Beats, Beards & Brews

Ah, it's that time of year again ... where Evan, Eric and Dan share some "albums they missed" — as in ones they didn't review on the podcast throughout the course of the year. Well, Dan and Eric brought some albums to the table. Evan just takes it all in.

Dan's picks include:

1. Glow On by Turnstile
2. Lifeforms by Angels & Airwaves
3. SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

Eric's picks include:

1. Bleed the Future by Archspire
2. Aeromantic II by The Night Flight Orchestra
3. Hushed and Grim by Mastodon

Also: Don't miss the BBBPod Spotify playlist with links to choice cuts* from each album. *Choice cuts were determined by Eric. Beyond the music, Eric drops a review of the seasonal ICEBREAKER beard oil from Whiskey 'N Hardtack. The boys all drink 3 Floyds. Alpha Klaus (Eric & Evan) and Crushing Mass (Dan).

Thanks for listening and making this another awesome year of Beats, Beards & Brews. We appreciate each an every one of you!

The boys — Dan and Eric — successfully arrange a Black Label Society themed episode with matching beard products and fitting beers. Evan sits this one out while friend of the pod, Alex, returns. His beer is not on theme, but we won't hold that against him.

For the music portion of the episode the gang reviews Black Label Society's eleventh studio album Doom Crew Inc. They also get into some deep discussions about kilts and what it means to be a "Solider of Christ." In other words, this is guitarist Zakk Wylde's mature album. But does he still shred? The answer is yes.

Black Label Society songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "Set You Free"
2. "End of Days"
3. "Gather All My Sins"

For the beard portion of the pod, the boys review the Black Label Society Sonic Brew Beard Oil and Butter from Mad Viking Beard Co. What do Eric and Dan think of this citrus and ginger — and more! — scented beard oil? Tune in to find out!

Finally, for the beer portion of the episode, Dan drinks an easy-drinking Black Ale from Bent Paddle Brewing. Meanwhile, Eric sips on the full-flavored Camp Fire Black Lager from Confluence Brewing. Alex, well, he's drinking Busch Light. Don't be Alex.

Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Join the Beats, Beards & Brews crew for their first annual Thanksgiving Holiday Bonanza. Yeah, yeah, Eric got this edited and posted a bit late due to all of the holiday excitement, but we want to keep those good turkey vibes going a bit longer.

First the gang grabs a slice of that silky smooth, Silk Sonic pie — in the form of the new studio album An Evening With Silk Sonic. Is the new 70s R&B project from Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak a gushy, gushy, good time? You'll have to tune in to find out.

Silk Sonic songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "After Last Night"
2. "Smokin Out the Window"
3. "777"

Next up, Eric drops a review of the Beard Oil Sample Pack from Magic City Beard Co. The primary ingredient? Ostrich oil. Because who doesn't love slathering exotic bird oils on their skin and hair?

Finally, the boys review a mixed bag of festive beers that pair well with the holidays. Dan drinks the Mixed Nuts Cream Ale from Indeed Brewing. Meanwhile, Eric revisits the iconic Punkin Ale from Dogfish Head. Evan sips on an Easy Eddy Hazy IPA from Big Grove Brewing. Thanks for listening and happy Thanksgiving!

For the music review portion of the podcast, Dan and Eric dive into Jerry Cantrell's third solo album Brighten. It seems like the Alice in Chains' guitarist was in a happier place as he recorded this one and we're here for it. We're also here for Jerry's fancy hat collection.

Jerry Cantrell songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "Brighten"
2. "Prism of Doubt"
3. "Had to Know"

Evan joins the recording just in time to drop a quick review of Cantrell's latest. Then Eric shares his thoughts on the Honorable Mack Beard Oil from The Bearded Mack Grooming Co. Is broccoli seed oil the missing link to a better beard? Tune in to find out! For the scent curious: The Honorable Mack has notes of Oud, Birch, Black Oud, Leather, Saffron, Jasmine, Tobacco, and Vanilla. You can view the full list of carrier oils on the website, as well.

Finally, Eric and Evan catch Hopititis ... ah, no wait, they drink Hopititis and catch a buzz from this 9.2% abv Imperial IPA from 515 Brewing Co. in Des Moines, Iowa. Dan also makes a hard return to drinking beer by breaking out his 11.1% abv cellared 2019 Jamaican Rum Barrel-Aged Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Dangerous Man Brewing Co.

As always, thanks for listening! And stay tuned for more new episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews.

On a very special Halloween edition of Beats, Beards & Brews, Eric forces Dan and Evan to listen to Misfits' 1982 debut album Walk Among Us on repeat.

Well, at least Eric is listening on repeat.

Misfits songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "20 Eyes"
2. "Astro Zombies"
3. "Skulls"

Next up, Eric reviews Camp Crystal Lake Beard Oil and Featherweight Balm from 1740 Beard Balm. Featuring a scent blend of orange, lemon, white jasmine, lily of the valley, geranium, and musk, this mysterious line of beard products only shows up on the 1740 Beard Balm website on Friday the 13th each year.

Finally, Dan drinks a non-alcoholic beer and Eric drinks a high abv beer to make up the difference. Dan shares his thoughts on Run Wild IPA from Athletic Brewing. Eric takes a ride with the Ferryman while drinking Ferryman's Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout from Confluence Brewing Company.

Meanwhile, Evan drinks but does not review a Ruthie (shout-out to Exile Brewing Co).

Cheers and Happy Halloween from Beats, Beards & Brews!

Eric, Evan and Dan are all back for another episode of Beats, Beards & Brews to review Unto Others' second studio album Strength. Like em' or not, this goth metal/rock band certainly makes everyone feel a range of strong emotions.

Unto Others songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "Heroin"
2. "Destiny"
3. "Strength"

Our fan favorite Sudsin' It Up segment makes its return, as Evan drops some thoughts on two different soaps from Dr. Squatch — Fresh Falls and Pine Tar.

Remember to hide it from your wife!

Finally, Dan talks more about taking a break from alcohol and he drops a review of Untitled Art's Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA. Meanwhile, Evan and Eric rate a couple different beers from West Hill Brewing, including Field of Creams and Chocolate Gravity.

Things quickly spiral out of control. *cue the screeching eagle*

Oh, and one more thing. We have a code! Use promo code "bbbpod" at The Captain's Stash during checkout for 10% off their full range of products.

Everything comes full circle, as Evan, Eric and Dan reunite to share their thoughts on Star-Crossed the fifth studio album from country pop sensation Kacey Musgraves. Her previous studio album, Golden Hour (which we also reviewed), was about finding love, among other things. It won several Grammy awards.

Star-Crossed explores the full range of emotions experienced after a relationship and/or marriage ends. Grammy awards TBD.

Kacey Musgraves songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "Star-Crossed"
2. "Breadwinner"
3. "Justified"

Next, Eric "shoots his shot" and invites Kacey Musgraves to check out his growing candle collection (yeah, he's getting into candles now). More specifically, he drops a review of the Rocks Glass Candles from The Captain's Stash, which also sells beard products.

Finally, the boys revisit a previous conversation about getting healthy and check in on their pandemic drinking habits. Dan drinks and reviews Fulton Hop Water from Fulton Brewing. Meanwhile, Eric taste tests a variety of Pseudo Seltzers from Toppling Goliath Brewing and rates all the flavors.

The last time the boys were talking Iron Maiden it was to pick their favorite albums in a very special tribute episode. Now, Eric and Dan are reviewing Senjutsu — the 17th studio album from the legendary heavy metal band. How does it stack up to Iron Maiden's classics? Tune in to find out.

Iron Maiden songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "Stratego"
2. "Darkest Hour"
3. "Writing on the Wall"*

*We played "Writing on the Wall" in place of "Hell on Earth," as teased toward the end of the episode. There was no option to pay to download "Hell on Earth" individually.

Next up, Eric drops his review of Iowa Beard Company's core fall seasonal line-up of beard oil scents including:

• Hitchhiker
• Traveler
• Prisoner

Other fall scents from the company — not reviewed on this episode — include: The Monster Mash Collection and Hatbox.

Finally, the boys celebrate/mourn the end of summer by drinking some hazy double IPAs. Eric rates Law of Averages Hazy Double IPA by Lua Brewing. Meanwhile, Dan reviews Bru Eagle Hazy Double IPA from Dangerous Man Brewing.

Eric, Dan — and briefly Evan (!) — return to their respective mics to review The Ballad of Dood & Juanita the seventh studio album from country's favorite rock 'n' roll outlaw Sturgill Simpson. Every new album seems to mark a change in sound for 'ol Sturgill and this one is no different.

Next up, Dan and Eric report back in after consuming Beard Vitamin Gummies from Mad Viking Beard Co. for 30 days. Did they get results? Tune in to find out. And remember ... we ingested these gummies for all of you.

Finally, in the beer portion of the episode Dan reviews The Great Blackstack Bakeoff: Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Blackstack Brewing. Meanwhile, Eric revisits Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin from New Belgium Brewing. Because there's nothing like a spicy pumpkin beer to mark the end of summer.

"Everybody's been dying to know what we think about John Mayer's new record, Sob Rock," Dan asserts at the start of this episode.

What's that? You don't actually care what we think about John Mayer's eighth studio album Sob Rock?! Well that's too bad. Eric and Dan are dropping their review of this late '80s inspired pop rock record whether you like or not. So buckle up, buddy.

John Mayer songs previewed on this episode include:

1. "Wild Blue"
2. "Shot in the Dark"
3. "New Light"

Next up, it's time for yet another installment of everybody's favorite podcast segment about soap — Sudsin' It Up! This time the boys are reviewing Mad Viking's Beard and Body Soap in Blodorn (coffee, chocolate, peppermint) and Ragnarok (Fruity Pebbles-esque) scents. Get the bath water ready.

Finally, the duo wraps up the episode with a review of two different collaboration IPAs. Dan shares his thoughts on Dangerous Dual Double West Coast IPA, a collaboration between Dangerous Man Brewing in Minneapolis and Dual Citizen Brewing in St. Paul, Minnesota. Meanwhile, Eric reviews All Gas No Brakes Triple IPA, a collaboration between ReUnion Brewery in Coralville, Iowa, and Wake Brewing in Rock Island, Illinois.

Oh, and the Quad Cities includes Davenport (Iowa), Rock Island (Illinois), Moline (Illinois) ... and Bettendorf (Iowa). A question we fail to answer in this episode. You're welcome.