500 Beers Later

500 Beers Later

Author: Craft Beer Republic February 25, 2026 Duration: 47:32

500 episodes of craft beer and somehow we’re still here. Greg cracks open the IPA that started his craft beer obsession, Flex rolls the dice on way too much tangerine, and Vanessa is handing out drunk Buc-ee’s tours. We do a little episode 500 reflecting, remember the good times, and talk about what craft beer might look like 500 episodes from now (in the year 2000). We’ve also got drunk dentists, drunk drivers hopping away, and Georgia breweries fighting for the right to party (and sell more of their own beer.)

Beers We’re Drinking:

  1. Greg is drinking IPA 395 from Mammoth Brewing Company, a 7.2% old school West Coast IPA with sage, juniper, and dank citrus throwback vibes.
  2. Flex is drinking Tangerine Jams from Brix City Brewing, an 8% milkshake style double IPA with tangerine, vanilla, Citra, and Mosaic.

Episode 500 turns into a little memory lane as Greg and Flex try to remember their first beers on the show, debate how beer trends might swing back around in another decade, and admit that some of their favorite moments never even made it to air, including an unhinged Fraggle Rock bit. Greg shares a Valentine’s Day Buc-ee’s field report that turned into a drunk walking tour, while Flex talks about actually going to the doctor like a responsible adult and realizing that healthy by default is no longer a thing. Both the guys did a little research and live to tell the tale.

Booze News:

  1. Heineken 0.0 adds cold pressed lime and nectarine juniper because apparently NA beer is just juice now
  2. Bend breweries unite under the new Oregon Beverage Collective
  3. Real American Beer drops Hulk Hogan from packaging and says it hits different
  4. Georgia craft brewers push to loosen sales limits and shake up the three tier system
  5. Iowa dentist reinstated after allegedly performing a root canal at .158 BAC
  6. Man in a Kia Soul allegedly hits 100 mph while drunk, then hops around during arrest

Follow your favorite beer podcast on the socials:

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

Craft Beer Republic: CraftBeerRepublic.com

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  2. Facebook: CraftBeerRepublicPod
  3. Threads: CraftBeerRepublic
  4. Voicemail: (805) 538-2337

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There's a certain magic that happens when a great beer meets a good story, and that's the space where you'll find Craft Beer Republic. More than just a tasting notes rundown, this weekly conversation feels like pulling up a stool in a friendly taproom. Each episode, released every Wednesday, dives into the vibrant world of craft brewing with a genuine curiosity for what makes a pour memorable. You'll get a thoughtful breakdown of the latest releases and essential industry news, but the heart of the podcast lies in the conversations. The hosts regularly sit down with the brewers, innovators, and passionate characters who are shaping the landscape, uncovering the personal journeys and creative science behind your favorite labels. It’s for anyone who appreciates the craft, whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore beyond the familiar. Tune in for a blend of analysis, humor, and community that celebrates not only the beverage in your glass but the culture and connection it fosters. This is a podcast built on the idea that every beer has a narrative waiting to be shared, making each listen a new discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 403

Craft Beer Republic
Podcast Episodes
Batch285: There’s a First Time for Every Beer Lover [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:56
What is the slang du jour? It's the slang of the day. Mmm, that sounds good. I'll have that...Necknosh's salty captain, Erica, stops in to hang with Flex and Greg as they talk about playing with sharp objects, beer turne…
Batch284: Hoppy New Year & Exploding Beers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:30
Ever drink too much in a strange city and wake up with no idea what happened? Erica, the Pretzel Queen, drops by to get the New Year’s party started with Flex and Greg. The group talks about exploding party beers, New Ye…
Batch283: Christmas Beer, Holiday Cheer, and a Happy Chew Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:21
Have you ever gotten drunk at a holiday party, gone to a gentleman's club, and ended up making your sister cry? Beergirl Melissa drops in to hang with Flex and Greg. The group is ringing in the holidays with their favori…
Batch282: Healthy Beers and Hoppy Home-brews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:11
Are you a lover of advent calendars and homebrew?Chris Braaten, the host of I Like to Like Things, stops by to share his homebrew with Coley and Greg. The crew also talks about their love (and hate) of advent calendars,…
Batch281: Getting Drunk From Near Beer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:56
Pro tip: it’s tough to get drunk from near beer. Intern Brian is back to provide some pro bono work to the Republic. We’re also talking about mixing alcohol, being given free beer, the world running out of booze, and rec…
Batch280: New Thanksgiving Traditions & The Perfect Beer Algorithm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:30
Not following the Flex Algorithm when buying beers can really get you in trouble. Intern Brian stops in to provide some pro bono work as the group talks about Thanksgiving hangovers, how to make eggnog even worse, and Co…
Batch279: Is There Anything Worse Than Eggnog? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:11
Grab your turkey and your festive beers; it’s time to prepare for the holidays! Coley hangs out with Flex and Greg as they discuss the best boozy holiday beverage, stocking up on drinks for the holidays, and Thanksgiving…
Batch278: Hangovers for Adults and Fast Food Booze [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:21
Ever have one of those hangovers that remind you how old you are? Coley joins Flex and Greg to talk about taking full advantage of Sunday Funday, going to breweries to drink for a cause, the importance of lunch beers, fa…
Batch277: Beer Trips, Secret Bars, and Sober Dancing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:33
The Dream Team is back, baby! Deb is back to hang out with Flex and Greg to review an Illinois beer, and a California brewery with the best can art. The trio also talk about beer road trips, hunting down beer on family v…
Batch276: BOO! That Beer is Out of This World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
Grab your costumes, space suits, and tongue jobbers; it’s time to join the republic! Deb stops by to complete the dream team and talk about drink-or-treating and Halloween hangovers, a beer that traveled to space and bac…