A new episode format is introduced as Carlin and Dan Kim taste a pack of beer blind, rating each as they go. How did this tasty little experiment go? Listen and find out.
Devils Backbone & Wicked Weed Seven Summits Imperial Stout – 5.5
Devils Backbone & Surly Risen Coffee & Oak Double Brown Ale – 5
Devils Backbone & Thunder Road Double Pacific Ale Strong Australian Inspired Ale – 4
Devils Backbone & Noda Session IPL – 3
Devils Backbone Vienna Lager – 3
In the final installment of the Ross and Shane recording session, a warm-up beer spawns a passionate discussion about a brewery and style of beer that the guys see as being under appreciated. Then, Shane breaks down how he and Ross maintain peak freshness for beers at the liquor store.
New Belgium Snapshot Tart Wheat – 4.67
Bell’s Consecrator Doppelbock – 2.67
It’s time for another Brewtal Battle Royale tournament. Dan Kim makes another appearance and Ross Miller has the quickest tournament appearance of any show guest. See how things play out in this juicy good tournament.
Winner – Avery Liliko’i Kepolo Passion Fruit Tart Wheat
First Beer Out – Clown Shoes Mango Kolsch
In the second episode with Ross Miller and Shane McCarthy, the guys promote some side projects they are working on. One pertains to proper beer glassware and the other is a fusion of music, beer and skate culture. Then, with the mystery beers, Shane nails something right on the money.
Flying Dog Tropical Stout w/coconut & pineapple – 4.33
Flying Dog Fever Dream Mango Habanero IPA – 2.67
Carlin welcomes show virgins Ross Miller and Shane McCarthy from Ronnie’s Beverage Warehouse. The guests give an overview of their craft beer journeys and demonstrate overall fandom and a desire to champion the local craft beer community.
Omnipollo Abrahadabra IPA w/strawberries, vanilla & lactose – 4.67
The Brewer’s Art Choptank’d Saison – 1.67
Continuing with their coverage of this year’s Savor event, Carlin and Rebecca delve into the details of the salons they attended. And, of course, the two taste four beers representative of breweries that were at Savor.
Unanimous favorite – Quest Brewing Kaldi Bourbon Barrel Imperial Coffee Stout
Carlin and Rebecca were lucky enough to be invited back to the Savor craft beer and food pairing event in Washington, DC. So, how did this year stack up against the last? And what beers were hitting high marks this time around?
Overall show favorite – Deschutes Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Abyss Imperial Stout
Carlin’s favorite – Deschutes Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Abyss Imperial Stout
Rebecca’s favorite – Hardywood Bourbon Barrel Aged Raspberry Imperial Stout w/vanilla
Coming off an interview with the founder and President of Dogfish Head Brewing in Milton, Delaware, Carlin decides a showcase episode for the brewery is a logical choice for this brewery showcase. A little background information, four beers for tasting, and plenty of behind the scenes stories make this one of the most personal showcase episodes to date.
Some 60 Minute IPA brewing.
Those awesome Palo Santo wooden tanks.
Kegs and cases of DFH beers ready to go.
The full DFH philosophy.
Just like last year, Carlin and Rebecca delve into the new Sierra Nevada Beer Camp collaboration pack. But, unlike last year, the two try each of the six different offerings on air. How did this year stack up against last?
Carlin’s favorite – Pat-Rye-Ot Revolutionary Pale Ale w/apples
Rebecca’s favorite – Unable to decide
In Mark’s final episode of the recording session, he and Carlin have some fun with the new opening show segment. Then, Carlin gives an update on what Independent Brewing has been up to.
Sam Adams Griffin’s Bow Oaked Blonde Barleywine – 2
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – 2
As the hop knowledge segment comes to a disappointing end, a new and fun introductory segment is born. Mark then gets a taste of some fun beer Carlin has been hanging on to while the two talk about Mark’s experience with World of Beer in Towson, Maryland.
Ballast Point Mango Even Keel Session Ale – 6
Dogfish Head Namaste White Ale w/coriander, orange and lemongrass – 2.5
Having felt bad for Mark Zervas, because of his early exit from the last tournament and the circumstances of his inability to taste, Carlin brings the former champion back for a recording session. Carlin gives an update on a local brewery scandal and Mark gives updates on what he’s been drinking lately.
Boulevard Snow & Tell Oak Aged Scotch Ale – 3.5
Troegs Solid Sender Ale – 3
Comparison is the name of the game in this episode as Carlin, Rebecca, Shaun Finn and Laura Finn delve into a special Terrapin Beer four-pack. Each bottle features the same base stout, but with a different single origin coffee. Are there significant differences?
Carlin’s Favorite Origin – Sumatra
Shaun’s Favorite Origin – Sumatra
Rebecca’s Favorite Origin – Kona
Laura’s Favorite Origin – Ethiopia
The third installment of the beer and food pairing episodes focuses on a spread of nuts paired with some highly touted beer. As the episode progresses, Carlin and Rebecca get pretty tipsy, prompting Carlin to regret putting the beer before the nuts.
Best Beer On The Table – Stillwater & Westbrook Gose Gone Wild
Most Versatile Nut – Cashew
Carlin and Dan Kim tackle pricing in this episode. Carlin gets a little heated about it, but Dan tries to keep things in perspective. Then, for the mystery beers, the two introduce the idea of pairing beers with specific movies.
Founders Backwoods Bastard Ale Aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels – 6
Saucony Creek Hop Suplex Imperial IPA – 2.5
Dan Kim stops in to partake in a tart and funky warm-up beer while asking about the definition of the malt beverage designation in the beer world. When the mystery beers are tasted, Dan goes crazy for one, while Carlin is significantly less impressed.
Breckenridge Twenty-Five Imperial Porter Aged in Rum Barrels w/vanilla beans – 5.5
Troegs Hop Knife Harvest Ale (disclaimer: this beer was 5 months old, so not a good portrayal) – 1.5
After two episodes of talking about good brewery experiences, Carlin and Rebecca close out the recording session on a down note by discussing the mess that is Ocean City Brewing. Then, during the mystery beers, the two are divided on how to rate.
Alpine Hoppy Birthday Session IPA – 4
Ninkasi Dawn Of The Red IPA – 2.5
Still sipping on one of the last episode’s mystery beers, Rebecca is ready for her second episode of the recording session. A visit to Burley Oak Brewing in Berlin, Maryland serves as the main discussion topic. Then, one mystery beer draws opposite reactions, while the other brings Carlin and Rebecca right back together.
Rodenbach 75% young/25% mature – 3.5
Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc White Ale – 2
This deca-sode’s Brewtal Battle Royale bracketed beer tournament takes a turn as Carlin allows two-time champ, Mark Zervas, to choose the style. Mark competes for what could be the podcast’s first ever three-pete, while Carlin, Kyle Harris and Sean Creel try to stop him.
Winner – DuClaw Retribution Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
First Beer Out – Adroit Theory Blvck Celebration Imperial Porter
In an attempt to give Rebecca the full co-host treatment, Carlin makes her partake in a three episode recording session. The first episode focuses on two Pennsylvania brewery visits they recently made, both pleasurable experiences.
Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ – 4
Flying Dog Brewhouse Rarities Tropical Stout w/Coconut & Pineapple – 2.5
Oliver sticks around for another episode, and this time he is talking about the eventual downfall of hoppy beers. While many predicted this from a taste and hop availability standpoint, Oliver’s theory is surprisingly different.
Samuel Smith Organic Pale Ale – 5
Ninkasi Oatis Oatmeal Stout – 3
This episode sees the show welcoming its very first blogger as a guest. Oliver Gray, of the Literature and Libation beer blog, stops in to talk about his beginnings in craft beer and beer writing. Then he has some fun by participating in his first experience with mystery beers.
Local Option Morning Wood Oak Aged Coffee Amber – 6
Innis & Gunn Toasted Oak IPA – 3.5
In the second installment of beer and food episodes, Carlin and Rebecca tackle trying to make awesome pairings with some of the most beloved cookies in America. Did any pan out? Or were the two left with nothing but disappointment?
Unanimous Best Pairing – Samoas/Caramel DeLites with Troegs Bourbon Barrel Aged Flying Mouflan Barleywine
In the final entry of this recording session, a highly coveted brew is tasted as the warm-up. The guys sip this delicious treat as they discuss on idiotic lawsuit being leveled against on of the macro producers.
Omnipollo Nebuchadnezzar Imperial IPA – 3
Terrapin The Walking Dead Blood Orange IPA – 2.33
After some tasty warm-up beers, this episode sees the conclusion of Kyle Norman’s Brews Clues game, awarding one person the prize beers. Then the mystery beers spur some talk about trees, which surprisingly ties in to one of the beers.
Dogfish Head Pennsylvania Tuxedo Pale Ale w/spruce tips – 5.67
Heavy Seas 20 Year Storm Imperial Extra Special Bitter Aged in Bourbon Barrels – 3.67
It’s a family affair again on the show as Kyle Norman and Nathan Kalasnik take to the mic. Kyle debuts another beer game he’s created, which makes Carlin and Nathan rack their brains to figure out the Brews Clues. After the first half of the game, the guys get a tasty treat with one of the mystery beers.
Terrapin Tiramisu-Hoo Milk Stout w/cocoa nibs and coffee – 6
DC Brau Brau Pils – 2
Nathan Kalasnik recently visited Westbrook Brewing in South Carolina, prompting a bonus brewery showcase episode. Tasting special beers and hearing about Nathan’s experience at the brewery are the meat of the episode, but Carlin still gives the brewery’s typical history rundown.
Carlin’s favorite – Whiskey Barrel Aged Weisse Weisse Baby Berliner Weisse
Nathan’s favorite – Bourbon Barrel Aged Oud Bruin
Carlin and Rebecca go somewhat international by covering gypsy brew company Evil Twin Brewing. Some extra fun is injected into the episode as Carlin reads explanations of some of the company’s beer names, as written by the Evil Twin himself.
Unanimous Favorite – Mission Gose
In this episode, Carlin can barely contain himself as the and Dan Kim discuss the Kickstarter success that is Brew Bracket. After things go completely off the rails, the show regains some composure with the sobering taste of the mystery beers.
Keegan Ales Mother’s Milk Stout – 2.5
Elysian Men’s Room Red Ale – 2
While sipping on a fun warm-up beer, Dan Kim explores who he thinks is the enemy when it comes to all of these brewery acquisitions. Then, while tasting the mystery beers, Carlin’s taste buds couldn’t be happier, and he makes sure everyone knows it.
Fremont Brewing Dark Star Bourbon Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout – 7
Schlafly Tasmanian IPA – 4
Dan Kim is back and he and Carlin are talking about an interesting new company called Barrel Backers. A full analysis about how the company operates, and what that could mean for consumers, eventually leads Carlin to a few topics that get him a little fired up.
Omnipollo Zodiak IPA w/wheat & oats – 5
Omnipollo 4:21 Raspberry Smoothie IPA – 4
It’s time for yet another Brewtal Battle Royale, but this one is different. Carlin and his competitors engage in a series of small bracket tournaments that ultimately feed the final mini tournament that crowns the big winner.
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA – WINNER
Ballast Point Kolsh Style Pale Ale – FIRST OUT
Carlin and Rebecca recently attended Day of Retribution, put on by DuClaw Brewing. This episode covers their re-cap of the event, as well as another opportunity for Rebecca to test her senses with mystery beers.
Otter Creek Kind Ryed Rye IPA – 3.5
New Holland Monkey King Saison – 2
This is the first episode devoted to the pairing of craft beer and food. Carlin and Rebecca kick things off in sugary, creamy style by seeing how four different flavors of ice cream match up with four different types of stouts. The big take away? Stouts and ice cream, just do it.
Overall Best Ice Cream For Stout Pairing – Vanilla
Overall Worst Ice Cream For Stout Pairing – Coffee
In Mike’s final episode of the recording session, Carlin fills Mike in on his experience with a place called Birroteca. A few other locations enter the discussion, which gets Carlin gung-ho about some new local places to enjoy craft beer.
Revolver Brewing Blood & Honey Ale w/blood orange peel, honey & spices – 3.5
Ellicottville Brewing Pantius Droppus Imperial IPA – 3.5
With Mike Jonczak still in the house, he and Carlin talk about a topic you can’t avoid in craft beer, acquisitions. Once that topic has been exhausted, the guys move to the mystery beers, which serve as a delicious reward, especially one of them.
Fremont Brewing Bourbon Barrel Abominable Winter Warmer – 6
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout – 4.5
Mike Jonczak gets to try a tasty warm-up beer while he talks about what he’s been up to lately. Fireworks, bourbon barrels and trying as many beers as he can sums it up. Then, mystery beers deliver some solid stuff, including one beer Carlin’s been meaning to get around to trying.
Stillwater Artisanal Ales Vacuum Black IPA – 5
Breckenridge Avalanche Amber – 3.5
Carlin covers information on different types of lagers, while Rebecca just wants to taste the example beers. The tasting ends with an impromptu food pairing and an eventual teaser about episodes to come.
Unanimous Favorite – Troegs Brewing’s Troegenator Doppelbock
A young brewery is already expanding into Carlin’s neck of the woods, and he is wondering if this is too soon. Jordan throws in his two cents, thoroughly covering the topic. Then, Jordan finds a beer to look out for in one of the mystery brews.
Evil Genius I Love Lamp Pineapple Hefeweizen – 4.5
Great Divide Denver Pale Ale – 4
Carlin welcomes long-time podcasting pal, Jordan Dennis, for his first Brewtal Battle appearance. After talking about Jordan’s limited involvement with beer, he gets his first shot at rating mystery beers, which brings one big surprise.
Fremont Brewing The Sister Imperial IPA – 4.5
Broken Barrel Blue Agave Infused Ale Aged w/Tequila Staves – 2
Because of their recent trip to Oregon, Carlin and Rebecca jump back to the west coast for this brewery showcase episode. Sustainability, life and work balance, and the production of good beer are the main drives of this brewery, which the two find to be the perfect trifecta.
Carlin’s Favorite – Dawn Of The Red Red IPA
Rebecca’s Favorite – Wunderbier Kolsch
It’s the day after the conclusion of the Beer Me Bro competition and Kyle Norman stuck around for another episode. This episode is unique, as Kyle brought three barrel aged beers from Voodoo Brewing that serve as the warm-up beers.
Smuttynose FinestKind IPA – 3.5
Dogfish Head American Beauty Imperial Pale Ale – 2
The Beer Me Bro competition comes to an exciting conclusion as Carlin, Kyle Norman and Nathan Kalasnik compete for tastes of a highly coveted craft brew. And, right before the mystery beers, Kyle unveils an awesome Beer Me Bro winner’s prize.
Brouwerij Emelisse Kamperland Creme Brulee Stout – 7
Fremont Brewing Summer Ale American Pale Ale – 2.33
The Beer Me Bro game is back as Carlin and Nathan Kalasnik compete to drink delicious beer, or get stuck with something awful. Kyle Norman serves as the game’s host, hoping to stump both of the guys.
Fremont Brewing The Brother Imperial IPA – 4
North Coast Red Seal Red Ale – 2
Carlin and Rebecca recently took a craft beer filled vacation to Oregon. This episode is a re-cap of that trip, complete with the consumption of some beers derived from the trip. Just try not to be jealous.
Carlin’s Favorite – Cascade Apricot Sour
Rebecca’s Favorite – de Garde Bu Weisse Berliner Weisse
It’s time for another Brewtal Battle Royale and this time Carlin is dialing it back a bit on the ABV. Chris Souweine is in heaven with his favorite style, and Mark Zervas is excited to have his battle royale cherry popped.
Sierra Nevada Hoppy Lager – WINNER
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier – FIRST OUT
Rebecca gets another shot at an episode with mystery beers, and she’s hoping to taste something delicious. At least, after enduring the hop knowledge segment, she gets a tasty warm-up beer that ties in to the discussion about Firestone Walker’s recent acquisition by Duvel Moortgat.
Bell’s Oarsman Berliner Weisse – 4
Flying Dog Columbus Single Hop Imperial IPA – 4
In this episode, Carlin and Shaun Finn talk workouts and beer and whether combining the two is a good idea. Once the answer is discovered, they move to the mystery beers, which present some challenges when picking them apart.
Dieu Du Ciel Aphrodite Stout w/ Cocoa & Vanilla Beans – 6.5
Flying Dog Earl Grey Black Wheat – 3.5
Brewtal Battle Podcast 