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Ever had a beer so bad you'd rather drink anything else? This episode takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the extreme highs and catastrophic lows of craft beer exploration.

We kick things off with Jacko's Gift from the Crows, a dangerously drinkable 9.5% hazy double IPA from Ohio that delivers waves of pineapple, papaya, and fresh strawberry notes. Despite its substantial alcohol content, this beer slides down easy – perhaps too easy – earning it a solid 8.5/10 and our coveted "panty dropper" designation. If you're looking for something to impress a date who enjoys fruit-forward beers, this might be your ticket.

The mood shifts dramatically when we crack open Departed Souls Goose IPA from Jersey City. What follows is perhaps the most scathing beer review we've ever recorded. This 6% offering from what they claim is "Jersey City's first modern brewery" tastes so offensive that we struggle to finish even a few sips. With descriptors ranging from "cow piss" to much worse, this beer earns our rare zero rating and prompts philosophical questions about how anyone could possibly enjoy it.

Between beers, we share stories from Cream Phil's 50th birthday party (complete with a new light-up golf cart), debate the modern trend of men attending wedding showers, and tackle the age-old question: would you let your partner sleep with their celebrity crush without consequences? Our celebrity exception lists might surprise you – or confirm everything you already suspected about us.

Want to see us suffer for your entertainment? Check out our recent electrocution challenge on our TikTok. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just enjoy listening to friends banter about life's absurdities, this episode delivers plenty of reasons to drink – or in one case, every reason not to.

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Family bonds take center stage as the podcast welcomes a very special guest—Mark, the older brother of host Rick. This long-anticipated appearance brings hilarious childhood stories, heartfelt memories, and of course, plenty of beer tasting to celebrate Rick's birthday weekend.

The brothers dive into two distinct brews with enthusiasm and expertise. First, they sample Boss Dogs Jobu, a hazy IPA from Cleveland Heights that earns impressive ratings for its balanced heat and complex flavor profile. Their passionate discussion about the differences between traditional IPAs and hazy varieties reflects their growing appreciation for craft beer subtleties. Later, they revisit Founders Dirty Bastard, a Scottish-style ale with rich chocolate notes, demonstrating how their palates and preferences have evolved since starting the podcast.

What truly makes this episode shine, however, are the unfiltered family stories that emerge between sips. Mark reveals his protective relationship with Rick as children, including how he would check on his younger brother during the night. Childhood nicknames like "Putt-Putt" and "Skidmark" come to light, much to Rick's chagrin. The brothers play their signature game "Ricky's Bad Choices," leading to hilarious confessions about bar mishaps, unusual foods, and even Mark's youthful attempt to outrun the police.

Throughout it all runs a genuine thread of brotherhood that's impossible to fake. Their easy banter, inside jokes, and comfortable ribbing create an atmosphere that makes listeners feel like they're sharing beers around a campfire with old friends. As Mark puts it himself, driving to the recording felt "like a little kid on Christmas morning"—a sentiment that perfectly captures the joyful reunion spirit that makes this episode special.

Ready to join this family celebration? Pour yourself something cold and hit play for another reason to drink!

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"Pure Water Beer is actually a pure beer," we marvel, sipping the crystal-clear American lager from Common Roots Brewing Company. Located in an old brick factory building in South Glen Falls, NY, this brewery has created something special – a beer that rivals your favorite mass-produced lager but elevates the experience through quality ingredients and sustainable water management. We're immediately struck by its clean, crisp profile that lacks the cloying sweetness of many commercial options.

Between beers, our conversation takes a deeply personal turn. "It was rough, dude," Rick shares about saying goodbye to his beloved dog Bruno earlier that week. There's raw emotion as he describes their final camping trip together, the last golf cart ride around the neighborhood, and the heartbreak of coming home afterward. The podcast becomes a space for processing grief alongside life's lighter moments – from CPAP machine mishaps that trigger 2AM marital standoffs to attempts at solving muddy paw problems with artificial grass installations.

Our second tasting features Hot Blonde from Catawba Island Brewing Company – a mango habanero blonde ale that brings just enough heat to complement its tropical sweetness. "You can taste the mango, but you can taste that slight habanero," we note, appreciating how the warmth builds gradually without overwhelming the palate. At 4.7% ABV, it's another approachable option that demonstrates the creativity possible within craft brewing.

Through our signature "Ricky's Bad Choices" segment and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, we navigate the full spectrum of human experience – from profound loss to absurd hypotheticals about robot relationships. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simple act of sharing stories over good beer creates the connection we need most during life's challenging moments.

Have you tried either of these brews? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Subscribe to Another Reason to Drink wherever you get your podcasts and join our community of craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate both thoughtful tasting notes and authentic conversation.

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www.anotherreasontodrink.com