Beats, Beards & Brews

On another very special quarantine episode of Beats, Beards & Brews, the boys check out the 20th Anniversary Edition remaster of In Flames' game-changing melodic death metal album Clayman. Eric, Evan and Dan reminisce about discovering the "Pinball Map" music video for the first time and they reflect on how one band from Gothenburg, Sweden, impacted the lives of three teenagers growing up in Des Moines, Iowa.

Clayman tracks previewed on the episode include:

1. "Only for the Weak" (2020 remaster)
2. "Only for the Weak" (2020 rerecording)
3. "Pinball Map" (2020 remaster)

While we're all stuck indoors, the seasons continue to change. As the fall weather slowly creeps in, Eric shares his thoughts on Iowa Beard Company's Hitchhiker Limited Edition Fall/Halloween Scent of beard oil and beard butter. Listen in to find out why Eric can't stop huffing this intriguing and slightly spooky scent blend.

For the beer portion of the episode, the three amigos once again align in their beverage choices as they explore the brave new world of apple cider beers. OK, Dan's beverage technically is hard cider with hops added into the brewing process, but close enough. Evan and Eric drink Orchard Dawn, a graf beer brewed with apples. This unique brew, inspired by Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, is a collaboration between Confluence Brewing Company (Des Moines, Iowa) and Jefferson County Ciderworks (Fairfield, Iowa). Meanwhile, Dan sips on the Hop a Wheelie hard cider from Sociable Cider Werks (Minneapolis) infused with Mosaic hops and guava juice.

Break out those hoodies — or maybe just the apple cider brews depending on the weather around you — and embrace the fast approaching fall season with us.

Welcome to yet another action-packed quarantine episode of Beats, Beards & Brews! This time the boys attempt to escape from the reality of the pandemic through the music of Vancouver-based power metal band Unleash the Archers. The album in question, Abyss, is full of fantasy lyrics, shredding guitars and soaring vocals. Seriously, Brittney Hayes (aka Brittney Slayes) is one of the better vocalists in the game right now. Check 'em out!

While Dan is feelin' the fantasy in his metal, he's not feelin' it in his beard oil or lack thereof. Eric reviews two CBD beard oils from Fable Beard Co., who we have reviewed on our podcast a few times now and Eric has mostly enjoyed — the company even made his recent top five list. The Roaster, a roasted coffee scented beard oil, and The Angler, an oceanic cologne scented beard oil, are both available for purchase on Fable's alternate CBD website. Is CBD beard oil worth all the hype? Listen and find out!

For the beer portion of the episode, the guys enter the world of the milkshake IPA, which is essentially a hazy IPA brewed with milk sugar and some sort of fruit. Eric and Dan sip on the Raspberry Drive-In, a milkshake IPA brewed with raspberry, milk sugar and cashmere hops, from Barntown Brewing in West Des Moines (Iowa). Meanwhile, Dan drinks down a Guava Milkshake IPA, brewed with guava, milk sugar, and galaxy and nelson sauvin hops, from Dangerous Man Brewing in Minneapolis.

Grab yourself a milkshake IPA or even just a milkshake — but it better not be a malt (!) — and escape from reality for a bit with us.

In the 90th episode of Beats, Beards & Brews, Eric and Dan do a deep dive on Deep Purple's 21st studio album Whoosh! OK, so Dan only listened through it once. But hey, he still has some deep thoughts on this legendary rock band's modern output.

Deep Purple songs previewed during this episode include:

• Throw My Bones
• We're All the Same in the Dark
• The Power of the Moon

Eric grabbed a bottle of Zeus Beard Shampoo — of the sandalwood variety — to review for the beard portion of the episode. Dan gave this beard wash a solid review on a previous episode ... but does it hold up to Eric's stringent "Sudsin' It Up" beard wash standards??? Tune in to find out!

Finally, the duo drops their reviews of two fully flavored craft brews. Eric shares his take on the Cucumber Kölsch from Lion Bridge Brewing out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Meanwhile, Dan rates Sicario Piña from 3 Floyds Brewing Co. out of Munster, Indiana.

In a very special artist tribute episode of Beats, Beards & Brews, the boys dive into their picks for most underrated and enjoyable Iron Maiden albums of all time. Their selections are as follows: Killers (1981), Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988), and Brave New World (2000).

Iron Maiden songs previewed during this episode include:

• "Murders in the Rue Morgue" (Killers)
• "Can I Play With Madness" (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
• "The Wicker Man" (Brave New World)
• "2 Minutes to Midnight" (Rock in Rio)

Eric shares his thoughts on the Beard Oil Sample 5-Pack from Last Looks Grooming Company, a fun, movie-themed beard oil company out of Los Angeles. Eric challenges Dan and Evan to classic game of "Guess That Beard Oil Scent Profile," and hey, Dan actually gets close on a couple.

Evan and Eric circle back to the Iron Maiden theme as they review the TROOPER, a 4.7% abv "premium British beer" brewed by Robinsons Brewery in collaboration with Iron Maiden. Dan strikes up a One Man Mosh Pit as he drinks the 7.2% abv New England IPA of the same name by Surly Brewing Co.

Excuse the brief series of audio gaps toward the end of this episode (for about 2 minutes or so), Evan's mic cut out while he was dropping his review of TROOPER, but trust us, what he was saying really wasn't important, anyways. We kid, Evan! We kid! Oh yeah, and... 🤘 UP THE IRONS! 🤘

It's hard to believe we're already more than halfway through the dumpster fire of a year that is 2020 ... but hey, at least we got plenty of music to get us through the tough times! Rather than picking our favorite albums of 2020 so far, we decided to select three albums that we "missed" a chance to review on the podcast this year.

Those albums include:

• Circles by Mac Miller (Evan's Pick)
• Healer by Grouplove (Dan's Pick)
• Opulent Decay by Spell (Eric's Pick)

Eric is feelin' quite positive this episode and actually enjoys all of the albums selected — or at least appreciates what they bring to the table. Dan and Evan ... well you'll just have to tune in. On another note of positivity, check out The Mac Miller Fund. It seems like a good cause that helps support young musicians battling addiction (Miller died of an accidental drug overdose at 26). Also: Eric did put together a Spotify playlist of select tracks from his favorite albums of 2020 so far, if you're at all interested.

Beyond the music, Eric created a list of his top five beard companies and Dan put together a list of his top three.

Eric's top 5 beard companies at the time of this recording include:

1. Beardbrand
2. CanYouHandlebar
3. The Beard Baron
4. Black Rebel Beard Co.
5. Fable Beard Co.

Dan's top 3 beard companies at the time of this recording include:

1. Beardbrand
2. CanYouHandlebar
3. Zeus Beard Co.

Eric also references a prior list of beard companies the boys put together on the 2018 Kwanzaa Christmas Holiday Special and Gift Guide episode. In case you want to compare notes between what's on the 2018 list and these 2020 favorites. Finally, the boys all enjoy some 9.6% abv beers!

Eric and Evan consume the Monarch of Mediocre DIPA from 515 Brewing and Dan drinks down Neon Dragons Hazy DIPA from Surly Brewing.

In the latest episode of Beats, Beards & Brews, the boys tackle men's fashion during the quarantine, including one very iconic look.

Dan, Evan and Eric then dive into a review of the third studio album by HAIM titled Women in Music Part III. The group consists of three sisters who blend pop, rock, and even some R&B into their hooks.

HAIM songs previewed in this episode include:

• I Know Alone
• Don't Wanna
• Now I'm in It

Eric drops a review of Snake Oil Beard Oil that his barber, Chuck, at Franklin Barber Shop created. The gang also discuss the joys of finding a good barber — cherish it while you can, boys!

Evan and Eric sip on Confluence Brewing's Blue Corn Lager Con Chiles and also drop a review of its Batch 1252 Hazy Double IPA. Meanwhile, Dan drinks down Bad Weather Brewing Company's Hopcromancer IPA. Confluence is based out of Des Moines, Iowa. Bad Weather Brewing is based out of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Oh, and no matter what Dan thinks, those "bonus tracks" on the HAIM album are totally part of the actual album. Until next time!

Dan, Evan and Eric embrace the quarantine sadness, as they review singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers' second studio album Punisher. Eric thinks the 25-year-old's marketing is on-point. Evan is looking forward to the next album. Dan just really enjoys the music — but don't call him a punisher!

Phoebe Bridgers songs previewed on this episode include:

• Kyoto
• Halloween
• Graceland Too

Eric reviews The Beard Baron's Boardwalk beard oil, a limited edition summer scent blend of grape, lemon and lime. Dan isn't sure if he would want grape on his face. Eric doesn't mind it. Dan drops a review of Mass Haze-teria a 6.7% abv double dry-hopped IPA from Pryes Brewing Company.

Eric and Evan sip on multiple brews from 1717 Brewing, including the Des Moines Rugger Blonde Ale and the Irish Red, among other flavors.

Eric and Evan's commentary eventually gets Dan revved — rubbed? — up, signaling the end of the episode.

"There's a lot of uncomfortable white people in America right now."

Dan and Eric review Run the Jewel's latest album RTJ4 and, inevitably, the discussion turns political. While the boys generally steer clear of politics on the pod, some needed conversation is had and the new RTJ album is a fitting soundtrack for the times.

Run the Jewels songs previewed on this episode include:

• Walking in the Snow
• Ooh La La (feat. Greg Nice & DJ Premier)
• Ju$t (feat. Pharrell Williams & Zack de la Rocha)

Eric rates the Beard Wash and Co Wash from Iowa Beard Co. These products are good on their own, but the duo shines when used together to leave your beard soft, silky and smooth. Sorry, no code on this one, Eric never got a chance to look into it!

Also in this episode, Dan drinks and reviews Partying Past Burning Bridges, a 6.66% abv dip hopped IPA by Fair State Brewing Cooperative and 3 Floyds Brewing Co. Eric sips on Blood Orange Bohemian, a 5.0% abv fruited sour ale by Exile Brewing Co.

Remember, now is the time to pick a lane and stand up to injustice. Do your part to make meaningful change. And, as always, be kind to one another.

The boys are now 10 quarantine episodes deep. And more regular podcast recording means more wild card music reviews.

This time, the gang dives into The 1975's fourth studio album Notes on a Conditional Form. The album is one hour and 20 minutes of spoken word, punk rock, pop rock, synth-pop, and more. The music is all over the place ... for better or worse.

Eric decides to take a break from the beard portion of the podcast this episode as he tries out new products, including Iowa Beard Company's Beard Wash and Co Wash (stay tuned for his review in an upcoming episode of Beats, Beards & Brews!).

Evan and Eric drink Summer Fling Pineapple IPA from Mistress Brewing out of Ankeny, Iowa. This dangerously smooth 8% abv beverage is Eric's pick for "beer of the summer 2020." Whoa! Meanwhile, Dan sips on Solarama Crush, a double dry-hopped honey, hazy American IPA from 56 Brewing in Minneapolis.

Never forget this out of context gem of a quote from Dan: "Everybody in the Braak household gets a facial!"

If only everyone could be as generous as Dan is in these trying times...

After Weezer and Bon Jovi both delayed the release of their new albums, Dan, Evan and Eric pivot to reviewing Reunions, the latest album from alt-country superstars Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Jason Isbell's thoughtful lyrics manage to connect with everyone. It must be the quarantine. Getting us all stirred up emotionally.

For the beard portion of the podcast, Eric drops a review of Beardbrand's Tea Tree Styling Balm — a styling product from a beard company that he put on his hair and not on his beard. Evan invites Eric out for ice cream. Including that here in the show notes so Evan does not back down on his promise of ice cream.

Finally, in the beer portion of the episode, Eric and Evan drink and review Bixby, an 8.2% imperial sour ale from Lua Brewing in Des Moines. Dan imbibes some Löyly, a 7.1% sahti-style farmhouse ale from Hammerheart Brewing in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Interesting brews for interesting times.