Beer Freaks

Beer Mountain Life Backpacks founder Chris Gates knows three things: beer, hiking, and backpacks. Well, he probably knows more than that. But just go with it, okay?What are Beer Mountain Backpacks, you ask? Well, it might just be the best damned hiking backpack in the world. That's because it can hold 24 (yes, twenty-f***ing four) beers, along with a bladder for hydration, all while keeping them cold for extended periods of time. It took three years to make. We shit you not.Anyway, we talk about the thing that scares Chris the most, which is murky water (what's lurking in the depths?), as well as some great Sacramento beers. This is a fun one.Cheers!Oh, and check out the backpacks here: https://get.beermountainlife.comSupport the show

Weird beer laws by state, Part #2.#beer #craftbeer #bar #brewery #laws #weirdlaws #beerlaw #liquorlaw #california #florida #illinois #louisiana #maine #newjersey #newyork #nyc #texas #beerfreaks #podcastSupport the show

Weird beer laws by state, Part #1. #beer #craftbeer #bar #brewery #laws #weirdlaws #beerlaw #liquorlaw #alaska #dc #iowa #missouri #nebraska #nevada #newmexico #ohio #vermont #wyoming #beerfreaks #podcastSupport the show

7 deadly sins of ordering a beer at the bar. Of course, none of this matters if you’re okay with being an a**hole. 1. Indecision 2. Arrogance3. Multi-Tasking4. Bargaining 5. Charging6. Small-Splitting7. Surprise Me-ing#beer #brewery #bartender #bartending #bar #etiquette #baretiquette #craftbeer #rules #service #beerfreaks #podcastSupport the show

If the Stanley Cup winner between Vegas and Florida was determined by which city has the best beer. This is an easy one…#beer #craftbeer #brewery #brewing #hockey #stanleycup #vegas #vgk #vegasgoldenknights #goldenknights #florida #miami #bigdogsbrewing #cervecerialatropical #floridapanthers #nhl #beerfreaks #podcast #predictions Support the show

Powdered beer could reduce beer transportation carbon emissions by 90%. But is it any good?#beer #brewing #brewery #craftbeer #powder #beerpowder #sustainability #tech #science #germany #neuzellerklosterbräu #neuzelle #green #beerfreaks #podcast Support the show

Breweries are teaming up with non-beer brands for interesting collaborations. Which of these would you try?#beer #craftbeer #brewing #collab #weirdbeer #weird #frenchsmustard #oskarblues #snyderspretzels #captainlawrence #squattypotty #duclawbrewing #hardees #chucky #elysian #planterspeanuts #noonwhistlebrewing #ihop #dunkindonuts #harpoonbrewery #beerfreaks #podcastSupport the show

Beer, Tech & Data: Amazon can verify your age by scanning your hand at Major League Baseball games. #beer #craftbeer #beernews #amazon #amazonone #coorsfield #rockies #baseball #mlb #tech #data #dataprivacy #ageverification #beerfreaks #podcast Support the show

Yes, THAT Grady Hendrix. New York Times Bestselling Horror Author Grady Hendrix. Writer of Horrorstor, My Best Friend's Exorcism, Paperbacks from Hell, We Sold Our Souls, Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, Final Girl Support Group, and most recently How to Sell a Haunted House Grady Hendrix!We sit down with Grady (over Google Meet) to discuss his books, all of which make us shrivel in fear, laugh, and cry (only because we finish them). Of course, his latest book, How to Sell a Haunted House, was a big topic of conversation, but we promise, no spoilers. But perhaps most importantly, we changed up our standard beer paradigm, this time eschewing local/high-quality/craft beers for some American college classics. Classics like Bud Light, Rolling Rock, Coors, PBR, and Heineken. Why? Because we can. That's why. Well actually, it was because Grady has a nostalgic soft spot for those beers and we thought it would be fun to drink them out of little beer tasters. Something that no one in the history of beer culture has probably ever done. So there's that.So sit back, relax, and enjoy the podcast with one of the best horror and horror/comedy writers of our day. I know we sure as hell did!Support the show

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Over 2,000 cans of Miller High Life are crushed en route to Germany because in the EU you can’t call something “champagne” unless it’s from, well, Champagne. Support the show

These little robots go bobbing for beer!Support the show

For those moments when you want chili but you’re not hungry. Support the show

Just why?Support the show

Much to the delight of three local fishermen! Enjoy the Coors and Blue Moon, boys!Support the show

Most of the lagers we drink today only exist due to this chance meeting in the 17th century. Support the show

Scientists study the intensity of a hangover, beer versus wine!Support the show

We didn’t even know this thing could drink. It’s only like a year old. And it’s a robot. Support the show

Researchers studied post-natural disaster communities to see if breweries would help them fare better. The answer (to us) is not surprising. Support the show

Two Colorado breweries team up with AI technology ChatGPT for CollabFest to design a beer style AND recipe. No word yet on if it was drinkable. Support the show

Beer and stars!Support the show

2023 World Beer Cup Results. 10,000 Beers Sampled in 9 Days? How Are These Guys Alive?...#beer #craftbeer #brewing #worldbeercup #award #stonebrewing #judges #10k #drunk #usa #eu #bestbeers #beerfreaks #beerfreakspodcast #beerfreaksshow #podcastSupport the show

LA Dodger star Mookie Betts refuses to stay at a haunted hotel during a series against the Milwaukee Brewers. See Derek, you’re not alone!Support the show

Well it's official. We have hit the big time. The City of Flagstaff invited us along with prolific Nevada beer journalist and perennial Beer Freaks guest Bob Barnes out to their city to explore the magical world of Flagstaff brewing and space exploration. Yes, they do both.Our phenomenal tour guide, Meg, drove us to several tasty breweries, including Lumberyard, Beaver Street, Mother Road, Wanderlust, Grand Canyon Brewing, and Dark Sky, all within the city limits of the charming city of Flagstaff, most of which were walkable from our downtown accommodations, the very haunted Hotel Monte Vista. And yes, Derek got assigned to the most haunted room in the place.But wait, there's more! Not only did we get to experience the best brews Flagstaff had to offer (and there were too many to recount here), but we also got a VIP tour of Lowell Observatory with Dr. Danielle Adams, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer of the observatory. Our hosts showed and told us all about how Pluto was discovered in Flagstaff, how the city still plays a major role in NASA (step aside, Houston), and how every single human that's ever stepped foot on the moon has spent time training in Flagstaff.This whirlwind trip was an incredible experience from start to finish (except for the unprecedented snowstorm that doubled our drive time) and we can't say enough great things about Flag and the wonderful beer culture, community, and craft they've cultivated in the charming mountain town. You better believe we'll be back soon. And we hope to see you there.Oh, there's one more thing. Because this was our first of hopefully many city tours in the future, we are working on a short film of the experience so that you can virtually come with us as we interview brewers, owners, general managers, and astronomers on this historic occasion. More details to come!Support the show

We considered calling this episode "Bob Barnes 2: Electric Boogaloo" but then decided against it for various reasons. But yes, this is Bob's second visit with us. And it didn't disappoint. Not only did Bob share some impressive facts about Nevada brewing and BrewDog history, but he also shared a few new fears with us which stemmed from the birth of his first grandchild.We also enjoyed a few BrewDog favorites, including the Jet Black Heart Stout and the Light Speed Session IPA. It's officially unofficial. Bob is now our year-in-review correspondent. If you like this episode, just wait for January '24!Support the show

Have you ever heard an eagle cry? GTFO! Really? You have? Oh, no, you were joking. Okay, cool. Well, we got the whole crew from Crying Eagle, including the head brewer Ryan O'Donnell, the brewing crew, the marketers, and of course the beer, and we had them on our podcast. Now I suppose you're wanting to know what beers and fears we talked about? Nope. You'll have to listen this time.QUICK NOTE: The audio is a little quiet because they did the meeting from the brewery. So STFU, listen close, and enjoy.Support the show

A bonus episode? What the hell is that? Well, let us tell you. We spent the first 90 minutes talking with author Brian Asman about his books Man, Fuck This House, Return of the Living Elves, Neo Arcana, and more while drinking several amazing beers from Horus Aged Ales, Able Baker Brewing, and Astronomy Aleworks. And we also talked about his fear, l'appel du vide, or the call of the void.So by the end of the episode, you can imagine that we were pretty tipsy and terrified. But we also wanted to spend some time talking about what it takes to get a book published in the first place. Many people dream of writing and publishing a book. Heck, Stu has one ready to go. Only time will tell if it's good enough to get published. But Brian gives the details on his journey from writing EVERY DAY to finding an agent to landing on bookshelves.So if you've ever considered publishing a novel, horror or otherwise, this is the episode for you.Cheers!Support the show

Well this is a new one for us. For so long, Derek and Stu have brought in brewers and other interesting folks to talk beer and horror. But what about the people who actually spin up the horror for our nightmares? What about the writers who stare into the depths of their souls and create the terror we so love in books and movies?That's why this episode is special! For the first time, we invite a horror author. But not just any horror author. No. Hell no. We invited author of Man, Fuck This House (along with plenty more great works) Brian Asman to our podcast to talk about his writing process, both on the creative and business side, his current projects including a movie and a new Christmas-themed book, Return of the Living Elves, and plenty more. And while we enjoy a few a great beer from Horus Aged Ales and a collaboration between Able Baker Brewing and Astronomy Aleworks, Brian enlightens us on his fear, l'appel du vide, or for those of us that are uncultured and don't speak French, the call of the void. Cheers! Support the show

Phil doesn't mess around when it comes to beer. He even attempted to have the world's biggest global cheers over Zoom in 2020. That's how passionate he is when it comes to craft brews. So we wanted to talk to him about what beer makes him tick, and what fears linger beneath the surface.That's when we found out that Phil Haney's phobias stem from body horror. Particularly, he stays awake at night in fear of amputation and ... having his eyes gauged out. Is that an awfully specific fear? You're damn right it is. Is it totally valid? You bet your ass.Join us for another round of Beer Freaks in all its fun, fear, and fermented goodness. We enjoy Pompeii IPA by Toppling Goliath Brewery out of Iowa and Matame Ahorita by Jolly Pumpkin Artisanal Ales (in collaboration with Anchorage Brewing) from Michigan. Cheers!Support the show

The Las Vegas beer scene is growing, my friends. And North Fifth Brewing is one of the newest players on the scene. Officially the first brewery in North Las Vegas (yes, NLV is its own city), Patrick has turned this once middle of nowhere destination into a mecca of art and science in the brewing world. He draws inspiration from everywhere to make some incredible flavors like the Flor de Mayo West Coast IPA and more, which we thoroughly enjoyed on our show.The one thing Patrick won't do, however, is speak about his beer to a large crowd. Sure he's willing to sit down and do a podcast with the two of us, knowing that all of seven more people will listen. But when it comes to public speaking, Patrick is out. Unless he has a little liquid courage, that is. Join us to hear more about North Fifth Brewing, fear of public speaking, Pepto Bismol, and of course other random shenanigans. Support the show

Exhibit A Brewing is not owned by lawyers. Shocking, right? But they are a brewery out of Massachusetts that knows how to make very good beer and can art. So we asked Matthew Steinberg and Kelsey Roth of Exhibit A Brewing to join us to talk about their awesome beer (including We're Going to Need You to Come in on Saturday Scotch Ale (IYKYK) and Goody Two Shoes Kolsch that is one of the top rated Kolsches (Koschi?) in the country). We hope you enjoy this great episode that covers such topics as how to find good grains for your beer, how many birds Stu could kill before they took him out (hypothetically), and where great ideas for new beer come from.Support the show

Adam Rains is the award-winning Lead Mixologist at the Golden Tiki and he did us the honor of breaking beer (our version of breaking bread) in our studio. First and foremost, we gush a little bit about our San Diego background and shared fandom of the Padres (go #SlamDiego). Then, we talk about Adam's global travels, learning new bar techniques and flavors, bartending in Primm, Nevada, a weird run-in with Mike Tyson, the local beer scene, the moons of Uranus, and his intense claustrophobia. And of course, we drink an incredible collaboration beer, Crypt Bandit DDH Hazy Double IPA made by Thorn Brewing, Beer Zombies, and Mason Aleworks. Cheers!Support the show

They say “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, when you have a podcast in Las Vegas, you’ve got to bring James Manos, founder of Able Baker Brewing, in to have a few drinks and share some stories. In the first of this two part episode, we enjoy Double Barrel Honey Dip Stout and Double Dead Duck & Chris Kael Impale'd Ale while we talk about brewing in Vegas, the up and coming beer scene, and plenty of other things. Enjoy the thrilling conclusion of Able Baker’s James Manos interview!Support the show

They say “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, when you have a podcast in Las Vegas, you’ve got to bring James Manos, founder of Able Baker Brewing, in to have a few drinks and share some stories. In the first of this two part episode, we enjoy Double Barrel Honey Dip Stout and Double Dead Duck & Chris Kael Impale'd Ale while we talk about brewing in Vegas, the up and coming beer scene, and plenty of other things. Then we leave you with a cliffhanger on what his fear actually is. So enjoy part one and stay tuned for part two!Support the show

Yes, you read the title right. Greg Koch. As in co-founder of Stone Brewing. Greg Koch. As in the co-master mind of some of the best hop-forward beers this side of, well, Earth. Arrogant Bastard. Ruination. Enjoy By. Cali Belgique. Frankly, too many to name here. But we could go on. We digress. Greg joins the Beer Freaks Crew to talk about Germany's reinheitsgebot, what drew him and Steve to focus Stone Brewing on hoppy beers, brewing technology and ingredients, rock and roll, and trying his best to keep an open mind and not become a curmudgeon as he gets older and wiser. All this while Derek and Stu enjoy Stone Brewing's Fear Movie Lions (guess why it's called that!) and the new Belgian White, Dayfall. Cheers to some incredible beers, and stories!Support the show

Bob Barnes is a former school teacher turned food and beverage writer in Las Vegas. He's written for Gayot, Vegas Seven, Las Vegas Magazine, Celebrator Beer News, and more. And he's here with us to talk about his very, very specific fear of heights, particularly when his feet are not supported (think ski lift). To help him cope with his very rational fear of falling from such great heights (what up, Postal Service?), we crack open a few Able Baker Infamy 2403s, which happen to be barrel-aged imperial porters. We also spend time talking about the history of the Las Vegas beer scene, which has changed dramatically since the 90s. It's gonna be a fun ride. Keep your hands and (especially) legs inside the cart at all times, Bob!Support the show

Zane Lamprey is a legend (he might kill me for saying that), starring in incredible shows like Three Sheets on the Travel Channel and Spike, Drinking Made Easy on AXS TV, and Have Fork, Will Travel on Food Network, not to mention his podcast and upcoming comedy and brewery tour which is almost guaranteed to be coming to a brewery in your town (seriously, just go to zanelamprey.com to see the tour). And for some very strange reason, he decided to join us on Beer Freaks to talk about his fear of bombing on stage, the sustainability of our environment and planet, his brand Adv3nture, his collaboration beer, and more while we drink some tasty beverages from Offshoot Beer Co. and Marlowe Artisanal Ales. If you don't listen to this episode, there's something wrong with you.Support the show

Chad Letts is a voice over artist. And that’s pronounced “arteest.” He’s done some serious work, including a Super Bowl ad for Mercari. So what’s he doing on our show? Well, other than showing off his sweet pipes, he also wanted to sit down and have a delicious Outer Range Techno Tomboy craft beer with us while talking about his fear of the downfall of culture by means of technology, lack of conversation, and perspective. We talk politics, political correctness, cancel culture and more while enjoying a delicious Techno Tomboy IPA from Outer Range Brewing out of Frisco, Colorado. Oh, and Pat from an earlier episode joined us as a guest host. It was pretty fun. Plus, we got a little boozy. Join us!Support the show

Julio is an amazing dude, veteran, father, husband, and former MMA fighter. But you might know him best from his Instagram handle, @lasvegasbeersnob. This guy knows what's up in the Las Vegas beer community, having appeared at almost all of the most recent brewery openings, bartending at Servehzah on Main Street, and chugging plenty of beers along the way!This episode was a roller coaster. There are ups, where we are all having a blast, talking smack about baseball and beer. Then, there are some downs, when we dive into Julio's military service that has left him with PTSD and the challenges that come along with it. But the good news is that we all had a blast by the end while we enjoyed a beer with amazing can art and even better taste, Mason Ale Works (of course it's another San Diego brewery) Harry and the Sendersons Triple Dry Hopped Hazy Triple IPA with Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy Hops! Support the show

Charlie Peaches is many things. An entrepreneur. A philosopher. A deep thinker. He's worked with multinational, multimillion dollar organizations on strategy consulting for several years now. So it only makes sense that one of his fears is, well, fucking things up. This isn't just about business, it's about all things in life, what could we possibly fuck up today? Something that we can all probably wrap our heads around, right? But don't worry, it's not all business. Because we overcome this fear tonight, at least temporarily, by drinking Odell Brewing's Friek Raspberry Cherry Sour. An interesting beer, to say the least. But that makes sense. Because it's an interesting podcast!Support the show

Emma knows her stuff. In fact, while she might be one of the youngest sommeliers in America, she also knows a thing or two about beer. And we put her to the test. Not only that, but we also had wine on the show for the first time EVER. That's right. Derek and I can class it up sometimes. So don't be alarmed when we know our stuff about wine, too. Oh, and we talk about bugs. Because who isn't afraid of bugs. This is one you don't want to miss.Support the show

John and LeAnne Notabartolo are Las Vegas badasses, and quite possibly the inspiration for the Dos Equis most interesting man in the world. They've done just about everything. They know just about everyone. So we talk with them about their fear of rats and life's purpose, and drink some damn good beer, including one Jon brewed himself. See? Didn't we tell you they do just about everything?Support the show

Père Fouettard (pronounced [pɛʁ fwɛtaʁ]; French for '"Father Whipper" or "Old Man Whipper"') is a character who accompanies Saint Nicholas on his rounds during Saint Nicholas Day (6 December) dispensing lumps of coal and/or beatings to naughty children while St. Nicholas gives gifts to the well behaved.[1] He is known mainly in the far north and eastern regions of France, in the south of Belgium, and in French-speaking Switzerland, although similar characters exist all over Europe (see Companions of Saint Nicholas). This "Whipping Father" was said to bring a whip with him to spank all of the naughty children who misbehaved.Oh and we drink Founders Big Luscious Stout brewed with chocolate and raspberries. 7.8% and full of flavor. Listen to hear more!Support the show

The Winchester House in northern California has captivated the interest of ghost hunters and aficionados for decades. From the dozens of rooms, ever expanding construction, hallways and doors leading to nowhere, and spiritual seances, this unlikely story of the heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune is as captivating as it is bizarre. So enjoy, and crack a Big Dogs Brewing Violent Violet with us as we tell the tale.Support the show

The Dyatlov Pass incident has kept people guessing for decades since the 1950s, so much so that the case has even been reopened. Experienced hikers getting freaked out, leaving their tents in the dead of night during sub-zero temperatures, and getting maimed and murdered by god knows what. But the call was coming from inside the tent, as it seems they all clawed and cut their way out randomly as they were set to sleep for the day. Crazy, crazy stuff. So we sip a great beer in Cascade Brewing's Cranberry Sour and talk about all of the facts, and then all of the crazy theories that are out there, from hallucinatory reindeer piss to the abominable snowman, and everything in between.Support the show

This episode is particular fun for us because not only are we talking about the creepy and mysterious disappearance of the settlers on Roanoke Island (just off the coast of North Carolina), but we are also finishing the #ColoradoWeirdBeerChallenge. That's right, we drink a beer infused with carrots, as well as a beer with a hybrid of weisse and bock styles. This is one you don't want to miss!Support the show