Another Reason to Drink

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Fall tastes better when the first pour surprises you and the second one lingers. We kick off spooky season with a road trip to Dented Keg in Clearfield, PA, where river views meet a flight that actually teaches you something about the brewery’s range. The standout is a cherry-driven sour that nails the beginner’s balance—refreshing, not too tart, and clean enough to sip all night. We talk price shock on giant tots, why some pumpkins go “perfumey,” and how to spot the one you’ll want to bring home.

Then we...

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Pumpkin shelves are still full, so we went hunting for what’s actually worth drinking and wound up with two wildly different takes. First up: North High Carved Pumpkin, a smooth 7.5% ale with a holiday-leaning spice bill. The aroma says pumpkin patch, but the sip says clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon turned up past cozy and into Christmas. No alcohol burn, no syrupy sweetness, just a clean finish that makes it an easy nightcap, even if the pumpkin hides behind the spice rack.

Then we crack Urban Artifact’s Jack Pumpkin Pie Amer...

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The night started simple—two brown ales, side by side—and turned into a full-on fall flavor map. We cracked Civil Rivalry’s First Down Brown and Alesmith’s English nut brown to see how cocoa, caramel, bitterness, and biscuit actually show up in the glass. One poured darker with a chocolate-forward core and a clean, bitter snap; the other drifted lighter, smoother, and bready, warming into hints of cocoa when served at the right temp. If you’ve ever wondered why “biscuit” gets tossed around on labels—or how 21 IBUs can make a malt beer feel...

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Crisp nights, clinking steins, and the great Oktoberfest debate: does the same beer really taste that different on tap vs in a can? We put it to the test with two pours—a local Jamestown Oktoberfest and a Munich-brewed Helles—then dig into why carbonation, packaging, and freshness can swing a rating from a nine to a seven in a single pour. If you’ve ever brought home a favorite draft beer only to feel let down by the can, you’ll hear exactly what’s going on and how to shop smarter.

W...

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Fall beer season brings a perfect excuse to explore the spectrum of autumnal flavors, and we're diving headfirst into two distinctive brews that couldn't be more different yet equally impressive.

The Brew Kettle's Pumpkin Drop Lager offers a refreshing take on the pumpkin beer formula. At 5% ABV, this Ohio-based brew delivers authentic pumpkin flavor without overwhelming your palate with excessive cinnamon—a common pitfall of seasonal offerings. We discuss how some breweries (like 311 in Chardon) go to extraordinary lengths for pumpkin authenticity, literally dumping entire 21-inch pumpkin pies—crust and all—into t...

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Fall beer season has officially arrived, and we're celebrating with a deep dive into two exceptional seasonal brews that captured our attention. The Bent Run Amber Ale from Warren, PA packs a perfect balance of toffee notes and drinkability at 5.8% ABV, while Shiner's Oktoberfest delivers a surprisingly smooth experience that challenges our usual preference for pumpkin beers.

Rick takes us on a culinary adventure, recounting his camping experiment with hot honey garlic scallops and ramen on a Blackstone griddle. Despite the challenges of finding proper sea scallop medallions and the patience...

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Remember that perfect summer day when everything tasted better? That's exactly what we captured in this episode when we cracked open a Blueberry Lemon Shandy from Saugatuck Brewing Company. This Michigan-made marvel transported us straight to flavor paradise with its authentic blueberry profile that had us reminiscing about childhood cereals and carefree summer days. Not too sweet, not artificial - just pure, refreshing blueberry goodness that earned our coveted perfect 10 rating.

But summer isn't always sunshine and rainbows, as we learned with our second tasting. The Rocket Pop Sour from High...

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What happens when friends gather over specialty beers and start sharing unfiltered thoughts about everything from BBQ sauce experiments to golf adventures? This episode captures the authentic camaraderie that makes craft beer tasting so enjoyable.

First up, we dive into Narragansett Lager, a Rhode Island classic dating back to 1890. At 5% ABV and just 12 IBU, this smooth, uniquely flavored beer earns high praise as an excellent "everyday drinker" that's perfect for those hot summer days. Both hosts award it a solid 9/10, appreciating its distinctive character that somewhat resembles Red Stripe but with...

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Ever wondered what it's like to camp in a human fishbowl? This week's adventure puts one of our hosts at the center of a bizarre camping cul-de-sac where every fellow camper had to circle his site to get anywhere. The result? An improvised drinking game and some hilariously awkward encounters with strangers making multiple passes.

We kick things off with Victory Brewing's Berry Monkey, a fruited sour triple that packs a serious 9.5% ABV punch while delivering delicious berry flavors. This "night-night juice" earns unanimous praise as we debate whether it's dangerously...

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Summertime adventures and ice-cold hazy IPAs collide in this long-awaited return episode where Rick and Princess catch listeners up on their whirlwind summer travels. From a beautiful mountain wedding in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest (complete with bourbon and cigar bar) to death-defying tubing escapades that sent bodies flying four feet into the air, every story brings the laughs you've been missing.

The pair recount their white water rafting experience down the frigid Nantahala River in open kayaks—a decision that led to Rick's memorable description of what happens when 55-degree wa...

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Summer is slipping away faster than an ice-cold beer on a hot day, and Rick and Princess are here to remind you to savor every moment with another round of honest brew reviews and belly laughs.

After Rick's solo episode last week, Princess returns to the recording studio ready to explore two vastly different brewing styles. First up is Little Fish Brewing Company's Cleft – a barrel-aged peach sour that comes with high expectations but delivers what the hosts can only describe as "rotten peaches" and "licking a battery." Their expressions upon fi...

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That moment when mortality math hits you in the face – after turning 50, the average person has just 176 Sundays left. This sobering realization formed the unexpected emotional core of our conversation with special guest Greg, who's contemplating a major life transition from the familiar warmth of North Carolina to the uncharted winters of Northeast Ohio.

Between sips of Country Boy Brewing's misleadingly named Hillbilly Hustle (it's blackberry, not blueberry!) and Southern Tier's perfect-scoring Citra Fog, we navigated the strange territory of middle age. Greg shared his anxieties about experiencing his first true wi...

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Ever wondered if a lemon shanty can taste like fancy lemon water? That's exactly what we discovered with Great Lakes Rally Drum in our latest boozy adventure. This refreshing 4% ABV shanty stunned us with its clean, cucumber-worthy profile that could easily masquerade as a healthy morning beverage (we're not suggesting it, but we're not not suggesting it either).

Before diving into the shanties, we treated ourselves to a TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate pistachio bar that set us back $15 for five tiny squares. Was it worth it? Absolutely. The rich chocolate with crunchy...

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Crack open a cold one and join us for a beer-soaked journey through craft brews, life stories, and questionable decisions. This episode features a head-to-head battle between two distinct Ohio craft beer styles – Masthead Brewery's Rotondra Hazy IPA (a collaboration with Heinen's) and Twin Oaks Brewery's Ship Burner Porter.

The hazy IPA surprises us with its bold, bitter profile that defies expectations for the style, prompting a discussion about how breweries interpret popular beer categories. Meanwhile, the chocolatey, coffee-forward porter delivers a smooth drinking experience that reminds us why darker beers de...

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Ever tried battling a fly the size of a quarter while attempting to taste craft beer? Welcome to our world. This episode takes an unexpected turn as we're invaded by what might be the largest house fly in recorded history, transforming our beer tasting into an impromptu insect safari.

Between swats and near-misses, we manage to properly evaluate two exceptional brews. First up is Biker's Brewhouse Blue Balls – a blueberry ale (4.7% ABV, 10 IBU) from Youngstown, Ohio that delivers subtle fruit notes reminiscent of blueberry cereal. Located beside a Harley Davidson store, th...

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The McDonald's Mystery Man makes an unexpected return as our hosts dive into a beer-fueled adventure spanning Memorial Day weekend. Between sips of Blue Pearl Kolsch from Immigrant Sons Brewing and Chimay Red from Belgium, we're treated to hilarious tales from Cleveland's nightlife scene that'll have you laughing out loud.

The Blue Pearl Kolsch earns solid marks despite lacking its promised blueberry notes. At 5% ABV, it's a smooth, everyday drinker that goes down easy. Meanwhile, the Chimay Red brings centuries of Belgian brewing tradition to the table with its complex flavor...

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Ever had a beer so bad you'd rather drink anything else? This episode takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the extreme highs and catastrophic lows of craft beer exploration.

We kick things off with Jacko's Gift from the Crows, a dangerously drinkable 9.5% hazy double IPA from Ohio that delivers waves of pineapple, papaya, and fresh strawberry notes. Despite its substantial alcohol content, this beer slides down easy – perhaps too easy – earning it a solid 8.5/10 and our coveted "panty dropper" designation. If you're looking for something to impress a date who enjo...

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Family bonds take center stage as the podcast welcomes a very special guest—Mark, the older brother of host Rick. This long-anticipated appearance brings hilarious childhood stories, heartfelt memories, and of course, plenty of beer tasting to celebrate Rick's birthday weekend.

The brothers dive into two distinct brews with enthusiasm and expertise. First, they sample Boss Dogs Jobu, a hazy IPA from Cleveland Heights that earns impressive ratings for its balanced heat and complex flavor profile. Their passionate discussion about the differences between traditional IPAs and hazy varieties reflects their growing ap...

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"Pure Water Beer is actually a pure beer," we marvel, sipping the crystal-clear American lager from Common Roots Brewing Company. Located in an old brick factory building in South Glen Falls, NY, this brewery has created something special – a beer that rivals your favorite mass-produced lager but elevates the experience through quality ingredients and sustainable water management. We're immediately struck by its clean, crisp profile that lacks the cloying sweetness of many commercial options.

Between beers, our conversation takes a deeply personal turn. "It was rough, dude," Rick shares about saying go...

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The perfect pairing isn't always planned - and that's exactly what happened when Rick and Mal cracked open Shiner's Strawberry Blonde alongside Windridge Cider Company's Blackberry Mojito. With natural strawberry essence that doesn't overwhelm and a mint-forward cider that surprised even the non-mint enthusiast, this episode delivers two thoughtful reviews that go beyond simple thumbs up or down.

Between sips, the conversation wanders to luxury overlanding vehicles (specifically a $300,000 Ram Storyteller that has the guys dreaming of road trips), the excitement of golf season's return, and a heartfelt discussion about saying...

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Prepare your taste buds for a wild ride as we dive into one of the most accurate flavor recreations in beer history—Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer from Martin House Brewing in Fort Worth, Texas. This 4.7% ABV creation isn't just pickle-inspired; it tastes EXACTLY like drinking straight pickle juice from the jar, complete with all the dill, salt, and spice notes you'd expect, minus any alcohol flavor. Perfect for pickle lovers and adventurous drinkers, we explore how this unique brew might be the ultimate Bloody Mary mixer or pickleback companion.

Between si...

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Take a seat at the bar with Rick and Princess as they embark on a flavor-filled expedition through two distinct craft beers that might change how you think about your own beer journey. This episode captures the essence of how our taste preferences evolve over time—sometimes in surprising directions.

First up is Cold Triple Brewery's Go Devil Red Ale, a hidden gem Rick discovered during a camping trip near Pittsburgh. With its smooth character, rich caramel notes, and subtle complexity, this 5% ABV brew earns an impressive 9.5/10 rating from both hosts. Th...

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Two beers that completely flip traditional expectations - that's the delightful contradiction we explore in our latest adventure through craft beer's wilder frontiers. The Midnight Butcher Black IPA from Michaux Brewing arrives dark as night yet carries the distinctive bitterness of an IPA, creating what we describe as a "bitter chocolate" experience that improves significantly as it warms. At 6.5% ABV, this collaboration with Rooster Street Brewing challenges what we typically expect from the style.

Following our journey through darkness, we pivot to a golden-hued Albino White Stout from Cleveland's Butcher and...

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Prepare for a taste sensation journey unlike anything we've experienced before on the podcast. We're diving into two extraordinary offerings from Four Score Brewing Company in Gettysburg, PA, and they've left us absolutely stunned. For the first time ever, we award back-to-back perfect 10/10 scores to their Jahamba series beers - the Peach Pomegranate White Tea Frost and Strawberry Peanut Brittle.

These aren't your typical beers. With milkshake-like consistency and authentic flavor profiles, they blur the line between beverage and dessert. The peach pomegranate delivers genuine fruit flavors that taste "straight off...

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Take a globe-trotting journey through exceptional beers and personal adventures as Princess returns from Colombia with colorful stories of a traditional wedding, street rappers calling him "Papa Santa," and the stark contrast between American and Colombian prices. Meanwhile, Rick's lucky streak at the casino transformed a $100 investment into a $1,700 windfall after hitting back-to-back jackpots in the high-limits area.

The beer tasting lineup delivers dramatic contrasts, starting with Burial Beer Company's "Bright" Italian-style Pilsner from Asheville that surprises both hosts with its floral IPA-like qualities, earning solid 8/10 ratings. When their journey takes...

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Two seasonal beer releases collide in our latest tasting adventure, resulting in unexpected discoveries and hearty laughs. We kick things off with Victory Brewing Company's Peanut Butter Candy Cake Porter, a smooth 6.0% ABV offering that immediately impresses with its harmonious blend of chocolate, coffee, and peanut butter notes. The lack of bitterness and perfect flavor balance earns it a solid 8.5/10 from both hosts.

As we transition to Southern Tier's Irish Cream Stout (5.8% ABV), something curious happens. While browsing both breweries' websites, we stumble upon identical layouts, special offers, and weekly promotions – re...

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When a two-week illness hiatus brings two beer enthusiasts back together, the conversation flows as smoothly as their first pour—Ellicottville's French Connection barrel-aged beer. This cabernet-influenced brew creates the perfect backdrop for Rick's revelation about his fitness journey as he approaches his 50th birthday.

"I'm turning 50-ish and it's been bothering me a little bit," Rick admits, before sharing his impressive 11-pound weight loss through intermittent fasting and daily workouts. It's a refreshingly honest moment that showcases how craft beer lovers can balance their passion with health-conscious choices. The conversation we...

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S6-E8, Ever tried a beer so spicy it made you question your taste buds? Join Princess and her sidekick Ricky, affectionately known as Tripod, as they embark on a thrilling flavor adventure, starting with the Hot Blonde Habanero from Biker Brew House. With its intriguing mix of spice and sweetness, this 4.7% ABV brew from Youngstown is just the beginning. As we sip and savor, Ricky treats us to tales of tricky winter drives, weaving humor and warmth into our beer exploration. Our quest for new brews takes a comedic turn as we...

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S6-E7, Ever wondered what makes a red ale truly remarkable or how a hypothetical scenario might turn into a comedic goldmine? We kick things off with a tantalizing beer-tasting adventure featuring Ohio's finest red ales. Discover the unique charm of Boss Dog's Red Beers Irish Red Ale and Schnitz Ale Brewery's Celtic Symphony. Our taste buds travel through hazy notes and bitter finishes while we engage in more than just sipping—it's a full-blown exploration into the heart of brewing creativity and the camaraderie that unfolds over a good pint.

Sw...

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S6-E6, What if you could enjoy all the social fun of a beer without the hangover? Join us on a lively ride through the world of non-alcoholic beers, where we mix humor with honest reviews as we try out favorites like Stella Rosa and Peroni. We share stories that blend personal mishaps with camaraderie, including a funny tale of a cracked golf simulator driver and the ups and downs of holiday shifts. Our discussion bubbles over with the intriguing placebo effects these drinks might have and how they fit perfectly into trends...

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Ever found yourself caught in a windshield wiper mishap or wondered how a pineapple undertone ends up in your beer? We kick things off with a comical personal story about washing trucks at the crack of dawn and a memorable windshield wiper misadventure, setting the stage for our flavor-packed exploration of Jackie O's "Ricky," an American Golden Ale with a surprising twist. From there, we turn our attention to the Kentucky Old-Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale, promising a bold 10% ABV experience that leaves us eager for future visits to the Jackie O's Tasting Room...

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S6-E4, Get ready for a hilarious and light-hearted episode as we take you on a wild ride through the world of craft beers, workplace anecdotes, and unexpected weather phenomena. We kick things off with a lively discussion about iconic Irish ales, reminiscing about our past experiences with brews like Conway Irish Ale and Saint Fatty's Irish Red Ale. Join us as we dive into the vibrant brewery scene in Cleveland, contemplate a visit to Great Lakes Brewing Company, and share our personal preferences and favorite picks among these popular brews. But that's...

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S6-E-3, Ever wondered what might happen if TikTok ended up in the hands of Elon Musk or Mr. Beast? We’re turning that wild speculation into a hilarious guessing game, alongside a nod to Mr. Beast's jaw-dropping success as YouTube's top earner. As we sip on a Noble Beast Vienna Lager, we share a delightful recipe for beer can chicken and tease our upcoming adventures with a bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout and a maple red ale. Get ready for an uproarious ride filled with refreshing drinks and side-splitting laughter.

Navigating th...

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S6-E2,What's the secret to turning cold weather woes into moments of laughter and camaraderie? Join us on this spirited journey where our special guest, DR, helps us blend craft beer tasting with humor, as we kick things off with the vibrant flavors of Saucy Brew Works' "Love You, Bye" Hazy Imperial IPA. We share personal tales of dental mishaps that are sure to elicit giggles, moving seamlessly into more spirited conversations about unexpected cold snaps and their surprising benefits, like pest reduction. From frozen lake adventures to Nine Inch Nails puns...

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S6-E1, Ever wondered if superheroes enjoy a good pint? Join us as we kick off 2025 with a superhero-themed twist, featuring your hostess, Princess, and her trusty sidekick, Dior. We're celebrating the start of our fifth season by recounting our journey from 2020, sharing laughs, and expressing our gratitude for you, our loyal listeners. Alongside our storytelling, we indulge in a delightful beer tasting, featuring a spicy holiday ale from Twin Oats Brewing and a rich Breakfast Stout from Founders, dreaming of future recognition from platforms like Barstool and fantasizing about upgrading our intimate...

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Can a holiday red ale really capture the spirit of Christmas, and what unexpected tales unfold when families gather around the tree? Join us in this festive episode of "Another Reason to Drink," where I, Princess, along with my merry co-host Jolly Rick and his equally jolly girlfriend, get into the holiday spirit with Rheingeist's Dad—a robust red ale that surprises with its smooth caramel notes. As we sip, we share the contrasting tales of Rick's laid-back Christmas with minimal fuss and my whirlwind of hosting duties and festive chaos. Our stories, fi...

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Ever found yourself wondering why pigs aren't milked for cheese or what sport involves a whip and a tiny disc? Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through an eclectic mix of topics, from our love for holiday ales to the quirky world of Hornussen. With a pint in hand from Double Wing Brewing Company, we celebrate the season's flavors, share memories from the picturesque Debonay Winery, and even dabble in the spicy world of grapefruit habanero IPAs. Our lively chatter transports you to the Grand River Valley's vibrant brewery and...

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Ever had a chaotic Uber ride that turned into a hilarious misadventure? That’s just one of the amusing stories we share in this episode, alongside tales of navigating snowstorms and dining at local gems. We explore the unique flavors of Ohio’s Righteous Liquid pilsner and Immigrant Sun Brewery's holiday ale, all while reminiscing about Coca-Cola's intriguing history with winter marketing and its past ingredient surprise. Laughter and banter flow as we discuss everything from a memorable Aloft hotel stay to the quirky purchase of a Carhartt hat with a "WTF" logo.
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