Another Reason to Drink

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Ever wondered what it's like to camp in a human fishbowl? This week's adventure puts one of our hosts at the center of a bizarre camping cul-de-sac where every fellow camper had to circle his site to get anywhere. The result? An improvised drinking game and some hilariously awkward encounters with strangers making multiple passes.

We kick things off with Victory Brewing's Berry Monkey, a fruited sour triple that packs a serious 9.5% ABV punch while delivering delicious berry flavors. This "night-night juice" earns unanimous praise as we debate whether it's dangerously good or just dangerous. Later, we compare Saunders Brewing's Rally Cap Irish Red Ale to the classic Smithwick's, with interesting results that evolve as we drink.

The conversation takes us to the 50th anniversary of Twins Day Festival, where record crowds gathered from as far as Alaska, Hawaii, and the UK. We share stories of competing in the "most look-alike male" competition and dominating the cornhole tournament against other twins. Between beer ratings and weekend recaps, we tackle some thought-provoking hypotheticals, including how much money it would take to drink water from a public toilet – sparking a surprisingly in-depth analysis of risk versus reward.

As we wrap up, both hosts reveal upcoming culinary experiments with homemade BBQ sauces and Carolina-style pulled pork techniques, promising updates on next week's episode. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, enjoy ridiculous hypothetical scenarios, or just want to laugh at our camping misfortunes, this episode delivers the perfect blend of humor and honest beer talk. Grab a cold one and join us!

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Summertime adventures and ice-cold hazy IPAs collide in this long-awaited return episode where Rick and Princess catch listeners up on their whirlwind summer travels. From a beautiful mountain wedding in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest (complete with bourbon and cigar bar) to death-defying tubing escapades that sent bodies flying four feet into the air, every story brings the laughs you've been missing.

The pair recount their white water rafting experience down the frigid Nantahala River in open kayaks—a decision that led to Rick's memorable description of what happens when 55-degree water hits sensitive body parts. You'll feel like you're right alongside them as they navigate Class 3 rapids and the shock of ice-cold mountain water with nothing but paddle power and questionable decision-making skills.

The episode features the ultimate "Battle of the Hazies" as two distinguished IPAs face off for supremacy. Boojum's Blue Ridge Haze from Waynesville, NC brings fruity notes and minimal bitterness to the competition, but can it stand against the surprisingly smooth Double Dry Hopped "Fast Friends" from Derive Brewing in Columbus? The shocking unanimous verdict might have you seeking out these brews for yourself.

Between tales of their annual White Rock river trip (where they made the rookie mistake of drinking all their alcohol on night one) and golf course psychological warfare, Rick and Princess deliver the perfect blend of summer adventures and beer appreciation that will leave you laughing and thirsty for more. Subscribe to their newsletter for photos from these epic journeys, and don't forget to check out their latest shenanigans on TikTok!

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Summer is slipping away faster than an ice-cold beer on a hot day, and Rick and Princess are here to remind you to savor every moment with another round of honest brew reviews and belly laughs.

After Rick's solo episode last week, Princess returns to the recording studio ready to explore two vastly different brewing styles. First up is Little Fish Brewing Company's Cleft – a barrel-aged peach sour that comes with high expectations but delivers what the hosts can only describe as "rotten peaches" and "licking a battery." Their expressions upon first taste are worth the price of admission alone, though they admirably power through to award it a respectable 5.5/10 as it improves slightly with each sip.

The mood shifts dramatically when they crack open Black Horse Brewery's IPA from Tennessee. This perfectly balanced hop experience with subtle citrus notes and zero lingering bitterness earns a rare perfect 10 rating and the coveted "Princess Approved" designation for IPA lovers. As Rick notes, "The notes are all there, they combine well, it's just a good flavor" – making this a "trust me beer" worth seeking out.

Between sips, the conversation flows naturally through recent events including Rick's son's wedding, an impressive golf outing where they scored a 42, and upcoming camping adventures. Their easy rapport shines through off-color jokes originally prepared for their absent "Beer Wench" and playful banter about everything from golf course holes to workplace characters.

As their busy summer schedules force a three-week podcast hiatus, Rick and Princess leave listeners with a reminder that summer's fleeting nature is itself "another reason to drink" – so grab something cold (preferably not one that tastes like a battery) and make the most of it while you can.

Subscribe now and revisit favorite past episodes while waiting for their return – and maybe hunt down that perfect 10 Tennessee IPA to enjoy poolside!

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That moment when mortality math hits you in the face – after turning 50, the average person has just 176 Sundays left. This sobering realization formed the unexpected emotional core of our conversation with special guest Greg, who's contemplating a major life transition from the familiar warmth of North Carolina to the uncharted winters of Northeast Ohio.

Between sips of Country Boy Brewing's misleadingly named Hillbilly Hustle (it's blackberry, not blueberry!) and Southern Tier's perfect-scoring Citra Fog, we navigated the strange territory of middle age. Greg shared his anxieties about experiencing his first true winter at age 50, while we all confronted the cognitive dissonance of feeling 25 in minds housed in bodies that occasionally remind us otherwise.

The episode weaves between thoughtful reflections on time's acceleration and lighter moments discussing everything from the proper definition of "catfishing" to the curious abundance of fishing-related terms in certain contexts. We explore how our beer preferences evolve with age, with Greg noting his shift from higher ABV IPAs to more moderate options – a small but telling adjustment that comes with aging wisdom.

What resonated most was our shared realization about work-life balance. "I've been a hamster on a wheel for almost 50 years," Greg confessed, sparking a conversation about how many of us spend decades prioritizing work over experiences, only to question those choices when we start calculating how much time remains. Whether you're contemplating your own major life change or simply enjoying craft beer culture, this episode will leave you both laughing and reflecting on how to make your remaining Sundays count.

Have you reassessed your priorities lately? We'd love to hear your thoughts on finding balance between work and living fully. Subscribe now and join our community of thoughtful beer enthusiasts navigating life one pint at a time.

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Ever wondered if a lemon shanty can taste like fancy lemon water? That's exactly what we discovered with Great Lakes Rally Drum in our latest boozy adventure. This refreshing 4% ABV shanty stunned us with its clean, cucumber-worthy profile that could easily masquerade as a healthy morning beverage (we're not suggesting it, but we're not not suggesting it either).

Before diving into the shanties, we treated ourselves to a TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate pistachio bar that set us back $15 for five tiny squares. Was it worth it? Absolutely. The rich chocolate with crunchy pistachios offered the perfect palate cleanser before our beer comparison began. When we moved on to Biker's Brew Beach Chair lemon shanty (5.4% ABV), the contrast couldn't have been more pronounced. Where Rally Drum was clean and subtle, Beach Chair delivered a wheat-based complexity reminiscent of lemon shortbread cookies with a bitter finish.

Between sips, we shared stories from our recent camping and golf weekend that felt suspiciously like "fat camp," complete with endless walking and smaller-than-hoped-for meals. The golf gods smiled upon us as we managed 27 holes without getting drenched, despite rain surrounding us in every direction. Our visit to Triple Coal Brewery reminded us how much better beer tastes straight from the tap, especially their remarkable red ale.

The verdict? Rally Drum scored a perfect 10 in its category, while Beach Chair earned a respectable 8. We'll be taking a break next week as Rick heads down to Tennessee to "pet a bear" (his words, not ours), but we'll be back in two weeks with a red nitro ale review. In the meantime, pour yourself something refreshing and join us again soon for more questionable humor, honest beer reviews, and weekend misadventures.

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Crack open a cold one and join us for a beer-soaked journey through craft brews, life stories, and questionable decisions. This episode features a head-to-head battle between two distinct Ohio craft beer styles – Masthead Brewery's Rotondra Hazy IPA (a collaboration with Heinen's) and Twin Oaks Brewery's Ship Burner Porter.

The hazy IPA surprises us with its bold, bitter profile that defies expectations for the style, prompting a discussion about how breweries interpret popular beer categories. Meanwhile, the chocolatey, coffee-forward porter delivers a smooth drinking experience that reminds us why darker beers deserve more attention. Between sips, we break down the differences between porters and stouts for anyone who's ever been confused by these similar styles.

Beyond the brews, we share our anxiety about an upcoming camping trip threatened by rain forecasts, trade stories about yard work woes, and conduct an impromptu psychological experiment that proves most people will think of "Denmark, kangaroo, and orange" when given specific prompts. The "Ricky's Bad Choices" segment takes a hilariously uncomfortable turn as we explore questionable life decisions involving age gaps, sex tapes from the VHS era, and encounters that probably shouldn't be shared in public.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, enjoy candid conversations between friends, or just appreciate hearing other people's embarrassing stories to feel better about your own choices, this episode delivers plenty of laughs and insights. Pour yourself something cold and join us – you've got another reason to drink now!

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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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