Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

Rob guides us on a journey to discover the fascinating legacy of the Reinheitsgebot, the historic German Beer Purity Law, and how it continues to shape brewing centuries later. What if a 500-year-old law could guarantee not just the quality of your beer, but also a slice of cultural history with every sip? Join us on for this Alcohology short as we unravel the origins of this pioneering regulation, enacted in 1516, which revolutionized beer brewing by mandating just three ingredients.
As we toast to tradition, we'll discuss how Oktoberfest honors this brewing standard, with the the beers served at the illustrious festival. Prost to exploring a bubbling history that promises both quality and fun!

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8 Listeners

1 Comment

Think or Drink? SPECIAL EDITION - “Spot the Fake”

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

04/08/25 • 63 min

Andy, Josh, and Rob join Matt for a riotous episode, as we play a trivia game that tests our ability to identify fabricated names among genuine, albeit ridiculous, real-world counterparts. Get ready for the inappropriateness!
The game comes with high stakes – each incorrect answer means spinning our shot spinner to determine our fate. With tequila, bourbon, vodka, and the infamous Malört lurking among the options, strategic gameplay becomes crucial as points dwindle and shot glasses empty.
From athletes with unfortunate names like "Fair Hooker" and "Harry Colon" to craft beers including "Nutsack Brown Ale" and "Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout," we explore the bizarre reality that truth is often stranger than fiction. The As Seen on TV product round reveals equally absurd genuine items – including a golf club with a hidden feature.

Rob's dramatic reaction to Malört alone is worth the price of admission, as he desperately reaches for anything to cleanse his palate after declaring it "worse than the tuna taco" from Drinkables!
Subscribe now to catch our upcoming episodes featuring Harry Potter trivia, and a stout tasting with guest "The Fish." Share your favorite moments with us on social media @MattAndFriendsDTU!

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8 Listeners

5 Comments

Alcohology: "Yuengling, America’s Oldest Brewery"

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

06/24/24 • 5 min

Curious about how America's oldest brewery managed to thrive for nearly two centuries? Discover the captivating journey of Yuengling, from its founding by German immigrant David Gottlieb Yuengling in 1829 to its modern-day success. Join us as we explore the brewery's clever strategies for surviving Prohibition, including the production of near beer and even a foray into the dairy business. We'll also uncover the pivotal role Dick Yuengling Jr. played in reviving the brand with the reintroduction of the iconic Amber Lager in 1987.
Our episode goes beyond history to discuss Yuengling's evolution and steadfast commitment to quality and heritage. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or a history buff, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the enduring spirit of Yuengling, a name synonymous with quality beer in Pennsylvania and beyond.

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7 Listeners

Alcohology - "The Margarita"

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

01/21/25 • 6 min

Unearth the captivating stories behind one of the world's favorite cocktails, the margarita, and dive into its rich, flavorful history. Discover how the delicious pairing of tequila and lime captured hearts and palates worldwide as the margarita rose to iconic status alongside tequila's growing popularity in the United States.
But what about that distinctive glass? Could a mishap at a Los Angeles restaurant have given birth to the classic margarita glass, or is Marie Antoinette's bosom? Finally, fast forward to 1971, when Mariano Martinez drew inspiration by a humble soft-serve ice cream dispenser to create a frozen classic. As we toast to the margarita's legacy, be ready with your ingredients for our special recipe reveal at the end—perfect for sipping along and celebrating this beloved cocktail's storied past.

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6 Listeners

Bar Chat - "Lebowski's Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur"

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

03/25/25 • 35 min

Andy, Josh, and Siobhan join Matt to take a sip of nostalgia with Monica and David Kowalski, the creative duo behind Lebowski's Kool-Luah coffee liqueur and Lebowski's Tap Room in Colorado Springs. Monica shares how she's been crafting this remarkable coffee liqueur since she was just eight years old, using her late father's recipe from the 1970s that has now become an award-winning spirit taking the cocktail world by storm.
As we sample White Russians and espresso martinis made with Lebowski's Cool Lua, Monica and David reveal the incredible versatility of their spirit through creative concoctions like a limoncello White Russian that tastes like German chocolate cake. Their passion for crafting unique, high-quality experiences extends to their tap room, where they showcase local producers and have developed over 50 different White Russian variations.
Rapidly expanding distribution throughout the country, Lebowski's Kool-Luah represents the perfect blend of family tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. Are you ready to abide a truly exceptional coffee liqueur?

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5 Listeners

2 Comments

Toasting to Gratitude and New Adventures in 2025!

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

12/31/24 • 2 min

Reflecting on an incredible journey through 2024, I am thrilled to share a heartfelt tribute to the amazing team behind Matt and Friends Drink the Universe.
As we toast to a new year filled with possibilities, we are eager to embark on exciting new adventures in 2025. If you know of a brewery, distillery, or winery worth exploring, we'd love to connect. E-mail us at [email protected]
Cheers to a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and a huge thank you to our listeners!

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5 Listeners

1 Comment

Think or Drink? - "80s, 90s, 2000s Music Trivia"

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

10/01/24 • 71 min

On this episode of Matt and Friends Drink the Universe, where we pit our wit and musical expertise against each other in "Think or Drink." Andy, Chris, Rob, and Siobhan join Matt for some music trivia. Each bringing their rich musical backgrounds to the table. The stakes for bragging rights are high, and the trivia is intense. Will Andy retain his crown from the infamous "Let it Eb" episode?
We kick off by savoring the mouthwatering Cookie Monster golden stout from Funk Brewing. Its delightful blend of vanilla, chocolate, and natural flavors provides the perfect backdrop as we dive into a lively trivia game spanning the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Emo kids, you'll want to be here for the 2000s. Expect playful banter and nostalgic anecdotes as we tackle questions about Madonna's "Like a Virgin," Guns N' Roses' debut single, and the first-ever music video on MTV. The camaraderie and competitive spirit among us shine through, making for an engaging and informative session.
Finally, we take a nostalgic journey through viral internet phenomena and iconic musical moments, from the Foo Fighters to the unforgettable Numa Numa dance. Siobhan and Andy battle fiercely for trivia supremacy, while the rest of us share humorous stories and fun trivia tidbits. We reminisce about Weird Al Yankovic's hilarious parodies, Dashboard Confessional's emo anthems, and even discuss Queen's legendary Live Aid performance. Tune in for an episode brimming with laughter, nostalgia, and a deep love for music trivia that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

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5 Listeners

1 Comment

Think or Drink? - "Red, White, and Booze"

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

07/02/24 • 50 min

Sip your way though American history with us while celebrating the 4th of July! Andy, Jen, Josh, and The Fish go head-to-head in a spirited game of Think or Drink. Expect laughs, unexpected twists, and a lot of friendly banter as we test our knowledge on everything from Founding Father's smuggling booze to the last state to repeal it's prohibition laws.
Ever wondered how many cases of beer Americans crack open during the Independence Day weekend? Get ready to be amazed as we uncover jaw-dropping statistics about beer sales and reveal the nation's favorite brews.
Don't miss Josh's special lemonade and vodka cocktail recipe, featuring a unique liqueur blend, Perfect for your 4th of July celebrations.

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5 Listeners

Think or Drink? - "Christmas Trivia 2024"

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

12/19/24 • 72 min

Did you know that you can roller skate to church in a certain country for Christmas? Join us for a holiday-themed episode filled with laughter, trivia, and festive cheer as we, alongside our good friends Andy, Chris, Rob, and Siobhan, explore the quirkiest international Christmas traditions. Sip along with us as we try the Frosted Cranberry 75. Our trivia game challenges you to master the art of giving—in points, that is—while strategically "peeking under the tree" to dodge those pesky wrong answers.
Discover surprising nuggets of holiday music history, like Judy Garland's unexpected contribution. As the drinks get trickier and the questions tougher, our camaraderie and banter keep the spirits high, peppered with jokes and the occasional rosemary garnish suggestion.
Ever wondered about the origins of Mrs. Claus or the history of the Yule Goat? Our discussions meander through festive lore. We cap off the episode with a light-hearted guessing game inspired by "A Christmas Carol." With joyful toasts and playful banter, we wrap up with warm holiday wishes and a nod to the true essence of the festive season—shared laughter and joyful experiences.

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Cheers, and thanks for listening!

4 Listeners

How Did We Get Beer? - "Bee Stings and Lithuanian Things"

Matt and Friends Drink the Universe

11/05/24 • 57 min

Andy, Chris, and Siobhan join Matt for some drink tasking and story telling, Matt and Friends Drink the Universe style. Imagine standing on the edge of a 70-foot cliff on the island of Lanai, feeling the adrenaline and the Hawaiian sun on your skin, just before plunging into the crystal waters below. That's the spirit behind the Gold Cliff IPA from Kona Brewing, and the spark for our storytelling adventure. In this episode, Chris takes us back to his 10th wedding anniversary in Hawaii, where he and Siobhan renewed their vows amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kauai.
Next Siobhan shares with us a harrowing tail of an encounter with bees. She loves to trauma dump for these episodes! This inevitably leads to all of us sharing tales of winged devils and the various times we have been terrorized by all manner of things with stingers.
Matt then takes us to the Cayman Islands, where the iconic mudslide recipe stirred up sweet honeymoon memories and humorous tales of driving challenges.
Our storytelling then takes a cultural turn with Andy as he shares a taste of Lithuanian spirits, comparing the robust flavors of fermented rye mash to familiar whiskeys, and recalling a personal visit to Lithuania that was as warming as the spirits themselves. In the end, we promise not just laughter and nostalgia but a chance to connect over the universal language of good drinks and great adventures.