Another Reason to Drink – Details, episodes & analysis

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Two holiday beers, one wild night. We crack open a chocolate peppermint bark stout that drinks like grown-up cocoa, then tackle an 11% cherry Belgian strong ale dressed up with a champagne cork—and yes, we found glass shards in two corks. That surprise detour turns into a quick safety PSA, an email to the brewery, and practical tips for opening corked beer bottles without bleeding on your bar towel. Once the adrenaline fades, we dig into tasting notes: how peppermint plays with stout without getting cloying, why the cherry tartness lands like a well-made sour, and how serving temp and glassware can make or break a high-gravity holiday ale.

Between pours we trade stories from the home front: a washer on its last spin, the illusion of Black Friday savings after hoses and delivery fees, and the humble joy of finally doing laundry in peace. Then the conversation shifts to seasonal comfort watches. A Christmas Story still owns our hearts, Elf charms a new generation, and the Die Hard-as-Christmas-movie debate refuses to die. We riff on rewatchable pillars—Heat, Tombstone, Gladiator, 300, Red Dawn, The Lost Boys, Goonies—and why some films stop your channel surfing cold.

We also keep a promise to our future selves: get screened. If you’re 50 or older, book the colonoscopy. We share what the prep really feels like, why the overnight “sprint” is worth it, and how early detection changes outcomes. Final scores: peppermint stout lands at a confident 9 for balanced cocoa and mint; the cherry Belgian strong ale settles at 9 once it chills and opens up in a chalice. If you want holiday beer reviews with edge, movie nostalgia with teeth, and a little real-life wisdom between laughs, pour a glass and hang with us.

Enjoyed the ride? Follow, rate five stars, and share with a friend who needs a new winter beer or a fresh Christmas watchlist. Your reviews help more listeners find the show.

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A silky oatmeal cream pie stout that surprises with balance. An 11% tiramisu coffee stout that seduces with cocoa and espresso but leans sweet. And a brewery road story that proves awards can’t fix bad hospitality, while a friendly bar down the street can turn an average pint into a memorable night. That’s the ride we take as we crack open Whole Hog’s 8% Imperial Stout and Saunder’s OTTO brewed with Script Coffee, weighing keepers versus one-and-dones and where each beer truly shines.

We start with the Wisconsin-made oatmeal cream pie stout: a clean, drinkable imperial that leads with toasted oats, chocolate, and a whisper of maple-caramel. It’s not sticky, not heavy, and the alcohol hides well, making it stout-season friendly for people who usually avoid dessert bombs. Then we shift gears to OTTO, the 11% coffee dessert sipper. Expect big espresso, cocoa powder tiramisu vibes, and a sweetness that asks for a small pour. It’s impressive in craft and body, but best as a post-dinner treat rather than a go-to fridge stock.

Midway, we unpack an Indianapolis brewery detour: wall-to-wall awards and a superb pumpkin ale bruised by a surly bartender. Moments later, a second spot greets us with warmth, helpful recs, and even a free beer for an Untappd check-in—proof that service can raise or sink your tasting memory as much as the beer. We also test a new studio feel by recording without headphones, slip into winter talk—first snow, leaf piles, holiday lights—and map out coming Christmas beer picks.

If you’re hunting winter stout recommendations, this one’s for you: keep the Whole Hog Oatmeal Cream Pie on hand for smooth, balanced sipping; save the tiramisu coffee stout for dessert flights and small glasses. Hit play, rate your favorite pour, and tell us the next cold-weather stout we should try. Subscribe, share with a beer-loving friend, and drop a review to help more drinkers find the show. Cheers.

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Fall beer season has officially arrived, and we're celebrating with a deep dive into two exceptional seasonal brews that captured our attention. The Bent Run Amber Ale from Warren, PA packs a perfect balance of toffee notes and drinkability at 5.8% ABV, while Shiner's Oktoberfest delivers a surprisingly smooth experience that challenges our usual preference for pumpkin beers.

Rick takes us on a culinary adventure, recounting his camping experiment with hot honey garlic scallops and ramen on a Blackstone griddle. Despite the challenges of finding proper sea scallop medallions and the patience required to steam ramen outdoors, the result was worth every minute. This cooking tale transitions naturally into discussions about the joys of fall camping and the approaching leaf season, which forecasters predict will arrive early this year.

The conversation wanders into hilarious territory during "Ricky's Bad Choices" segment, where road trip adventures and hypothetical scenarios have us in stitches. We debate the merits of various brewing techniques, smartphone etiquette in public restrooms (spoiler alert: never put your phone on a bathroom floor), and plans to explore dispersed camping sites near the Allegheny Mountains. 

Whether you're team Oktoberfest or team Pumpkin, this episode captures that magical feeling of embracing seasonal flavors while enjoying cooler temperatures. Join us next week as we continue our journey through fall's finest brews and maybe even sample some of the pumpkin offerings that are starting to appear on shelves everywhere. 

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Remember that perfect summer day when everything tasted better? That's exactly what we captured in this episode when we cracked open a Blueberry Lemon Shandy from Saugatuck Brewing Company. This Michigan-made marvel transported us straight to flavor paradise with its authentic blueberry profile that had us reminiscing about childhood cereals and carefree summer days. Not too sweet, not artificial - just pure, refreshing blueberry goodness that earned our coveted perfect 10 rating.

But summer isn't always sunshine and rainbows, as we learned with our second tasting. The Rocket Pop Sour from High Wire Brewing promised nostalgic popsicle flavors but delivered something closer to melted popsicle water from the bottom of a cooler. With minimal carbonation and an identity crisis that left us questioning what makes a beer truly "sour," this disappointing 5/10 experience proved that creative concepts don't always translate to satisfying sips.

Between tastings, we swap stories about weekend golfing adventures, camping mishaps, and the peculiar behavior of aging dogs with digestive issues. Our "Ricky's Bad Choices" segment ventures into morally questionable territory with questions about sleeping in empty graves for cash and whether we'd crush children's Santa dreams for money. We also bond over our shared hatred of extended warranty phone scams and reminisce about the friend dynamics of bar-hopping in our younger days.

Whether you're seeking your next favorite summer beer or just want to hang with friends who tell it like it is, this episode delivers honest reviews, genuine laughs, and the occasional cautionary tale about what happens when your beer tastes like glue. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us about your favorite summer brews – we're always thirsty for recommendations!

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What happens when friends gather over specialty beers and start sharing unfiltered thoughts about everything from BBQ sauce experiments to golf adventures? This episode captures the authentic camaraderie that makes craft beer tasting so enjoyable.

First up, we dive into Narragansett Lager, a Rhode Island classic dating back to 1890. At 5% ABV and just 12 IBU, this smooth, uniquely flavored beer earns high praise as an excellent "everyday drinker" that's perfect for those hot summer days. Both hosts award it a solid 9/10, appreciating its distinctive character that somewhat resembles Red Stripe but with its own personality.

The conversation takes a culinary turn as Rick shares his weekend adventure making homemade Cherry Bourbon BBQ sauce. From smoking jalapeños to the tedious process of hand-pitting cherries (a task he vows never to repeat), the detailed account of his cooking experiment reveals both triumphs and challenges. Despite using two cups of bourbon and plenty of peppers, achieving the perfect heat level proved elusive – though the sauce still earned rave reviews when paired with "poor man's burnt ends."

Our second tasting features Tired Hands' Double Watermelon Milkshake IPA (9% ABV), which sparks a fascinating discussion about expectations versus reality. Despite its "milkshake" designation, this beer surprises with its refreshing quality and subtle watermelon finish that perfectly balances the IPA bitterness without tasting artificial. It's awarded an 8/10, with both hosts noting they'd keep it in regular rotation if not for the premium price point.

Between tastings, genuine friendship shines through discussions of upcoming golf outings, camping trips, and the "Ricky's Bad Choices" segment that reveals personal insights through random questions. There's also a candid look at podcast economics – each recording session costs about $40 per person between specialty beers and shared meals.

Subscribe through Buzzsprout to support the show and join us for more unfiltered beer reviews where honesty, humor, and friendship flow as freely as the brews we're sampling. Cheers to finding another reason to drink!

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Ever wondered what it's like to camp in a human fishbowl? This week's adventure puts one of our hosts at the center of a bizarre camping cul-de-sac where every fellow camper had to circle his site to get anywhere. The result? An improvised drinking game and some hilariously awkward encounters with strangers making multiple passes.

We kick things off with Victory Brewing's Berry Monkey, a fruited sour triple that packs a serious 9.5% ABV punch while delivering delicious berry flavors. This "night-night juice" earns unanimous praise as we debate whether it's dangerously good or just dangerous. Later, we compare Saunders Brewing's Rally Cap Irish Red Ale to the classic Smithwick's, with interesting results that evolve as we drink.

The conversation takes us to the 50th anniversary of Twins Day Festival, where record crowds gathered from as far as Alaska, Hawaii, and the UK. We share stories of competing in the "most look-alike male" competition and dominating the cornhole tournament against other twins. Between beer ratings and weekend recaps, we tackle some thought-provoking hypotheticals, including how much money it would take to drink water from a public toilet – sparking a surprisingly in-depth analysis of risk versus reward.

As we wrap up, both hosts reveal upcoming culinary experiments with homemade BBQ sauces and Carolina-style pulled pork techniques, promising updates on next week's episode. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, enjoy ridiculous hypothetical scenarios, or just want to laugh at our camping misfortunes, this episode delivers the perfect blend of humor and honest beer talk. Grab a cold one and join us!

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Summertime adventures and ice-cold hazy IPAs collide in this long-awaited return episode where Rick and Princess catch listeners up on their whirlwind summer travels. From a beautiful mountain wedding in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest (complete with bourbon and cigar bar) to death-defying tubing escapades that sent bodies flying four feet into the air, every story brings the laughs you've been missing.

The pair recount their white water rafting experience down the frigid Nantahala River in open kayaks—a decision that led to Rick's memorable description of what happens when 55-degree water hits sensitive body parts. You'll feel like you're right alongside them as they navigate Class 3 rapids and the shock of ice-cold mountain water with nothing but paddle power and questionable decision-making skills.

The episode features the ultimate "Battle of the Hazies" as two distinguished IPAs face off for supremacy. Boojum's Blue Ridge Haze from Waynesville, NC brings fruity notes and minimal bitterness to the competition, but can it stand against the surprisingly smooth Double Dry Hopped "Fast Friends" from Derive Brewing in Columbus? The shocking unanimous verdict might have you seeking out these brews for yourself.

Between tales of their annual White Rock river trip (where they made the rookie mistake of drinking all their alcohol on night one) and golf course psychological warfare, Rick and Princess deliver the perfect blend of summer adventures and beer appreciation that will leave you laughing and thirsty for more. Subscribe to their newsletter for photos from these epic journeys, and don't forget to check out their latest shenanigans on TikTok!

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Summer is slipping away faster than an ice-cold beer on a hot day, and Rick and Princess are here to remind you to savor every moment with another round of honest brew reviews and belly laughs.

After Rick's solo episode last week, Princess returns to the recording studio ready to explore two vastly different brewing styles. First up is Little Fish Brewing Company's Cleft – a barrel-aged peach sour that comes with high expectations but delivers what the hosts can only describe as "rotten peaches" and "licking a battery." Their expressions upon first taste are worth the price of admission alone, though they admirably power through to award it a respectable 5.5/10 as it improves slightly with each sip.

The mood shifts dramatically when they crack open Black Horse Brewery's IPA from Tennessee. This perfectly balanced hop experience with subtle citrus notes and zero lingering bitterness earns a rare perfect 10 rating and the coveted "Princess Approved" designation for IPA lovers. As Rick notes, "The notes are all there, they combine well, it's just a good flavor" – making this a "trust me beer" worth seeking out.

Between sips, the conversation flows naturally through recent events including Rick's son's wedding, an impressive golf outing where they scored a 42, and upcoming camping adventures. Their easy rapport shines through off-color jokes originally prepared for their absent "Beer Wench" and playful banter about everything from golf course holes to workplace characters.

As their busy summer schedules force a three-week podcast hiatus, Rick and Princess leave listeners with a reminder that summer's fleeting nature is itself "another reason to drink" – so grab something cold (preferably not one that tastes like a battery) and make the most of it while you can.

Subscribe now and revisit favorite past episodes while waiting for their return – and maybe hunt down that perfect 10 Tennessee IPA to enjoy poolside!

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That moment when mortality math hits you in the face – after turning 50, the average person has just 176 Sundays left. This sobering realization formed the unexpected emotional core of our conversation with special guest Greg, who's contemplating a major life transition from the familiar warmth of North Carolina to the uncharted winters of Northeast Ohio.

Between sips of Country Boy Brewing's misleadingly named Hillbilly Hustle (it's blackberry, not blueberry!) and Southern Tier's perfect-scoring Citra Fog, we navigated the strange territory of middle age. Greg shared his anxieties about experiencing his first true winter at age 50, while we all confronted the cognitive dissonance of feeling 25 in minds housed in bodies that occasionally remind us otherwise.

The episode weaves between thoughtful reflections on time's acceleration and lighter moments discussing everything from the proper definition of "catfishing" to the curious abundance of fishing-related terms in certain contexts. We explore how our beer preferences evolve with age, with Greg noting his shift from higher ABV IPAs to more moderate options – a small but telling adjustment that comes with aging wisdom.

What resonated most was our shared realization about work-life balance. "I've been a hamster on a wheel for almost 50 years," Greg confessed, sparking a conversation about how many of us spend decades prioritizing work over experiences, only to question those choices when we start calculating how much time remains. Whether you're contemplating your own major life change or simply enjoying craft beer culture, this episode will leave you both laughing and reflecting on how to make your remaining Sundays count.

Have you reassessed your priorities lately? We'd love to hear your thoughts on finding balance between work and living fully. Subscribe now and join our community of thoughtful beer enthusiasts navigating life one pint at a time.

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