The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast

When the mercury rises, beer lovers face a dilemma: how to enjoy craft beer without the heaviness that comes with many beloved brews. In this refreshing summer episode, Mike and Jim dive into the world of lighter, more sessionable options perfect for hot weather drinking. The journey begins with fruit-forward offerings from Hop and Barrel Brewing—Cherry Breaker and Lime Breaker—both crafted with r...

Four trees, four barrels, four breweries, and one remarkable drinking experience. When the Northwoods Beer Guy team discovered Humble Forager's Fifth Anniversary Barrel Aged Mix Pack, they knew they needed reinforcements to tackle these hefty 14% ABV offerings. Sitting on the deck under a perfect Northwoods sky, Mike, BK, and guest Kirk systematically work through these collaborative creation...

Ever wondered what a 5,000-year-old alcoholic beverage tastes like in the 21st century? Join Mike and BK as they finally tackle their long-promised mead podcast, exploring the oldest known fermented drink on earth through five wildly different modern interpretations. The adventure begins with a surprisingly refreshing Watermelon Honey Badgerita that defies expectations, followed by an introduction...

As the warmth of 4th of July celebrations fills the air, Mike (the Northwoods Beer Guy) and Jim settle in for what should be an exciting exploration through the diverse world of stouts. Armed with eight distinctive dark brews and one surprising barley wine, they embark on a flavor journey that steadily climbs from 6.5% to a formidable 14.8% ABV. What unfolds is a masterclass in expectation versus...

Grab a beer and settle in for an unexpected journey across the Midwest's brewing landscape as we recount our recent brewery-hopping adventure that took some surprising turns. What began as a simple trip to claim my winning lottery draw for Toppling Goliath's coveted Assassin Imperial Stout transformed into a multi-brewery expedition revealing hidden gems tucked away in picturesque small...

Unwrapping a care package of Virginia beers ignites an unexpected journey through the Commonwealth's craft brewing scene. When BK's son Wes—stationed with the Navy in Virginia—ships home a thoughtfully curated collection of regional brews, we seize the opportunity to explore these East Coast offerings from our Northwoods setting. This tasting adventure leads us through strikingly diverse...

Fear of IPAs is common among casual beer drinkers – that distinct hop aroma can trigger immediate skepticism before the first sip ever touches your lips. But what if everything you thought you knew about IPAs was based on misconceptions? In this eye-opening episode, we take a methodical journey through the IPA spectrum, starting with a gentle pale ale and gradually working our way up to a massive...

Dive into the dark, boozy world of barrel-aged beers as Mike welcomes his brother Brian, a professional brewer, to sample six high-octane offerings from 608 Brewing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With ABVs ranging from 14.1% to a staggering 17.6%, this isn't your average beer tasting! The brothers carefully work through each imperial stout and barleywine, sharing their expert insights on flavor pro...

What happens when craft beer enthusiasts dive into mystery brews from across America? This episode takes you on a flavorful journey as Mike and his brother Brian, an experienced homebrewer, sample eight diverse beers from a Beer of the Month Club subscription. The brothers work their way through a carefully arranged tasting flight, starting with lighter options like the Hardywood Pils—a traditiona...

What happens when brothers reunite to taste forgotten beers? That's exactly what unfolds as Mike welcomes his brother Brian—known affectionately as "the mad scientist"—to the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast for a unique tasting experience. Together, they crack open a time capsule in the form of unopened Beer of the Month Club boxes that have been sitting in Brian's basement, contai...

Pull up a barstool and join Mike, the Northwoods Beer Guy, and his brother Brian, the "Mad Scientist of brewing," as they embark on a craft beer adventure at Checkers Tavern in Warrensburg, Missouri. Against a backdrop of live music and lively bar ambiance, the brothers share honest, straightforward evaluations of local brews with their signature numerical rating system. The heart of thi...

  Ever wonder if those ready-to-drink cocktails are actually worth your time? This episode takes you on a journey through five different canned cocktails that might change how you stock your cooler this summer.   Mike (fighting through a springtime bug) and Suzy start by revisiting their experience at Between the Bluffs beer festival, highlighting their discovery of Meaningful Brewing—a 100% glute...

Step into the vibrant world of Wisconsin's craft beer scene as the Northwoods Beer Guy and friends explore the Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival in La Crosse. This on-location adventure captures the excitement of discovery as Mike and his crew of familiar podcast voices sample their way through dozens of unique offerings, delivering real-time reactions and expert ratings. Wand...

  What happens when two beer enthusiasts taste their way through seven wildly different craft beverages in a single sitting? A flavor journey that spans continents, traditions, and brewing philosophies.   Mike and Jim kick off with excited chatter about the upcoming Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival before diving into their eclectic tasting lineup. Their adventure begins with Stone...

When we stepped into Boulevard Brewing Company during our Kansas City visit, we knew we were in for something special. What we didn't expect was just how masterfully this brewery has honed their craft across such diverse beer styles. Having brought back seven distinct bottles to sample, we're taking you on a flavor journey that showcases why Boulevard deserves its reputation as one of Am...

A familiar voice returns to the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast as Brian rejoins Mike after a long absence since appearances on episodes one and two. Their reunion brings a diverse lineup of six unique beers that take listeners on a journey from the shores of Hawaii to the heartland of Wisconsin. The duo kicks off with Kona Brewing's Big Wave, a golden ale that serves as the perfect gateway beer...

Venture into the fascinating world of barrel-aged beers as Mike and BK embark on a tasting journey that reveals just how varied and complex these special brews can be. From the moment they crack open their first beer – a velvety chocolate mint stout that transforms dramatically as it warms – to the surprising discoveries in Mobcraft's barrel-aged collection, every sip tells a story of craftsm...

When it's time to explore a brewery's full range, sometimes you discover surprising variance in quality – and Central Waters certainly delivered that experience. While renowned for their stellar barrel-aging program, what happens when these expert bourbon-barrel wizards venture into lighter, everyday beer styles? Mike and Jim bravely sampled seven distinct Central Waters offerings – from...

What happens when you put six Irish beers in front of two craft beer enthusiasts? A St. Patrick's Day adventure that reveals the surprising truth about Irish craft beer.  The Northwoods Beer Guy and his co-host embark on a post-holiday tasting journey through various Irish beer styles, from dry stouts to red ales and beyond. Starting with Phase 3's Claddagh Irish Dry Stout, they discover...

  When we walked into Smoke Brewing Company in Lee's Summit, Missouri, we were immediately struck by the explosion of St. Patrick's Day decorations covering every inch of the place. "There might be a tipping point when you go over the top," Jim observed, and this brewery was definitely testing those limits with its festive atmosphere.    Between the two of us, we sampled ten di...

Step inside The Goat Brewing with us in this vibrant episode of the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast! We dive deep into a diverse tasting session featuring ten unique beers that showcase the creativity and innovation of craft brewing. From classic brews like the Black Ruby Oatmeal Stout to bold experiments such as the Gose with Salsa, each sip opens a new conversation about flavors, aromas, and persona...

Welcome to our mouthwatering adventure at Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, where we've curated an exceptional tasting experience featuring some of their finest barrel-aged brews! Each selection boasts impressive alcohol content, rich flavors, and innovative brewing techniques that set Boulevard apart in today's craft beer arena. Join us as we explore unique styles ranging from p...

Ever wondered how we managed to sample nearly 700 different beers by our 100th episode? Join us as we reflect on this incredible journey, exploring the vast world of stouts with a selection that spans a modest 4.9% ABV to a bold 15.5%. From the sweeter notes of Yoho Brewing's Sakura Mochi Stout to the complex flavors of Prairie Artisan Ales' S'more Stuf't, our tasting adventure...

Explore Nebraska's craft beer scene as we dive into unique brews from four breweries, each offering something different. From spicy pickle beers to smooth porters, we highlight the distinct flavors and craftsmanship in Nebraska, encouraging listeners to discover these hidden gems for themselves. • Craft beer serves as comfort during unpredictable weather • First brew from Zipline Brewing: Spi...

Embark on a flavorful journey with us as we uncover the secrets behind barrel-aged beers in this episode of the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. From the robust Privyet Russian Imperial Stout to the exclusive 15th Anniversary Brewer's Choice blend, we promise you'll learn all about the craftsmanship that makes these brews exceptional. Join Mike and Jim as they recount the memorable Dosvidany...