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
Batch114: Renegade Brewing Company's Brian O’Connell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Cheers to the Denver beer lovers! This week, Greg is on a road trip to Denver and he's talking with Brian O’Connell, founder of Renegade Brewing. Renegade has been around since 2011 and is turning out some amazing beer.G…
Batch113: Lord Hobo Glorious Pale Ale & Home-brewed Beer Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
Cheers to all the Glorious listeners! We are conducting some important beer science on some of Greg's home-brew: it's two beers with the same recipe but different yeasts (super nerdy). Greg talks about his trip to Smog C…
Batch111: Summer Beer Reviews from Around the Globe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:33
Cheers summer beer lovers! Before summer comes to an end, we wanted to review our favorite beers of summer 2018 and find out what some of our beer friends have been drinking. Scott brings in and reviews Racer 5 IPA from…
Batch110: Eppig Brewing's Stephanie Eppig & Nathan Stephens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
Cheers San Diego beer lovers! This week, Greg is on a road trip down to beer city aka San Diego and he is talking with Eppig Brewing Company's co-owner Stephanie Eppig and head brewer Nathan Stephens. Eppig Brewing has a…
Batch108: Avery Brewing Go Play IPA & Abita Brewing  Hop-On Pale Ale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:45
Cheers hop heads! We're fresh off a weekend of staying hydrated. Our beer of the week is Avery Brewing Company's Go Play IPA, provided to us by listener Mike.Greg stayed very hydrated on some amazing beer for his birthda…