Rebecca calls an audible and demands another On The Shelf episode, but this time with a seasonal twist. In turn, Carlin calls his own audible by adding a fifth beer to the tasting line-up. Most of these buck the winter trend, but do they still feel right for the season?

https://ia801505.us.archive.org/25/items/BrewtalBattleOnTheShelfEpisode9/Brewtal%20Battle%20-%20On%20The%20Shelf%20Episode%209.mp3

Unanimous favorite – Troegs Blackberry Tizzy Sour Ale fermented w/blackberries, apricots & brown sugar aged in bourbon barrels w/vanilla bean

Time to check back in to see what’s been on the shelf at local liquor stores. Three of these beers focus more on malt notes, while the fourth is a bit more of a shock to the palate.

https://ia801506.us.archive.org/18/items/BrewtalBattleOnTheShelfEpisode8/Brewtal%20Battle%20-%20On%20The%20Shelf%20Episode%208.mp3

Unanimous favorite – Union Balt Altbier

Rich Smith’s second episode in this session focuses on a talk about craft breweries that have heavily influenced the industry over the past few decades. Then Carlin sees a theme in the mystery beers that makes both seem very familiar.

https://ia801508.us.archive.org/26/items/BrewtalBattleEpisode217/Brewtal%20Battle%20-%20Episode%20217.mp3

Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter – 3.5

Avery White Rascal Belgian-Style White Ale w/spices – 3

One of Carlin’s best friends, Rich Smith, stops back in for a few episodes. The first starts with a talk about craft breweries collaborating on beers with non-brewery companies. Then things get serious with some heavy mystery beers.

https://ia801504.us.archive.org/3/items/BrewtalBattleEpisode216/Brewtal%20Battle%20-%20Episode%20216.mp3

Allagash Tripel – 4

Evil Twin Bozo Beer Imperial Stout w/flavors added – 2.5

This is the final showcase episode from Carlin and Rebecca’s Portland, Maine vacation and it’s the biggest. From tour to taproom and coolship to cool atmosphere, this place has it all for a true craft beer travel destination. All four beers for this episode were provided by Allagash and were hand-selected by Lindsay Bohanske.

https://ia601507.us.archive.org/13/items/BrewtalBattleAllagashBrewingShowcaseEpisode/Brewtal%20Battle%20-%20Allagash%20Brewing%20Showcase%20Episode.mp3

Carlin’s favorite – Coolship Resurgam spontaneously fermented ale aged in French oak barrels

Rebecca’s favorite – Brett IPA