Craft Beer Republic

40 Episodes
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By: Greg Jones

Why join the Craft Beer Republic? Because we are a nation of beer lovers. Every week, we're tapping a fresh keg of double-digit fun with the best dry-hopped topics to keep you well-hydrated! We're mashing in all the week's booze news, researching the tastiest beers, getting nerdy with Beer Science, and whirlpooling all the latest info! We also hang out with the brewers of some of the best craft breweries in the nation; we sample their brew and take a deep dive into the nerdier side of the industry. Make sure to stay hydrated with us every Wednesday by following...

The Price of Wine, The Power of Beer
#459
Last Wednesday at 7:05 AM

Bienvenidos amigos! This week on Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex are celebrating Cinco de Mayo in peak craft beer fashion—with tacos, questionable Spanish, and beers that made them emotional. Greg relives a hilariously overpriced glass of hotel wine, Flex gets gifted a beer born from Arbor Day insanity, and they both spiral into stories about painkillers, Vicodin-induced brother fights, and how not to behave on an airplane. Plus, they dish on the proper tipping etiquette, bobble some beer history, and maybe crown Wisconsin as the birthplace of beer (move over, monks).

Beers We're Drinking

Gr...


IPA Dorks
#458
04/30/2025

Welcome to the Taco Guy Industrial Complex

Welcome in, beer nerds! This week is packed with laughs, swishes, and suds as Flex may or may not swirl his stout, Greg brags about his elite-level taco guy, and Steph returns to shake things up with her crispy takes and Kolsch-fueled wisdom. Steph also drops her wisdom from the brewers guild and is knee-deep in beerfest planning while Flex is letting his kids pick out his beer and Greg gets classy drunk (again). 

Beers We’re Drinking

Flex is sipping on Teddy Bear Kisses by Upland Brewin...


Beer So Cheap, You'll Taste the Savings
#457
04/23/2025

Welcome to Utah, Where the Beers Are Weird and the People Are Funnier

Welcome in, hydration nation! This week’s episode is bursting at the seams with hilarious stories, awkward encounters, and beer nerd gold. Greg and Flex are joined by the always-awesome Steph, executive director of the Utah Brewers Guild and part-time chalice queen. From the depths of WrestleMania weekend to a seltzer-fueled solo Vegas trip and a hilarious Riverside takedown, the gang covers it all. We’re talkin’ collab-heavy beer fests, weird assless cowboy encounters on the Strip, the Florida party that should’ve been a movie...


One Taco Short of a Six-Pack
#456
04/16/2025

Welcome to lime-ville! Flex rolls in pre-buzzed and underfed, Greg’s deep into a hazy IPA, and the beer-fueled chaos kicks off from there. There’s a brutally honest review of a lime-flavored lager, a trip to the legendary Billy Goat Tavern, and some thoughts on just how far you should go for good tacos and fresh churros. Greg shares his plans to get classy wine drunk in Malibu, Flex defends his ridiculous beer choice, and somehow we end up talking family lineage, rude bartenders, and one man’s DUI with a blood alcohol level straight out of a horror...


Breaking the Beer Fast
#455
04/09/2025

Welcome in, everybody! Greg’s breaking his beer dry spell and kicking things off with Flex, who’s fresh from some spicy tailgating. We’re diving into champagne-fueled weekends, overpriced ballpark beers, and a voicemail from a familiar voice who’s calling us out over one of the Midwest’s best beer fests. Plus, we’re brainstorming odd business ideas, sharing travel stories gone weird, and doing what we do best—cracking cold ones and cracking each other up.

Beers We're Drinking

Greg is sipping Short Lived by MadeWest & Shred Beer Co.—a clean, crushable Westy with dank hops a...


Pharmacy-Fresh Pale Ale
#454
04/02/2025

Erica makes her triumphant return as the crew dives into hazy beers, questionable flavors, and whether bingo at breweries is a bold move or a buzzkill. Greg picks apart a beer with a wall of hops, Flex describes his beer like it came from a pharmacy, and Erica tries to survive a co-ed volleyball league full of 20-something savages. And Sacramento as a beer destination? Doubt it. It’s good to be back.

Beers We’re Drinking:

Greg is drinking Double Dry-Hopped Alien Church from Tired Hands Brewing—a hazy IPA with alien lizards on the can an...


This Hazy Ain’t Hazy
#453
03/26/2025

Welcome in, you beautiful beer nerds! This week, Flex brings the beer snobbery, Greg’s hotter than a sun-soaked stout, and Erica’s fresh off the salty seas with snacks and hazies. We’re talking beer mix-ups, birthday voicemails, blackout rage gallons, and how Flex is emotionally scarred by a mislabeled IPA. There’s also news on MobCraft’s comeback, Delirium’s shipping spree, and a Florida man story that’s peak Florida. Grab your pretzel necklace and let’s party like it’s the Pink Pony—just, y’know, with less fire.

Beers We’re Drinking:

Greg cracks open Keepi...


Dr. of Drunkenomics
#452
03/19/2025

Welcome in, thirsty people! Greg and Flex are back to quench your thirst for craft beer and questionable decision-making. This week, Greg takes a “totally unplanned” trip to San Francisco Beer Week (sure, buddy) and manages to turn a simple bay cruise into an elite-level beer smuggling operation. Flex holds down the fort with some delicious Wisconsin brews and a deep dive into why Sheboygan has an odd sheep obsession. Plus, we’ve got booze news, terrible funeral director choices, and a heated (but not a baseball show) debate over the Dodgers.

Beers We’re Drinking

Greg: Fo...


Tongue Jobber and the Wizard of Shnozz
#451
03/12/2025

Welcome in, you glorious beer guzzlers! Greg and Flex are back just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day with a fresh batch of beer-fueled nonsense. Greg drops a HUGE piece of industry news that he's been sitting on for weeks (seriously, the suspense was killing him). Flex reviews a hazy IPA so thick it should come with a spoon, and the guys dive into some questionable history facts (spoiler: Flex is just making things up at this point). Plus, we’ve got craft beer hot takes, trivia victories, and a deep discussion on why Rolling Rock is… well, Rolling...


1,428.6 Pints
#450
03/05/2025

Welcome to Craft Beer Republic! Greg is still recovering from a champagne-fueled blackout, Flex forgot he even had a podcast to record, and somehow, there’s a hidden Smirnoff Ice lurking in Greg’s house, just waiting to ruin someone’s day. The guys break down the math behind those too-good-to-be-true dollar pints, brainstorm ways to keep breweries alive (spoiler: trivia night is fine, but bingo might mean you’re doomed), and discuss why non-alcoholic beer had its best Dry January ever—much to their disappointment.

Beers We’re Drinking

Greg is drinking Congress Street IPA from Trillium...


Salt in the Beer?
#449
02/26/2025

Welcome in, thirsty friends! Greg went full beer tourist and drank his way through Austin, and he’s here to spill all the boozy details. Meanwhile Brewing served up his favorite beer of the trip—so good it forced him to break a years-long Untappd dry spell! Flex, on the other hand, is freezing his mustache off in the Midwest, sipping on a Toppling Goliath variety pack and confirming what we already knew: people on Untappd have no taste. The guys also dig into the absurdity of TSA screenings, the power of food truck barbecue, and the ongoing battle agai...


Beerconomics: A Study in Pour Financial Decisions
#448
02/19/2025

Greg and Flex are back, beers in hand, ready to talk about all the important things—like how much Michelob Ultra dominated the Super Bowl (gross), why THC drinks might be too much for Flex’s delicate balance, and whether dropping $10K for $1 beers for life is a genius move or a financial disaster. Plus, Greg catches an old drinking buddy in the ultimate beer hypocrisy, and we dive into some truly ridiculous booze news, including yet another Japanese government worker losing sensitive data while drunk. Crack one open, because this one’s a ride!

Beers We’re Drink...


Drunk Principals Gone Wild
#447
02/12/2025

Welcome in, thirsty friends! Greg is back from his travels, Flex is deep into his late-night Instagram scroll addiction, and Brian is here proving once again that he might actually be related to Greg (which is both alarming and hilarious). This episode is packed with road trip beer adventures, brewery letdowns, and a deep dive into the tragic fate of expensive hype beers. Plus, we’ve got some ridiculous Booze News—including an Arkansas law change that actually makes sense and a Florida story that is pure Florida Man energy. Grab a beer, sit back, and let’s get into it...


Frozen Junk & Legal Drunks
#446
02/05/2025

Welcome to another frosty fresh episode of Craft Beer Republic! Greg is back from his globe-trotting adventures, Flex is still the Director of the Health Ministry (whatever that means), and we welcome the smartest beer drinker we know, Intern Brian, who’s actually a real lawyer—unlike Greg’s pretend legal expertise. We break down Pringles' questionable decision to release Miller Lite Beer Can Chicken chips (Flex is already hoarding them) and, in a story that will make you cross your legs in sympathy, a Canadian man learns the hard way why you should always wear a belt in a bar fight...


Good Boy, Here's a Beer
#445
01/29/2025

Welcome in, craft beer lovers! This week, Greg and Flex are back with an episode that hits harder than a triple IPA after a long workday. We’ve got questionable road trips, big hearts (with a “t”), and some hilarious revelations about drunk driving, pants removal, and the unsung heroes of beer-drinking adventures. Grab a cold one because this episode is one for the books.

Beers We're Drinking:

Greg dives into There Does Not Exist – Spore, a 6.8% hazy IPA that’s all tropical vibes.Flex keeps it classic with Lakefront Brewing – Cream City Pale Ale, a retro amber...


Everybody Gets a Pliny
#444
01/22/2025

Welcome to Craft Beer Republic, we are excited to drink today! This week, Greg and Flex are keeping it intimate with candles, Kenny G, and Pliny the Elder. Whether it’s Greg battling California wildfires and weird strangers or Flex showing off his dog whisperer dad, this episode is one wild ride. Plus, we discover why Hard Mountain Dew is… a thing? Grab a drink and dive in—it’s a beer-fueled therapy session you don’t want to miss!

Beers We're Drinking

Greg and Flex: Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing – A double IPA icon wit...


Dry January? Never Heard of Her
#443
01/15/2025

Welcome in, beer lovers! This episode is anything but dry—because Dry January isn't welcome here! Greg, Flex, and Erica dive headfirst into hilarious conversations about wild animal encounters, disastrous brewery closures, awkward first dates, and the struggles of finding the perfect gift. Plus, they break down the latest Booze News and share their honest (and sometimes questionable) beer reviews. It’s a sloppy, salty, and crunchy good time you won’t want to miss!

Beers We’re Drinking:

Erica is repping Alaska with Rock, Paper, Citrus by Broken Tooth Brewing. A crisp pale ale with a splash of...


Beer Desperation in Abu Dhabi
#442
01/08/2025

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Greg, Flex, and Erica are here to fight the good fight against Dry January, bringing you a hotline to save beers—and lives. Erica shares wild stories from her epic Egypt and Abu Dhabi adventure, Flex faces off against some overzealous fireworks and an IPA hangover, and Greg dodges DIY disasters with his neighbors. Plus, pozole presents, beer-snob debates, and a voicemail so wild it could only come from Chew Your Beer. Let’s start the new year with laughter and liquid courage!

Beers We’re Drinking

Greg: Nelsie by Monkish...


New Year, New Beers, Same Shenanigans
#441
01/01/2025

Welcome to the New Year chaos! Greg, Flex, and Mel are here to kick off 2025 with plenty of laughs, questionable resolutions, and beers that make us glad our tongues can’t talk back. Flex reminds everyone why Wisconsin is the Fresh Coast (it’s real, he swears), Mel educates us on the dos and don’ts of edibles at weddings, and Greg channels his inner David Attenborough during a stoned encounter with whales. Plus, they’re petitioning to make 2025 the Year of the Gose, debating when craft beer really peaked, and roasting chestnuts—well, metaphorically. Cheers to another year of beers...


Beer, Boxed Wine, and Bad Christmas Movies
#440
12/25/2024

Merry chaos, beer nerds! Greg, Flex, and Mel are back for a Christmas episode filled with hilarious rants, beer-fueled nostalgia, and just enough holiday cheer to keep the Grinches entertained. From cantaloupe debates to wrestling belt coolers, the crew dives headfirst into the absurdities of the season. Flex shares a Christmas beer that’s as festive as his short shorts, Mel cries into boxed wine (again), and Greg realizes he might need to hit the lake with his new championship fanny pack. It’s a holiday hangout full of bad movies, great beers, and questionable decisions—cheers to that!

Be...


Dropping Logs and Drinking Beers
#439
12/18/2024

Welcome to the holiday chaos! Greg and Flex are back with plenty of laughs, holiday traditions, and beers that’ll make you question your life choices. Flex shares how his kids are basically his beer sommeliers, picking out a beer that pairs perfectly with… Crocs? Greg’s beloved annual “Dropping of the Yule Log” returns, and yes, it still sounds like the most festive dump. Plus, an actual super hero gets arrested, Christmas train shenanigans, and a surprising list of brewery ingredients that no longer need government approval. It’s a sleigh ride of stupidity, beer, and holiday spirit—ho ho hops!

B...


Kentucky Mule on the Loose
#438
12/11/2024

Welcome to Craft Beer Republic, where the beers are flowing and the stories are questionable! Greg’s kicking off the show from a two-week road trip with his priorities firmly set on beer and podcast gear (who needs clean clothes anyway?), while Flex brings the Thanksgiving drama, complete with late-start drinking and smoked turkey revelations. Meanwhile, Psycho Bear calls in with beer tips and maybe a murder plot, and Kentucky proves mules aren’t meant for high-speed getaways. Grab a beer and buckle up—it’s chaos in a can!

Beers We’re Drinking

Greg: Harmonic Energy by R...


Keep Your Free Beer to Yourself
#437
12/04/2024

Welcome in, fellow beer drinkers! Greg and Flex are back for another episode of Craft Beer Republic, and this time, the shenanigans are extra juicy. From brunch-induced chaos to beer trades that make us question our morals, the duo dives deep into life, laughs, and some seriously good beer. Plus, we discover Flex’s undying love for mashed potatoes and find out why Greg might owe “Not Murderer John” a little something extra for bringing him Treehouse beer. Sacramento, congrats on being our top listening city—sorry about the shade! Let’s raise a glass and get hydrated!

Beer We’...


Drunksgiving: The Beer Before the Bird
#436
11/27/2024

Welcome in to a festive edition of Craft Beer Republic! ‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and all through the bar, everyone was drunk, from near and afar. We’re bringing you Thanksgiving week beer science, a heated debate on food vs. beer at breweries, and the ultimate guide to "Drunksgiving" boozing. Plus, we roast the bizarre world of shots (spoiler: gin shooters are the worst) and vent about Massachusetts still refusing to legalize happy hour.

Beers We’re Drinking:

Flex is sipping on Joe Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Cream Stout by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, a smooth and sw...


No Flies in My Beer
#435
11/20/2024

Holiday chaos, strange beer laws, and plenty of laughs—Greg and Flex are here to keep things fun and boozy. They swap stories about classy (and not-so-classy) wine adventures and some unexpected marathon strategies involving pork chops. With debates over the best pizza, insider beer tips, and all the usual banter, this episode has something for every craft beer fan.

Beers We’re Drinking:

Flex: One Cat on the Chessboard by Fat Orange Cat Brewing – A New England-style single-hop IPA showcasing Eldorado hops with notes of pear, peach, and candied watermelon.Greg: Celebration Fresh Hop IPA by Sierra...


Life’s Too Short for Horror Films and Low-Cal Beer
#434
11/13/2024

Crack open a cold one and pull up a seat—this week, Greg and Flex are back with another round of laughs, mystery, and beer-fueled adventures! In this episode, we dive into tales of questionable beer ratings, Flex’s joy over the triumphant return of Miller High Life Light, and the mystery behind an unexpected jar of jelly that showed up at Greg’s door. Plus, Flex reveals why having a craft beer-loving pilot as a friend might be the ultimate beer perk and the sad news coming to Wisconsin. 

Beers We're Drinking:

Greg: Just Haze, Baby by...


The Greatest Boring Beer I've Ever Had
#433
11/06/2024

Hey beer lovers, grab your Dynaboost and get ready for the latest in craft beer! Boris (Pedals & Pints) is back with Greg and Flex, and he’s got some hop knowledge to drop. Plus, we’re diving into those horrendous Costco advent calendars, drinking on the job, awkward brewery comedy nights, and drunk Florida man ghost riding the whip. 

Beers We’re Drinking

Boris is drinking Dank Meter, a dank, tropical West Coast IPA collab from ISM Brewing and Riip Beer Company. Flex is sipping What’s the Triple in the IPA? from Evil Twin Brewing—a monster tr...


Cheddar Biscuit Beer
#432
10/30/2024

Pour yourself a cold one and get ready to dive into the latest from Craft Beer Republic! Greg, Flex, and Boris—the new head brewer at Pedals & Pints—kick back with stories from the brewery trenches, a few epic beer fails, and plenty of laughs. Boris spills on his journey to head brewer, Flex keeps things fresh with a killer autumn lager, and Greg’s got a new hazy that’s almost too drinkable. Join the crew as they serve up everything you love about craft beer: good friends, great brews, and even better stories.

Beers We’re Drinkin...


No More Fun Beers
#431
10/23/2024

Welcome back, thirsty friends! This week, the Craft Beer Republic crew brings the laughs and a whole lot of beer talk. Greg has an awkward run-in during Uber Eats duty, Flex sips on a PB&J-inspired sour, and Erica gets worked up over grape jelly (Midwest vs. West Coast, anyone?). Plus, the gang comes up with ridiculous beer names based on their last texts—Flex’s “Boo to Fake Boobs” might just take the cake! And in Booze News, we dive into the latest updates from Stone Brewing, Tilray's big acquisition, and the shocking tale of a teacher hitting the bottl...


Vacation Beers Don't Count
#430
10/16/2024

Flex and Greg are back; no hurricane can stop us! Flex is just off the plane from his hurri-cation. We're basking in the final glow of Oktoberfest, waiting in long lines for cookies, and drinking all around the world! There's also too much money being spent on crappy booze, a prime example of how accurate the Flex Algorithm is, a weird offering from Sam Adams, and getting hammered to watch hockey.

Beers We're Drinking:

Flex is drinking On the Loose, an IPA from Tripping Animals in Miami, FL.Greg is chugging Alesmith’s Oktoberfest Märzen as...


The World Famous Craft Beer Republic!
#429
10/09/2024

Greg and Flex are back, and this time they’ve got a lot to get off their beer-filled chests. Greg’s fresh off a "relaxing" vacation that somehow left him more exhausted than when he left, while Flex can’t get over how some breweries think slapping “world-famous” on their labels makes it true. The guys also dive into some serious topics, like why lazy grammar makes their eye twitch, and how Greg accidentally ordered an IPA that tasted like a Flintstone vitamin—because apparently, nostalgia is now on tap. Plus, the guys take a detour into a ridiculous conversation...


Portugal: Where Beer is Cheaper Than Airport Water!
#428
10/02/2024

In this episode of Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex bring the laughs and beer snobbery to a whole new level! Greg shares tales of his booze-filled escapades in Portugal, while Flex reveals the latest beer that made him shout, “Holy sh*t!” They rant about airport beer prices (highway robbery, anyone?), debate the horrors of post-vacation life, and even find time to celebrate Flex’s dad's birthday in true brewery fashion. Grab a pint and buckle up - the drunk captains have turned on the seatbelt sign.

Beers We’re Drinking:

Greg is sipping on Desert Fl...


Flex's Mom Brewing Company
#427
09/25/2024

This week on Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex are back at it with a special guest—Steph, a.k.a. Miss Tipsy Socks, who brings her signature blend of wit and beer knowledge. They kick off the episode with plenty of laughs, roasting each other over everything from intros to Steph's surprisingly small desk. But it's not all jokes—they dive into Steph's new role as the Executive Director of the Utah Brewers Guild, discuss the quirks of Utah’s beer laws, and even share some bizarre news out of Virginia. Plus, Greg and Flex debate what really makes...


It's More Bitter Than Your Mom
#426
09/18/2024

In this episode of Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex get their geek on by rolling out Flex’s very own beer-buying algorithm—because why not add some math to your buzz? Flex shares his desperate dash to restock on beer before football, and the guys take a few jabs at the new non-alcoholic version of 805 that nobody asked for. Plus, Chew Your Beer calls in with a rant about being stuck as the taco guy and craving some “white people food,” and they wrap things up with a classic Florida Man story that proves even trees aren’t safe from...


Last Man Drinking
#425
09/11/2024

Greg and Flex are back with a malty adventure, diving into Oktoberfest brews and wild tales. From a spontaneous trivia night at a German beer hall to a boozy bender at Dave & Buster’s, the guys have plenty of laughs and stories to share. And of course, no episode would be complete without a crazy Florida Man story—this time featuring a tractor. Grab a beer and join the fun!

Beers We're Drinking:

Flex is drinking MKE Brewing’s Oktoberfest, a Marzen-style lager with its perfect balance of roasted malts and caramel sweetness. Greg is chugging Enegren...


What You Gonna Do, When This Beer Hits You?!
#424
09/04/2024

Welcome to Craft Beer Republic! Greg and Flex are back and ready to dive into their latest beer escapades, including Flex’s quest for the ultimate Oktoberfest beer. The guys catch up on brewery visits, share some hilarious and questionable restaurant experiences, and get real about the struggles of getting older. Plus, there are exciting shoutouts, a bizarre Hulk Hogan incident, and some good news for New York cider and spirit lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep beer dive or just a good laugh, this episode has you covered!

Beer Reviews:

Flex is co...


Uber Confessions and Oktoberfest Obsessions
#423
08/28/2024

Greg and Flex are back at it with the help of Erica, bringing all the craft beer fun and some questionable party advice. This week, Flex tackles some serious Oktoberfest research, the crew debates the highs and lows of beer festivals, and Greg feels the spirit (literally) in the back of an Uber. Plus, Erica shares the inside scoop on her latest brewery adventures, Shaq is getting in on the boozy action, and Canada is ready to party 24/7!

Beer Reviews:

Night Goat - New Glory Craft Brewery: A 5% dark lager with crisp, refreshing vibes, subtle roast...


Yeah, It's An IPA
#422
08/21/2024

Prepare for some beer-fueled chaos as Greg and Flex tackle everything from home renovation nightmares to the sacred art of finding the perfect taco guy. They’re diving deep into Oktoberfest beers, reminiscing about parties that may or may not involve too many plays of the same song, and sharing their thoughts on some dangerously smooth brews. Whether you’re here for the laughs or the beer news, this episode has you covered. Grab a beer and tune in—things are about to get interesting.

Beer Reviews:

Greg is drinking Short Lived, a collab Cold IPA from M...


Put Your Shorts On, We're Going for Beers!
#421
08/14/2024

Batch 421: This week on Craft Beer Republic, Greg, Flex, and Mel dive into the decline of beer festivals—is the party over, or is everyone just too cool to show up? Greg talks about getting a wakeboarding concussion because, apparently, helmets are for quitters. The crew are all drinking beers from New York, well, mostly. Plus, the gang explores why booze is about to get pricier in Nebraska and ends with a Florida man story that involves a golf cart, meth, and a very confused tow truck driver. Buckle up, it's a wild ride!

Beer Reviews:

Mel...


Sour Sips and Slalom Canoes: An Olympic-Sized Episode
#420
08/07/2024

In this episode of Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex deliver a mix of comedy and craft beer insights that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Greg shares his recent work trip to, including some hilarious strategies for managing his beer expense reports while brewery hopping. Flex recounts his adventurous eating at the Wisconsin State Fair, featuring a wild sandwich creation with glazed donuts and ham. They also dive into quirky news about the Olympic alcohol ban, discuss the high prices at bottle shops, and celebrate the reopening of a beloved Denver brewery. This episode is full of...