Send us a text Grab a beer and settle in for an unexpected journey across the Midwest's brewing landscape as we recount our recent brewery-hopping adventure that took some surprising turns. What began as a simple trip to claim my winning lottery draw for Toppling Goliath's coveted Assassin Imperial Stout transformed into a multi-brewery expedition revealing hidden gems tucked away in picturesque small towns. When faced with overwhelming crowds at Toppling Goliath, we pivoted to explore Fat Pat's...
Jun 27, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 118
Send us a text Unwrapping a care package of Virginia beers ignites an unexpected journey through the Commonwealth's craft brewing scene. When BK's son Wes—stationed with the Navy in Virginia—ships home a thoughtfully curated collection of regional brews, we seize the opportunity to explore these East Coast offerings from our Northwoods setting. This tasting adventure leads us through strikingly diverse styles: a rainbow sherbet sour that challenges our expectations, a pineapple wheat beer that p...
Jun 20, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 117
Send us a text Fear of IPAs is common among casual beer drinkers – that distinct hop aroma can trigger immediate skepticism before the first sip ever touches your lips. But what if everything you thought you knew about IPAs was based on misconceptions? In this eye-opening episode, we take a methodical journey through the IPA spectrum, starting with a gentle pale ale and gradually working our way up to a massive 12% ABV quadruple IPA. Joining regular hosts Mike and Jim is Julie, a self-proclaimed...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 116
Send us a text Dive into the dark, boozy world of barrel-aged beers as Mike welcomes his brother Brian, a professional brewer, to sample six high-octane offerings from 608 Brewing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With ABVs ranging from 14.1% to a staggering 17.6%, this isn't your average beer tasting! The brothers carefully work through each imperial stout and barleywine, sharing their expert insights on flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and the subtle art of barrel aging. From the coconut-infused op...
Jun 06, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 115
Send us a text What happens when craft beer enthusiasts dive into mystery brews from across America? This episode takes you on a flavorful journey as Mike and his brother Brian, an experienced homebrewer, sample eight diverse beers from a Beer of the Month Club subscription. The brothers work their way through a carefully arranged tasting flight, starting with lighter options like the Hardywood Pils—a traditional German-style lager brewed according to the historic Reinheitsgebot purity law of 15...
May 30, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 114
Send us a text What happens when brothers reunite to taste forgotten beers? That's exactly what unfolds as Mike welcomes his brother Brian—known affectionately as "the mad scientist"—to the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast for a unique tasting experience. Together, they crack open a time capsule in the form of unopened Beer of the Month Club boxes that have been sitting in Brian's basement, containing craft offerings from breweries across America that most drinkers will never encounter. From a histor...
May 23, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 113
Send us a text Pull up a barstool and join Mike, the Northwoods Beer Guy, and his brother Brian, the "Mad Scientist of brewing," as they embark on a craft beer adventure at Checkers Tavern in Warrensburg, Missouri. Against a backdrop of live music and lively bar ambiance, the brothers share honest, straightforward evaluations of local brews with their signature numerical rating system. The heart of this episode features an exploration of Mule Barn Brewing's offerings - a promising new brewery wi...
May 16, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 112
Send us a text Ever wonder if those ready-to-drink cocktails are actually worth your time? This episode takes you on a journey through five different canned cocktails that might change how you stock your cooler this summer. Mike (fighting through a springtime bug) and Suzy start by revisiting their experience at Between the Bluffs beer festival, highlighting their discovery of Meaningful Brewing—a 100% gluten-free beer line from O'so Brewing that impressed even their celiac-affected friend. Afte...
May 09, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 111
Send us a text Step into the vibrant world of Wisconsin's craft beer scene as the Northwoods Beer Guy and friends explore the Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival in La Crosse. This on-location adventure captures the excitement of discovery as Mike and his crew of familiar podcast voices sample their way through dozens of unique offerings, delivering real-time reactions and expert ratings. Wandering from booth to booth, the team encounters everything from pepper-infused pilsners tha...
May 02, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 110
Send us a text What happens when two beer enthusiasts taste their way through seven wildly different craft beverages in a single sitting? A flavor journey that spans continents, traditions, and brewing philosophies. Mike and Jim kick off with excited chatter about the upcoming Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival before diving into their eclectic tasting lineup. Their adventure begins with Stone Arch Brewing's Honey Wheat Ale, where they discover how honey attempts to temper wheat's...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 109
Send us a text When we stepped into Boulevard Brewing Company during our Kansas City visit, we knew we were in for something special. What we didn't expect was just how masterfully this brewery has honed their craft across such diverse beer styles. Having brought back seven distinct bottles to sample, we're taking you on a flavor journey that showcases why Boulevard deserves its reputation as one of America's premier craft breweries. From the moment we crack open the Joker's Wit Double Wit Beer ...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 108
Send us a text A familiar voice returns to the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast as Brian rejoins Mike after a long absence since appearances on episodes one and two. Their reunion brings a diverse lineup of six unique beers that take listeners on a journey from the shores of Hawaii to the heartland of Wisconsin. The duo kicks off with Kona Brewing's Big Wave, a golden ale that serves as the perfect gateway beer for craft novices, before diving into more adventurous territory with 608 Brewing's scanda...
Apr 11, 2025•56 min
Send us a text Venture into the fascinating world of barrel-aged beers as Mike and BK embark on a tasting journey that reveals just how varied and complex these special brews can be. From the moment they crack open their first beer – a velvety chocolate mint stout that transforms dramatically as it warms – to the surprising discoveries in Mobcraft's barrel-aged collection, every sip tells a story of craftsmanship and experimentation. The conversation takes an exciting turn when they encounter Pr...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 106
Send us a text When it's time to explore a brewery's full range, sometimes you discover surprising variance in quality – and Central Waters certainly delivered that experience. While renowned for their stellar barrel-aging program, what happens when these expert bourbon-barrel wizards venture into lighter, everyday beer styles? Mike and Jim bravely sampled seven distinct Central Waters offerings – from ultra-light rice and corn lagers to hoppy pale ales, dessert-inspired stouts, a fruited sour, ...
Mar 28, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 105
Send us a text What happens when you put six Irish beers in front of two craft beer enthusiasts? A St. Patrick's Day adventure that reveals the surprising truth about Irish craft beer. The Northwoods Beer Guy and his co-host embark on a post-holiday tasting journey through various Irish beer styles, from dry stouts to red ales and beyond. Starting with Phase 3's Claddagh Irish Dry Stout, they discover an approachable alternative to Guinness that might appeal to novice craft drinkers. As they wor...
Mar 21, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 104
Send us a text When we walked into Smoke Brewing Company in Lee's Summit, Missouri, we were immediately struck by the explosion of St. Patrick's Day decorations covering every inch of the place. "There might be a tipping point when you go over the top," Jim observed, and this brewery was definitely testing those limits with its festive atmosphere. Between the two of us, we sampled ten distinct beers across two carefully curated flights. The journey began with lighter offerings like their Herd of...
Mar 14, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 103
Send us a text Step inside The Goat Brewing with us in this vibrant episode of the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast! We dive deep into a diverse tasting session featuring ten unique beers that showcase the creativity and innovation of craft brewing. From classic brews like the Black Ruby Oatmeal Stout to bold experiments such as the Gose with Salsa, each sip opens a new conversation about flavors, aromas, and personal preferences. Meet us at the bar as we sample a mix of stouts, sours, and creative c...
Mar 07, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 102
Send us a text Welcome to our mouthwatering adventure at Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, where we've curated an exceptional tasting experience featuring some of their finest barrel-aged brews! Each selection boasts impressive alcohol content, rich flavors, and innovative brewing techniques that set Boulevard apart in today's craft beer arena. Join us as we explore unique styles ranging from porters to stouts, culminating in a thrilling ice-distilled brown ale that packs a punch at 18.2...
Feb 28, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 101
Send us a text Ever wondered how we managed to sample nearly 700 different beers by our 100th episode? Join us as we reflect on this incredible journey, exploring the vast world of stouts with a selection that spans a modest 4.9% ABV to a bold 15.5%. From the sweeter notes of Yoho Brewing's Sakura Mochi Stout to the complex flavors of Prairie Artisan Ales' S'more Stuf't, our tasting adventure is packed with surprises and a few new brewery discoveries that add to the thrill of the craft beer expl...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 100
Send us a text Explore Nebraska's craft beer scene as we dive into unique brews from four breweries, each offering something different. From spicy pickle beers to smooth porters, we highlight the distinct flavors and craftsmanship in Nebraska, encouraging listeners to discover these hidden gems for themselves. • Craft beer serves as comfort during unpredictable weather • First brew from Zipline Brewing: Spicy Pickle beer with a nice balance • Nebraska Brewing Company's Brunette Nut Brown offers ...
Feb 14, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 99
Send us a text Embark on a flavorful journey with us as we uncover the secrets behind barrel-aged beers in this episode of the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. From the robust Privyet Russian Imperial Stout to the exclusive 15th Anniversary Brewer's Choice blend, we promise you'll learn all about the craftsmanship that makes these brews exceptional. Join Mike and Jim as they recount the memorable Dosvidanya Day at DESTIHL Brewery and discuss the importance of choosing the right glassware for those h...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 98
Send us a text This week, the guys continue their exploration of barrel aged beer. They try a number of variations on the classic Russian Imperial Stout, Darkness, by Surly. They also try an anniversary beer to change up the pace! Here is what they try: 1. Darkness 2. Gimme S'more 3. Midnight Manhattan 4. Chocolate Limoncello 5. Double Barrel 6. Cola 7. Eighteen 8. Parker's Heritage Heavy Char Put on some Simon and Garfunkel, grab a beer and get ready to relax with these silky smooth barrel aged...
Jan 31, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 97
Send us a text This week, the guys continue their barrel aged January by trying a number of barrel aged beers from Central Waters. Toby joins in on the fun and they are surprised in more ways than one, with these beers. The beers that they sample on this episode are: 1. Milwaukee Two Malted Milk Ball 2. 26th Anniversary with Raspberry & Vanilla 3. 26th Anniversary Aged 35 Months in Buffalo Trace Rye Barrels 4. 26th Anniversary Aged 73 Months in Heaven Hill Barrels 5. Black Gold - Red Dawn Ho...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 96
Send us a text This week the guys are joined by Toby and they talk about the 2024 beers that stood out. They also try a few barrel-aged beers and a bourbon to see if they can taste it in a beer. The beers they try are: 1. Goose Island Bourbon County Angels Envy 2 Year Cask Stout 2. Two Roads Brewing Roadsmary's Baby Rum barrel-aged Pumpkin 3. Mob Craft Barrel Berry 4. Millstream Barrel-aged Oktoberfest They also name their pick for the 2024 Beer of the Year! Thank you for listening to The Northw...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 95
Send us a text This week, the guys start barrel aged January by comparing two breweries that are in different stages of their barrel programs. The first company is Dangerous Man Brewing and they try four different Russian Imperial stouts that were aged in different barrels. They try the following beers: 1. Russell's Reserve Rye Whiskey 2. Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrel 3. Starlight Blackberry Wine Cask 4. Virgin Island Rum Barrel The next company that they try is 3 Sheeps and they try three variants...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 94
Send us a text This week, the guys go to Two Fathoms Brewing in Winona, MN. This used to be Island City Brewing, but recently they had a name change. We are not sure if the ownership has changed as well or not. They have 9 beers currently on tap and we try them all! Here is what we had: 1. Grandma Glayds's Pickled Pilsner 2. Lawyers, Hops, and Money 3. Yard Donkey 4. Minn Golden Light Lager 5. Prosty! Oktoberfest 6. Fed'em on Peaches 7. Featherstone Fresh Watermelon Gose 8. Mrs. Brown's Lovely D...
Jan 03, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 93
Send us a text This week, we step of the ABV of some more Christmas beers that we found. Julie was nice enough to join us again and try these beers. We tried the following: 1. Rogue Santa's Private Reserve Mocha Stout 2. Great Lakes Christmas Ale 3. Boulevard Nut Cracker 4. Left Hand Brewing Nitro Candy Cane 5. Thunderhead Brewing Tiny Tim Christmas Ale 6. Southern Tier Tiramisu Imperial Stout 7. Great Lakes BBA Christmas Ale We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 92
Send us a text This week, the guys try a number of Christmas and winter beers, and they see how they compare to each other and their expectations. Jim's wife Julie sits in and gives us her thoughts on them as well. The beers they try are: 1. Lazy Horse Brewing Salted Caramel Blonde 2. Great Lakes Brewing Cookie Exchange 3. Sam Adams Winter Lager 4. Sam Adams Oaked Vanilla Porter (OVP) 5. Sam Adams Holiday White Ale 6. Sam Adams Old Fezziwig 7. Empyrean Match + Maker Chocolate Pistachio Stout 8. ...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 91
Send us a text This week Mike is joined by his wife Suzy in Waikiki, Hawaii and they stop at Maui Brewing. They discuss a number of places they are going and doing, while trying 8 of their year-round beer offerings. The beers that they try are: 1. Bikini Blonde Lager 2. Pau Hana Pilsner 3. Coconut Hiawa Porter 4. Da Hawaii Life Lite Lager 5. Big Swell IPA 6. Pineapple Mana Wheat Beer 7. Sunshine Girl Golden Ale 8. OMG Hazy IPA This is a working tap house, so we do apologize for the background no...
Dec 13, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 90
Send us a text This week the guys finally get into some flavor! Mike breaks out some beers from Untitled Arts that are pastry stouts. They range from 8% to 11.7% abv. The beers that they try are: 1. Ice Cream Waffle 2. Malted Milk Ball 3. Affogato Ice Cream 4. Candied Pecan 5. Hazelnut Butter Cup 6. Caramel Coconut Cookie Then. Jim uncovers a mystery beer that he had covered during the rest of the tasting. What could it possibly be??? Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. I...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 89
