A can that drinks like a cellar whale, a pastry porter that reads like a dessert menu, and a vanilla-forward barleywine that raises a simple question: at what point does “more” become “too much”? We pulled up five heavy hitters, welcomed two fresh palates to keep us honest, and let the barrels do the talking. From the peppery edge of a rye-aged Belgian quad to the silk and warmth of 18-year Elijah Craig influence, the spread made one theme impossible to ignore—balance beats bombast.

We kick off with 3 Sheeps Veneration, thin in body yet aromatic, where figs and molasses lead and cinnamon whispers. Then The Wolf stalks in, proving that a 12-ounce can can absolutely carry bottle-worthy gravitas. It’s rich, integrated, and smooth at altitude, earning multiple beer-of-the-year nods on the spot. Forager’s Space Goggles and Otter Z arrive with ambitious labels—almonds, cacao, astronaut ice cream, and a world tour of vanilla—but the table wrestles with sweetness, chalky finishes, and whether marketing outpaces flavor focus. A late pivot to Central Waters Vanilla Bean Stout offers a cleaner, thinner profile that newcomers find approachable, even as the bourbon burn peeks through.

Along the way we challenge myths (no, not all sours pucker and not all stouts taste like coffee and ash), talk distribution realities for small breweries, and map where the market may head: fewer breweries, stronger programs, and more barrel-aged experimentation beyond the usual stouts. The biggest insight comes from our newbies—they call out when a beer lingers in the wrong ways, reminding us that clarity and structure win over sugar load every time. If you’re stocking up, look for trusted barrel programs and labels that promise precision, not just volume.

Enjoy the ride? Follow the show, share this episode with a beer friend, and drop your pick for top pour—we nominated The Wolf. What’s yours?

Send a text

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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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.

A pirate theme, a cooler of local cans, and a fresh palate in the room—this tasting sails straight into what makes craft beer fun. We crack open seven Skeleton Crew Brew beers from Onalaska, Wisconsin and put them through our no-nonsense scoring: a classic blonde, three fruit-forward cream ales (blueberry, peach, coconut), a salted caramel porter, a malt-friendly amber, and a honey nut brown that surprised us with balance and warmth. Jay, new to the craft scene, joins us to offer a beginner’s take while we weigh the flavors, finishes, and whether these are truly “lawnmower beers” or something you’d order twice.

What stood out most? Accuracy. Each can tastes like its name—blueberry without sour bite, peach with a smooth finish, coconut that lands without sunscreen, and a porter where caramel finally shows up. We talk about why that matters for trust, how subtle styles can still shine, and where these ABV-friendly beers fit in a real-life rotation. Between pours, we dig into 2025 craft beer trends and data: closures edging openings but signaling stabilization, non-alcoholic options gaining ground, the end of the THC loophole, and a return to balanced, “beer-flavored beer” that favors clarity over shock value.

If you’ve ever stared at a crowded cooler wondering what won’t let you down, this session is your map. We share straight scores, quick notes you can use at the taproom, and a few hot takes on niches, hybrids, and what keeps us coming back. Have a Skeleton Crew favorite we missed or a local gem we should try next? Subscribe, share with a beer-loving friend, and drop your must-taste pick in a review—we’ll put it on the list.

Send a text

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.

Ever crack a winter beer that promises cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, and coffee… then wonder where the flavor went? We lined up eight seasonal cans—four Lift Bridge Fireside Flannel variants and four from the Sam Adams Winter Break pack—to separate festive marketing from what actually hits your palate. We dig into aroma, mouthfeel, finish, and label accuracy, and we’re honest about which ones deliver comfort by the fire and which ones fade before the swallow.

We start with Lift Bridge’s flannel concept, using the base Brown Ale as a control before tasting Coffee, S’mores, and Peanut Butter. Expect quick notes on roast and marshmallow that vanish too fast, a surprising peanut butter aroma with longer carry, and a shared dryness in the finish that keeps these variants more approachable than exciting. That makes them easy for new craft drinkers, but light for fans chasing bold winter flavors.

Then we switch to Sam Adams. Winter Lager drinks smooth and clean yet hides its ginger and clementine peel; Winter White Ale finally gets the holiday vibe right with real cinnamon and nutmeg presence and a bright, low‑IBU profile. Old Fezziwig, a spiced brown ale promising toffee and caramel, lands softer than the label suggests, while Cold Brew Coffee Stout hints at espresso warmth without the punch some stout fans expect. Throughout, we thread in quick beer history—from Anchor’s Christmas Ale to medieval monks and wassail—to show how seasonal traditions shaped today’s expectations.

If you want a party‑friendly, reliable pick, Winter White Ale is our top recommendation; crowd‑pleasers who value smooth finishes may still like Winter Lager. Curious about brown‑ale variants? Peanut Butter Flannel is the most expressive in the Lift Bridge pack, with S’mores as a fun, fleeting sip. Press play for straight talk, a few laughs, and clear winners for your winter fridge. If you enjoy the show, follow, share with a beer‑loving friend, and drop your favorite seasonal in the comments—what should we review next?

Send us a text

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.

A quick detour turned into a full-on craft beer adventure at Crossroads Brewery in O’Fallon, Missouri. We teamed up with Spencer from Maybe An Interview to taste through two flights that covered the spectrum: an easygoing American Pale Ale, a smooth Midwest IPA, a restrained smoked porter, and a surprisingly balanced ESB that proves “bitter” is a misleading name. Then we stepped into the deep end with an oatmeal stout and a trio of barrel-aged Belgians—two quads and a strong dark ale—that showed how dark fruit, candi sugar, and barrel character evolve as the beer warms.

What stood out most was how approachable everything felt. The Midwest IPA delivered hop aroma without the bite. The smoked porter gave us malt depth with a gentle wisp of smoke instead of a campfire blast. One barrel-aged quad popped with cherry-like notes, while another leaned into a richer, bourbon-tinged profile. We talked serving temps, why 50 to 54 degrees can unlock hidden layers, and how to build a simple, repeatable rating scale so your tasting notes stay useful.

The finale arrived off-menu: caramel macchiato and hazelnut praline stouts at 12.1% that were silky, balanced, and dangerously drinkable. For a guest raised on light lagers, it was a revelation—proof that dark beer doesn’t have to be heavy, and high ABV doesn’t have to taste hot. If you’ve ever judged a beer by its color or a style by its name, this tasting will change your mind. Come for the curiosity, stay for the flavor journey, and leave with a shortlist of styles to try next.

If you enjoyed the ride, follow the show, share this episode with a friend who “doesn’t like dark beer,” and leave a quick review—your support helps more people find great beer.

Send us a text

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.

A quick beer run turned into a full-on discovery. On our way to grab Barrel Society releases at 3 Sheeps, we swung into Fond du Lac Beer Company and found a revived 1800s-era space, a friendly crew, a legit kitchen, and nine house beers begging for a proper tasting. So we did what any self-respecting beer nerds would do: ordered the full flight and took notes.

We start with a smooth, approachable New England IPA showcasing Sabro, then move into Project Amber 1.5, a clean, malt-forward American amber with gentle toast and a balanced finish. For Kolsch Sake keeps things crisp and classic, while Basic Witch pushes a grown-up pumpkin profile that leans spice over sugar. Hop heads will appreciate Mo Citra Pale Ale for its mosaic-citra combo and Midwest-soft finish. The Lighthouse Blonde is a faithful warm-weather pint, and the Raspberry Lighthouse version adds real fruit tartness and a touch of creaminess that tastes like fresh berries, not candy. Hodge Podge, a 3.4% mild, proves session beers can carry flavor, and the Pure Vanilla Porter closes with vanilla, dark chocolate, and a subtle baker’s chocolate edge that keeps it from turning syrupy.

Beyond the glasses, we dig into the building’s story—from historic brewery roots to modern renovation—and why the taproom feels welcoming and ready for long afternoons, especially when those big doors roll open in summer. The food deserves a shout: artisan sandwiches, wraps, and fries that make you forget the usual “bar food” cliches. If you’re mapping a Wisconsin beer route, this stop belongs on it.

Like what you hear? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who loves a good flight, and leave a quick review to help more beer fans find us.

Send us a text

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.

Twelve pours, one taproom, and more surprises than we expected. We posted up at Fat Hill Brewing in Mason City and worked through a full lineup that stretches from honey kolsch and American wheat to a Belgian golden strong and multiple barrel-aged experiments. Along the way, we found out which styles shine with nuance, which beers could use more punch, and how a peach brandy barrel can turn a familiar base into something quietly special.

We kick off with approachable crowd-pleasers—clean, easy, and perfect for macro converts—before the robust porter resets the bar with roast, cocoa, and a satisfying dark-chocolate edge. Hop heads get a double feature: a West Coast IPA that avoids the swampy “dank” trap and a hazy NEIPA that lands juicy and low in bitterness, great for listeners who love fruit-forward hops without palate fatigue. If you’re chasing complexity, the Belgian golden strong steals the spotlight with expressive yeast character and a deceptively smooth 11.9% ABV.

Then the barrels arrive. A Chardonnay barrel hibiscus saison brings a delicate mix of French oak, soft vanilla, and a subtle vinous finish—surprisingly sessionable at 6%. The Russian imperial stout and its bourbon-barrel variant lean smooth over aggressive, favoring cocoa and espresso notes rather than heat. The wildcard champion: a peach brandy double honey kolsch with toasted oak, restrained fruit, and just enough sweetness to feel plush without going candied.

By the end, we name our must-try picks, map an ideal flight order for first-time visitors, and share a few local backstory nuggets that connect Fat Hill to the broader Mason City and Clear Lake beer scene. Like guided tastings, balanced beers, and honest scores? Pull up a stool with us. If you enjoyed this tasting tour, follow the show, share it with a beer-loving friend, and drop your top three Fat Hill pours in a review—we’ll shout out our favorites next time.

Send us a text

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.

Five rare blends. Twenty-two finalists. One crown. We crack open a vertical of Firestone Walker Anniversary ales and use them as the perfect lens to examine what makes a barrel-aged beer truly special: thoughtful blending, patient aging, and clarity of intent. With winemakers shaping the components and ratios, each Firestone bottle tells a story—bourbon, brandy, and tequila barrels playing supporting roles while stouts, barleywines, and wheat wines harmonize into a single, seamless voice.

We start by revisiting past champions and the standards they set, then dig into the 2025 field. Central Waters stands out for radical transparency—naming barrels and months—and shows how extra time in Heaven Hill can turn heat into harmony. Prairie brings pastry done right, where banana foster, marshmallow, and Mexican chocolate ride roast and oak instead of sugar. Boulevard surprises with an ice-distilled imperial brown that climbs to 18.2% ABV without going hot. Cross’s Feathered Drumline proves rye barrels can be bold and balanced. Through it all, we keep a close eye on how barrel provenance, blend composition, and aging windows shape mouthfeel, finish, and drinkability.

Our Firestone tasting offers a masterclass. The 24th is plush cocoa and marshmallow; the 25th threads in a tasteful tequila shimmer; the 26th adds a wine-kissed dryness that lifts the profile; the 27th pivots with a Munich wine twist; and the 28th shows promise that time will likely unlock. When the dust settles, we name our top three for 2025 and tip an honorable mention to the pumpkin barrel-aged standout that refuses to be a novelty.

If you love barrel-aged beer—or want to learn how to choose bottles with confidence—this one’s for you. Listen, compare your notes to ours, then tell us your winner. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves big beers, and drop a review so more beer nerds can find the show. Cheers to warm campfires and cold beers.

Send us a text

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.

Ever cracked a can and thought, wait… is that Thanksgiving stuffing? We did—and it actually worked. We set out to spotlight one small brewery and ended up with nine distinct beers from Thesis Beer Project in Rochester that never once felt phoned in. From a pastry-leaning sour bursting with blood orange and marshmallow, to a clean, easygoing American light lager, we found flavor dialed in rather than cranked up to chaos.

We dig into BOOM!, a grape-lemon fruited sour that pours purple and avoids the candy trap; a smooth Meantime Kölsch for session seekers; and Stuffed, the stovetop stuffing-inspired kölsch with thyme and sage that tastes exactly like the side dish without going gimmicky. Tuba Nanas Hefeweizen keeps the clove classic and the finish crisp, while Thesis Pieces—an impressive peanut butter blonde—lands real peanut character without the chalky powder. If you love peanut butter beers, this one deserves a spot on your list.

For malt fans, Plot Armor brings an imperial red ale with a restrained smoky note and a whisper of rye that drinks clean at 8%. Hop heads get Uptown Overlord, a hazy double IPA with Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic that’s soft, juicy, and surprisingly approachable for IPA skeptics. Along the way, we compare styles, talk flavor choices, and call out who should try what: lager lovers, sour doubters, and IPA newcomers included.

If you’re planning a brewery run in Minnesota, put Thesis Beer Project on your map. Their throughline is simple and rare: intentional flavor across styles, from light and crisp to bold and hazy. Listen for the scores, the standouts, and the one beer that became a table-wide conversation starter. Enjoy the tasting, share it with a beer friend, and subscribe for our upcoming beer-of-the-year picks and more flavor-forward finds.

Send us a text

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.