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What happens when brothers reunite to taste forgotten beers? That's exactly what unfolds as Mike welcomes his brother Brian—known affectionately as "the mad scientist"—to the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast for a unique tasting experience. Together, they crack open a time capsule in the form of unopened Beer of the Month Club boxes that have been sitting in Brian's basement, containing craft offerings from breweries across America that most drinkers will never encounter.

From a historic pilsner once insured for a million dollars to a questionable oatmeal stout that leaves them reaching for a palate cleanser, the brothers evaluate six distinctly different beers while sharing stories of brewing adventures and misadventures. As Brian reveals details about his brewing process at Five Alarm Brewing, listeners are treated to an insider's perspective on everything from managing fermentation to the science behind hop bitterness measurements. His tale of encountering a band called "Sweet and Juicy" (featuring musicians dressed as a banana and strawberry) while beer-touring in Oregon proves that the craft beer journey is filled with unexpected delights.

The conversation flows naturally between technical brewing insights and casual brotherly banter, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're sitting at the table with them, tasting glass in hand. When Brian explains why some IPAs rated at 99 IBUs can taste less bitter than those rated at 20, and shares his experimental approach to brewing a forthcoming pickled jalapeño beer for a wedding, you understand why he's earned his "mad scientist" moniker.

Whether you're curious about the mysterious ways beer changes during aging, wondering what makes a brewery worth joining their barrel society, or simply enjoy authentic conversations about craft beer without pretension, this episode delivers with warmth and humor. Pour yourself something special and join these brothers as they toast to exploration, creativity, and the joy of discovering both gems and disappointments in the world of craft beer.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

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Pull up a barstool and join Mike, the Northwoods Beer Guy, and his brother Brian, the "Mad Scientist of brewing," as they embark on a craft beer adventure at Checkers Tavern in Warrensburg, Missouri. Against a backdrop of live music and lively bar ambiance, the brothers share honest, straightforward evaluations of local brews with their signature numerical rating system.

The heart of this episode features an exploration of Mule Barn Brewing's offerings - a promising new brewery without their own facility yet, but with beers already flowing from local taps. Starting with a surprisingly decent Lemon Shandy, they work their way through a clean Old Drum Pale Ale, a grainy Depot Street Lager, and a sharper-than-expected Intergalactic Voyager Double Hazy IPA. When fate intervenes and a tap runs dry, they discover the highlight of their Mule Barn experience - a perfectly balanced Coconut Porter that showcases the brewery's potential.

The tasting journey continues with canned selections, including Civil Life Brewing's impressive "Be Civil" American Brown Ale with its rich chocolate notes, followed by two disappointing offerings from Log Boat Brewing - a flavorless "Mammot" brown ale and their "Snapper" American IPA that lacks the hop character its 7.2% ABV would suggest. Between sips, Brian shares insights from his own brewing projects, including an intriguing chocolate peanut butter stout made with Reese's Puffs cereal.

Whether you're a craft beer aficionado or just getting started on your beer exploration journey, this episode offers genuine reactions from experienced palates and showcases the diversity of the regional brewing scene. So grab your favorite brew and join the brothers as they remind you to keep your campfires warm and your beers always cold.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.

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Ever wonder if those ready-to-drink cocktails are actually worth your time? This episode takes you on a journey through five different canned cocktails that might change how you stock your cooler this summer.

Mike (fighting through a springtime bug) and Suzy start by revisiting their experience at Between the Bluffs beer festival, highlighting their discovery of Meaningful Brewing—a 100% gluten-free beer line from O'so Brewing that impressed even their celiac-affected friend. After sharing stories about their Kentucky Derby gathering (complete with mint julep bourbon) and the fascinating lineage of this year's winner, they dive into the main event.

The cocktail showdown features three offerings from Leinenkugel's partnership with Central Standard Craft Distillery—Cherry Vodka Lemonade, Brandy Old-Fashioned, and Bourbon Old-Fashioned—alongside Crown Royal's Peach Whiskey Lemonade and Welch's Vodka Cranberry. What unfolds is a surprisingly definitive ranking with the Brandy Old-Fashioned emerging as the clear champion, capturing the unique Wisconsin supper club experience in aluminum form.

Between sips, Mike and Susie share fascinating glimpses into Wisconsin drinking culture, from the state's distinctive approach to Old-Fashioned's (with brandy and a splash of soda—heresy elsewhere) to legendary supper clubs like the Monkey's Roost, where the bartender has crafted tens of thousands of perfect cocktails over 40 years. They even detour into Wisconsin's cranberry country and the explosive growth of Warren's Cranberry Festival from 30 vendors to over 3,000.

Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for convenient alternatives to beer this summer, this episode offers practical insights, honest assessments, and a generous pour of Northwoods charm. Which canned cocktail will become your go-to? There's only one way to find out.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.