Though beer has long lived in wine's shadow as a prestige drink, it can do an impressive job of borrowing flavors or even mimicking them from the grape-based beverage. We open four very different takes on wine-inspired beers, some that have aged gracefully, and some that go places with styles in a way we haven't experienced. Also, Craig discovers a new innovation in frozen pizza technology; we re-examine the arch of sour programs in the U.S. over the last decade; Ryan's trying his hand at being a Zoom-based magician; and we try to avoid the crash of flabby sweetness.

Beers Reviewed

Maplewood Brewing Company - Softcore Mutation: Foeder Pinot Noir 2022 (Mixed culture sour aged in oak foeders w/ Pinot Noir grapes)

Mikerphone Brewing Company - Red Grape Supernova (Italian Red Wine Sangria-inspired fruited sour w/ Italian Sangiovese grape juice, Sicilian lemon puree, and tangerine puree)

New Glarus Brewing Company - Champ Du Blanc 2023 (Bière de Champagne spontaneously aged in oak on white grapes)

Half Acre Beer Company - Bazalt Wilderness of History (Double Barrel Barleywine aged in bourbon barrels & finished in Tokaji wine barrels)