The Smashing Pumpkins, Cookie Beers, Caramella Wheatwine

Eric, Evan and Dan don't just invite anyone to join them in recording the Beats, Beards & Brews podcast ... so you know it's a special occasion when we have a guest on the show. Our long-time pal — and resident The Smashing Pumpkins expert — Alex joins us as we review the alternative rock legend's new synth-pop inspired double album, CYR.

The Smashing Pumpkins tracks previewed on this episode include:

1. "Cyr"
2. "Anno Satana"
3. "Wyttch"
4. "Save Your Tears"

Eric drops some quick hit recommendations for winter holiday beard oils, if you're into that sort of thing. His selections include:

• "Abomintable" by Iowa Beard Company (Smells like: Hot Cocoa, Mint/Candy Cane, Sweet Tobacco and more)
• "The Claus" by Fable Beard Company (Smells like: Frosted Sugar Cookies)
• "Joy" by Can You Handlebar (Smells like: Peppermint & Clary Sage)

To close out the episode, Evan, Alex and Eric drink and rate both the Oatmeal Cookie Stout and St. Nick's Gingerbread Inspired Ale from Confluence Brewing Company. Meanwhile, Dan drinks and reviews the heavy-hitting Bourbon County Caramella Ale from Goose Island, which is a "wheatwine" style beer that clocks in at 14% abv. Stay tuned as we prepare to record the 100th episode (!) of Beats, Beards & Brews, coming soon to wherever you listen to podcasts.