With this dive into the cellar, Carlin pulls out one of the most sought after trade beers and another he’s been dying to try. Rebecca selects one that sounds intriguing, but she thinks will be a dud, and another that promises to be great, based on past experiences.
Unanimous favorite – DuClaw Espresso Vanilla Retribution Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels w/coffee & vanilla
Josh kicks things off by introducing a topic that delves into the evolution of the IPA and its many iterations. This then leads to a discussion of special beer releases at breweries and the many positive and negative aspects of those releases.
Founders Sumatra Mountain Brown Imperial Brown Ale w/Sumatra coffee – 3.5
Terrapin Smoke On The Porter Baltic Porter – 1.5
In Josh’s second episode of the recording session, he and Carlin discuss beer bottle and can formats. The guys make their preferences known, while thoughtfully analyzing the subject and allowing it to morph into other topics.
Peabody Heights Sir Barton Saison – 5
Fordham The 11th Sour Berliner Weisse w/concord grapes – 4.5
Wine World’s resident beer guy, Josh Rodriguez, makes a return to the show for a few episodes. He provides an aged warm-up beer, which serves as a great sipper to enjoy while he and Carlin talk about craft beer and what is perceived as being craft. When the mystery beers happen, Josh gets his shot to wax analytical.
Monument City Battle IPA – 4.5
Antietam Brewery Otto’s Orchard Raspberry Ale – 4
Another deca-sode, but this time it’s a new blind tournament style. Hoppy is the criteria and Maryland breweries are the focus. See how this one shakes out as Carlin and Rebecca tackle 12 beers to see which hits top marks.
Oliver Forearm Smash Dry Hopped Double IPA – 5
Manor Hill IPA – 5
DC Brau On The Wings of Armageddon Imperial IPA – 5
DuClaw Never Tell Me The Odds Double IPA – 4.5
RAR Nanticoke Nectar – 4.5
Evolution Lot No. 6 Double IPA – 4
Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA – 4
Manor Hill Citra Splendor Imperial IPA – 3.5
Flying Dog The Truth Imperial IPA – 3.5
Heavy Seas Double Cannon Double IPA – 3.5
Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian Style IPA – 3
Jailbreak Poor Righteous IPA – 3
Plenty of breweries blend beer to fine-tune their final product. So, why can’t you do the same with beers from the store in the comfort of your own home? Wanna know what two beers mixed together would taste like? Carlin and Rebecca explore this exact question with a few experiments.
Unanimous favorite – Dogfish Head Seaquench Ale session sour ale
Yet another foray into a new episode format, Carlin and Rebecca take a look at a few beers that recently hit stores. This format aims to evaluate beers that listeners may have been eyeing up, but need some advice on whether or not to make the purchase.
Carlin’s favorite – Firestone Walker Mocha Merlin Coffee Oatmeal Stout
Rebecca’s favorite – Stone Vengeful Spirit IPA unfiltered IPA w/juicy pineapple & mandarin orange
More Dan Kim in this episode as he and Carlin discuss an article Carlin found about the origins of fall seasonal beer styles. The discussion kicks off a tirade about things Dan hates. Then, the mystery beers offer some interesting aromas.
Troegs Troegenator Doublebock – 3
Smuttynose Cherry Short Weisse – 3
Dan Kim stops in for a warm-up beer, an impromptu topic and some mystery beers. The warm-up beer is a good one, the topic keeps the guys engaged, but how do the mystery beers go over? Find out…
RAR Brewing 10 Layers Dessert Stout – 5
New Glarus Oud Bruin – 4
Long overdue, Carlin and Rebecca finally tackle this brewery showcase episode that has been promised for many months. Wonderful sours, amazing blending and a family history sum up the most important aspects of this Asheville, North Carolina darling.
Carlin’s favorite – Medora American Sour Ale fermented w/blackberries & raspberries
Rebecca’s favorite – Barrel Aged Xibalba Imperial Pumpkin Ale w/cacao nibs, chiles & spices
It’s another quick and dirty episode of Carlin and Rebecca drinking what they want out of their cellar. Rebecca goes light and heavy with her two picks, while both of Carlin’s are close to medium with polar opposite flavors.
Unanimous favorite – Sixpoint 5Beans Imperial Porter w/cacao, vanilla, coffee and cardamom
In the wrap-up episode for Rebecca’s recording session, she and Carlin talk again about the Brewer’s Association. This time it’s about cracking down on inappropriate beer names and what one particular brewery decided to do as a result.
Brauerei C&A Veltins Grevensteiner Original Mild – 3.5
Weyerbacher Sexy Motherpucker Sour Ale – 2.5
Carlin and Rebecca start with a fun warm-up beer that highlights an under-utilized style, and also references a pastry. They then discuss the Brewer’s Association, it’s independent craft beer label, and the reaction to it. And, of course, mystery beers happen.
Morland Old Speckled Hen English Fine Ale – 2
Captain Lawrence Golden Delicious Ale aged in apple brandy barrels – 1.5
This episode starts a stint of regular episodes for Rebecca, the first of which focuses on a recap of a beer trip to Richmond, Virginia. A craft beer hot-spot, she and Carlin go into their likes, dislikes and highest recommendations for anyone traveling to that area.
Firestone Walker Adversus Unfiltered Double IPA – 5.5
Yards Sons of Ben Pale Ale w/Belgian yeast – 2.5
Longtime listener Kyle Norman made a request for the next beer and food pairing episode. The Brewtal Battle folks heard him loud and clear. See how all the flavors of this one come together with suggested pairings from Wine World’s own Josh Rodriguez.
Carlin’s favorite – Bayerischer Bahnhof Leipziger Gose
Rebecca’s favorite – The Duck-Rabbit Schwarzbier
For the first time, Carlin and Rebecca tackle a brewery they know nothing about and that just showed up in the Maryland market. A little bit of brewery information, paired with tasting of three staple beers and two seasonals, comprise this brewery showcase episode.
Unanimous favorite – Persian Lime Gose
Kyle Norman is back for one more episode as he and Carlin talk about their visit to the new Dogfish Head brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Then, the guys transition to the AB InBev purchase of a portion of RateBeer and the subsequent response to it by Sam Calagione.
Avery Tangerine Quad Belgian Quad w/tangerine peel aged in bourbon barrels – 2.5
Way Beer Amburana Barley Wine aged in amburana barrels – 2.5
Kyle Norman unveils a new beer game in this episode. The game is called Highball, Lowbrow, and contains stats for craft beer and the overall beer market. During the game, Kyle professes his love for Chris Pratt and his hopes that one day they can go to prom together.
Oskar Blues Priscilla White Wit Wheat – 4
Anheuser Busch InBev Natural Light – 2
Beer Me Bro comes to a close with more punishments and rewards being doled out. Does Carlin make any semblance of a comeback, or is it just downhill? And after the game, how do the mystery beers strike the guys?
Union Balt Altbier – 5
Calvert Cream Ale – 2.5
Carlin takes a trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which means one thing, more Kyle Norman. It also means another round of Kyle’s craft beer name game, Beer Me Bro. In part one of the game, who gets the lead? What’s the reward beer, and what’s the punishment?
RAR Groove City Hefeweizen – 3
Rogue Hot Tub Scholarship Lager – 2
Carlin and Rebecca drink what they want in another installment of Cellar Dive episode. The first two shouldn’t be aged, but the last two can, have been, and truly are cellar worthy.
Unanimous favorite – Westbrook 5th Anniversary Chocolate Raspberry Imperial Stout
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?
Avery IPA – 5
White Rascal Belgian Style Ale w/spices – 3.5
Ellie’s Brown Ale – 3.5
El Gose German Sour w/lime & sea salt – 3
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
