This Beer Has Balls

This Beer Has Balls

Author: Craft Beer Republic March 18, 2026 Duration: 34:05

Welcome in to the bat cave of craft beer. Greg is drinking free beer and it actually holds up, Flex is deep into his no-drinking stretch and catching heat for it, and Fontana Jim comes in hot with a full rules breakdown. There are some big brewery moves, a new segment featuring a beer made with bull testicles, and a reminder that DoorDashing champagne to a kid’s birthday party is always an option.

Beers We’re Drinking:

  1. Greg is drinking Dad Strength IPA from Dad Strength Brewing, a low-calorie West Coast IPA with a light body and piney bite.

Flex is nearly a month into no drinking and realizing warm weather, snow days, and productivity all feel like they should come with a beer, while Greg is out here DoorDashing champagne to a family party like it’s completely normal. Fontana Jim checks in just to absolutely unload on Flex for his version of Lent, which leads to a full debate about whether Sundays count and if any of it matters anyway. And thanks to Scott, Greg introduces a new segment involving beers with gross origins, which quickly turns into a full conversation about eating bull testicles with zero hesitation from Flex.

Booze News:

  1. Sycamore Brewing reopens as Club West after ownership change
  2. Tilray deal closes 38 BrewDog bars and cuts hundreds of jobs
  3. Half Acre and Maplewood merge into Chicago beverage company
  4. Michigan moves to raise ABV cap on canned cocktails

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Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

Craft Beer Republic: CraftBeerRepublic.com

  1. Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublic
  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
Flex: Part Time Scientist, Full Time Hunk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
Grab your holiday beers; it’s time to celebrate! Deb joins us to help spread the holiday spirit and talk about Friendsmas, the dropping of the Yule Log, hot tub shenanigans, beer prices, and the worst beers of 2022.-Flex…
The Best Hops & A Case of the Lingus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
Have you ever had the lingus? The Dream Team has been reassembled, as Deb hangs with Flex and Greg. We’re talking about Deb’s new website, drinking in a ballpark, coffee science, the best brewery buyouts, great hops, and…
Malibu Brewing Company [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:13
Greetings from Malibu, CA! Greg had the opportunity to sit with the Malibu Brewing Company crew. Ryan Ahrens is the co-owner and co-founder (with Jill Ahrens), and Chas Cloud is the brewmaster.-The recent winners at the…
What Does Sour Beer Smell Like? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:11
Does sour beer have a smell? Beergirl Melissa stops in to hang out and convince us to have a "CBR After Dark" version of the podcast. We're also talking about the sober world cup, Thanksgiving aftermath, the grossest-loo…
Chunked Out of Your Bean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:12
Gobble gobble, tap heads! Coley is back, and we’re talking about dangerous drinking activities, brewery sellouts, hanging out with moose, drunken teachers, and free beer!-Coley brought Greg a delicious can of Jelly Not J…
Don't Drink and Cop, You Might Spill Your Beer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:28
Coley makes her triumphant return to the cool kids club. We’re talking about weekend beer research, upcoming interviews and beer collaborations, the effects of day drinking, situational beers, brewery closures, and drunk…
I’m Not Drunk, The Ghost Made Me Do It! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
Spencer is back for another week of abuse. The crew is talking about brewery concerts, meeting up with gram friends, the most annoying thing while working at a brewery, buying drinks for people, fake IDs, and blaming gho…
Breaking! Greg Drinks Pumpkin Beer and Lives! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:27
Good gourd, is it still pumpkin season? MadeWest Cellarman and all-around nice guy Spencer drops in to talk about what’s happening at MadeWest, and all the new beer he’s making. The crew also talks about the worst candy…
The Roll Tide Remix & Autumn Seltzers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:23
What do you think is the worst candy? Halloween season is upon us, and we are drinking ZERO pumpkin beers! Trillium is selling their brewery, Flex is influencing new breweries, Bud light Seltzers just got worse, Greg is…
Cargo Shorts Were Made For Drinking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:28
Erica stops in to celebrate Nosh-toberfest! We’re talking about the Surf n Suds beer festival, Erica’s Aftershock aftermath, sneaking booze in sunscreen bottles, and hangover recovery times. -Erica is drinking Rocktoberf…