteen minutes, which isn’t like us, so, sorry about that. And listen for Ryan’s very special, limited time offer for free stuff. This episode is dedicated to our homie, Herb Wurzig.   Matchups:   Baderbrӓu Chicago Pilsener vs. Kӧnig Pilsener Metropolitan Flywheel Bright Lager vs. Weihenstephaner Pilsner Local Option Outlawger vs. Kaiserdom Pilsener Half Acre Pony Pils vs. Wolters Pilsener   Rankings:   Craig 1. Weihenstephaner Pilsner 2. Metropolitan Flywheel Bright Lager 3. Half Acre Pony Pils 4. Baderbrӓu Chicago Pilsener 5. Local Option Outlawger 6. Kӧnig Pilsener 7. Kaiserdom Pilsener 8. Wolters Pilsener   Ryan 1. Half Acre Pony Pils 2. Metropolitan Flywheel Bright Lager 3. Weihenstephaner Pilsner 4. Local Option Outlawger 5. Baderbrӓu Chicago Pilsener 6. Kaiserdom Pilsener 7. Kӧnig Pilsener 8. Wolters Pilsener   Local Music Featured:   Meat Wave - “Brother” Rat Hammer - “Don’t Care” Twin Peaks - “Flavor”

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The fine folks of New Glarus brewing in Wisconsin have been brewing the highest quality fruit beers around for longer than just about anyone in the U.S. We invite Marie Cummins back to the show to help us review and rank eight of these outstanding brews. We pair all of the beers with Wisconsin cheeses based on New Glarus’ recommendations, and one is a spectacular failure. Also, hear us talk about booze-soaked Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Rain, Hawaiian Punch, “Still the One” by Orleans, and Star Wars. Craig explains why he is the body and face of the show, Ryan basks in sweet heartburn revenge, and Marie puts up with all of Craig’s shit. Did we mention the beer is incredible?   Rankings   Marie 1. Belgian Red 2. Serendipity 3. Apple Ale 4. Raspberry Tart 5. Cran-bic 6. R&D Sour Fruit (Very Sour Blackberry) 7. Strawberry Rhubarb 8. Enigma   Ryan 1. R&D Sour Fruit (Very Sour Blackberry) 2. Belgian Red 3. Serendipity 4. Cran-bic 5. Raspberry Tart 6. Apple Ale 7. Strawberry Rhubarb 8. Enigma   Craig 1. R&D Sour Fruit (Very Sour Blackberry) 2. Belgian Red 3. Serendipity 4. Cran-bic 5. Raspberry Tart 6. Apple Ale 7. Strawberry Rhubarb 8. Enigma

The Beerists swept through this city like a drunken typhoon, and they stopped by to wreak some havoc on Craig's cellar. John Rubio, Anastacia Kelly, and Mike Lambert join us to do what they've been doing for longer than us: review delicious beers. We talk about their Austin-based award-winning podcast, highlights of their Chicago trip, and their observations on this city's beer culture. Also, Anastacia gives spot-on food pairings, Rubio sings, and Craig and Mike become closer than we are comfortable with. You're welcome!   Rankings   Rubio and Mike 1. Goose Island Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout 2. DeGarde Imperial Blackberry Bu 3. Toppling Goliath Assassin (2014) 4. The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze (2013) 5. Funk Factory Framrood   Craig and Ryan 1. Goose Island Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout 2. DeGarde Imperial Blackberry Bu 3. The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze (2013) 4. Toppling Goliath Assassin (2014) 5. Funk Factory Framrood   Anastacia 1. DeGarde Imperial Blackberry Bu 2. Goose Island Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout 3. The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze (2013) 4. Toppling Goliath Assassin (2014) 5. Funk Factory Framrood

We bust into some beer mail from Maine and New Hampshire, thanks to our new best friend Dave. We review six beers of varying styles with the help of our most regular and precious guest, Dennis. In addition to our typically eloquent aroma and taste descriptors, we bring a veritable symphony of randomness and small wind instruments. Topics include coolships, “tart” vs. “sour”, agreeable hop profiles, local IPA comparisons, Weird Al, LeVar Burton, Flintstone vitamins, that guy from Mr. Show, and weed. We also get to the bottom of why Craig doesn’t like hoppy stouts. Be one with the trees.   Craig 1. Allagash Coolship Resurgam (2015) Gueuze 2. Stoneface Mozaccalypse DIPA 3. Foundation Forge Russian Imperial Stout 4. Stoneface IPA 5. Bissell Brothers The Substance IPA 6. Oxbow Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale   Ryan 1. Allagash Coolship Resurgam (2015) Gueuze 2. Bissell Brothers The Substance IPA 3. Foundation Forge Russian Imperial Stout 4. Stoneface Mozaccalypse DIPA 5. Stoneface IPA 6. Oxbow Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale   Dennis 1. Allagash Coolship Resurgam (2015) Gueuze 2. Foundation Forge Russian Imperial Stout 3. Bissell Brothers The Substance IPA 4. Stoneface Mozaccalypse DIPA 5. Stoneface IPA 6. Oxbow Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale

We acquaint ourselves with six more of Chad Yakobson’s fine funky brews from his Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project in this episode. These 2014 Cellar Reserve offerings are all oak-aged and brettanomyces-fermented with fruits added, so rankings become difficult. Ryan is prepared this time with a few homemade heartburn remedies, so hear him experiment and suffer. We talk a lot about Chad & Brett. (4-eva), candy, cereal grain, crossbreeding, yogurt, fancy candles, and Craig’s upcoming memoir, Tough to Touch. Burundi is so happy you’ve come to visit!   Craig 1. Blueberry Petite Sour 2. L’Brett D’Or Grand Cru 3. Raspberry Origins 4. Blackberry Dark Origins 5. Passionfruit Petite Sour 6. L’Brett D’Pluot   Ryan 1. L’Brett D’Or Grand Cru 2. Blueberry Petite Sour 3. Blackberry Dark Origins 4. Raspberry Origins 5. L’Brett D’Pluot 6. Passionfruit Petite Sour

Ed from Boston brought us beers from Night Shift Brewing’s 2014 Barrel Society, and we all review five of them with the “assistance” of Dennis. This solid lineup from the Massachusetts brewery includes many brettanomyces-enhanced sours and barrel-aged goodies. In addition, Dennis provides his expertise on dog food and how the food industry uses specific descriptors to trick you. We try and diagnose what’s wrong with Ryan. There’s a debate over forest floor or forest flora or forced floor. And Craig reads from the bottle and watches the Blackhawks. We somehow manage to talk beers amongst a mixed bag of distractions that also includes mousy taints, Garfield, “Hanging Yoga”, Cool Water by Davidoff, horses, and David Schwimmer.  Someone please hire Dennis.   Ed and Craig   1. Pluto (Sour ale aged with raspberries and brettanomyces) 2. Nebula (Berlinner Weisse aged with brettanomyces and prickly pears) 3. Quasar (Barrel-aged ale with brettanomyces and passion fruit) 4. Orion (Sour dark ale aged in oak barrels) 5. Big Dipper (Rye wine aged in Nicaraguan rum barrels)   Ryan and Dennis   1. Pluto (Sour ale aged with raspberries and brettanomyces) 2. Orion (Sour dark ale aged in oak barrels) 3. Nebula (Berlinner Weisse aged with brettanomyces and prickly pears) 4. Quasar (Barrel-aged ale with brettanomyces and passion fruit) 5. Big Dipper (Rye wine aged in Nicaraguan rum barrels)

  Temperance Beer Company is churning out medal-winning beers from their Evanston brewery, and brewmaster Claudia Jendron invited us up to try most of their portfolio. Turns out that spending an afternoon drinking ten beers with Claudia makes for pretty great conversation. In addition to plenty of brewing notes, Claudia talks about the experience of winning a medal at GABF; her extreme commitment to quality control and customer service; and her preference for English ingredients to create a unique take on refreshing, approachable beers. She also talks about moving from receptionist to brewer at Goose Island and how the AB-InBev buyout impacted the brewery. We learn about the challenge of hop contracts, canning’s benefits over bottling, and the calculated risks in barrel-aging. This is a great listen, and by the end, you’ll want to start a hop farm.     Our Top Beers     Ryan   1. Grapefruit Escapist IPA   2. Restless Years Rye APA   3. Smittytown ESB     Craig   1. Smittytown Tart ESB   2. Restless Years Rye APA   3. Gatecrasher English IPA     Beers Sampled:   Gatecrasher English IPA   Restless Years APA   Escapist IPA   Smittytown ESB   Grapefruit Escapist IPA   Smittytown Tart ESB   Greenwood Beach Blonde   Quotidienne Dubbel   Root Down Porter   Manhattan Barrel-Aged Might Meets Right    

Imperial Oak Brewing is approaching their first anniversary, and we visit them at their Willow Springs brewpub to sample their beers and talk about their operation. Brewers and owners Grant Hamilton and Brett Semenske are getting the most out of their 7-barrel brewery through constant experimentation with post-fermentation additions and barrel treatments. Owner Chris DiBraccio talks about his decade-plus experience running Brixie’s Beer Bar in Brookfield and how it’s helped keep Imperial Oak flowing smoothly. We learn a bit about their unique artwork, the plethora of growler and merchandise selections they sell, and why the local bikers love them. Craig also geeks out a lot on Star Wars, and someone finally calls Ryan out on his shit. It’s a trap! (Please don’t sue us, George Lucas.)     Craig   1. Billy Dee’s Coconut Pecan Porter   2. Barrel-aged Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Barrel-aged Trap!ist Dubbel   3. Barrel-aged Odin’s Beard Imperial Red Ale   4. Brother’s Keeper Imperial Honey Saison      5. Crank It Hop - Amarillo IPA   6. Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Trap!ist Dubbel     Ryan   1. Barrel-aged Odin’s Beard Imperial Red Ale   2. Crank It Hop - Amarillo IPA   3. Billy Dee’s Coconut Pecan Porter   4. Brother’s Keeper Imperial Honey Saison      5. Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Trap!ist Dubbel   6. Barrel-aged Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Barrel-aged Trap!ist Dubbel  

It’s adjunct stout hour featuring chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and peppers - all tasted and reviewed blind! We review and rank six “Mexican hot chocolate” style beers, and only you - the lisener - will know what we are drinking. Get ready for some Telenovela-sized plot twists in this one, as we ruin Craig’s favorite beer for him forever and an unexpected local brewery handily defeats all the others. Bring your mouth!   Ryan 1. Spiteful Malevolence: Chocolate Caliente 2. Perennial Abraxas 3. Cigar City Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout (2014) 4. Westbrook Mexican Cake (2013) 5. Hailstorm Vlad the Conquistador 6. 18th Street Bitches’ Bank   Craig 1. Spiteful Malevolence: Chocolate Caliente 2. Cigar City Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout (2014) 3. Perennial Abraxas 4. Westbrook Mexican Cake (2013) 5. Hailstorm Vlad the Conquistador 6. 18th Street Bitches’ Bank