NEOZAZ

In this episode, Matt reviews Space Monkey Mafia, a cold IPA from Moonraker Brewing in Auburn, California. Right off the bat, Matt expresses his frustration with the brewery’s website, which he finds to be lacking in information. Despite this, he is enjoying the beer, which is described as having a citrusy flavor with notes of white grape and sweet malt.  

The main focus of the episode is a discussion about the cold IPA style, including its characteristics and the ongoing debate around the name. Matt shares his experience brewing cold IPAs and his thoughts on how it compares to Indian Pale Lagers.  

Matt then provides a detailed review of the Space Monkey Mafia, covering its appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.  

Since there were no one-star reviews available for the beer, Matt includes a segment where he shares some negative reviews of Billy Joel's album Stormfront, which contains the lyrics that inspired the beer's name.  

Overall, Matt gives Space Monkey Mafia a positive review and the episode provides an in-depth look at the cold IPA style.

In Episode 15 of Matt Likes Beer, Matt samples PVD Pils, an Italian Pilsner from Long Live Beer Works in Providence, Rhode Island. While there wasn’t much information to be found on the beer itself, Matt makes the most of it—digging into the brewery, the elusive Italian Pilsner style, and his love-hate relationship with beer rating standards.

Matt shares insights on:

The unique, dry-hopped character of Italian Pilsners and their unexpected origin story.

His thoughts on Long Live Beer Works’ dual locations in Providence and Boston, and their mission to never brew a flagship beer.

The pros, cons, and addictive temptation of beer delivery app Tavour, which introduced him to this beer in the first place.

Matt evaluates PVD Pils as a German Pilsner + dry hopping under BJCP’s 34B "mixed-style" category, scoring it a strong 41 out of 50. He praises its crisp balance and soft bitterness, though wishes the dry hopping came through a bit more boldly.

With no one-star reviews available, this episode skips that segment—but not before delivering a full pour of beer nerd insight, judging challenges, and personal anecdotes.

Listen now at Neozaz.com, BigMonsterBrewing.com, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’re curious about Italian Pilsners or want a crash course in evaluating mixed-style beers, this episode’s got you covered.

In this episode Dave discusses Maggie, Control Freak, Starve Acre, and April's Fool's Day.

In Episode 14 of Matt Likes Beer, Matt digs into a rare local gem: 1915 California Common from Ivanhoe Park Brewing. As one of the few beers from this Orlando-based brewery to make it into the series, Matt shares why this one stood out enough to earn a full feature—and it all comes down to style, nostalgia, and flavor.

A longtime fan of the underappreciated California Common style, Matt traces its American roots back to the iconic Anchor Steam and shares how this Ivanhoe Park version rekindled that same love. He reminisces about discovering Anchor Steam on tap at Disney Springs and even recounts a homebrewing misfire where he tragically dumped what turned out to be perfectly carbonated bottles too soon.

In this episode:

A BJCP-style evaluation of 1915 California Common, scoring a strong 44 out of 50, landing it in Matt’s top 3 beers on the show so far.

Discussion of the style’s history and why it deserves more love from craft brewers and beer drinkers.

A few rants about brewery websites, can labeling, and fond memories of Ivanhoe’s long-gone Valentine’s Day beer-and-donut pairings.

Hilarious one-star reviews of Anchor Steam, including some bizarre metaphors, backhanded compliments, and one classic "I hate to be like this" disclaimer Matt just had to call out.

Listen now on Neozaz.com, BigMonsterBrewing.com, or your favorite podcast app. If you're a fan of old-school American styles or looking for a sleeper hit from a local brewery, this is an episode you’ll want to tap into!

We're looking at the Prometheus' biologist this time, and gauge if he's as incompetent as folk believe he is.

Call your mum(my), it’s another classic monster episode of HFTV!

In Episode 14 of Matt Likes Beer, Matt digs into a rare local gem: 1915 California Common from Ivanhoe Park Brewing. As one of the few beers from this Orlando-based brewery to make it into the series, Matt shares why this one stood out enough to earn a full feature—and it all comes down to style, nostalgia, and flavor.

A longtime fan of the underappreciated California Common style, Matt traces its American roots back to the iconic Anchor Steam and shares how this Ivanhoe Park version rekindled that same love. He reminisces about discovering Anchor Steam on tap at Disney Springs and even recounts a homebrewing misfire where he tragically dumped what turned out to be perfectly carbonated bottles too soon.

In this episode:

A BJCP-style evaluation of 1915 California Common, scoring a strong 44 out of 50, landing it in Matt’s top 3 beers on the show so far.

Discussion of the style’s history and why it deserves more love from craft brewers and beer drinkers.

A few rants about brewery websites, can labeling, and fond memories of Ivanhoe’s long-gone Valentine’s Day beer-and-donut pairings.

Hilarious one-star reviews of Anchor Steam, including some bizarre metaphors, backhanded compliments, and one classic "I hate to be like this" disclaimer Matt just had to call out.

Listen now on Neozaz.com, BigMonsterBrewing.com, or your favorite podcast app. If you're a fan of old-school American styles or looking for a sleeper hit from a local brewery, this is an episode you’ll want to tap into!

We're back to the thrillers this time, one which neither of us had seen before, and were intrigued to find what was the connection to A Christmas Carol.

In this Easter inspired episode of The Best of Fives, Chris, Luke and Dave list their top 5 favorite movies about, inspired by, or in some way through their increasingly broad definitions to get through the show involve religion.

If you're a craft beer drinker, you've probably had Bell’s Two Hearted IPA—and if you haven't, stop what you're doing and fix that. In Episode 13 of Matt Likes Beer, I revisit this iconic American IPA, reflect on my own history with it, and put it through the judging wringer for an honest, guideline-based review.

A Familiar Face in the Wild

It’s a 7% ABV American IPA brewed with 100% Centennial hops, delivering citrus, grapefruit, and pine aromas that punch your nose before the glass hits your lips. It’s a go-to in restaurants with thin tap lists and a reliable backup when the local stuff isn’t doing it.

Style Showdown

Appearance: Orange-gold and glowing. 3/3.

Aroma: Orange zest, grapefruit, tropical fruit, light sweetness. 12/12.

Flavor: Great hop expression, solid bitterness, but lacking distinct malt character. 15/20.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and well-carbonated. 5/5.

Overall: Delicious, but a bit more malt balance would elevate it. 7/10.

Final Score: 42/50

Clone Attempts & Price Shock

Then there's the unforgettable sticker shock moment: $16 for a 16oz Two Hearted at a Columbus Blue Jackets game. Worth it? Maybe. Shocking? Absolutely.

One-Star Review Roulette

“Tastes like dog shit.” (A classic.)

“Most ungodly bitter beer I’ve ever tasted.”

“Deserving of a 75… 1 out of 5 stars.” (Math is hard.)