Tim was out sick again this week, Covid really hanging on. Brian likes to call it "being on assignment" for some reason. Covid is a terrible assignment.

But Brian and Nate held down the fort, here's what they talked about...

 * Snow Beer and Bapple
 * New "Publicly Developed" Hop Vera
 * Is N/A Beer Really Healthier?
 * US Alcohol Guidelines Being Dropped
 * Constellation and Diageo Getting Sued
 * Is Rice The Next Big Thing In Beer?
 * Pairing Beer With Spicy Food

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

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New Hops, Rice Beer is cool, and Bapple Rules

This week Brian and Nate recap their casual bottle share which they didn't invite Tim to or even tell him about. What the hell? Anyhow... they kept it chill and shared a few brews just like the old days. Good times were had by all those that knew it was happening

A company claims to have been the first to formulate a beer meant for drinking on a flight and brewed for the higher altitude. We feel like we've heard this before though.

More online conversations from a few places about kids in taprooms but it seems opinions may be changing. Our views vary, but what is usually a hot topic seemed to keep mostly level heads.

More brewery closures as Tilray closes the Redhook brewlab, a Voodoo Ranger and Malort collab with a twist is out, and knocking back boilermakers around the world.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Bottle shares and barley patents

As we get things going this week we find out Nate has been flexing his culinary muscles on some ice cream adventures. Naturally, we ask if he's made any with booze. He has not. He continues to be a source of disappointment.

Seems like every week there's something new to blame on Gen Z. We've decided to embrace it. It's all Gen Z's fault - and they'll pay for this, one beer at a time.

GABF announced some new beer styles for this year's competition and in interesting one-time category for a new hop. On the competition front there's also a new #1 in Africa, a unique and traditional style called umqombothi. Neat. 

We also found out Hulk Hogan's beer company is making a push to buy Hooter's, and they're apparently bidding against - Hooter's? Whatever happens it will have to get creative because, thanks to the 3-tier system, you can't own a brewery and a retailer. Let's see how this pans out.

To wrap things up we chat about the worst beers we've ever tried and the brews ranked as the worst in the world. We've tried a few and can confirm they deserve their spot on the list.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Worldly brews, worst beers, and Hulk Hooters? 

Before diving into the terrible news of increasing tariffs on the aluminum needed to make our beer cans we "review" the Miller & Pringles collaboration chips we talked about a while back. Are they good? Do they taste like beer can chicken and beer brats? Find out!

Nate gives us a style profile on American Cream Ale. We're fans, and there's more out there than you might realize. Coffee versions are especially tasty.

In some surprising news, or maybe note, Non-Alcoholic beer is poised to surpass Ale as the 2nd largest beer category. As beer nerds we get into a lot of ales but, around the globe, Lager still dominates - by a lot.

Another loss for the beer community this week with the passing of esteemed writer Martyn Cornell. Through blogs, articles, and books Cornell educated many on beer and debunked some popular myths on the origins of certain beers.

We've got a very small update on Anchor Brewing. Spoiler: Things are happening, but not much.

If you're a homebrewer, we've got some tips from the Brewers Association on how to win at beer competitions. Take notes and good luck!

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Terrible tariffs, tasty treats, and how to win

Kentucky roads, Drop Bears, and weird drinking traditions

Fresh off a tiring vacation Brian shares his drinking adventures in Louisville, KY and educates on the proper pronunciation of it's name. A bit of beer, a lot of whiskey, and a disappointing chicken fried steak.

Two beer legends pass away

Oscar Wong, founder of Asheville's Highland Brewing Co. passed away this week. Highland was the first brewery in Asheville and Mr. Wong contribute immeasurably to the beer scene there and across the country. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

George Wendt, know to many as Norm from the 90s sitcom Cheers, also passed away this week. For those of a certain age bracket Norm's dry humor was an important part of their weekly entertainment. RIP, Norm.

Some good news out of Asheville

Hi Wire Brewing recently re-opened in Asheville after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. We also round up updates on a few others breweries in the area. Great to see some of them bouncing back.

Also on the show...

Weird Aussie drinking traditions, calories in popular beers, and Brian learns about the deadly Drop Bear. Spooky.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Kentucky roads, Drop Bears, and weird drinking traditions 

What beer pairs with caviar and Doritos?

I should be able to answer this question as I have had caviar on Doritos. It's not bad, but I forget what beer I had with it. I'll have to revisit.

Outside of crazy caviar parties we learn there's a new world's strongest "beer." The method for making it means it doesn't technically qualify as beer some places, but that's how it's being billed.

We learn about distro laws for Thailand. I had no idea some of the limitations craft brewers had there. Guess there are struggles everywhere.

More news on Gen Z's drinking habits. That's such a hot topic these days. Gotta keep them coming to keep the industry alive.

In other news... We get falsely imprisoned, DoorDashing your booze is on the rise, and a six-way collaboration is coming.

Cheers!

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Strong beers, caviar parties, and collaborations

This week, we’re raising a glass to American Craft Beer Week—because if there’s one thing we do best, it’s drinking local and talking about it loudly into microphones.

Tim’s off on a secret beer mission (probably), so Brian calls in reinforcements in the form of Mo Mic Nate— beverage philosopher, and man of many hats (most of them ball caps). 

The Setup

It’s been one of those weeks. Nate’s fresh off sweating through a Georgia scorcher with a frosty pint in hand, and Brian’s just survived a medieval dental visit where his dentist told him—get this—he has a small mouth. (Cue audience laughter.)

But never fear, the mics are hot and the beer is cold.

American Craft Beer Week – What's the Big Deal?

Craft Beer Week isn't just a clever excuse to drink more (though it helps). It’s a time to:

 * Support local taprooms and breweries
 * Try something new on the menu (yes, even the rice lager)
 * Remind ourselves why independent beer still hits different

Brian and Nate break down what breweries are doing to celebrate—from limited releases and glassware drops to brewery crawls and collabs.

What Else Is on Tap?

 * Brian’s post-dentist drinking logic
 * Nate’s glassware superiority complex
 * Craft beer trends that need to chill out
 * Craft beer trends that need more love
 * Shoutouts to the folks keeping local beer alive

Final Thoughts

It's a fun, slightly unhinged episode full of good laughs, better beer, and a reminder that even when the world feels like a flat IPA, craft beer still brings people together.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Cheers to American Craft Beer Week

"Bitter" Truths, Big Beers, and Bold Moves

This week, we crack open a triple dose of hop-fueled commentary, brewery gossip, and World Beer Cup bombshells. We even got a little salty—literally.

In Beers of the Week we pay tribute to a fallen Georgia brewer with Jekyll Brewing’s Big Creek Kölsch. Jekyll, a longtime staple with both supporters and haters, is set to shut down all locations on Mother’s Day. We dove deep into their history, rise, Kickstarter roots, and the harsh economics of brewery expansion in a post-industrial park taproom era.

Then came the ESB talk. What the heck is an ESB anyway? Brian broke down the style—medium malt, medium hop, and no, it’s not actually that bitter. We dug into the surprising World Beer Cup win: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale taking gold in the American ESB category. Wait, what? Pale Ale is an ESB now? According to the new guidelines, apparently so. The lines blur, styles evolve, and Brian drops knowledge.

Speaking of the World Beer Cup, Georgia showed up big: 6 breweries, 9 medals. New Realm, Bold Monk, Wild Heaven, and others brought home serious hardware. We raised a glass to our local heroes and called out a few surprise absences (no Creature Comforts?).

Economic chatter followed, and for once, the news wasn’t all doom and gloom. The U.S. beer industry contributed over $470 billion in 2024, thanks to jobs, taxes, and of course, your favorite six-packs. But challenges remain—Tilray teeters on delisting, and even success stories sometimes mask hard decisions behind closed taproom doors.

And finally, Tecate went weird: a salty light lager made with Gulf of Mexico water, available only on a floating bar off the Yucatan. No, really.

So whether you're crushing cream ales with bourbon chasers, debating beer style semantics, or lamenting your favorite brewery’s closure, this week’s episode has you covered.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

"Bitter" Truths, Big Beers, and Bold Moves

Drink Local!

We've discovered over the years that local beer can mean different things to different people and that can vary depending on where you are. We're a bit flexible with the term and even our opinions have changed a bit over the years. How do you define local beer?

Analyzing beer with your phone. An app has been developed that can measure the level of DMS in beer. Scientifically known as Dimethyl Sulfide, it's presence can give beer flavor of cooked corn, cabbage, tomato juice, and even seafood. There's a bit more to it then just taking a pic of your beer, but it's still pretty neat.

Why do we put limes in Mexican lagers? The short of it? We're not sure where or why it started. Maybe it just tastes good. Brian built us up to expect an answer, but didn't deliver. There are a few theories though.

1.5 liters of beer for only 67 cents. That's a bargain no matter how you look at it. Aldi in China offers up this insane deal. I can't expect it's a medal winning beer but I would like to try it.

In other news... Beer made from urine (really), some big anniversaries, and we say goodbye to Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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What does "local beer" mean to you?

I do love a good hotel bar

Hotel bars. Like regular bars (OK, I guess they are regular bars) they run the gamut from super divey to classy. They've got their own vibe though and in some smaller towns they may be the best thing going. What are your thoughts?

With all the news of closures lately it was nice to see that Fifty-Fifty Brewing is planning a major expansion. These folks had a lot of hype 8-10 years ago. Their big, barrel-aged bombers commanded a hefty price and were always exciting to see at bottle shares. I haven't heard as much about them lately but maybe that's on me.

We can't get away from taxes and tariffs. Honestly, we don't really have a good idea of what is and isn't tariffed and from where. We share with you what we can, but it's confusing. Plus, Washington state is trying to hike up their taxes on beer. I think now would be a good time to chill, it's tough enough as it is.

It's not just the US that's feeling the pinch on beer. The German beer industry is struggling, too. And they've got a long-standing drinking culture without as much of the stigma that it has to some people here. Come on, Germany. Get to drinking.

In other news... Brian can brew coffee but cooking stresses him out, the beer delivery strike in Manhattan is avoided, and we recap our trip to the Georgia Craft Brewers Fest.

Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.

Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast/id1062108530] | Google Podcasts [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL2JlZXJndXlzcmFkaW8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0SnEdzIyPTn5jKqfmfCJrl] | Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beer-guys-media-llc/beer-guys-radio-craft-beer-podcast] | RSS [http://beerguysradio.libsyn.com/rss]
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If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/beerguys]. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Are hotel bars the new cool drinking spot?

We love craft beer.  Join us each week as we enjoy a pint or two around casual conversations with the awesome people that make our favorite beverage.  Covering the trends, science, and business of beer with a handful of terrible jokes thrown in.  Grab a pint, have a seat, and tune in!  Hosted by Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt.

Beer Guys Radio Craft Beer Podcast