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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.

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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.

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Step into the vibrant world of Wisconsin's craft beer scene as the Northwoods Beer Guy and friends explore the Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival in La Crosse. This on-location adventure captures the excitement of discovery as Mike and his crew of familiar podcast voices sample their way through dozens of unique offerings, delivering real-time reactions and expert ratings.

Wandering from booth to booth, the team encounters everything from pepper-infused pilsners that glow slightly green to dessert stouts garnished with marshmallows. They discover hidden gems like Skeleton Crew Brew's Salty Dog salted caramel porter and Marshon Cider's Snowed In Cinnamon that "tastes exactly like apple pie." Each encounter becomes a mini-masterclass in beer appreciation as they analyze flavor profiles, discuss brewing techniques, and rate each selection on their established scale.

The gang's excitement is palpable when they discover unexpected standouts like Turtle Stack's perfectly balanced Coconut Baltic Porter and North Pillar's surprisingly smooth double hazy IPA. Their candid reactions and friendly banter create an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're right there with them, sample glass in hand. Whether you're planning to attend next year's festival or simply looking to expand your craft beer knowledge, this episode provides both entertainment and education from true midwest beer enthusiasts who know how to appreciate everything from traditional styles to boundary-pushing experiments. Join the Northwoods Beer Guy for this festival tour and discover why Wisconsin's craft beer scene deserves your attention.

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.

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What happens when two beer enthusiasts taste their way through seven wildly different craft beverages in a single sitting? A flavor journey that spans continents, traditions, and brewing philosophies.

Mike and Jim kick off with excited chatter about the upcoming Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival before diving into their eclectic tasting lineup. Their adventure begins with Stone Arch Brewing's Honey Wheat Ale, where they discover how honey attempts to temper wheat's distinctive character—with mixed results. The mood shifts dramatically when they crack open a Newcastle Brown Ale, finding comfort in the time-tested English classic that's been perfected since 1927.

The conversation takes a sharp turn with Lupaline's "Tropical Fun Pants," a fruit-forward experiment featuring mango, pink guava, and passion fruit that leaves them pondering whether too many flavors can compete rather than complement. Their collaborative German-style lager—a partnership between Lakefront Brewing and Hofbräu München—sparks discussion about international brewing collaborations and traditional techniques.

Perhaps most fascinating is their first-ever mead tasting on the podcast with "Kill All the Golfers," a Caddyshack-referencing black tea and lemon metheglin that challenges their palates in unexpected ways. The hosts explore the ancient origins of mead, dating back 9,000 years to northern China, while comparing it to the clean, champagne-like finish of Loon Juice's Honeycrisp hard cider.

The tasting concludes with two distinctly different offerings: Central Waters' "Semantic Satiation" West Coast IPA with its surprisingly approachable hop profile, and Hammer Heart Brewing's "Flaming Longship," a smoky Scotch ale inspired by Viking traditions and Swedish metal music that divides their opinions dramatically.

Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about the incredible diversity in today's brewing landscape, this episode offers thoughtful insights, honest reactions, and plenty of laughs along the way. Join Mike and Jim as they remind us that great beverages, like great conversations, bring people together—even when opinions differ.

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.

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When we stepped into Boulevard Brewing Company during our Kansas City visit, we knew we were in for something special. What we didn't expect was just how masterfully this brewery has honed their craft across such diverse beer styles. Having brought back seven distinct bottles to sample, we're taking you on a flavor journey that showcases why Boulevard deserves its reputation as one of America's premier craft breweries.

From the moment we crack open the Joker's Wit Double Wit Beer with its perfectly balanced coriander notes, through the fascinating Saison Brett farmhouse ale with its distinctive earthy character, our palates are challenged and delighted in equal measure. The Dark Truth Imperial Stout delivers complex layers of espresso, roasted fig, and subtle smoke, while the Mexican Xocolatl Ale perfectly harmonizes chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla and mild chile heat in what quickly becomes one of our highest-rated offerings.

Perhaps the most remarkable discovery comes with Boulevard's Baltic Porter aged in both red wine and bourbon barrels. In an unprecedented tasting experience, we find that sipping reveals prominent wine notes, while taking larger gulps brings forth bourbon flavors – something neither of us has ever experienced in over a hundred podcast episodes. Beer can rarely surprise seasoned tasters like this, yet Boulevard manages the improbable.

The brewery's innovations continue with their Chai Imperial Stout and Espresso Martini Stout, both clocking in at a formidable 12% ABV yet drinking with remarkable smoothness. The collaboration with Kansas City's Oddly Correct coffee creates an espresso intensity that builds fascinatingly with each sip, cementing our impression that Boulevard's barrel aging program ranks among America's finest.

What truly sets Boulevard apart is their ability to create beers with pronounced, distinctive flavors that remain perfectly balanced and approachable. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just beginning your journey, these offerings showcase brewing artistry at its finest. Join us as we explore the depth and breadth of Boulevard's exceptional lineup – and if you find yourself in Kansas City, their taproom is an absolute must-visit experience.

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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A familiar voice returns to the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast as Brian rejoins Mike after a long absence since appearances on episodes one and two. Their reunion brings a diverse lineup of six unique beers that take listeners on a journey from the shores of Hawaii to the heartland of Wisconsin.

The duo kicks off with Kona Brewing's Big Wave, a golden ale that serves as the perfect gateway beer for craft novices, before diving into more adventurous territory with 608 Brewing's scandalous "2 Hot for Chancellor" fruited sour. This beer not only delivers surprising flavor complexity but comes with local university controversy baked right into its provocative label art.

As they progress through their tasting adventure, Mike and Brian encounter everything from the subtle maltiness of New Glarus Tailwagger amber to the perfect harmony of 608's Udder Punk Maple Walnut Milk Stout. The conversation takes an aromatic turn with Burr Oak's coffee-forward Mochaccino Milkshake Porter before concluding with Lakefront Brewing's deceptively smooth 11.2% bourbon barrel-aged Honey Bock.

Between sips, the friends discuss their approach to coffee sourcing during travels, debate what makes an ideal introductory craft beer, and propose that National Beer Day should become a recognized holiday with paid time off. They also tease a potential new segment focused on documentaries they've watched, asking listeners to weigh in on the idea.

Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or someone looking to expand your palate beyond mainstream offerings, this episode offers honest assessments of diverse beer styles and the surprising discoveries that come when brewers push creative boundaries. Pour yourself something interesting and join the conversation where warm campfires and cold beers always await.

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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Venture into the fascinating world of barrel-aged beers as Mike and BK embark on a tasting journey that reveals just how varied and complex these special brews can be. From the moment they crack open their first beer – a velvety chocolate mint stout that transforms dramatically as it warms – to the surprising discoveries in Mobcraft's barrel-aged collection, every sip tells a story of craftsmanship and experimentation.

The conversation takes an exciting turn when they encounter Pryes Brewing's Monkey Bar, an 11% ABV imperial pastry stout that combines peanut butter, banana, chocolate, and marshmallow into what BK declares "a show and tell beer." This unexpected standout earns a spot on their potential Beer of the Year list, hiding its substantial alcohol content behind layers of dessert-like flavors that develop beautifully at proper temperature.

Temperature emerges as the unsung hero of the episode, with both hosts noting how crucial proper serving temperature is for appreciating barrel-aged beers. Cold temperatures mask complexity, while allowing beers to warm reveals their true character – a revelation that transforms their ratings throughout the tasting.

Mobcraft's barrel-aged collection offers a fascinating study in how different barrels impact the same base beer. From traditional bourbon barrels to more unusual apple brandy casks, each imparts distinctive characteristics ranging from subtle booziness to surprising tartness. The variations prompt thoughtful discussion about barrel selection, aging time, and the unpredictable nature of barrel-aging itself.

Whether you're new to barrel-aged beers or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into appreciating these complex creations. Grab your favorite imperial stout, give it time to warm properly, and join Mike and BK on their flavorful exploration of what happens when brewers push the boundaries of barrel aging.

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.