This Hop Deserves Better

This Hop Deserves Better

Author: Craft Beer Republic August 20, 2025 Duration: 43:37

Belly up, beer friends! This week we’re raising a glass (a black one, no less) to beer research, 90s nostalgia, and the fine art of being pleasantly hydrated. Greg’s got beef with hazy IPA ratings, Flex lets the Tongue-jobber run wild, and Erica schools us on peak beach beer game. Also, Oktoberfest vibes are already rolling in, and someone might’ve confessed to loving banana Runts. Might’ve. There’s a whole lot of laughing, a little education, and a surprising amount of cargo short appreciation. Grab a beer, open your mind, and maybe skip the Irish car bomb.

Beer’s We’re Drinking:

  • Greg is drinking Infinite Universe by Everywhere Brewing x Tripping Animals — soft mouthfeel, white grape vibes, chuggably smooth.
  • Flex cracks open Rabbit by Trillium — classic West Coast, citrusy with a light malt bite, but no fireworks.
  • Erica sips Peaked in the 90s by Movement Brewing x Altamont — peachy haze, crushable nostalgia in a can.

Denver takes the crown as our top listening city (what’s up, Mile High homies!), and the crew dives headfirst into Oktoberfest feels—minus any actual travel to Munich. Erica channels the ‘90s with beer and smiley faces, Flex has childhood flashbacks involving Trillium cans, and Greg invents a whole new beer-tasting experience involving mystery glasses and fancy wine logic.

We also learn important life lessons: banana Runts are divisive, black glass tastings make beer nerds feel classy, and sometimes the best way to enjoy a slim can is just to imagine you’re being healthy. Also, yes—you can fit two in your cargo shorts. Probably three if you try.

Booze News:

  • Diageo CEO Steps Down Amid Ongoing Guinness Sale Rumors
  • Wiseacre Acquires Bearded Iris — Home Style now with Memphis flair
  • Tilray Bleeds Billions in “Accounting” — $1.4B “oops” blamed on dreams of cannabis legalization
  • The 16 Drunkest Countries in the World. 

Erica: NeckNosh.com

Instagram: @Neck_Nosh_LLC

Flex: Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer

Craft Beer Republic: CraftBeerRepublic.com



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
Last Man Drinking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:46
Greg and Flex are back with a malty adventure, diving into Oktoberfest brews and wild tales. From a spontaneous trivia night at a German beer hall to a boozy bender at Dave & Buster’s, the guys have plenty of laughs and…
What You Gonna Do, When This Beer Hits You?! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:05
Welcome to Craft Beer Republic! Greg and Flex are back and ready to dive into their latest beer escapades, including Flex’s quest for the ultimate Oktoberfest beer. The guys catch up on brewery visits, share some hilario…
Uber Confessions and Oktoberfest Obsessions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:25
Greg and Flex are back at it with the help of Erica, bringing all the craft beer fun and some questionable party advice. This week, Flex tackles some serious Oktoberfest research, the crew debates the highs and lows of b…
Yeah, It's An IPA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:21
Prepare for some beer-fueled chaos as Greg and Flex tackle everything from home renovation nightmares to the sacred art of finding the perfect taco guy. They’re diving deep into Oktoberfest beers, reminiscing about parti…
Put Your Shorts On, We're Going for Beers! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:47
Batch 421: This week on Craft Beer Republic, Greg, Flex, and Mel dive into the decline of beer festivals—is the party over, or is everyone just too cool to show up? Greg talks about getting a wakeboarding concussion beca…
Sour Sips and Slalom Canoes: An Olympic-Sized Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:41
In this episode of Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex deliver a mix of comedy and craft beer insights that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Greg shares his recent work trip to, including some hilarious strateg…
5 Alcohols Please [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:02
In this episode of The Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex, aka Captain Milwaukee, dive into a mix of hilarious and intriguing topics. They explore quirky liquor laws like the 9 AM booze ban, share stories from their rece…
They're Just Lagering Their Lagers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:01
Join us on this week's Craft Beer Republic as we travel from the Fresh Coast to the heart of St. Louis, where Flexy faces his demons at the Budweiser brewery and discovers the disappointingly tasty side of Budweiser. Dis…
The Flex of July: A Beer Bash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:02
In this lively episode of Craft Beer Republic, Greg and Flex dive into their latest beer adventures, including Flex's birthday celebrations, a whirlwind brewery tour with friends, and a hilarious story about setting a fr…
Craft Beer Road Trip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:42
Join us for a hilariously chaotic episode of Craft Beer Republic! Greg, Nicole, and surprise guest Vanessa dive into their latest beer adventures, hangover cures, and the art of getting kicked out of bars. From Vanessa’s…