Welcome to another frosty fresh episode of Craft Beer Republic! Greg is back from his globe-trotting adventures, Flex is still the Director of the Health Ministry (whatever that means), and we welcome the smartest beer drinker we know, Intern Brian, who’s actually a real lawyer—unlike Greg’s pretend legal expertise. We break down Pringles' questionable decision to release Miller Lite Beer Can Chicken chips (Flex is already hoarding them) and, in a story that will make you cross your legs in sympathy, a Canadian man learns the hard way why you should always wear a belt in a bar fight—especially in subzero temps. Oh, and there’s beer. Lots of beer.

Beers We’re Drinking

• Greg and Brian are sipping on Wondrous Brewing's Gromky, a crisp West Coast Pilsner.
• Flex dives back into Phase Three Brewing with Velvet Vortex, a hazy double dry-hopped IPA.
• The squad samples El Segundo’s Spark Plug Light IPA, a 4% attempt at a sessionable IPA. Brian drinks it under protest, Greg wants his hops back, and Flex didn’t miss a thing.

Greg is fresh off a Bay Area beer pilgrimage, bringing back tales of pilsners, lagers, and his ongoing battle with TSA over confiscated cans. Flex makes a triumphant return to Phase Three Brewing after a two-year beer boycott, and Brian drops way too much legal knowledge on beer label laws. Speaking of legal nerdiness, the crew continues their deep dive into what breweries are actually required to print on their cans, uncovering why some beers list their ABV and others don’t. Also, Greg debates his royal title in the Craft Beer Republic (King Greg? El Presidente? Supreme Overlord of the Haze?), and the gang somehow goes down a very passionate rabbit hole about onions.

Booze News

• San Francisco’s iconic Tornado Beer Bar is up for sale! Who’s pitching in to buy it?
• IPAs continue their reign of terror, topping $2.27 billion in sales in 2024. Hazy vs. West Coast—who’s winning?
• Sapporo Stone Brewing is making cuts, axing employees and shutting down their e-commerce. No more beer or merch shipped to your door.
• Pringles drops a Miller Lite Beer Can Chicken flavor, and Flex is already clearing room in his pantry.
• A Canadian man learns the hard way that pants are important in sub-zero temps. The rest of us learn…well, nothing, but we do laugh a lot.

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

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Welcome in, craft beer lovers! This week, Greg and Flex are back with an episode that hits harder than a triple IPA after a long workday. We’ve got questionable road trips, big hearts (with a “t”), and some hilarious revelations about drunk driving, pants removal, and the unsung heroes of beer-drinking adventures. Grab a cold one because this episode is one for the books.

Beers We're Drinking:

• Greg dives into There Does Not Exist – Spore, a 6.8% hazy IPA that’s all tropical vibes.
• Flex keeps it classic with Lakefront Brewing – Cream City Pale Ale, a retro amber pale ale.

Greg shares his strategy for navigating the tap list at small breweries like There Does Not Exist, and Flex reminisces about a watermelon gose that deserves a comeback. The guys hilariously unpack the logistics of driving naked, and we raise a toast to the unsung heroes of drunken escapades—those friends who set us up with buckets, blankets, and couches when we needed it most. Plus, Greg and Flex dive into the big questions: where do beer drinkers want to buy their brews, and what can breweries do to get us to drink more? We need your answers!

Booze News:

• Dogfish Head announces a 30-minute light IPA with only 95 calories. Can they really pack that much flavor into something so light? Stay tuned.
• Constellation Brands is raking in the cash as beer prices soar.
• Laguna Beach takes the title of DUI capital of California, thanks to its party-town vibes, endless drinking establishments, and tourists who can't resist.
• Police are on the hunt for a man who drove naked and drunk after a fight.

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

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Welcome to Craft Beer Republic, we are excited to drink today! This week, Greg and Flex are keeping it intimate with candles, Kenny G, and Pliny the Elder. Whether it’s Greg battling California wildfires and weird strangers or Flex showing off his dog whisperer dad, this episode is one wild ride. Plus, we discover why Hard Mountain Dew is… a thing? Grab a drink and dive in—it’s a beer-fueled therapy session you don’t want to miss!

Beers We're Drinking

Greg and Flex: Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing – A double IPA icon with crisp hops and a smooth 8% ABV that’s dangerously crushable. Finally popping Flex’s Pliny cherry.

Greg and Flex sip on a West Coast classic while catching up on the absurdities of life. Greg’s been juggling California wildfires, power outages, and an awkward beer run that included plenty of Pliny and some questionable company. Flex shares memories of college cocktail disasters and explains why some beers are worth the hype (and others definitely aren’t). It’s a mix of chaos, beer, and laughs you won’t want to miss.

Booze News

• Hydration? Nah. New Belgium’s making a boozy Gatorade. It’s 5% ABV and already questionable.
• Beer Dynasty Drama: The Leinenkugel family wants their brewery back, but Molson Coors says, “Nah.”
• Dew the Booze: Hard Mountain Dew is here, but Greg and Flex are having flashbacks to bad decisions.
• Philly Loves BYOB: Most Philly restaurants are BYOB—because why not pair that cheesesteak with your own stash?

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

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Welcome in, beer lovers! This episode is anything but dry—because Dry January isn't welcome here! Greg, Flex, and Erica dive headfirst into hilarious conversations about wild animal encounters, disastrous brewery closures, awkward first dates, and the struggles of finding the perfect gift. Plus, they break down the latest Booze News and share their honest (and sometimes questionable) beer reviews. It’s a sloppy, salty, and crunchy good time you won’t want to miss!

Beers We’re Drinking:

• Erica is repping Alaska with Rock, Paper, Citrus by Broken Tooth Brewing. A crisp pale ale with a splash of tangerine that’s perfect for fighting bears or just chilling on a cruise.
• Greg dusts off Number Three by Other Half Brewing x Burial Beer. This West Coast IPA is rocking some aged piney dankness—because Greg forgot it existed.

Greg kicks things off by firmly rejecting Dry January, while Erica proudly joins the anti-dry movement with her salty snacks. Erica shares stories about mountain lions casually roaming her neighborhood and teases an upcoming Alaskan cruise (with plans to challenge local drinking laws). Greg recounts the time he drunkenly chased a coyote in flip-flops, proving that liquid courage knows no bounds. Flex opens up about the struggle of holding in gas during the early days of dating—because nothing says romance like two-minute farts in the car. The crew also dives into the recent trend of brewery closures and debates the art of giving (and receiving) the perfect gift. Plus, Greg might have started a family revolution by boycotting holiday gift exchanges.

Booze News:

• Cancer Warnings on Booze? The U.S. Surgeon General wants to slap cancer warnings on alcohol. Will that stop anyone? Yeah, right.
• Stone vs. Molson Coors: Molson Coors loses its appeal and now owes Stone Brewing $56 million. Plus interest. Ouch.
• Flex’s Mall Brewery is Blowing Up: Explorium Brewpub is taking over Good City Brewing, expanding beyond the mall and into Flex’s heart.
• Harpoon + Smuttynose Merger: Two New England breweries join forces to create Barrel One Collective. Worst. Merger. Name. Ever.
• Drunk Detective Frees Inmates: A hammered cop in Zambia accidentally frees 13 prisoners. Cheers to new beginnings?

Erica: NeckNosh.com

Instagram: @Neck_Nosh_LLC

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

Craft Beer Republic: CraftBeerRepublic.com

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Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Greg, Flex, and Erica are here to fight the good fight against Dry January, bringing you a hotline to save beers—and lives. Erica shares wild stories from her epic Egypt and Abu Dhabi adventure, Flex faces off against some overzealous fireworks and an IPA hangover, and Greg dodges DIY disasters with his neighbors. Plus, pozole presents, beer-snob debates, and a voicemail so wild it could only come from Chew Your Beer. Let’s start the new year with laughter and liquid courage!

Beers We’re Drinking

• Greg: Nelsie by Monkish Brewing – Greg’s hazy pale ale is packed with Nelson Sauvin hops, tropical aromas, and a pillowy smooth finish. 
• Flex: Terra Nelson by Drowned Lands Brewing – A triple hazy IPA with bright tropical notes and Sauvignon Blanc vibes. Flex calls it "Nelson perfection" despite the price tag.
• Erica: Schism by Lupulin Brewing – A bold black IPA with roasty bitterness, smoky undertones, and a lingering dankness.

Dry January is the enemy, and the Craft Beer Republic hotline is here to help. Flex relives his chaotic holiday, from a four-beer hangover to a near-underwear brawl with New Year’s fireworks enthusiasts. Erica takes us on a journey from the pyramids of Egypt to Eminem concerts in Abu Dhabi—complete with desperate Heineken beer-runs. Meanwhile, Greg shares tales of pozole-filled holidays, neighbors on a DIY rampage, and his ongoing fight to keep family visits under control and over inebriated. It’s beer, laughs, and chaos to start the new year right.

Booze News

• The most downloaded episode of 2024.
• Jimmy Carter: The president who saved craft beer with a homebrewing Hail Mary.
• PBR switches teams: Anheuser-Busch takes over brewing duties for the trashy lager.
• Hulk Hogan and WWE: The Real American Beer body slams into Monday Night Raw.
• Forbes gets weird: The “must-try” IPAs list that’s more recycled than a mixed six-pack.

Erica: NeckNosh.com

Instagram: @Neck_Nosh_LLC

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

Craft Beer Republic: CraftBeerRepublic.com

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Welcome to the New Year chaos! Greg, Flex, and Mel are here to kick off 2025 with plenty of laughs, questionable resolutions, and beers that make us glad our tongues can’t talk back. Flex reminds everyone why Wisconsin is the Fresh Coast (it’s real, he swears), Mel educates us on the dos and don’ts of edibles at weddings, and Greg channels his inner David Attenborough during a stoned encounter with whales. Plus, they’re petitioning to make 2025 the Year of the Gose, debating when craft beer really peaked, and roasting chestnuts—well, metaphorically. Cheers to another year of beers, nonsense, and mildly useful advice!

Beers We’re Drinking:

• Mel: Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale by Southern Tier Brewing Co. – A buttery, praline-filled dessert beer that screams holidays and feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
• Greg: Short Lived Hazy IPA by MadeWest x Highland Park Brewing – Tropical juicy fruit vibes with a silky smooth mouthfeel that Greg calls the perfect California sipper.
• Flex: Fresh Coast Pale Ale by Three Sheeps Brewing – A light, crushable pale ale with bright citrus notes, perfect for any season.

The gang dives into the nostalgia of the “good old days” of 2019, arguing over the true peak of craft beer. Greg and Flex trade stories of hilariously high experiences with THC drinks, including a memorable balcony whale encounter that may or may not have been real. Mel reminisces about her edible misadventures at a wedding, where she learned the hard way to read the dosage warnings.

In a heartfelt New Year’s brainstorm, they pledge to rekindle the camaraderie of the craft beer community, resolve to post on social media more often (no promises), and petition to make 2025 the year of the Gose. And in true CBR fashion, they somehow turn beer reviews into a conversation about roasted chestnuts, door decor, and why juicy IPAs should just be labeled correctly already.

Booze News:

• Craft breweries are closing faster than they’re opening for the first time—so much for new year optimism.
• A woman runs the New York City Marathon drunk. Goals?
• Castle Island Brewing rescues Cambridge Brewing’s IP—because good beer deserves a second chance.
• Diageo considers selling off P Diddy’s vodka. Uh, who’s still drinking that?

Follow us:

Mel: Instagram: @beergirl_mel

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

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Merry chaos, beer nerds! Greg, Flex, and Mel are back for a Christmas episode filled with hilarious rants, beer-fueled nostalgia, and just enough holiday cheer to keep the Grinches entertained. From cantaloupe debates to wrestling belt coolers, the crew dives headfirst into the absurdities of the season. Flex shares a Christmas beer that’s as festive as his short shorts, Mel cries into boxed wine (again), and Greg realizes he might need to hit the lake with his new championship fanny pack. It’s a holiday hangout full of bad movies, great beers, and questionable decisions—cheers to that!

Beers We're Drinking

• Greg: Love Hazy IPA by Almanac Brewing, bursting with cantaloupe and tropical vibes, this IPA supports a great cause—and Greg’s cantaloupe obsession.
• Mel: Everything Naughty by Ommegang Brewery, a smooth, caramel-forward blonde stout with festive vibes, but the white chocolate didn’t RSVP.
• Flex: Christmas Ale by Abita Brewing, a malty holiday ale that looks great on the table, even if it tastes like liquid bread.

The gang kicks off with a heated debate over the best Grinch (Jim Carrey vs Timothée Chalamet) and why long Christmas movies are the absolute worst. Mel celebrates her three-year CBR anniversary, reflecting on how far they’ve come… and how much boxed wine it took to get here. Flex proudly unveils the ultimate holiday gift—a championship belt fanny pack cooler—while Greg dreams of strapping one on for a day on the lake. Holiday drinking traditions get hilariously weird with Heineken, boxed wine, and the most questionable wrapping strategies you’ve ever heard. Plus, Mel shares a wild dad story involving fake hockey players, proving that nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a good J-ism.

Booze News

• Brewers Association gets a new CEO—can he save craft beer?
• Chuck Schumer’s “Bubble Bill” might lower taxes for cider and mead.
• Enlightened Brewery in Milwaukee shuts its doors after 10 years.
• Budweiser kills RateBeer—RIP to another OG beer site.

Follow us:

Mel: Instagram: @beergirl_mel

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

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Welcome to the holiday chaos! Greg and Flex are back with plenty of laughs, holiday traditions, and beers that’ll make you question your life choices. Flex shares how his kids are basically his beer sommeliers, picking out a beer that pairs perfectly with… Crocs? Greg’s beloved annual “Dropping of the Yule Log” returns, and yes, it still sounds like the most festive dump. Plus, an actual super hero gets arrested, Christmas train shenanigans, and a surprising list of brewery ingredients that no longer need government approval. It’s a sleigh ride of stupidity, beer, and holiday spirit—ho ho hops!

Beers We're Drinking:

• Flex: Croc Couture by Little House Brewing Co. Flex’s kids picked this hazy IPA for its sparkly Croc can, but the beer’s maltiness left him on the fence.
• Greg: Fort Point Pale Ale by Trillium Brewing Co. A pricey pale ale that delivers citrus and mango vibes, but Greg questions if it’s $28-good.

Flex dives into “Dad Life Goals” by letting his kids pick beers at the liquor store based solely on their shiny cans—what could go wrong? Greg, meanwhile, brings back his favorite holiday tradition, the Dropping of the Yule Log, leaving listeners in tears over its unintentional bathroom noises. The guys get real about hyped breweries charging insane prices, the sexiness of affordable beer, and Greg’s surprising champagne fiasco that ended with Uber Eats saving the day. Meanwhile, Flex daydreams of getting arrested in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume. Priorities.

Booze News:

• TTB Gets Cool: Brewers no longer need approval to use ingredients like bananas, nuts, and rhubarb—less red tape, more beer.
• Goat Patch Takes Over Pike’s Peak: Colorado Springs’ Goat Patch Brewing is acquiring Pike’s Peak Brewing, turning schools into breweries and keeping things local.
• No Fun on the Train: A UK train company launches a low-alcohol beer campaign to stop people from getting shmammered mid-ride.
• Constellation Sells Svedka: Sazerac adds yet another booze brand to its ever-growing liquor empire.
• Batman Gets Booked: A man in a full Batman costume crashes his car, flees the scene, and fails sobriety tests—justice was served.
• Drunk Driver Ratted Out by Mom: A 20-year-old claims he’s sober, but his own mom tells officers he can’t even walk straight.

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Welcome to Craft Beer Republic, where the beers are flowing and the stories are questionable! Greg’s kicking off the show from a two-week road trip with his priorities firmly set on beer and podcast gear (who needs clean clothes anyway?), while Flex brings the Thanksgiving drama, complete with late-start drinking and smoked turkey revelations. Meanwhile, Psycho Bear calls in with beer tips and maybe a murder plot, and Kentucky proves mules aren’t meant for high-speed getaways. Grab a beer and buckle up—it’s chaos in a can!

Beers We’re Drinking

• Greg: Harmonic Energy by Radiant Beer Co. – A hazy pale ale with melon and tangerine vibes, right in Greg’s wheelhouse.
• Flex: Emperor Marlin by Evil Twin Brewing – A boozy quadruple IPA that’s big, bold, and dangerously smooth.

Greg kicks things off by proving his priorities are in order: podcast gear over clean clothes for his road trip. Flex dives into Thanksgiving tales of smoked turkey and late-drinking drama, while Greg shares the tragic saga of a $400 ham disaster and how a family pregnancy almost derailed the mimosa tradition—until a heroic champagne run saved the day. Psycho Bear calls in with beer wisdom, sass, and a potential murder plot, and the guys debate whether marriage is really just a lifelong effort to stop men from doing dumb things.

Booze News

• Blackout Wednesday Fizzles: Draft beer sales continue to slide on the biggest bar night of the year—are we losing our touch?
• Michelob Ultra Reigns Supreme: The top draft beer for the second year running… and it’s only 4.2% ABV.
• Stoli Files for Bankruptcy: Blame it on Russian interference, cyberattacks, or just bad luck—either way, vodka’s taking a hit.
• Man Drives Drunk to Police Station: Pro tip: don’t show up to complain to the cops when your BAC is 0.22.
• Drunk Mule Escape: A Kentucky man tries to flee police at 15 mph—on a mule.

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Welcome in, fellow beer drinkers! Greg and Flex are back for another episode of Craft Beer Republic, and this time, the shenanigans are extra juicy. From brunch-induced chaos to beer trades that make us question our morals, the duo dives deep into life, laughs, and some seriously good beer. Plus, we discover Flex’s undying love for mashed potatoes and find out why Greg might owe “Not Murderer John” a little something extra for bringing him Treehouse beer. Sacramento, congrats on being our top listening city—sorry about the shade! Let’s raise a glass and get hydrated!

Beer We’re Drinking:

• Greg: Little Machine by Treehouse Brewing – A 5.5% hazy pale ale bringing strong notes of pineapple, candied tropical fruit, and grapefruit, with gorgeous lacing that is borderline pornographic.
• Flex: Spellbinder by Wren House Brewing – A 6.9% hazy IPA bursting with tangerine and stone fruit flavors, earning top marks and a spot in Flex’s dream beer lineup.

Greg kicks things off by recounting a brunch-turned-binge session that ended with some couch therapy and a bathroom confession. Flex shares his love for mashed potatoes—seriously, it’s a borderline love affair—and the two dream up a mashed potato flight that’s sure to revolutionize brunch menus everywhere. Pilot Tom earns Flex's eternal gratitude with a beer hookup, while Greg sings the praises of Non-Murderer John, whose beer generosity keeps on giving. And Greg keeps it classy with more wine drinking. Oh, and Sacramento? You may be our top listening city, but you’re still boring. Sorry, not sorry.

Booze News:

• High ABV beers boom: Big beers are outselling hard seltzers—efficiency in a can!
• Black is Beautiful creator’s next act: Marcus Baskerville is opening a San Antonio spot where fried chicken meets craft beer.
• New Belgium offloads Upper Hand Brewery: The high hand of craft changes owners, but the beer stays local.
• Tequila heist madness: 24,000 bottles of Santo Tequila vanish in an Ocean's 13-style operation.

Follow us:

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

Craft Beer Republic: CraftBeerRepublic.com

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• Voicemail: (805) 538-2337