Craft Beer Republic

Greg Jones

Why join the Craft Beer Republic? Because we are a nation of beer lovers. Every week, we're tapping a fresh keg of double-digit fun with the best dry-hopped topics to keep you well-hydrated! We're mashing in all the week's booze news, researching the tastiest beers, getting nerdy with Beer Science, and whirlpooling all the latest info! We also hang out with the brewers of some of the best craft breweries in the nation; we sample their brew and take a deep dive into the nerdier side of the industry. Make sure to stay hydrated with us every Wednesday by following on your favorite podcast app. In Beer We Trust! read less
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Episodes

Springtime Shenanigans: Wedding Beers and Secret Pizza
2d ago
Springtime Shenanigans: Wedding Beers and Secret Pizza
The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing, and the birds won't stop chirping - it must be springtime in the Craft Beer Republic! Flex and Greg are enjoying the sweet, delicious weather in Wisconsin while sipping on some quality brews.Recently, Greg officiated a wedding and felt like a big deal, while Flex reminisced about his wild bachelor party adventures. There's been a buzz of activity in the beer world, with various brewery acquisitions taking place. Oh, and let's not forget about the drunk guy who kicked a buffalo and the mystery of secret pizza! The Craft Beer Republic is always full of surprises and good times.Greg indulges in Voltron Volume 4, a hazy IPA collaboration between 4 Hands Brewing and Surly Brewing Company. Flex, on the other hand, is savoring the Cosmic Archer, a banger of a beer from the renowned Toppling Goliath. Greg did some officiating over the weekend and is hot off the tail of being the center of attention. He also learned about the art of secret wedding pizza and the importance of late-night wedding food. Flex talks about his wedding and the trouble he got into at his bachelor party. He also took the family to a baseball game so they could watch the Brewers lose and eat a bunch of food.In Booze News, Pike Brewing's founders are to acquire Freemont Brewing out of Washington. Faubourg Brewing's expensive facility is hitting the auction block. Jack's Abbey is acquiring Wormtown Brewery. Ballast Point is ceasing its brewing production and moving to a contract model. And a drunk man kicks a bison at Yellowstone.Shoutout to Dallas, GA, for being our top-listening city last week!-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
When Was Your Last Crap Beer?
Apr 24 2024
When Was Your Last Crap Beer?
Welcome to Craft Beer Republic, Batch 305! Steph is back for another funny episode as we talk about the fallacy of greatness that Budweiser presented, Utah beer research, Eagle Park’s Jointfest, Flex’s awful culinary experience, Greg’s brush with TSA taking his beer, cocktail talk, and Florida Woman is making a comeback! Step is drinking Warm Smile, a fruited sour from Seek Beer Co. in San Diego. Greg is sipping on Squid Prints, a collab IPA from Imprint Beer and Vitamin Sea Brewing. And Flex has one of his favorites from Eagle Park Brewing. When it comes to macro beer, is there a bigger sham than the image that Budweiser sold us with their commercials? And what crap beer do you reach for if you have to? We also find out that Steph is related to The Rock, as are most Samoans. Greg has done some traveling and didn’t see eye-to-eye with TSA about bringing beer aboard the cabin. He also did some excellent beer research while in the Bay Area. Shout out to Wondrous Brewing Co! And we find out that Flex has a strange affinity for ketchup; are you a ketchup person?In Booze News, one cocktail reigns supreme in the United States! The Bruery is moving to Idaho. In terms of off-premise sales, less beer is being sold than a couple years ago. And Florida Woman takes the wheel, on three wheels; what are they drinking down there?-Steph:Instagram: @miss_tipsysocks-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
New Beer Friends, Soggy Beer Fests, and Utah Liquor Laws
Apr 17 2024
New Beer Friends, Soggy Beer Fests, and Utah Liquor Laws
Get ready for some watery beer and new friends! Steph, aka @Miss_Tipsysocks, is coming to party with Flex and Greg on Craft Beer Republic. We’re talking about miserable beer fest experiences, making drunk purchases, why wine-drunk is just classier, old-timey train robberies, and getting drunk with Florida politicians.Steph is drinking Elephino, a DIPA from Red Rock Brewing out of Salt Lake City, UT. Greg is sipping on Pull Tabs, a hazy pale from BlackStack Brewing. And Flex is getting really local with his favorite Summer Shandy. Greg is back from Lagerville, aka Waterville, and has a full report on the misery of rainy beerfests. There were also some drunk injuries involved, and day-after wine tasting. Steph likes to get drunk and go shopping online; it’s like a surprise when the items appear. Flex and Step try to prove that they’re old with their bedtime routines. And the Masters did a great job of keeping things affordable for all the drunks out there. Does anyone know what a Crows Nest is?In Booze News, someone gets a little trigger-happy and shoots themselves at a True North Ale Company. Easter booze sales were up, further proving that seeing family requires alcohol. A group of train robbers has been charged with the theft of a ton of beer. And a Florida politician gets way too drunk and trashes his hotel.-Steph:Instagram: @miss_tipsysocks-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
7 Beers for No Reason
Apr 3 2024
7 Beers for No Reason
Who needs a beer to themselves? How about 7? This week on Craft Beer Republic, Flex and Greg are talking about their Easter drinking situations, when to teach your kids about beer flights, participating in Pink Boots collab days, the upcoming WrestleMania weekend, drinks to-go, Blue Moon ruining the eclipse, and taking a drunk swim with your car.Greg and his wife, with a bunch of other beer friends, were invited to Pedals & Pints Brewing (thanks, Monica!) to participate in their Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day. We’re both talking about our Easter adventures. Flex pre-gamed his Easter a couple days early and is a better man for it. Greg started the day with some edibles and quickly classed things up from there. And, of course, a quick “looking forward” to WrestleMania 40 this weekend!Greg is drinking Thrash Punk Coffee Kolsch from Witch’s Hat Brewing Company; thanks to Andrew for sliding that one over. Flex is sipping on The Raspberry Vanilla Cheesecake Incident, a Berliner Weise from Eagle Park & Mikerphone Brewing. This also gets Flex talking about taking his kids to Eagle Park’s brewery and when the right time is to get them educated on flights. In the News Flight: Mad River Brewing was acquired by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, the Cicerone program has been sold, and Indiana makes cocktails to-go permanent!In Booze News: California breweries have some new legislation to look forward to when it comes to selling beer. It turns out that basketball fans prefer beer over other alcoholic beverages. Blue Moon is doing their best to ruin the solar eclipse with “Eclipse Sips.” A drunk driver confuses a boardwalk for a road and ends up in the drink.-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
Drinking and Sporting
Mar 27 2024
Drinking and Sporting
Let’s keep the party going for Batch 401; Scott and Dan are back with Flex and Greg! We’re talking about traveling and drinking, upgrading your booze selections, keeping it saucy on the golf course, politicians getting involved in beer, and drunk platinum-status travelers.Flex is sipping on Samsara IPA from Evergrain Brewing in Pennsylvania. The other gents are drinking MC^Ghost from Parish Brewing and Equilibrium Brewing. Did you know a new Ghostbusters movie is coming out? Dan and Flex are very excited. Greg went on a work trip and managed to get some research done. He has a PSA about spirits selections when you’re getting fancy cocktails. Flex is getting sporty and drunk on the golf course with his new-found love for golfing. Dan reveals his love for minor league hockey and the Milwaukee Admirals. It turns out he often goes to watch games and gets drunk on the cheap. New Jersey is back at it with this week’s Ludicrous Libation Law.In Booze News: Congress is looking to give tax breaks to bars with new draft beer systems. Politicians are sticking their noses where they shouldn’t with THC beers. Wyoming adopted new franchise reform laws. Stone promises to get back to making beer…mostly. And a drunk platinum flyer really needs to drink a little water and stop asking people their size.Shoutout to Pennington, New Jersey, for being our top listening city last week.-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Scott:Instagram: @ThirstyScott-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
Reunited And It Feels So Good
Mar 20 2024
Reunited And It Feels So Good
We made it to 400! For the big 4-0-0, we are having a party! Greg and Flex are hanging with the OGs, Scott and Dan. We’re talking about our 3:16 Day and St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, day drinking like a champ, pizza-flavored beer, and getting in a drunken wrestling match in the drive-thru.Flex is sipping on This Is My Serious Face, a hazy from Amorphic Beer. The other gents are drinking the most popular craft beer from 2016, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Can you believe we’ve been around since 2016?!In honor of Stone Cold Day and St. Patrick’s Day, we did some celebrating. Flex hung out with the family and had his annual whiskey shots. Dan did his celebrating on 3:16. Scott celebrated from the couch. Greg pre-gamed too hard and doesn’t remember the end of Saint Patrick’s Day 2024. Flex is a massive champion of day drinking, and who isn’t?In Booze News: Alaska Airlines and Fremont Brewing team up for a flight-inspired beer. Voodoo Ranger is dropping a pizza-flavored beer that no one can afford. Cigar City Brewing (thanks to Monster) is laying off a chunk of its workforce. And a Florida Man starts ramming cars and brawling in the drive-thru (and inspires a song).Shoutout to Cumberland, Maryland, for being our top listening city last week.-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Scott:Instagram: @ThirstyScott-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
Secretly Drunk in the Closet
Mar 13 2024
Secretly Drunk in the Closet
Sláinte, beer lovers! This week, Flex and Greg are back with tales of alcohol hidden in the walls, throwing sharp objects while drinking, drinking too much with professional wrestlers, the Florida Man Games, Tennessee’s cold beer saga, and getting arrested for flirting with cops.Flex is sipping All Beef Frank, an IPA from Hop Butcher for the World. Greg is drinking Extra Sunshine, a hazy IPA from Shred Beer Company. Thanks to Erica for sending that down. Greg apologizes to some forgotten beers and talks about the joys of drinking beer while throwing axes (and other sharp objects). He also went to Palefest, started drinking with a professional wrestler, and ended up way too hydrated. We talk about what a coffee nerd’s actual name is. Flex has kept Greg in suspense all week as he tells his tale of hidden alcohol bottles and getting in trouble for their sudden appearance. Chew Your Beer left a voicemail: Happy birthday, Chew! You can leave one, too: (805) 538-BEER.In Booze News: the Florida Man Games have come and gone, and the real winners are the spectators. JuneShine acquires Flying Embers if anyone cares. Tennessee has an about-face on its cold beer stance. Georgia is doing their best to keep small brewers down and help out the big distribution companies. And a drunk man is arrested for slapping his real and flipping off the cops…not in Florida!-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
Red Engine Brewing Company's Preston Andreini
Mar 6 2024
Red Engine Brewing Company's Preston Andreini
Someone call 9-1-1! We're excited to be at Red Engine Brewing Company to talk to Preston Andreini, the founder, brewmaster, and the man behind the vision of this new brewery. He speaks about his history with craft beer, being the first brewery in town, designing recipes, making important mistakes, and making beer people want to drink. Preston shares Java Bump, a coffee blond ale, and the perfect breakfast beer. We discuss his "other" job as a firefighter and his connection with the brewery's name. We get into the planning stages, starting a podcast about building a brewery, getting friends to help build, and the acceptance from the local community. Next, we share First In, an American light lager. We get nerdy with the brewing process and beer enzymes and turn the conversation to picking the correct location. He shares who helped him during the planning, the most significant lessons he learned throughout the process, and what he would have done differently. Then we sample Smoke Show, a not-too-smokey dry Irish stout. Preston talks about his focus on beer making and the importance of having more than just beer in the brewery. He speaks about his first beers in life and brings that full circle to his brewing education. We drill down on process and discuss what hops he's crushing on and who he's excited to collaborate with. Finally, we finish with Probie, their blonde ale. While we sip on that, we run through a round of rapid-fire questions. It would be a crime not to mention the pizza they're slinging at the brewery. We shared one before the interview started, and it was delicious!Check out Red Engine Brewing in Filmore, CA, at 803 Ventura St. Find them online at RedEngineBrewing.com. And on the socials. Thanks to Preston for sharing his beer, pizza, and time with us! If you check out the brewery, let us know what you think!-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
No Fruit Salad In My Beer
Feb 7 2024
No Fruit Salad In My Beer
We’re talking balls and beers! With the Super Bowl this week, we have to take a moment to chat about the 49ers and the Chiefs. We’re also talking about brewery anniversary parties, Coley’s birthday shot parade, day drinking at the driving range, some unexpected brewery closures, and a big brewery sale. -Casa Agria in Oxnard had their big 8th-anniversary party last weekend, and Greg grabbed the crew to investigate. Coley celebrated her birthday with brunch and a big shot parade (don’t worry, we explain it) and the downfall of cheap champagne. Flex did some day drinking at Luxe Golf, where everything is half off for Mulligan Mondays…EVERYTHING! Greg got an embarrassing thrill of a lifetime after getting re-grammed by one of his favorite artists.-We all know this isn’t a sports show, but we must mention the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Who do you have winning the Super Bowl?-Flex is drinking Keystone State of Mind, a Hazy IPA collab from New Trail Brewing & Other Half. Thanks to @shredded_brew for the hookup! Greg is sipping on Casa Agria’s Oxnard DDH Nelson Pale Ale.-In booze news, there is huge breaking news in Southern California as local brewery 14 Cannons has been abruptly sold to a local “Entrepreneur” who has already started making significant changes. AB InBev closed the Wynwood taproom in Miami and moved operations to Veza Sur. New Belgium has closed its San Francisco outpost after less than 3 years. Patrick Mahomes Sr. does a little too much celebrating before the big game. And we’ve got the Top 15 Beers in the U.S.-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
Is It Beerfest Season Yet?
Jan 31 2024
Is It Beerfest Season Yet?
Who’s ready for Beerfest season?! Erica stops by as we talk about hitting some new breweries, the magic of beer and chicken wings, how much beer we can drink in a day, more craft beer buyouts, and cops delivering drunk munchies. -Greg has to hit the road for work, but he does get in some research at a couple of breweries: Hangar 24 and Everywhere Beer Co. He also scores major beer points with his wife. Flex takes the family out for beers but has to chase down someone to get a beer. And have you heard of Anchovy hops? Could there be a worse name? We need better hop names. And Erica is gearing up for Beerfest season at Neck Nosh!-Greg is drinking Soon Enough, a hazy IPA from Everywhere. Erica is sipping on Moon Boots from Sideward Brewing. And Flex is drinking Mikerphone Brewing’s Mic Check 1, 2 DDH DIPA. -Chew Your Beer calls in to talk about drinking 100 beers in a day and to refresh Greg’s mind about his major achievement. -In the news: BrewDog is releasing a movie all about how great they are. Asahi discusses their high hopes for production after the Octopi deal. Carlsberg acquires a minority stake in Mikkeller. And a Florida cop delivers Chick-fil-A after arresting an DoorDash driver for DUI.-Cheers to our sponsor, Magic Mind. Go to magicmind.com/JANBEER and use code BEER20.-Erica: Instagram: @Neck_Nosh_llcNeckNosh.com-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
Flex and Greg: Beer Prophets
Jan 24 2024
Flex and Greg: Beer Prophets
Prepare your crystal beers; Greg, Flex, and Erica are reading fortunes! Erica stops by to discuss new breweries, big-time beer collabs, living on a farm, Olympic beers, New Jersey brewery laws, and 2024 craft beer predictions. -Erica and Greg are drinking Peanut Butter Lovers, a New Glory Craft Brewery stout. Flex is sipping on Ghost in the Machine, the popular Hazy IPA from Parish Brewing Company.-Greg talks about his trip to Red Engine Brewing, a new brewery in Filmore, CA. The gang talks about what beer collabs must happen in the new year. A listener writes in to correct Flex and all his wrongness. Erica is talking about all the farm animals she recently adopted. Fresh off of making some accurate beer predictions, Flex and Greg pontificate on what 2024 should have in store for the beer world.-In the News Flight: Corona Cero will be the global beer sponsor of the 2024 Summer Olympics, but does it really count? Miller Lite has released “beer” flavored mints. And after hearing Flex talk about them, Sweetwater Brewing doubles down on their Gummies line. -For Booze News: Uber is shutting down Drizzly since no one actually uses it. Bagby Beer is closing up shop, but another craft brewery is taking over. New Jersey governor finally signs some relief into law for craft breweries. Smuttynose Parent Company Acquires Massachusetts’ Wachusett Brewing. And Sapporo-Stone CEO Maria Stipp will step down.-Cheers to our sponsor, Magic Mind. Go to magicmind.com/JANBEER and use code BEER20.-Erica: Instagram: @Neck_Nosh_llcNeckNosh.com-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodThreads: CraftBeerRepublic(805) 538-2337
Keeping It Wet For Dry January
Jan 10 2024
Keeping It Wet For Dry January
No Dry January over here! Flex and Greg are back after their holiday break. We’re talking about the wettest January to hit the Republic, holiday shenanigans, Greg’s new “job,” wine science, insane brunches, brewery buyouts, and we check in with Florida man!-Greg is sipping on Meet You Where You Are, a hazy IPA from Green Cheek Beer Co. Flex is drinking Ursa Minor Brewing’s Galactic Face Slap.-Flex was busy over the holidays drinking with co-workers, playing Santa to his kids, and even staying up past 5:00 PM on New Year’s Eve! He overdid it on Christmas Eve and had to hide it from everyone else. Greg cooked Christmas dinner for the family and was inspired by Mel with his pasta course. He also did some wine science for NYE with some friends and got a new job over the holidays (sorta). Also, Coley took Greg to a new brunch spot where everything is a giant party!-In the News Flight: The 2024 Homebrew Competition Dates have been released for the American Homebrewers Association. Athletic Brewing is doing everything it can to keep you sober. And Flying Fish Brewing has to file for bankruptcy. -In Booze News: Asahi will acquire Wisconsin contract brewer Octopi, best known for Untitled Arts. Craft beer sees its first decline since the COVID shutdown. Florida Man threatens officers after they tell his wife about his drunken shenanigans. And we have the top five states for beer production. -Cheers to our sponsor, Magic Mind. Go to magicmind.com/JANBEER and use code BEER20.-Flex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beer-Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodTwitter: CraftBeerRepub(805) 538-2337-Come back next week, we’ve got Snoop Dogg’s new drink, record setting boozers, and beer predictions for 2024!
Beer Philanthropy: Spreading Cheer One Beer at a Time
Dec 27 2023
Beer Philanthropy: Spreading Cheer One Beer at a Time
Welcome to Craft Beer Republic Batch 388, the ultimate podcast for craft beer enthusiasts! In this episode, host Greg and his incredible co-hosts Flex and Mel take you on a wild ride through the world of craft beer, sharing their thoughts, opinions, and reviews on the latest brews.Greg and Flex venture into a spirited discussion about sports (yes, it's not a sports show, but they can't help it!), expressing their opinions on baseball player Shohei Otani and deferred payments in the world of sports. They may not be sports experts, but they undoubtedly bring a unique and entertaining perspective to the table.Meanwhile, Mel joins from the East Coast, sharing her experiences during the holidays and introducing a local favorite: Newburgh Brewing Company's Angry Eggbert. This New England IPA captures the essence of the holidays with its comforting flavors and story. Listen as Mel describes this brew and its ties to a beloved Christmas egg, Egbert, creeping everyone out thoroughly.As the conversation continues, Flex recalls a long-lost beer establishment, and the trio digs into a festive holiday voicemail from their homie, Chew. Bursting with holiday cheer and mischief, Chew encourages us to make resolutions we can all keep and definitely piques our curiosity about the much-anticipated "2024 resolution."Of course, this show wouldn't be complete without in-depth beer reviews. Flex indulges us with his experience savoring Hoppery Hazy IPA from Yazoo Brewing, sharing its unique characteristics and lamenting the discrepancy between the can's appearance and the actual pour. The conversation evolves into a discussion about labeling accuracy, with a sly suggestion to call all juicy beers "juicy" or "unfiltered" to avoid confusion. Greg then gives us his review of Propitiation, a sour barrel-aged porter from Russian River Brewing Company. With tons of "sour" smell on the nose and hints of toastiness, the flavor is highly unique, with subtle fruit and chocolate flavors and a tart finish.In the news, we talk about the world's strongest can of beer. More non-alcoholic beers are being added to flights. Dorchester Brewing and Aeronaut Brewing are getting together for a merger. Tilray is receiving multiple calls a day to buy small breweries. Diageo is looking to offload almost all of its beer brands. Kid Rock says he's ready to drink some Bud Light again. And we've got the drunkest cities in America for 2023.Mel: Instagram: @beergirl_melFlex:Instagram: @flex_me_a_beerCraft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com Instagram: @CraftBeerRepublicFacebook: CraftBeerRepublicPodTwitter: CraftBeerRepub(805) 538-2337