Another CBC is a wrap, and we have some new World Beer Cup winners

The Craft Brewers Conference wrapped up last week and as part of the festivities the World Beer Cup winners were announced. We're stoked to have a few home state winners in the mix, and we discovered a lot of new breweries that are (apparently) making great beer.

In news that we love, VinePair shared some stats on the Booziest Counties in the US. Can you guess who was #1, and who has the most teetotalers?

Some interesting beer-adjacent news as the FTC has banned non-competes. We've seen these battles play out in the past when a brewer from a popular brewery heads out on their own, most famously with Toppling Goliath. However, companies will still have some protection of their intellectual property via non-disclosure agreements. Also, some top execs could still be subject to non-competes. There will likely be some fighting on this one, so we'll stay tuned to see where it lands.

How much would you pay for an (empty) can of beer?

A record was set recently for the price of a single beer can. An empty one, at that. An undisclosed buyer paid over $60,000 for a vintage oil can of Perone Beer. I hope he feels he got his money's worth.

More news of acquisitions, surprising closures, seal hunts, and spruce beers. Good times.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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At least there's beer after Total Nuclear Annihilation

Brian and Nate have disappointed deeply with their lack of excitement for the Fallout TV series. I've played the games for 20ish years and am a huge fan. When the show was announced I was skeptical, like any video game fan when their fav game is "adapted." But they killed it with Fallout. Such an awesome series, and there's plenty of beer.

The State of Craft Beer

The Craft Brewers Conference was this week and Brewers Association chief economist gave us the scoop on the current state of craft beer. Overall, it's not great, but it could be worse. One ray of hope, 2023 ended with more net breweries that we had in 2022. So people are still opening, despite all the closures we're seeing. The Top 50 largest craft breweries were also announced. An interesting list for sure.

Oh yeah, we did something we haven't done in a long time, had a bottle share! It was great to get the crew together and open some bottles that have been collecting dust. A variety of IPAs, stouts, and sours were enjoyed, and an interesting wine-beer hybrid from the Bruery.

BrewDog does not have a green thumb

Any time I see BrewDog mentioned I assume the worst. Maybe I shouldn't, but they have been tied up in a lot of scandals. This time it sounds like they tried to do a good thing, and failed. After planting 10s of 1000s of trees to regrow a forest, most of them died. They say the harsh weather the past year did them in, and they're going to go back and try again. Good luck, Dogs.

This week market the 508th anniversary of the Reinheitsgebot. A lot of jokes are made about these laws, but they had good reason to enact them back in the day. Brewers were putting all kinds of questionable things in their beer, just like folks in America with your steak sauce. Check out the show for the full story. Cheers!

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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Last Saturday was our favorite beer fest of the year. Good Word Brewing's Little Beer Fest.

This event brings the best of the very best of low ABV beers to Duluth, GA each Spring. It's been an adventure in previous years with weather ranging from scorching hot to sleet and snow, but this year gave us beautiful sunny skies and temps in the 70s.

We love little beers. Pilsners, low alcohol stouts, English Ales, bring it on. It's great to attend an event where you can try nearly every beer and still keep your senses. We did out best to make the rounds.

For the show this week we sat down with Todd Boera of Fonta Flora Brewing and Jason Glunt of Salud Cerveceria. We chatted a good bit about what makes a good tap list and low alcohol beers, of course.

We talk about adding fruit to beer and Todd tells Tim why his opinion on the matter is wrong, in the nicest way possible. We talk about breaking out of a mold of being known for a certain style of beer when you brew across the spectrum.

Jason shares his Michelada lager with us, and it's damn tasty, so we talk more about that cocktail and the Mexican Ashtray (New to me. Must try it.) and we talk about staying small and brewing great beer.

Keep an eye out in years to come for Little Beer Fest. In a time when festivals and bottle shares and beery get togethers in general seem on the decline we think this fest has the magic sauce to be something special. If you come next year, be sure to stop by and say hi, cause we'll definitely be there.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Beer Families, Closing Times, and a Bankruptcy

Glad to be back to it this week with all the beery talk we can handle.

You know we dabble in beer cocktails and Brian finally gets to try one he's been wanting for a while and shares how that turned out.

Remember when all of those crazy light macro beers came out making a big deal out of how few calories they had? Well Molson Coors says the consumer is now more concerned with lower ABV than calories, so they're making some changes to showcase that.

Beer families seem to be the thing these days. Both Voodoo Ranger and Two Hearted have had a family of beers for a while, and SweetWater announced they're going that route with their flagship 420 brand. Look for new brews soon.

We've talked about tinned seafood a lot but if we want you all to join us on this adventure we figured we better offer some actual recommendations. So this week we share our first one and ponder some beer pairings.

In news that was totally expected, D9 Brewing has filed for bankruptcy protection. If the name isn't ringing a bell they are part of Community Brewing Ventures, the parent company that also owns Bevana. Yep, exactly.

Some realllllly loose research suggests that couples that drink together and have similar drinking habits live longer. We don't know if that's a promise or a threat, but we do know their "research" was pretty weak.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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Exploring the Future of Beer and Beyond with Anderson Valley Brewing

Anderson Valley Brewing president and CEO Kevin McGee joins us this week to discuss NA beer, FOMO, keeping it classic, and sustainability. The world of beer is constantly evolving, and we dive into some of the exciting trends and hidden gems that are shaping the industry. 

NA Beer Stats and Future: A Sobering Rise

Non-alcoholic (NA) beers are no longer the afterthought at the party. Thanks to a growing health-conscious population and innovative brewing techniques, NA beers are experiencing a surge in popularity. The global NA beer market is expected to reach a staggering $40 billion by 2033. This trend suggests a future where delicious, alcohol-free options are readily available for everyone. But others aren't impressed with NA beer's growth, so is it "the next big thing," or not?

Beer Solera: A History Steeped in Tradition

For a taste of history, let's explore the Solera method. This unique aging process involves stacking partially filled barrels, blending aged and young beer to create complex flavors. Imagine a family recipe passed down through generations, each adding their own twist – that's the essence of Solera!

Surviving & Thriving in Beer Today: Beyond the Hype

But the craft beer scene isn't just about chasing trends. In a saturated market, breweries need to focus on building a loyal customer base and focusing on some key points like quality and consistency. 

As the beer market becomes saturated with choices, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is losing its MO. If the latest big pastry stout or juicy and hazy IPA has another bigger and juicier and hazier release the next week, then we aren't really missing anything if we miss one. Wild One-Offs Are Good For One Time, But Consistency is King. Limited-edition releases can be exciting, but breweries that consistently deliver quality beers are the ones that stand the test of time.

Evolution: More Than Just The Beer

The craft beer scene is about more than just the beverage itself. It's about fostering a culture of community, creativity, and exploration. Let's celebrate the stories behind the beers, the passion of the brewers, and the ever-evolving landscape of this fascinating industry.

Decoding Boontling & Anderson Valley's Sustainability Efforts

Ever heard of Boontling? It's a nearly extinct language spoken by the indigenous people of the Anderson Valley region. The brewery honors this herita

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Ale Max Day - A celebration of Air and ale

Much like craft beer, sneaker fans love to see cool collaborations. And much like craft beer fans, they'll wait in crazy long lines and search local shops and the internet to get that elusive pair.

Atlanta's Ale Sharpton teamed up with marketing magician Craig Stroud to bring the culture of craft beer and sneakerheads together and Ale Max Day was born. 2023's inaugural even feature an intimate gathering and collaborative beer with Decatur, Georgia's Inner Voice. This year they're kicking it up a notch with a larger release party at Monday Night Brewing's Garage location followed by a release with Bearded Iris in Nashville. Ale and Craig share the origin story of Ale Max, what's happening now, and their plans for the future.

Ale Max 1 MAX IPA

We can't forget the beer! A juicy and hazy NEIPA hopped with Citra Cryo, Mosaic Incognito, Nectaron Cryo, Riwaka, and Strata. Expect big citrus and melon notes on this one. If this is your kind of beer, then this is one you don't want to miss.

It's all for a good cause, too. A portion of the proceeds from Ale Max Day will support PAWKids, an incredible, Atlanta based nonprofit and community hub that exists to support and provide holistic resources to children and families in need.

For more information follow Ale Max and Ale Sharpton on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/realalesharpton/

https://www.instagram.com/alemaxday/

https://www.instagram.com/alemax.official/

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

WTF is Bapple?

Bapple. Busch Light Apple that is. Apparently this abomination has quite a cult following.  It's come and gone over the years and people are hoarding it when they can find it and paying crazy prices online.  We had no idea.

Even crazier?  R.E.M.'s Out of Time turned 33 this week.  Making us feel old and stuff.  For those in Atlanta you likely heard lots of R.E.M. on 99x back in the day.  One of the last great radio stations.   99x is back, and they've got a collaboration beer with Mutation Brewing.  99Xtra West Coast Pilsner.  A perfect pairing for an iconic album anniversary.

More St. Patrick's Day news, Savannah's SPD parade is turning 200! By our math that means it started in 1824.  Madness.

Shifting gears, we'll head west to Wyoming where craft beer lovers are celebrating a big legal win. We'll break down the details and what it means for the future of suds in the Cowboy State.

Over on Beer Twitter there was some hot glassware talk this week.  Discussions of the importance of branding on brewery glasses and one brewery dropping a super hot take on their glassware opinions.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!  Go out and enjoy a pint or two.  Green or otherwise.  We don't judge. 

Cheers!

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

A pint of plain is your only man...

Drinking holidays are the best holidays.  St. Patrick's Day is a drinking holiday now, but it wasn't always that way.  The story is kind of crazy.

Join us as we talk about the lore and legends of St. Patrick and St. Patrick's Day while we sample some Irish beers and whiskey.

The Beer (and Whiskey) List

• Guinness & Smithwick's - Blacksmith (“Pint of Special”)
• StillFire - O’Farrell’s Irish Red (Red Ale)
• Sullivan’s - Black Marble (Dry Irish Stout)
• Sullivan’s - Maltings Irish Ale (Red Ale)
• Fat Orange Cat - Baby Leprechauns (Session IPA)
• Evil Twin - Even More Irish Jesus (Dry Irish Stout)
• Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
• Slane Irish Whiskey
• Whistle Pig 10, 11, and 12 (OK, not Irish, but tasty.)

TRIVIA! Order a ‘Black Bulldog’ in Malaysia and you’ll be handed a bottle of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. This is because the first export bottlers of Guinness used to add their own symbols to the label to distinguish their bottles and exclusive territories. There were dozens of different symbols, the most famous of which were the bulldog, the wolf, the dog and a cat

Sláinte!

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Wooden Robot co-founder dies in brewery fall

We send our sincere condolences to the family of Dan Wade and his brewery family at Wooden Robot.  Dan tragically lost his life in a fall at the brewery last week.  If you'd like to help support his wife and newborn son with immediate and long-term expenses you can give to the GoFundMe here.

The weather here has been crazy lately.  This would be expected if it was the end of March or beginning of April, but this is (or was) February.  We've had temps hit nearly 70°.  The madness brought storms through here and got Brian excited to see a tornado.  A sentiment only expressed by those that haven't been through a tornado, or maybe storm chasers.  Brian is in Group A.  I brag about my new fancy pants bath towels.  Seriously, they're really nice.  Y'all drop me a line if you want to come by for a shower some time.

AB InBev brewers were going strike, but they didn't

So, this story updated right after we recorded the show.  ABI brewers were close to a strike, but reached a deal to stop that happening.  Just ignore this part of the show.

Fishwife partners with Keystone Light

This was a collab we didn't expect.  We're not mad at it, just a bit confused.  Tinned seafood purveyor Fishwife has partnered with Keystone Light to launch The Smooth Snackle Pack.  The combo gets you three tins of smoked trout, and insulate snackle box, and a coupon to get you some Keystone Light from Uber Eats.  We'll get one (update: we did) but Fishwife is not to be very proud of their upscale image.  Kind of a surprise to see them partner with Keystone Light.

Dry February > Dry January

Non-alcoholic beer continues to grow.  Sales are still up through February showing some people are stretching out that Dry January.  Whole Foods Market now sells more Athletic Brewing than any other brand.

Beer laws are stupid everywhere

No matter what state you live in you're likely face some type of stupid beer laws.  A bill to improve laws in Georgia (SB 163) failed to get out of committee this year.  Leaving the state's brewers struggling with current regulations.  A bill in Tennessee propose to ban the sale of cold beer with the intention of combatting drunk driving.  However, recent updates suggest that one the sponsor learned about the impact

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

We sat down with our friends Zach and Cliff at Truck & Tap along with our new friend Tiffany Dillon of Gwen Tajz wine bar.  We poked some beers, we mulled some wines (wine wine and barleywine) and we talked about serving traditionally cooler beverages warmer.  Luckily, when we recorded the show it was a seasonally-appropriate cooler temperature, the only cool day in the last couple of weeks actually.

While the image of a frosty mug overflowing with cold beer might be the first thing that comes to mind, the history of enjoying warmed brews stretches back centuries. Tonight, we're venturing beyond the icebox and exploring the comforting world of hot drinks, with a special focus on the surprising (and potentially delicious) realm of hot-poked beers.

A Toasty Tradition: Hot Drinks Through the Ages

From mulled wines enjoyed by medieval nobility to steaming cups of tea that fueled revolutions, hot beverages have long held cultural and practical significance. In colder climates, they provided warmth and comfort, while spices and herbs added flavor and potential health benefits. Even beer, that seemingly summery beverage, has a warm past. In fact, some historians believe that heated ales were the norm in ancient Europe, offering a safer alternative to potentially contaminated water.

Mulled Magic: Crafting the Perfect Winter Warmer

Mulled wine, a timeless classic, remains a popular choice for chilly evenings. The process is simple: simmer wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, creating an aromatic and warming concoction. But did you know you can adapt this recipe for beer lovers? Experiment with different styles and spices to find your perfect match.

Beyond the Bottle: Wine for the Beer-Curious

For those open to exploring new territory, natural wines offer a fascinating journey. These unfiltered, unfined wines focus on minimal intervention, showcasing the unique characteristics of the grape and terroir. If you're a beer enthusiast looking to expand your palate, natural wines with their emphasis on freshness and complexity might surprise you.

Poking Fun & Flavor: The Hot-Poked Beer Craze

Now, let's delve into the slightly unconventional world of hot-poked beers. This trend involves heating a mug of beer with a red-hot poker, supposedly caramelizing the sugars and creating a unique flavor profile. While opinions vary, there's no denying the intrigue and potential for experimentation. We'll compare and contrast the experience of a hot-poked beer versus

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Disclaimer: Ride the Clydesdales at your own risk

Touchdown for Beer Commercials: The episode kicks off with a high-energy discussion about Super Bowl Sunday and its iconic beer commercials. Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra all vie for our attention, but according to the latest buzz, Michelob Ultra emerged as the top-selling brew of the big game. It's a fascinating peek into the battle for marketing supremacy in the world of sports and suds.

Busch Gardens & Sweet Memories: From the bright lights of the stadium, the conversation takes a nostalgic turn with a visit to Busch Gardens. Memories of childhood trips come flooding back, along with a mention of Eagle Brand snacks. This unexpected pairing sparks a discussion about branding strategies and the strange yet sometimes successful partnerships that emerge in the food and beverage world.

Monster Shakes Up the Craft Beer Scene: Speaking of unexpected turns, the episode dives into the surprising news of Monster Energy eliminating Cigar City Brewing's brewmaster Wayne Wambles' position. This sparks important questions about the relationship between craft and corporate brewing, and whether such collaborations ultimately compromise the spirit of craft beer.

Tax Time for Beer?: But not all discussions are lighthearted. The episode tackles the serious issue of domestic beer tax rates, comparing 2022 and 2023 numbers. This insightful segment shed light on the challenges faced by independent breweries and the potential impact of tax reform on the craft beer industry's future.

Crafty Triumphs: Despite the tax hurdles, there's good news on the horizon! The episode highlights the positive statistic that craft beer sales are actually outpacing total beer sales in early 2024. This is a major win for the craft beer community, showcasing its resilience and innovation in the face of challenges.

Global Beers & Pinball Perfection: Beyond the United States, the episode celebrates a historic moment: the United Arab Emirates opens its first-ever craft brewery after years of contract brewing in the US. This exciting development marks a significant milestone in the global expansion of the craft beer scene.

Beyond the Brews: But brewing isn't all there is to life! The episode throws in some fun segments, including "Beer Flights, The Dadverse, & Pinball." This lighthearted diversion offers a refreshing break from the industry discussions and showcases the diverse interests of the podcast hosts and listeners.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!