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Ever wondered what sets authentic German Oktoberfest beers apart from their American counterparts? We embarked on a flavor journey through seven genuine German brews to find out!

This special "Septoberfest" episode features something we've never done before – comparing exclusively German Oktoberfest beers side-by-side. We explore the subtle differences between Marzen, Festbier, and Oktoberfest styles from Germany's finest breweries: Erdinger, Benediktiner, Paulaner, Weihenstephaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, and Hofbräu. What struck us immediately was how remarkably similar these beers taste compared to the wide variety found in American interpretations.

The standouts? Spaten Oktoberfest Marzen took our top honors with its perfect balance and smooth maltiness, followed closely by Hacker-Pschorr's traditional offering. Among the lighter Festbiers, Weihenstephaner impressed us despite its unusual aroma. Yet we discovered that any of these authentic German options would satisfy an Oktoberfest craving – none scored below average in our tasting.

Between sips, we share fascinating Oktoberfest trivia: did you know the festival began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration? Or that Munich's Oktoberfest sells a 57% ABV specialty beer for €600 per liter? We also explain why only six specific Munich breweries are permitted to serve at the official festival, which now attracts over 7 million visitors annually.

Whether you're planning your own Oktoberfest celebration or simply curious about authentic German beer traditions, this episode offers the perfect primer on what makes these seasonal classics so special. Grab a stein and join us for a virtual trip to Bavaria – 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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

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Wisconsin's craft beer scene takes center stage as we embark on a 12-beer tasting adventure at Pal's Brew Pub in Wisconsin Dells. Joined by my brother Brian (the mad scientist), my dad Dave, and Uncle Larry, we dive into flights spanning traditional styles and boundary-pushing flavors.

The standout surprise? A garlic-infused pickle beer that completely redefines what pickle beer can be. While most pickle beers on the market offer a one-dimensional experience, the subtle garlic note in Pal's Big Pickle creates a complex, satisfying flavor profile that earned unanimous praise from our tasting panel.

Close behind was their Jalapeno Cream Ale, delivering perfect pepper flavor without overwhelming heat. As Brian (our resident brewer) explains, creating balanced pepper beers is surprisingly difficult – too often brewers either under-flavor or create something painfully spicy. Pal's nails the perfect middle ground with fresh jalapeno character that quickly dissipates.

Not every offering hit the mark. The Boysenberry fruit beer lacked the sweetness we expected, the Barrel Bent Imperial Stout needed more aging time to develop true barrel character, and the Pineapple Express left us searching for actual pineapple flavor. This reinforced our brewing philosophy: if you name a beer after a flavor, that flavor should be prominently featured.

Beyond tasting notes, we share brewing insights throughout – how honey integrates during the brewing process, why jalapeno beers can sometimes be spicier than ghost pepper varieties, and the crucial difference between English and American porter styles.

Whether you're planning a Wisconsin Dells visit or simply love exploring regional craft beer, this episode offers both entertainment and education. Which would you try first – the garlic pickle beer or the perfectly balanced jalapeno cream ale?

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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

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Pull up a barstool for an exclusive tasting session with Brian "the mad scientist," head brewer at Five Alarm Brewing in Lake Mills, Iowa. This special episode takes you behind the scenes of a firefighter-owned brewery making waves with inventive craft creations.

Brian unpacks the art and science of brewing as we sample seven distinctive beers, each with its own remarkable story. From a traditional German Maybach lager that celebrates spring to a spicy dill pickle beer that's transformed the brewery's Bloody Mary game, these aren't your average craft offerings. The brothers' banter reveals fascinating brewing insights – like why grocery store honey ruins beer, how "cold crashing" works, and what happens when you accidentally add too much habanero (spoiler: someone still buys a growler every week).

The standout moment comes when we taste a never-before-released Double Chocolate Oatmeal Stout – a happy accident resulting from a grain shortage that forced Brian to improvise. This world premiere tasting reveals a smooth, chocolate-forward brew without the burnt coffee notes that often turn away new craft beer drinkers.

We explore Five Alarm's community connections through their Iowa fire department patch collection and seasonal offerings created specifically for local celebrations. The conversation highlights how craft breweries respond to customer preferences – like when Brian accidentally created a lower-alcohol version of their popular Mosaic IPA and customers demanded he keep the "mistake."

Whether you're a dedicated hop head or craft beer curious, this episode celebrates the creativity and community spirit driving America's small breweries. Next time you're near Lake Mills, Iowa, stop in – you might find the head brewer himself pouring your pint.

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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

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When Mike and Jim decided to "up the ante" from their previous session of easy-drinking beers, they weren't kidding. This episode dives headfirst into the world of high-octane brewing artistry, featuring eight beers ranging from 10% to a mind-boggling 15.4% ABV, each showcasing how master brewers balance potent alcohol with sophisticated flavor profiles.

The journey begins with an unexpected stumble – Southern Tier's Creme Brulee Imperial Stout presents an off-putting burnt character that leaves both hosts puzzled. From there, the adventure weaves through Hinterland's Door County cherry-infused Belgian ale and Founders' coffee-forward KBS variant before reaching a turning point with Boulevard Brewing. The Kansas City brewery becomes the star of the show, contributing four remarkable barrel-aged creations that demonstrate how high-ABV beers can deliver extraordinary flavors without harsh alcohol burn.

The most surprising revelation comes when the hosts discover two beers worthy of "Beer of the Year" nominations – Boulevard's Creme Brulee Barley Wine and a locally-produced gem from La Crosse Brewing called Feathered Drumline. At 13.3% and 15.4% ABV respectively, these beers shouldn't drink as smoothly as they do, yet both deliver complex flavor profiles that masterfully conceal their strength. The local Wisconsin stout, aged 18 months in rye whiskey barrels and infused with peanut butter, particularly catches the hosts off guard with its world-class quality.

Between thoughtful beer analysis, Jim tests Mike's beer knowledge with trivia questions, revealing fascinating brewing history including the origins of the "rule of thumb" and the discovery of 220-year-old viable yeast in a shipwreck off Tasmania's coast. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about how brewers push the envelope, this spirited exploration of high-ABV beers offers a glimpse into brewing's most ambitious frontier.

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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

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What if we told you that craft beer diversity doesn't require high alcohol content? In this enlightening tasting session, Mike and Jim explore six completely different beer styles all under 6% ABV, proving that lower-alcohol options can still deliver exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

The journey begins with Leinenkugel's Northwoods Amber (4.9%), a beer with an interesting comeback story, before moving to the true star of the show: Urban Growler's Vanilla Latte Blonde Ale. This remarkable creation from Minnesota's first women-owned microbrewery perfectly balances vanilla, coffee, and lactose for a uniquely satisfying experience that had both hosts reaching for a perfect 3.0 rating – high praise indeed!

As the tasting continues through Urban Growler's D-Lovely Porter, Bent Paddle's Munchen Pretzels Marzon Party Lager, Prairie Artisan Ales' Albino Rhino white stout, and Crafted Meadery's barrel-aged Maple Pecan Pie mead, the hosts share valuable insights about each brewery's approach while peppering the conversation with fascinating beer trivia. Did you know Iceland prohibited all alcoholic beverages for 74 years? Or that the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock because they ran out of beer?

Whether you're new to craft beer or a seasoned enthusiast looking for more sessionable options, this episode demonstrates that lower ABV doesn't mean compromising on flavor or variety. These accessible beers span the spectrum from light and refreshing to rich and complex, making them perfect introductions to craft styles that might otherwise intimidate newcomers.

Ready to explore the lighter side of craft beer? Grab a cold one, pull up a chair, and join Mike and Jim on this flavorful journey through the world of low-ABV brewing excellence.

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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

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Ever wondered what happens when farm heritage meets craft beer tasting? This episode delivers both in a refreshing blend of Wisconsin history and stout comparison.

Jim's family farm just received Wisconsin's prestigious sesquicentennial award, recognizing 150 years of continuous family ownership—an honor bestowed on only 1,065 farms in state history. As we sample three distinct stouts, Jim shares the remarkable journey of his ancestors who immigrated from Norway in the 1860s to establish what would become a six-generation legacy. From the original boundary deed describing a road "wide enough for a team of four horses" to the surprising revelation that tobacco was once their primary cash crop, the farm's history provides fascinating context for our beer appreciation.

Our three-way stout comparison features Hillsboro Brewing's Badger Sweat (vanilla bean milk stout), Tallgrass Brewing's Buffalo Sweat (oatmeal cream stout), and Sand Creek's Oscar's Chocolate Oatmeal Stout. We evaluate each beer's distinct characteristics—creaminess, chocolate notes, smoothness—while discussing what makes these approachable stouts perfect gateway beers for those hesitant to explore darker brews. The verdict? Buffalo Sweat and Oscar's essentially tie for first place, with Badger Sweat placing third due to its more muted flavor profile.

The parallels between preserving agricultural heritage and appreciating well-crafted beer aren't lost on us. Both require dedication, attention to detail, and respect for tradition while adapting to changing times. Whether you're interested in Wisconsin farming history, craft beer exploration, or simply enjoy hearing stories of family legacy, this episode offers something to savor.

Join us next time as we look ahead to our annual Augustoberfest beer exploration—our third year diving into this seasonal favorite. Until then, we hope your campfires are always warm and your beers always cold!

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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

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What happens when two craft beer enthusiasts venture beyond their comfort zone and dive into the world of summer shandies? Pure, unexpected delight.

The Northwoods Beer Guy and Jim embark on a refreshing tasting adventure, sampling eight different fruit-forward beers from Leinenkugel's and Saugatuck Brewing Company. Breaking from their usual preferences, they discover remarkable differences between these easy-drinking summer options.

Shandies – traditionally beer mixed with a lemon-flavored beverage – make perfect companions for hot summer days. But not all shandies are created equal. The duo methodically works through Leinenkugel's offerings, including their famous Summer Shandy (which surprisingly falls flat with notes reminiscent of "Lemon Pledge") and their more successful Juicy Peach option. The real revelation comes when they crack open Saugatuck's variety pack, where every offering impresses with natural fruit flavors and perfect balance.

The clear champion emerges in Saugatuck's Black Cherry Lemonade Shandy, earning a 3.0 score with its beautiful reddish hue, authentic cherry flavor, and clean finish. "That might be the best one," they agree, surprised by how much they enjoy this departure from their usual preferences.

Whether you're a dedicated craft beer enthusiast looking for something different or simply seeking the perfect "lawnmower beer" for summer refreshment, this episode offers candid insights into which shandies deliver and which fall short. The unexpected winner proves that sometimes venturing outside your beer comfort zone leads to delightful discoveries.

Find us on social media or email us at northwoodsbeerguy@gmail.com with your beer suggestions. And remember – may your campfires always be warm and your beers always cold!

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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

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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 real fruit and designed for easy drinking at just 3.7% ABV. While the cherry variant delivers subtle fruit notes, the lime version provides a more pronounced citrus kick that both hosts agree makes it the superior choice for summer refreshment.

Between sips, the podcast uncovers fascinating beer history, including the origin of the radler (German for "cyclist"). This beer-lemonade combination was born in 1922 when innkeeper Franz Xavier Kugler faced 13,000 thirsty cyclists and not enough beer to go around. His improvised solution—mixing beer with lemonade—created a summer staple that continues to delight drinkers a century later.

The highlight of the tasting comes with Sam Adams' summer variety pack, featuring four distinct brews that demonstrate craft beer's versatility. Their Porch Rocker Lemon Radler and new Blueberry Lager emerge as standout favorites, both delivering authentic fruit flavors without artificial sweetness. This variety pack proves to be a perfect introduction for newcomers to craft beer, offering approachable options that don't sacrifice flavor.

Whether you're looking for something to enjoy after mowing the lawn, while relaxing lakeside, or during a backyard barbecue, this episode provides valuable insights into the lighter side of craft brewing. The hosts' enthusiasm for these summer-friendly options reminds us that good beer isn't defined by high ABV or intense flavors—sometimes, the perfect beer is simply the one that refreshes you on a hot summer day.

Grab something cold from your cooler and join Mike and Jim as they discover that in the craft beer world, there truly is something for everyone, especially when the temperature climbs.

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 northbeerguy@gmail.com.

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.