The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast

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This week on the Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast, Jim and I went to Second State Brewing in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This was a really cool brewery! It opened in March of 2017. They do have a kitchen, but we did not try any food. It is a working brewery, so I do apologize for the background noise.
They had 10 of their own beers on tap and we try them all. The beers we try are:
1. One Time, At Band Camp
2. S'mores
3. Doppelbock
4. Blood Orange Blonde
5. Illusory Haze
6. Peanut Butter Stout
7. Vienna Lager
8. Irish Red
9. Vanilla Cream Stout
10. Schwarzbier
Which beers do you think will be the top picks?

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
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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 craftsmanship and experimentation.
The conversation takes an exciting turn when they encounter Pryes Brewing's Monkey Bar, an 11% ABV imperial pastry stout that combines peanut butter, banana, chocolate, and marshmallow into what BK declares "a show and tell beer." This unexpected standout earns a spot on their potential Beer of the Year list, hiding its substantial alcohol content behind layers of dessert-like flavors that develop beautifully at proper temperature.
Temperature emerges as the unsung hero of the episode, with both hosts noting how crucial proper serving temperature is for appreciating barrel-aged beers. Cold temperatures mask complexity, while allowing beers to warm reveals their true character – a revelation that transforms their ratings throughout the tasting.
Mobcraft's barrel-aged collection offers a fascinating study in how different barrels impact the same base beer. From traditional bourbon barrels to more unusual apple brandy casks, each imparts distinctive characteristics ranging from subtle booziness to surprising tartness. The variations prompt thoughtful discussion about barrel selection, aging time, and the unpredictable nature of barrel-aging itself.
Whether you're new to barrel-aged beers or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into appreciating these complex creations. Grab your favorite imperial stout, give it time to warm properly, and join Mike and BK on their flavorful exploration of what happens when brewers push the boundaries of barrel aging.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.
If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.
Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.

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This week the guys received 3 Oktoberfest beers from a friend that was in South Dakota. After they finish them, they turned their attention to the first pumpkin of the year. These 3 are actually pumpkin ciders! The beers that they tried are:
1. Brau Brothers Oktoberfest
2. Remedy Brewing Oktoberfest
3. Saverance Brewing Smoktoberfest
4. McKenzies Hard Cider Pumpkin Jack
5. Downeast Pumpkin Blend
6. ACE Brewing Pumpkin Limited Release Craft Cider
The guys also talk about the Craft Beer Walk in Sparta WI. If you are interested in tickets, here is the link to buy them.
https://form.jotform.com/spartaevents/prost

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.
If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.
Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.

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This week, Mike is joined by Bob and Ron, the guys that really started Mike on trying craft beers. This is also special because the guys are on the Carnival Magic and are in the Caribbean Sea.
The first stop was on the Serenity deck and the guys try two IPA's from Sierra Nevada.
1. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing
2. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
The next stop was the Red Frog Rum Bar where the guys tried a number of Carnival beers. Carnival Cruise Lines brews two brands of craft beer that are available on their ships:
1. Thirsty Frog Caribbean Wheat
2. Parched Pig Beach Lager
3. Parched Pig West Coast IPA
4. Parched Pig Toasted Amber
5. Parched Pig Limited Edition Pumpkin Ale
When Mike and Ron are on the island of St. Maarten, they try some local beers brewed on the island:
1. SXM Lager
2. Mackeson Triple Stout XXX
3. Pelikaan Brewing IRMA Pale Ale
What could be better? Sit back, grab a beer, listen to the sounds of the ocean and see what the guys think of Caribbean beers!

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.
If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.
Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.

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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 Arch Brewing's Honey Wheat Ale, where they discover how honey attempts to temper wheat's distinctive character—with mixed results. The mood shifts dramatically when they crack open a Newcastle Brown Ale, finding comfort in the time-tested English classic that's been perfected since 1927.

The conversation takes a sharp turn with Lupaline's "Tropical Fun Pants," a fruit-forward experiment featuring mango, pink guava, and passion fruit that leaves them pondering whether too many flavors can compete rather than complement. Their collaborative German-style lager—a partnership between Lakefront Brewing and Hofbräu München—sparks discussion about international brewing collaborations and traditional techniques.

Perhaps most fascinating is their first-ever mead tasting on the podcast with "Kill All the Golfers," a Caddyshack-referencing black tea and lemon metheglin that challenges their palates in unexpected ways. The hosts explore the ancient origins of mead, dating back 9,000 years to northern China, while comparing it to the clean, champagne-like finish of Loon Juice's Honeycrisp hard cider.

The tasting concludes with two distinctly different offerings: Central Waters' "Semantic Satiation" West Coast IPA with its surprisingly approachable hop profile, and Hammer Heart Brewing's "Flaming Longship," a smoky Scotch ale inspired by Viking traditions and Swedish metal music that divides their opinions dramatically.

Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about the incredible diversity in today's brewing landscape, this episode offers thoughtful insights, honest reactions, and plenty of laughs along the way. Join Mike and Jim as they remind us that great beverages, like great conversations, bring people together—even when opinions differ.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.
If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.
Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.