Another pack is ready to be attacked, and this time Mark Zervas joins Carlin for a thorough evaluation of a set of beers. The guys know what they smell and taste, but does that mean they can guess the styles correctly?
For the first time, the Brewtal Battle Royale episode goes on the road. Hear what exotic location Carlin ends up visiting and what guests end up throwing down for the latest beer tournament.
Winner – Smog City Snugglebug Sour Blonde w/ raspberries & boysenberries
First Beer Out – Southern Tier Tangier Session IPA w/tangerine peel
It’s two consecutive fun-filled episodes. Coming off of the amazing Savor event, Carlin and Rebecca tear into Sierra Nevada’s latest pack of 13 collaboration beers. Does this one knock it out of the park? Or is it a big let down? Find out…
Unanimous favorite – West Coast-Style DIPA by Boneyard Beer
Savor just happened for the tenth time and it was outstanding. Hear Carlin and Rebecca recount their experience, rank their top beers, and sip some offerings from participating breweries.
Carlin’s favorite – Dogfish Sea Quench Ale session sour
Rebecca’s favorite – Hardywood & New Belgium Savor X Baltic Porter w/cacao husks
To open the episode, Carlin and Rebecca do a much talked about beer comparison. Then, they recount their trip to Pennsylvania to visit veteran listeners, Kyle and Kelli Norman. Plenty of beer adventures transpired.
Heavy Seas The Alpha Effect Hazy IPA – 4.5
Stone Pataskala Red IPA – 4
Carlin and Rebecca get a warm-up beer going to sip while they talk about a few beer destinations they recently visited. Then, Rebecca gets her best pairing of mystery beers. Thanks Mike!
Union Old Pro Gose – 5
Oliver Brewing Vae Victis Double IPA – 4
Carlin and Rebecca crack open a warm-up beer and discuss how their blind tasting event went and what they learned from it. They also give a shout-out to Jason Evans for some awesome home brews he shared with them.
Ballast Point Sea Rose Tart Cherry Wheat Ale w/pomegranate – 3
Key Brewing Rye Porter – 1
Unable to ignore the repercussions, opinions and emotions following the recent Wicked Weed purchase by AB InBev, Carlin and Rebecca sit down to talk it out. Both sides of the coin are examined, but strong personal opinions are made clear and long-term possibilities are explored.
Carlin believes another shot at the cellar dive episode format is in order, since the last one disappointed a bit. Will this one do better at meeting expectation? Or will Carlin and Rebecca need to continue trying to get it right?
Unanimous favorite – Blackberry Farm Brewery Blackberry Rye brett farmhouse ale aged in whiskey barrels with blackberries
It’s time to learn about one of the breweries that put aggressive hopping on the map and embodies the spirit of brewery growth. And, of course, Carlin and Rebecca will taste some of these unapologetic beers.
Unanimous favorite – Imperial Russian Stout
In his second episode, Curtis Ferguson tells Carlin all about his Shelfies video series, which focuses on beers sometimes known as shelf turds. Curtis also discusses his co-host for the show, The Beah Guy, Rob Goss. Then flavor is abound when it comes to the mystery beers, leading to happy tasting for the guys.
Jailbreak White Russian Cream Ale w/coffee & vanilla beans – 6.5
Ballast Point Sea Rose Tart Cherry Wheat Ale w/pomegranate – 5
A kind of new guest stops by to talk about his job and passion for craft beer. Curtis Ferguson, who works for Charm City Meadworks, brings by a few treats for Carlin to indulge in. After learning a good deal about Curtis, he tries his hand at figuring out some mystery beers, which proves a bit tricky.
DuClaw Midnight Due Dark Sour Aged in Retribution Imperial Stout Bourbon Barrels – 5
Troegs First Cut IPA w/mango – 4
It’s craft beer neighbor time on the podcast, as Shaun Finn stops by for one episode. After a ridiculous Beer Googles, the guys talk about liquor store beer categorization layout and what their preferences are.
Rodenbach Vintage 2014 Barrel No. 192 – 5
Devils Backbone Vienna Lager – 1.5
Carlin and Rebecca dive back into the beer cellar for the second installment of this new episode format. Everything looks like it should be awesome, until a few unexpected things happen. Carlin then has to act fast to save the episode.
Unanimous favorite – Union Brewing Mango Older Pro gose aged in white wine barrels w/mangoes
After a somewhat interesting Beer Googles, Carlin raises a theory on what breweries should do about their hoppy beer releases, citing the practice of one local brewery. Some great conversation ensues, leading right up to the interesting mystery beers.
5 Rabbit Cervezeria 5 Lizard Wheat beer w/coriander, lime peel and passionfruit – 5
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron Imperial Brown Ale Aged in Palo Santo wood (infected) – 1.5
This episode starts with Beer Googles, which addresses bathroom impacts from beer drinking. Then, Carlin and Dan finish their discussion on local beer laws from the last episode. The mystery beers present some good dark flavors as the guys pick them apart.
Smuttynose Rocky Road Stout w/cocoa nibs, marshmallow creme & aged on oak chips – 5.5
Ommegang Lovely, Dark and Deep Oatmeal Stout – 4
Feeling like he just didn’t have enough air-time last recording session, Carlin brings Dan Kim back. After sharing a very complex warm-up beer, the guys discuss a few aspects of Guinness building a brewery in Baltimore, including legal impacts for the local beer community.
Maui Pineapple Mana Wheat Ale w/gold pineapple – 6
Evil Twin Aun Mas Todo Jesus Imperial Stout w/cinnamon, cocoa nibs, chili peppers and coffee beans – 4.5
Carlin and Rebecca came across a brewery they know little about and have tried barely any of their beers. Seems fitting that a whole episode would then be dedicated to find out what this midwest brewery is all about.
Carlin’s favorite – Absence of Light Peanut Butter Chocolate Milk Stout
Rebecca’s favorite – Cuvee Ange sour ale w/raspberries & blackberries aged in wine barrels
Having worked the sweet angle a few times already for the beer and food pairing episodes, Carlin and Rebecca opt for savory this time. A range of beer and a range of this salty creamy treat converge for a fun look at how these flavors mingle in the mouth.
Unanimous favorite – Marz Community Brewing Jungle Boogie American Pale Wheat Ale w/rooibos tea
A Brewtal Battle mystery beer tasting will be held Friday, March 10 from 5 to 7 at Ronnie’s Beverage Warehouse in Forest Hill, Maryland. If you can make it, come on out.
This Brewtal Battle Royale was teased as being special, and now it’s time to dive right in. Two of the most popular guests help Carlin evaluate the beers in this tournament with a few twists.
Winner – Evolution Brewing RIS Russian Imperial Stout w/coffee
First Beer Out – Russian River & Avery Brewing Collaboration Not Litigation Ale Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Rebecca’s recording session wraps up with a fun Beer Googles that tackles an old drinking saying, right before jumping to a more serious topic pondering blurred lines with craft beer enthusiasm and alcoholism. Then the two get to drinking with the mystery beers, only to be a little embarrassed by one.
The Duck-Rabbit Wee Heavy Scotch Style Ale – 5
Manor Hill Katherine’s Kolsch – 1
After a meandering Beer Googles, Carlin and Rebecca find some fun and interesting tidbits, then move on to a topic that’s been bother Carlin. The mystery beers then present a clear favorite to Rebecca, as Carlin finds them on equal footing.
Augustiner Maximator Doppelbock – 3.5
10 Barrel Joe IPA – 3
Carlin is giving Rebecca another crack at mystery beers, in hopes that a whole recording session will yield something solid. Beer Googles comes back, followed by an update about the upcoming Brewtal Battle Royale tournament and the overall state of the podcast.
Elysian Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout – 4.5
Flying Dog Brewhouse Rarities Salt & Pepper Tripel – 2
Yet another new episode format is born with this dive into Carlin’s personal cellar. There will be no topics to discuss, no information to share, just beers to smell, taste and evaluate. Let the good beer times roll.
Carlin’s favorite – Almanac Beer Farmer’s Reserve Blueberry sour blonde aged in wine barrels w/blueberries
Rebecca’s favorite – Crux Fermentation Project Gimme Mo IPA
This episode presents a mash-up of Carlin and Rebecca tasting some home brewed beers and Carlin interviewing that home brewer, Patrick Snyder. How did these beers come out? And what were the inspirations behind them? Find out in this brand new show format.
Carlin’s favorite – Primitive Dawn Tart Farmhouse
Rebecca’s favorite – Is It Too Early For Flapjacks? Imperial Stout w/coffee & maple syrup
Rebecca comes back for some mystery beers that Kyle Norman provided for the show, hoping to break her curse of crappy blind beers. But first, she and Carlin do some fun Beer Googles, followed by a talk about a brewery about to open looking for a head brewer, and how people react to such news.
The Alchemist Heady Topper DIPA – 2
Kyle Norman’s Bourbon Barrel Old Ale – 1
Carlin, along with guest Shaun Finn, finally delves into a seasonal beer pack that is not Devil’s Backbone. Tasting, rating and guessing is the name of the game once again. How close can these guys get with their guesses?
Troegs Scratch 262 Chocolate Stout – 4.5
Troegs Blizzard of Hops Winter IPA – 4.5
Troegs Troegenator Doppelbock – 4
Troegs Perpetual IPA – 3
Arguably the first brewery to popularize canned craft beer, Oskar Blues had humble beginnings with big aspirations. Now, with three separate locations, but still maintaining a small town feel, this brewery is deserving of having its story told.
Unanimous favorite – Bourbon Barrel Aged Ten Fidy Imperial Stout
Carlin and Dan Kim partake in some Beer Googles, which ends up being pretty odd this time around. Then the guys discuss a local beer release that Carlin recently attended, highlighting the good and the bad that come along with such events.
Burley Oak Home Grown Session IPA – 4
G. Heileman Brewing National Bohemian Garbage Beer – 1.5
Dan Kim returns and is immediately treated to a puckeringly nice warm-up beer before getting into an e-mail from a former podcast guest. Then the guys discuss gluten free beer, perceptions of it, and where it may be headed.
Stillwater Surround Oak Smoked Imperial Wheat Stout – 4.5
RAR Nanticoke Nectar IPA – 3.5
Since Carlin and Rebecca recently visited Quest Brewing in Greenville, South Carolina, they thought a brewery showcase episode would be a logical follow-up. Hear a few extra tidbits about the brewery, as well as some evaluation of a few beers co-founder Donald Richardson gifted to the podcast.
Unanimous favorite – Ellida IPA
It’s time to try some beer and food pairings again. This time Carlin and Rebecca delve into their Halloween candy stash to try some pairings recommended via some Google searches. Do any of them land? Or is it all too sugary sweet?
Unanimous favorite – Troegs Jovial Belgian Style Dubbel paired with Skittles
This episode delves into the topic of aged beers, with a very special warm-up beer provided by Mike Jonczak. Carlin’s focus is on his accidental aging issue and recognizing when to pop that bottle. Then, for the mystery beers, it’s all about guessing the age.
2013 Stone Farking WootStout Ale w/pecans, wheat & rye with 1/4 aged in bourbon barrels – 5
2008 Boulder Beer Killer Penguin Barleywine – 5
Carlin remembers to do Beer Googles this time, which ends up parlaying into Joshua Rodriguez talking about how to manage your beer taps. Then, Josh talks cicerone exam, while Carlin asks questions and Mike Jonczak continue to drink.
Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA – 5.67
Stillwater On Fleek Imperial Stout – 4.67
After the deca-sode, it’s time to inject some new blood into the podcast. Mike Jonczak stops by with co-worker and aspiring cicerone, Joshua Rodriguez. After a warm-up beer, to keep Mike happy, Carlin has Josh tell his craft beer story. Then, one of the mystery beers causes much debate between Mike and Josh.
Adroit Theory Legion Belgian Stout Aged in Pinot Noir Barrels – 4.33
Dieu Du Ciel Rosee d’Hibiscus Ale w/spices & hibiscus – 2.33
It’s time once again to throw down with the Battle Royale bracketed tournament. Carlin welcomes two previous show guests who are battle virgins to a format featuring multiple beers from one brewery per person. There’s also a twist when it comes to the beer administrator’s level of involvement.
Winner – Almanac Tropical Platypus Dry Hopped Sour Ale Aged in Wine Barrels w/kiwi, mango, lime & passion fruit
First Beer Out – Troegs Scratch #254 Raspberry Gose
Carlin and Rebecca took a beer-centric vacation, and now you get to hear about it. Even though the two couldn’t get to every Asheville brewery they wanted to, they have some great experiences to share. And, of course, beers are tasted.
Carlin’s favorite – Wicked Weed Recurrant Sour Blonde w/black currants
Rebecca’s favorite – Asheville Brewing Ninja Porter
There’s one more regular episode before the next Brewtal Battle Royale, so Carlin and Rebecca sit down to get it done. Armed with a grab bag of mystery beers from Kyle Norman, as well as a warm-up beer from Kyle, these two head into new territory for the podcast.
Heineken Light – 1
Smirnoff Ice Pineapple – 1
Bud Light Lime Apple-Ahhh-Rita – 1
Bud Light Lime Cran-Brrr-Rita – 1
All done with the games, Carlin and Kyle Norman settle in to a regular episode with some Beer Googles, which sparks a discussion about nutrition labels and distribution. Then, before transitioning to the mystery beers, Carlin cracks open a listener submitted home brew, which sparks a whole other discussion.
Terrapin Watermelon Gose – 4
Maui Brewing Mana Wheat w/pineapple – 2
Since beer enhanced with nitrogen has been on somewhat of a rise, Carlin and Rebecca thought a special episode to discuss and taste this phenomenon was in order. What’s the history of this technique? And does nitro really enhance a beer all that much? Carlin and Rebecca will find out…
Unanimous favorite – Samuel Adams Nitro White Ale
The second half of Kyle Norman’s Beer Me Bro game takes a critical turn for Carlin, while providing a plethora of ridiculous beer names. Carlin has obvious disdain for the new punishment beer and the mystery beers find both the guys in a simply okay mood.
Bell’s Poolside Ale Belgian Wheat w/cherry juice – 3.5
Against The Grain Coq De La Marche Session Saison – 3
After premiering Kyle Norman’s new beer game, it’s time to return to an oldie, but a goodie. The third installment of Beer Me Bro brings some ridiculous beer names, but can Carlin guess which ones are fake? Then, for the mystery beers, the guys get one pleasant and one unpleasant surprise.
Samuel Adams Longshot Series Neighborino Flanders Red – 5
Rogue 7 Hop IPA – 1.5
With a little help from some great customer service, Carlin and Rebecca end up with four high ABV Adroit Theory beers to taste. Throw in some information about the brewery itself, and we have this showcase episode. See what this Purcellville, Virginia nano brewery is all about…
Carlin’s favorite – Black As Your Soul Imperial Stout
Rebecca’s favorite – Two-Headed Calf Imperial Farmhouse Ale
Carlin and Rebecca try out the Pack Attack show format for a second time. This go around, Rebecca knows the beers, but Carlin does not. How good is this pack? What beers will be tasted? And how hard is it for Carlin to guess the styles? Find out now…
Devils Backbone Apple-achian Pie Stout w/apple butter, pie spice &blackstrap molasses – 5
Devils Backbone Space Fruit Pale Ale – 4.5
Devils Backbone Hot Shot IPA w/jalapeno – 4.5
Devils Backbone Ale Of Two Cities American-style Kolsch – 3
Devils Backbone Tropical Thunder hoppy wheat w/pineapple juice – 2.5
The finale of Sudsy Surveys gets underway with Kyle Norman having a slight lead. In this second half, who gets the New Planet and who gets that special Old Stock? Then, with the mystery beers, a few surprises are in store when the guys find out what they’re tasting.
Abita Louisiana Spiced Ale – 4
Blue Earl Walking Blues IPA – 4
Carlin takes the recording equipment to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware to drink some beers with Kyle Norman. Kyle brings a new game along and, of course, punishment and reward beers are involved.
Ballast Point Calm Before The Storm Cream Ale w/coffee & vanilla – 5
Blue Earl Honeysuckle Rose Belgian Blonde – 3
Carlin and Rebecca sit down to crack open and dissect all of the New Belgium Fat Tire variants from their Fat Tire And Friends pack. What beers shine the most? And how is that classic Fat Tire compared to these new riffs? Find out…
Carlin’s favorite – Fat Wild Ale with Avery Brewing
Rebecca’s favorite – Fat Sour Apple Ale with Hopworks Urban Brewery
