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Ever tried working with epoxy for the first time and felt like you were in over your head? Shawn certainly did, and he takes us through every sticky (literally) moment of crafting our podcast's new saloon-style table. From battling uncooperative tape to finally achieving a mostly glassy finish, the journey was as entertaining as it was educational. Grab a beer and listen as we chat about the lessons learned and how a couple of cold ones might have influenced some creative decisions along the way.

Speaking of beer, we take you on a delicious adventure through local fairs and craft beer tastings. Our buddy's triumph at the Anoka County Fair sets the stage for a broader conversation about the unique offerings of the Texas State Fair and our ambitious plans for a world tour of fairs. Our beer musings also take a detour to Petaluma, California, where we explore the origins of Lagunitas IPA and dabble in some hilarious banter about beer-tasting gadgets, hand modeling, and David Duchovny's unforgettable roles. It's a whirlwind of flavor, nostalgia, and laughter in the world of craft beer.

Our Lagunitas journey doesn't stop there; we dive into the brewery's history and its impressive global expansion. From Tony McGee's humble homebrew beginnings to creative ventures like cannabis-infused drinks, Lagunitas has never shied away from innovation. We share tales of Oktoberfest preparations, memorable moments like the clever "Lagunitas Sucks" release, and the joy of combining outdoor activities with a refreshing IPA. Whether you're a beer aficionado or just love a good story, this episode has something to tickle your taste buds and your funny bone.

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Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in sports broadcasting or what it takes to transform a struggling pizza joint into a renowned brewery? Tune in to hear our personal stories and professional experiences, from thrilling volleyball matches to unforgettable nights at the Target Center and Xcel Energy Center. You'll get an insider's look at the exhilarating highs and unpredictable challenges of covering various sports, setting the stage for our exciting beer segment.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Pizza Port Brewing, a California-based brewery that started from humble beginnings. Siblings Gina and Vince Marsaglia turned a struggling pizza restaurant into a pioneering force in San Diego's craft beer scene. Discover how their homebrewing experiments evolved into a successful business with multiple brewpubs across California. We reflect on the broader craft beer landscape of the late 80s and early 90s, pondering the factors that fueled the microbrewery explosion during that era.

To wrap things up, we dive into the fascinating world of NFL quarterbacks, focusing on players like Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson. We analyze their career trajectories, performances, and the financial dynamics within NFL teams that impact player adaptability and team resources. From the strategic implications of high player salaries to the merits of Pizza Port's Mongo Double India Pale Ale, this episode serves up a rich blend of sports insights and craft beer appreciation that you won't want to miss!

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Ever wondered how a homebrewer can turn a passion into one of America’s largest craft breweries? Join us for an incredible journey as we unravel the inspiring story of Ken Grossman and the birth of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. You'll learn about the trials and triumphs of starting a brewery on a shoestring budget, from repurposing dairy equipment to perfecting iconic brews like the Celebration IPA. We promise an episode brimming with fascinating insights into the craft beer revolution and the determination that fuels it.

But that's not all—get ready for some Olympic fever as we share our obsessions with quirky events like 3x3 basketball and kayaking. Hear our takes on memorable Olympic moments, including a Turkish shooter who gave us hitman vibes and a laid-back competitor who snagged a silver medal with one hand in his pocket. Plus, don’t miss our plans for an epic road trip to Oktoberfest in Munich, complete with live updates and a hilarious promise of seeing Andy in lederhosen!

Sustainability and innovation are also on tap as we explore how Sierra Nevada leads the way with green initiatives like hydrogen fuel cells and solar panels. Learn about their LEED Platinum Certified brewery in North Carolina and how they turn used cooking oil into biodiesel. We’ll even throw in a wild story about cocaine-filled sharks off the coast of Brazil and reflect on how well barbecue pairs with a cold Summerfest lager. Get ready for a rollercoaster of beer talk, Olympic banter, and unexpected tales. Cheers!

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Can you imagine savoring a beer that dates back to the 14th century? Join us as we celebrate Doppelbock Day and uncover the rich history of Munich's Spaten brewery, which has been crafting exceptional brews since 1397. Unfortunately, our friend Jake from Seattle couldn't join us due to an unexpected appendectomy, but we dedicate this episode to him. We promise you'll gain a newfound appreciation for Spaten's legacy and learn some fascinating tidbits about brewery culture along the way.

Tune in for a mouth-watering tasting and review of Spaten's Optima Doppelbock, a robust malt liqueur with a 7.6% ABV. With flavors reminiscent of a light Guinness, this beer's deep malty essence and nutty undertones make it perfect for a cozy autumn evening by the fire. We'll also delve into the historical significance of the malt shovels on the label and discuss the ideal occasions to enjoy this hearty brew.

Our journey doesn't stop there. We'll take you through the storied past of the Spaten-Franziskaner brewery, from its roots in 1867 to its pivotal moments like serving beer at Oktoberfest and its expansion to North America. Plus, you'll hear about a California company brewing beer with prehistoric yeast and get a taste of the unexpected as we explore viral internet sensations and the surprising success of the Florida Panthers in the NHL. Get ready for a dynamic blend of beer appreciation, cultural insights, and a dash of hockey talk!

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Have you ever wondered why the term "the lab" is thrown around so much, especially in sports? Join us as we debate its overuse and why it might just be the perfect metaphor for our podcast setting. We'll also dive into our shared passion for beer and introduce you to Half Brothers Brewing from Grand Forks, North Dakota. As we swap road trip stories and compare the monotonous and scenic routes of North Dakota and beyond, you'll discover why our journeys often culminate in the appreciation of a good brew.

Next up, we get adventurous with our taste buds! Remember that dill pickle soup experiment that left our coworkers divided? Well, we're taking it a step further by taste-testing a pickle-flavored beer from Half Brothers Brewery. Hear our candid reactions and find out whether this unique brew is a hit or miss. As we applaud Half Brothers for their creativity, we eagerly await the chance to try more of their unconventional offerings.

Finally, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of craft breweries with us. From the relaxed, family-friendly vibe of these unique spaces to the engaging community events hosted by Half Brothers Brewing, we'll highlight what makes brewery visits so special. Our discussion also spans pizza tips, baseball banter, and the quirky contracts of major sports leagues, including the infamous Bobby Bonilla deal. And don't miss our take on the NFL's Sunday Ticket monopoly and how it impacts fans. This episode is packed with personal stories, insightful discussions, and a genuine love for craft beer. Cheers!

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Ever wondered what happens when a cider house decides to shake up the craft beverage scene? Join us as we explore Schilling Hard Cider's Local Legend from Auburn, Washington, a semi-sweet cider that balances fresh-pressed apples with a not-too-sweet taste. Get ready for a playful discussion that includes everything from Sasquatch-themed can art to personal cider recommendations from the Pacific Northwest. It's more than just a drink—it’s a whole new flavorful adventure perfect for any occasion, even mowing the lawn!

But that's not all—our excitement doesn't end there. We’re thrilled to share some big news about signing a record contract, and we shift our focus to Schilling Cider's innovative hard lemonades like Imperial Pink Lemonade, Blue Raspberry Lemonade, and Guava Lemonade. We also dive into the world of yerba mate with Vita Mate, a low-calorie beverage designed to keep you energized without the coffee crash. Learn about the origins of yerba mate, its health benefits, and hear our personal tea stories and preferences.

Finally, explore the incredible expansion and innovation at Schilling Cider, co-founded by Colin Schilling and Mark Corney in 2015. Discover how they ramped up their Auburn plant to the fastest canning line in the Pacific Northwest and opened the world’s largest cider taproom with 50 taps. We reminisce about our visits to the Pacific Northwest, celebrate the community-driven spirit of craft breweries, and emphasize the importance of quality ingredients.

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Ever wondered how a Chicago-based brewery became internationally renowned? Discover the secrets behind Hop Butcher for the World's impressive growth and unique beer offerings straight from owner Jeremiah Zimmer. Join Andy Beckstrom and Sean Field in the Two Guys Beer Podcast Studio as they share exclusive insights from their interview with Jeremiah and take you through a tasting journey of Hop Butcher's exceptional IPA. With notes of ripe tropical fruits, pleasant pine, and fresh citrus, this IPA is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Get ready for an exciting exploration of Hop Butcher's dynamic expansion and engaging collaborations. Inspired by Carl Sandburg's poem "Chicago," the brewery's name and philosophy reflect the passionate spirit of traditional butchers. Learn how they engage with customers, seek feedback through festivals, and form strategic partnerships to share their craft beyond Chicago. Jeremiah provides a behind-the-scenes look at their thoughtful decisions on expanding their reach, including collaborations with restaurants, vendors, and other breweries.

Hop Butcher's journey from a local favorite to an internationally recognized brewery is nothing short of impressive. From their humble beginnings in 2014 to distributing across 30 states and internationally, discover how their strategy of organic expansion and community engagement has paid off. We also touch on the brewery's unique branding, featuring Chicago historical references and eye-catching artwork on labels. Plus, stay tuned for an exciting discussion on the latest developments in the WNBA, highlighting rising stars and rivalries that mirror historic NBA moments. Don't miss out on this compelling episode packed with insightful conversations and thrilling beer tastings!

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What if your favorite beer could also support a worthy cause? Tune in to our 24th episode of the Two Guys Beer podcast to uncover how Mikerphone Brewing not only crafts exceptional beers but also collaborates with the Elk Grove Fire Department for a charity event benefiting Project Fire Buddies. From discovering Microphone at Jack's Bottle Shop in Rochester to exploring their community-focused initiatives, we share our excitement for this Chicagoland gem. Get ready to be inspired by how this brewery blends creativity and compassion, all while brewing some of the most unique beers we've tasted.

Ever pondered what a strawberry and peanut butter jelly sandwich in beer form would taste like? We break down our tasting experience of a soft sour ale collaboration between 1840 Brewing and Mikerphone Brewing, revealing its dessert-like charm. Anticipation brews as we discuss an intriguing Belgian beer, corked and bottled like fine wine, and share our desire to visit Mikerphone in Elk Grove Village to explore more of their innovative offerings. Whether you're a fan of IPAs, ciders, or something entirely different, this episode promises a flavorful journey through craft beer's diverse landscape.

Travel mishaps, historical explorations, and hotel horrors—oh my! Our whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C., brings stories ranging from a prestigious ceremony at the National Fire Academy to the contrasting realities of travel accommodations. Plus, take a historical stroll with us through Gettysburg and Emmitsburg Road, reflecting on the Civil War's enduring impact. As always, we spice things up with fun facts (ever heard of a flamboyance of flamingos?) and vibrant beer discussions. Don't miss out on this engaging episode packed with great stories, community connections, and, of course, phenomenal craft beer recommendations. Cheers!