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
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…