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Ever tried battling a fly the size of a quarter while attempting to taste craft beer? Welcome to our world. This episode takes an unexpected turn as we're invaded by what might be the largest house fly in recorded history, transforming our beer tasting into an impromptu insect safari.

Between swats and near-misses, we manage to properly evaluate two exceptional brews. First up is Biker's Brewhouse Blue Balls – a blueberry ale (4.7% ABV, 10 IBU) from Youngstown, Ohio that delivers subtle fruit notes reminiscent of blueberry cereal. Located beside a Harley Davidson store, this brewery captures the spirit of the road in every can. The verdict? A solid 8.5/10 that would score even higher if served ice-cold.

Our second contender comes from Distill Brewery in Normal, Illinois – a place so beautiful it looks like they host weddings between brewing sessions. Their Torbus double dry-hopped hazy IPA (7.4% ABV, 25 IBU) showcases citra and mosaic hops in an award-winning formula. The juicy initial flavor gives way to an intensely dry finish that divides opinions but earns respect. We crown it with a 9/10, just shy of perfection due to that desert-like aftermath on the palate.

Between tastings, we share stories from our recent golf triumph (including a legitimate birdie!), weekend shenanigans at a wedding shower, and the peculiar challenges of maintaining a camper. There's also an unexpected detour into the horrifying world of truck driver bathroom habits that you absolutely didn't ask for but now can't unhear.

Join us for craft beer adventures, birthday celebrations, and the ongoing saga of man versus fly. And remember – if someone with a car held together by bungee cords can get a date, there's hope for us all.

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The McDonald's Mystery Man makes an unexpected return as our hosts dive into a beer-fueled adventure spanning Memorial Day weekend. Between sips of Blue Pearl Kolsch from Immigrant Sons Brewing and Chimay Red from Belgium, we're treated to hilarious tales from Cleveland's nightlife scene that'll have you laughing out loud.

The Blue Pearl Kolsch earns solid marks despite lacking its promised blueberry notes. At 5% ABV, it's a smooth, everyday drinker that goes down easy. Meanwhile, the Chimay Red brings centuries of Belgian brewing tradition to the table with its complex flavor profile that evolves as it warms. Both beers receive impressive ratings, with the hosts debating their nuances and characteristics in their trademark casual style.

But the real entertainment comes from the weekend stories. From encountering a disastrous bathroom situation at Taco Bell to discovering Cleveland's VIP baseball experience with all-inclusive food and drinks, the anecdotes flow as freely as the beer. You'll feel like you're right there exploring the West Side Market's fresh offerings, dodging flies at rooftop bars, and experiencing the curious gender ratio at "Welcome to the Farm."

The episode takes an unexpectedly philosophical turn when contemplating success and happiness before devolving into an outrageous debate about the logistics of dating extremely tall versus extremely short people. It's the perfect blend of beer appreciation and unfiltered conversation that makes this podcast a consistent guilty pleasure.

Pour yourself something cold and join us for an episode that proves once again why sharing drinks with friends leads to the best conversations and memories. And stay tuned – our golf trip is just two weeks away!

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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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The perfect pairing isn't always planned - and that's exactly what happened when Rick and Mal cracked open Shiner's Strawberry Blonde alongside Windridge Cider Company's Blackberry Mojito. With natural strawberry essence that doesn't overwhelm and a mint-forward cider that surprised even the non-mint enthusiast, this episode delivers two thoughtful reviews that go beyond simple thumbs up or down.

Between sips, the conversation wanders to luxury overlanding vehicles (specifically a $300,000 Ram Storyteller that has the guys dreaming of road trips), the excitement of golf season's return, and a heartfelt discussion about saying goodbye to a beloved pet. It's this seamless blend of beverage appreciation and authentic life moments that defines the show's intimate, conversational style.

The Shiner earns respectable 8/10 ratings for its balanced approach to fruit beer - subtly sweet without artificial flavors - while the Blackberry Mojito cider steals the show with 9/10 scores, praised for tasting nothing like typical ciders and delivering a refreshing mint experience that "soothes the belly." What becomes clear is how differently the hosts might rank their preferences, with one preferring the strawberry beer due to personal taste, despite rating the cider higher on its technical merits.

True to form, the guys share stories from their first golf outing of the season, debate the proper etiquette at BYOB parties, and dive into Ricky's Bad Choices - their segment of hypothetical questions that always leads to revealing answers and hearty laughs. Yet beneath the banter lies a touching moment as one host prepares to say goodbye to his aging dog, reminding us that sometimes our reasons to drink are bittersweet.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, cider curious, or just enjoy authentic conversation among friends, pour yourself something special and join the guys for another honest, unfiltered episode. Subscribe and share your own beverage discoveries - the guys would love to hear what you're drinking!

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Prepare your taste buds for a wild ride as we dive into one of the most accurate flavor recreations in beer history—Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer from Martin House Brewing in Fort Worth, Texas. This 4.7% ABV creation isn't just pickle-inspired; it tastes EXACTLY like drinking straight pickle juice from the jar, complete with all the dill, salt, and spice notes you'd expect, minus any alcohol flavor. Perfect for pickle lovers and adventurous drinkers, we explore how this unique brew might be the ultimate Bloody Mary mixer or pickleback companion.

Between sips of brine, we journey through Billy's recent food adventures, including a pilgrimage to the legendary Anchor Bar in Buffalo—birthplace of the buffalo wing. His first-hand account reveals whether the original lives up to the hype (spoiler: it absolutely does), with descriptions of perfectly crispy drums and wings that'll have you planning your own detour.

The second half brings us to Huntsville, Alabama, as we sample Yellowhammer Brewing's Rebellion Red Lager. At 5.4% ABV, this German-American hybrid delivers clean caramel notes without the bitter finish that sometimes plagues red ales, earning it a solid place in our regular rotation.

From pickle juice with an alcoholic kick to a perfectly balanced red lager, both these "trust me beers" represent opposite ends of the craft spectrum—one boldly experimental, the other refined and subtly innovative. Whether you're seeking shocking new flavors or well-crafted takes on classic styles, we've got you covered with honest ratings and real reactions.

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Take a seat at the bar with Rick and Princess as they embark on a flavor-filled expedition through two distinct craft beers that might change how you think about your own beer journey. This episode captures the essence of how our taste preferences evolve over time—sometimes in surprising directions.

First up is Cold Triple Brewery's Go Devil Red Ale, a hidden gem Rick discovered during a camping trip near Pittsburgh. With its smooth character, rich caramel notes, and subtle complexity, this 5% ABV brew earns an impressive 9.5/10 rating from both hosts. Their detailed analysis reveals why this beer might dethrone their previous favorite reds like Alaskan and Smithwick's.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when the hosts sample St. Arnold's Art Car IPA from Texas—a more robust offering at 7.2% ABV with 55 IBUs. This stronger, hoppier beer sparks a revealing discussion about how beer preferences mature with exposure and experience. Princess confesses he once avoided certain styles entirely but now actively seeks out sours and other previously dismissed varieties.

Between tastings, Rick shares the surprisingly relaxing experience of his first camping trip with his new trailer, a stark contrast to his previous tent-camping adventures. The hosts debate the noticeable differences between canned, bottled, and draft beers, agreeing that context and environment significantly impact enjoyment.

What makes this episode special is how it captures the evolution of taste—not just in beer, but in life. The hosts' willingness to revisit assumptions and expand their palates mirrors the craft beer movement's spirit of exploration. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just beginning to venture beyond your comfort zone, this conversation reminds us that taste is always developing, never static.

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Two beers that completely flip traditional expectations - that's the delightful contradiction we explore in our latest adventure through craft beer's wilder frontiers. The Midnight Butcher Black IPA from Michaux Brewing arrives dark as night yet carries the distinctive bitterness of an IPA, creating what we describe as a "bitter chocolate" experience that improves significantly as it warms. At 6.5% ABV, this collaboration with Rooster Street Brewing challenges what we typically expect from the style.

Following our journey through darkness, we pivot to a golden-hued Albino White Stout from Cleveland's Butcher and Brew that delivers mind-bending coffee and chocolate flavors despite its bright appearance. The surprising sweetness and easy drinkability of this 5.4% creation earned unanimous 9/10 ratings from both hosts – a standout that would appeal even to those who normally shy away from traditional stouts.

Between sips, we venture into Rick's upcoming maiden voyage with his new camper (hopefully more successful than the Titanic's journey that began on this very date in 1912), Princess's adventures with his new Teletubby-like CPAP machine, and a surprisingly detailed conversation about ass cracks, potential tattoos, and the advantages of snorkel-breathing apparatus in intimate situations. These tangents might explain why we keep coming back to these beers to ground ourselves!

Whether you're intrigued by beers that challenge visual expectations or simply enjoy authentic conversations between friends, this episode delivers both in equal measure. Find these unexpected brews if you can – they represent the creative spirit driving today's craft beer industry and provide perfect examples of how innovation continues to thrive among American brewers.

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Prepare for a taste sensation journey unlike anything we've experienced before on the podcast. We're diving into two extraordinary offerings from Four Score Brewing Company in Gettysburg, PA, and they've left us absolutely stunned. For the first time ever, we award back-to-back perfect 10/10 scores to their Jahamba series beers - the Peach Pomegranate White Tea Frost and Strawberry Peanut Brittle.

These aren't your typical beers. With milkshake-like consistency and authentic flavor profiles, they blur the line between beverage and dessert. The peach pomegranate delivers genuine fruit flavors that taste "straight off the tree," while the strawberry peanut brittle amazes with its seamless transition from fresh strawberry to the distinctive caramelized notes of brittle. Though labeled as "heavily fruited sours," neither exhibits traditional sourness - making them surprisingly approachable for all palates.

Between beer tastings, we catch up on Rick's exciting week - from new concrete being poured at his home to the purchase of a camper that promises future adventures. We also venture into a lively discussion of Gettysburg's historical significance, battlefield tours, and local attractions that make it worth visiting beyond just its excellent brewing scene.

What makes these beers truly special is how they showcase brewing innovation at its finest. Four Score has crafted something that defies conventional beer categories while delivering an unforgettable drinking experience. The thick, creamy mouthfeel and perfect flavor execution demonstrate master brewing technique that deserves recognition.

Join us for this celebration of craft beer excellence, hilarious tangents, and the shared joy of discovering something truly extraordinary in your glass. Have you experienced a beer that completely blew your expectations away? We'd love to hear about it!

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