TwoGuys & Beer

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Ever fantasized about turning your beer-brewing hobby into a full-fledged business? So did Previn Solberg before he made it a reality with Invictus Brewing. As we recount Previn's leap of faith and the growth of a craft beer community in Blaine, Minnesota, you'll get a taste of adventure and the warmth of a shared dream. We're serving up a frothy mix of stories — from the tantalizing hops of Invictus's Hazy Crazy IPA to tips on how to survive the homebrewing jungle.

We've all had that moment when the universe seemed to conspire against us, only to prove that it's leading us to a greater path. After a serendipitous encounter at a kindergarten class, we follow the tale of two budding brewers who embraced the challenge, and we invite you to pull up a chair and join the banter. This episode is not just about clinking glasses; it's about connecting lives. Learn about the innovation behind Invictus, a brewery that champions the pet-friendly movement and tickles your taste buds with the Tipsy Steer's 'local sassy brew food.'

To wrap it all up, we don't shy away from asking the quirky questions you never knew you had, like what if you could plummet through an Earth tunnel? And if that's not enough to quench your curiosity, we share some laugh-worthy anecdotes that are sure to stick with you longer than a lost wallet in the ocean. Remember, we're more than just two guys talking beer—we're a gathering of enthusiasts eager to hear your stories and recommendations. So, raise a glass to the unexpected and join us on this fermented journey that promises more than just a good pint. Cheers to that!

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Embark on a malty adventure as Andy, and I take you through the rich flavors of Millstream Brewing Company's Shenanigans Irish Red Ale. With a backdrop of Amana, Iowa's quaint charm, we weave tales of brewing beginnings sparked by beers like Killian's Irish Red, while dissecting what makes Shenanigans a stand-out in the red ale category. As our taste buds relish this malty brew, you'll find yourself swept into a world where beer isn't just a drink; it's a pivotal character in our life stories.

Pour yourself a hearty glass and prepare to chuckle as we mix suds with humor, taking cues from Bill Engvall's beer straw antics. Can you imagine pairing your favorite brew with savory smoked meats? We do just that, contemplating a smokehouse-brewery fusion and reminiscing about the evolution of American craft beer culture. Hear heartwarming stories of local breweries like Millstream that are pouring more than just beer into their communities and discover how the humble taproom has become a cornerstone of camaraderie and innovation.

Finally, we don the green and raise a toast to St. Patrick's Day, delving into its American parade origins and the curious case of corned beef's place in Irish festivities. We'll color your perceptions as brightly as the Chicago River on the big day while discussing everything from the phenomenon of Guinness to the shortest St. Patrick's parade you could possibly imagine. So, grab your favorite pint, settle in, and let's celebrate the spirit of St. Paddy's together with some good cheer and even better beer.

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Have you ever dared to step out of your beer comfort zone and into the bold world of bourbon barrel-aged stouts? That's exactly what we did when we wrapped our taste buds around New Holland Brewing Company's Dragon's Milk. We're venturing into the deep, rich flavors of their iconic stout and sipping on a variety of Milk Reserve flavors like coffee, chocolate, s'mores, and oatmeal cookie. As we usually cheers with IPAs and lighter ales, this stout saga is a rich departure, and we're here to share our unfiltered thoughts on how these heavy hitters might just be the perfect complement to your next hearty meal.

Remember the time when a film series could take you from the innocence of youth to the complexities of adulthood? Our conversation nostalgically winds down the cobblestone paths of the Harry Potter universe, comparing the growth of this magical franchise to others we've seen evolve over time. We're revealing personal tales from the unexpected joy of sports broadcasts to the dynamic world of spectator sports, proving that it's not just about beer on our show. And, in a twist of fate, one of us confesses to never having read a single page of Harry Potter – can you believe it?

Wrapping up our eclectic chat, we whisk you away on a quirky detour through Chicago and share how an off-the-grid couple's eco-friendly use of their own waste sparked both intrigue and a few raised eyebrows. We're also uncapping the innovative ways Dragon's Milk has influenced the brewing and distilling scene, from a game-changing reverse aging process to a pioneering beer barrel bourbon. It's a full-bodied journey of taste, pop culture, and adventures you didn't see coming. So pour yourself a glass, and let's raise a toast to the unexpected.

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Ever found yourself chuckling over the confusion between Fargo and Minnesota, or the idea of a pigeon doubling as a spy? That's the kind of quirky, side-splitting banter Andy Beckstrom and I, Shawn Field, bring to the table while we imbibe in Drekker Brewing Company's Super Mega Lager. From personal revelations about family and the passing of time to a lively discussion on the beer's crisp uniqueness and the brewing company's storied 1880s building, we cover it all. We even tease the taste buds with talk of their Juicelor double IPA for a future episode, so keep those glasses at the ready.

It's not just the beer that bubbles with character; Drekker's Brew Hall and its neighboring hotel, housed within a rejuvenated piece of history, are the heart of today's conversation. Imagine a space where oysters, ice cream, and craft beer converge in an eclectic atmosphere that tells the story of its own brews. We journey through this revived 1880s building, and also give a nod to Minneapolis' Graze, drawing parallels between these cultural hubs that blend dining, shopping, and shared experiences in one vibrant location.

Wrapping up with some off-the-wall news stories, we delve into the lighter side of life's surprises—like a woman's unexpected ride in a garbage truck, and a novel British car scrapping service that lets you crush away memories of your ex. Between parenting challenges and smartphone history nostalgia, we end on a high note, sharing dreams of the Stanley Cup and sending out a huge thank you to you, our listeners, for joining us on this frothy adventure. Stay tuned for the chance that we might just bring you an interview from the day with the Cup—because in our world, anything's possible. Cheers, until next time!

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Ever find yourself at the crossroads of curiosity and thirst, yearning for a path sprinkled with laughter and deep dives into the craft beer world? Our latest episode is a frothy mix of both, as we share tales from Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, Connecticut, and dissect their Lil' Heaven Crushable IPA and the casino-collab Jackpot Juice Hazy IPA. We're not just about the suds, though; join us for a round-table discussion that hops from the comedic genius of Conan O'Brien to the camaraderie and competition brewed by beer passports and trivia nights.

But it's not all hops and giggles. As, we explore the serious side of brewing, discussing how Two Roads not only crafts a mean beer but also leads the way in contract brewing opportunities. We then take a sobering turn to reflect on the sustainability initiatives of this century-old factory turned brewery, sharing how they're pioneering in green practices from solar fields to water conservation. It's a conversation that pours out insights on resource conservation, all while still maintaining the flavor of our favorite brews.

We then navigate through the more intricate landscapes of border security, immigration reform, and the daunting reality of child trafficking. This episode isn't afraid to address the bitter notes of today's pressing social issues, balancing the heaviness with a lighter froth of human versus grasshopper leaps and the intoxicating fact about global inebriation levels. So grab your favorite pint, and let's toast to an episode that's equal parts enlightening and entertaining.

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Raising our glasses to commemorate a dozen episodes, Shawn and Andy are here to sprinkle some festive cheer into your speakers. Our latest podcast is a holiday special, replete with the rich, nutty flavors of Boulevard Brewing Company's Nutcracker Winter Warmer, which we lovingly dissect for your auditory pleasure. We'll take you on a trip to Kansas City, Missouri, unveiling the inspiring journey of John McDonald from art and carpentry to the founder of a beer empire. Sit back with your favorite brew as we recount the evolution of our own beer palates and connect over the universal love for a finely crafted pint.

Our conversation ventures beyond mere taste profiles and into the heart of what makes Boulevard Brewing Company stand out from the crowd. We celebrate their monumental growth, their cultural impact, and their ambitious expansion that now includes a massive beer hall, brewery tours, and a gift shop in their vintage 1929 building. But it's not just about beer; it's about the sustainable strides they're making, from full-scale recycling initiatives to the creation of Ripple Glass, proving that a good beer can also be good for the planet.

Finally, we stir up a festive debate, swapping our favorite Christmas movies and settling once and for all if "Die Hard" truly belongs in the holiday canon. Whether you're a "Polar Express" purist or a Hallmark holiday movie devotee, there's room for all by our fireside chat. So, tune in, pour out, and let's share in the merriment of the season together—because nothing pairs with holiday traditions quite like a malty beer and a heartwarming flick.

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Ready for a wild ride through the captivating world of distinctive beer and big baseball bucks? Brace yourself as we, your hosts Andy Beckstrom and Shawn Field, embark on an adventure, sampling the unique Banana Bread Beer from UK's Eagle Brewery. As we dissect its intriguing flavor profile and delve into the brewery's rich history, you'll find yourself craving a taste while simultaneously learning a little about brewing history. 

Just when your taste buds are tingling, we're up at bat discussing the big league game of baseball salaries. From Shoie Ohatani's jaw-dropping $700 million contract to the Minnesota Twins' controversial decision to cut payroll, we're diving headfirst into the heated debate over player salaries and the impact on team spending. If you're not a baseball fan, bear with us, the economic intrigue and ethical considerations might just pull you in. 

In the final stretch, we get real about the question, are players fairly compensated? From revenue sharing to the potential solution of streaming games, we dissect the whole financial ballgame. As we round all the bases - from the fun of brewing beer to the seriousness of baseball salaries - we promise you an informative and entertaining episode. So grab a beer, pull up a chair and join us for a fascinating journey into the world of exotic brews and major league baseball!

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What would you do if you could design your own beer? Go on a flavor journey with us, your hosts, Andy Backstrom and Shawn Field, as we unpack and taste beers from a MobCraft advent calendar, where creative recipes submitted and voted by beer lovers like you are brewed into reality! Listen in as we randomly pick and share our first impressions on these unique beers - spoiler alert, Shawn's first pick is Player Breeze, inspired from number 2, his childhood favorite number!

Ever wondered why your favorite sports personalities choose their jersey numbers? Well, we've got some stories of our own to share too! As we regale you with our adventures with jersey numbers, we'll also be savoring a variety of beers on air. From honey citrus lagers to the not-so-popular fruity beer, we've got the scoop on intriguing beer trivia and the breweries they hail from.

Finally, we crack open the world of MobCraft Beer, and their game-changing approach to brewing. Discover how this innovative brewery forges a symbiotic relationship with the public in concocting new beer flavors. From their humble beginnings, unique business model, to their exciting future plans, we've got the inside details on MobCraft Beer. So, grab a beer and join us for a fascinating exploration of beer, music, sports, and more!