What follows is a classic Matt-style journey: part beer review, part self-aware ramble, and part unexpected deep dive into theme park memories and media coverage days. From reminiscing about covering events at Universal Orlando Resort to accidentally gaming a Harry Potter trivia challenge, this episode proves that even a non-fan can find themselves surrounded by magic.

On the beer side, Matt evaluates this American/West Coast IPA through a BJCP lens, breaking down appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Expect notes of lemon candy, pine resin, and a firm bitterness, along with thoughtful critique on balance, stylistic accuracy, and a slightly distracting mineral edge. It’s a beer that smells fantastic, drinks a bit lighter than expected, and sparks a conversation about what makes a classic IPA shine in a world full of hazy and experimental variants.

Final score: 38/50 — a very good beer with a standout aroma and a few quirks worth discussing.

Whether you’re here for the beer education, the storytelling, or just to hear someone admit they barely know anything about Harry Potter, this episode has a little something for everyone. Cheers!

Matt revisits his one and only trip to the brewery—part of a Philadelphia hockey weekend with friends—before diving into a full judging breakdown of the beer. Expect detailed notes on aroma, flavor, appearance, and mouthfeel, including bright fresh orange character, floral hop notes, bready malt, and a firm bitterness that pushes the pale ale toward IPA territory.

Along the way, Matt also reflects on the role of pale ales as a brewer’s benchmark style, shares stories about fundraiser beers and collaborative brewing projects, and explains why a great pale ale can tell you everything you need to know about a brewery.

The verdict? A standout beer scoring 46/50—Outstanding on the BJCP scale and tying for the highest score Matt has given this year.

Grab a pint and join the tasting.

But this episode isn’t just about beer.

Matt takes a deep dive into one of the most unforgettable moments in Flyers history: the epic five-overtime playoff battle against the Penguins on May 4–5, 2000. A game so long you could fall asleep, wake up… and they’d still be playing. A game where exhaustion had a face — and it was Keith Jones. Along the way:

• A heartfelt detour into the pronunciation of “Conshohocken”
• A Hawaiian-food vs. Pennsylvania-town-name debate
• A breakdown of hockey overtime rules (regular season vs. playoffs)
• A BJCP-style evaluation of Jonesy Hockey Lager — judged as an American Lager… though it may have other ideas
• A discussion on style expectations vs. enjoyment
• A quick tour of other hockey-branded beers Matt has encountered across the NHL

The verdict? A well-made beer with a bit of an identity crisis — and a whole lot of Flyers heart behind it.

If you love hockey nostalgia, charity beers, deep style analysis, or just a good sports story about the longest game you’ve (maybe) never watched in full — this one’s for you.

Grab a beer, lace up your skates, and let’s get into it.

Matt dives deep into what makes a German Pils tick, from grainy, bready malt character to assertive bitterness, and explains why this particular beer lands at a lower score than expected. Along the way, he explores how transit, storage, and age can dramatically affect imported beers long before they hit an American shelf.

Then things take a turn.

Sparked by a bold “brewed according to the 1516 Purity Law” claim on the label, Matt launches into a candid (and occasionally fiery) discussion about the Reinheitsgebot—why it exists, what it actually says, and why modern brewers and beer drinkers may be clinging to it for reasons that have very little to do with making better beer. If you’ve ever been in an uncomfortable argument about “authentic” German brewing methods, this segment will feel painfully familiar.

The episode wraps with an announcement of an upcoming multi-episode special featuring beers sent from Philadelphia, plus a peek behind the curtain at Matt’s recording schedule and what listeners can expect over the next couple of months.

Honest judging, brewing philosophy, imported beer realities, and a little brewing-community therapy—this one has it all.

What starts as a simple beer review quickly expands into a deep dive on Brewery Bhavana itself, a uniquely ambitious space that blends brewery, taproom, Chinese restaurant, dim sum house, bookstore, and flower shop all under one roof. Matt explores his initial skepticism, his evolving impressions after digging through photos and the brewery’s website, and whether a place like this would actually be his kind of brewery.

From there, it’s time to judge the beer.

Matt evaluates Ember as a BJCP 21B Specialty IPA (Red IPA), breaking down:

• Appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression
• Hop-forward balance with supporting caramel and malt character
• Where Ember shines—and where Matt wishes it pushed just a bit further

The result? A strong 41-point score, making Ember one of the higher-rated beers of the year so far.

The episode wraps up with a broader discussion of Specialty IPAs, including Red, Black, Brown, Rye, White, Belgian, and Brut IPAs, why the category can be both fun and frustrating to judge, and how easily these styles can go wrong—or absolutely nail the balance.

No bad one-star reviews this time, but plenty of thoughtful beer talk, judging insight, and classic Matt-style tangents along the way.

Grab a beer, settle in, and enjoy Episode 27 of Matt Likes Beer.

Matt opens by exploring Grimm’s extensive and stylistically diverse beer catalog, noting the brewery’s wide-ranging output across IPAs, lagers, stouts, sours, and mixed fermentation beers. While researching Grimm live during the recording, Matt discusses the brewery’s dual-level taproom layout, contrasting its polished upstairs space with a more industrial downstairs brewery setting—an aesthetic that strongly appeals to his personal tastes.

Before judging begins, Matt reads the brewery’s own description of Electric Mainline, which declares the beer a West Coast IPA featuring Luminosa hops, supported by Mosaic, Citra, Columbus, and Simcoe. With the style clearly defined, Matt evaluates the beer strictly as BJCP Category 21A: American IPA.

Appearance is a standout, with the beer pouring a brilliant, unmistakable yellow, a large, persistent white head, and excellent lacing. While visually striking, Matt notes an interesting guideline quirk: BJCP color descriptors list medium gold to light amber, making pure yellow technically outside the expected range—an example of how modern IPAs sometimes outpace written standards.

Aroma earns a full 12/12 score, delivering expressive notes of orange zest, mandarin citrus, lemon brightness, subtle pine, and a faint grainy malt backbone. Matt explicitly follows advice from a fellow judge—“don’t fear the 50”—choosing not to deduct points where the beer fully delivers stylistically.

Flavor presents a more mixed picture. While citrus character remains vibrant and layered, bitterness is strongest on the tongue rather than in the finish or aftertaste, falling short of the firm, lingering bitterness expected in a classic West Coast IPA. Malt presence is detectable but subdued, leading Matt to score flavor at 14/20.

Mouthfeel is spot-on, with a medium body, high carbonation, and smooth texture earning a perfect score. Overall impression balances enjoyment with technical critique, resulting in a final score of 39 out of 50, placing Electric Mainline solidly in the “Excellent” range—even with noted flavor shortcomings.

With no one-star reviews available, the episode transitions into a long-form educational soapbox prompted by a conversation with a non-judge friend: Why do Double and Triple IPAs often taste sweeter than regular IPAs? Matt breaks down the concept using brewing fundamentals, explaining fermentable versus non-fermentable sugars, increased body, alcohol’s impact on sweetness perception, and why higher-ABV IPAs inevitably drift away from the crisp bitterness drinkers expect.

The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming IPA-focused discussions and reinforces one of the show’s core missions: helping everyday beer drinkers understand why beer tastes the way it does, not just whether it’s “good” or “bad.”

Matt opens by reflecting on the intense backlash Cold IPA received when it first appeared, noting that the hostility rivaled—and even surpassed—the early resistance to Hazy IPA. He contrasts that early reaction with the sudden, almost overnight acceptance the style enjoys today, raising questions about how and why beer communities choose what to embrace or reject.

Drawing directly from Wayfinder’s own published definition of the style, Matt explains what sets Cold IPA apart: heavy use of rice adjuncts, lager yeast, a very dry finish, and an emphasis on clean fermentation that allows American hops to shine with clarity and precision. He also points out that Wayfinder has effectively written their own style guideline—complete with vital statistics—despite the BJCP not yet adopting Cold IPA as a standalone category.

Because no official BJCP style exists, the beer is evaluated as a 34B Mixed-Style Beer, declared as American IPA + American Lager, which Matt agrees is the best available option—even if it doesn’t fully capture what Cold IPA truly is. Using this framework, he conducts a full judging breakdown, noting a medium-yellow appearance with persistent foam, expressive citrus-forward aroma, light herbal and dank hop character, subtle grain notes, and a distinct but restrained lager yeast presence.

Flavor-wise, the beer delivers orange zest, grapefruit rind, floral and herbal hop notes, light toasted grain, and a crisp, slightly dry finish. However, Matt finds the bitterness lower than expected for the style—particularly from the brewery that defined it. Mouthfeel is light-bodied and highly carbonated with surprising softness beneath the fizz, contributing to excellent drinkability. The final score lands at 35 out of 50, placing it squarely in the “Very Good” range.

With no online reviews to read—of any rating—the episode pivots into an extended and impassioned soapbox segment. Matt unpacks the early hatred directed at Cold IPA, arguing that much of the criticism was aimed at the name and concept, not the beer itself. He connects that reaction to a broader problem within craft beer and homebrewing: resistance to innovation, gatekeeping, and a reflexive hostility toward anything new or unfamiliar.

Matt opens by addressing his own preconceived notions about dark beers and adjunct lagers, acknowledging that rice is often unfairly associated with mass-market American lagers. From there, the episode pivots into an educational breakdown of how rice is actually used in brewing, including the distinction between standard brewer’s rice and more aromatic varieties like jasmine rice, which can contribute subtle floral and grain character rather than just fermentable sugar.

Judged using BJCP guidelines, the beer presents with excellent clarity, a pale golden color, and a clean, well-formed head. Aromatically, it remains restrained—appropriate for the style—while offering delicate grain notes and a soft, rounded malt profile. Flavor-wise, the beer is crisp and highly drinkable, with rice contributing dryness and smoothness rather than overt sweetness or hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel is light to medium-light, clean, and refreshing, aligning well with the intended style. While the beer performs well technically, Matt notes that the subtlety of the style inherently limits how high it can score in competition settings. The final BJCP score lands in the Very Good range, reinforcing a recurring theme of the podcast: some beers are meant to be enjoyed, not chased for points.

The episode expands into a broader discussion about style bias, particularly how adjunct lagers are often dismissed before being properly evaluated. Matt argues that when brewed with intention and quality ingredients, rice lagers can be elegant, nuanced, and extremely difficult to execute well—making them worthy of respect both on the judging table and in everyday drinking.

Matt opens the episode by explaining his approach to note-taking, clarifying that while the show is unscripted, he keeps minimal reference notes to ensure accuracy—especially when discussing unfamiliar breweries or beer descriptions. That leads into a discussion of Tactical Brewing’s intentionally minimal website descriptions, which prompted Matt to dig slightly deeper than usual, confirming that Dolly Hole was a recent rebrew rather than an older release.

The beer itself is evaluated strictly under BJCP Category 21C: Hazy IPA, eliminating the ambiguity that often surrounds modern IPA substyles. Appearance-wise, Dolly Hole pours an opaque, butter-yellow color with a dense, mousse-like head, though Matt notes that the haze borders on murky, a technical fault under BJCP guidelines.

Aromatically, the beer bursts with orange rind, citrus juice, and tropical fruit, supported by subtle esters and a faint herbal note. While expressive and inviting, the aroma lacks sufficient malt presence, costing it points in the judging process. Flavor-wise, the beer leans heavily into sweet, candy-like citrus, fruit punch, and lemon-lime soda character, with only a fleeting bitterness appearing late in the finish.

The mouthfeel is one of the beer’s strongest attributes—soft, silky, and medium-bodied, perfectly aligned with the hazy IPA style. However, excessive sweetness and minimal bitterness ultimately hold the beer back from higher marks. Matt scores Dolly Hole 32 out of 50, placing it in the “Very Good” range while emphasizing that the score reflects stylistic evaluation—not overall enjoyment.

With no one-star reviews to read, the episode transitions into a detailed breakdown of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). Matt explains what the BJCP is, how judging works, and demystifies the certification process—from the notoriously difficult online entrance exam to the tasting exam and the various ranking levels. He also shares how becoming a BJCP judge has made him a better brewer and more thoughtful beer drinker.

The episode closes with an invitation for listeners interested in judging or learning more to explore structured study resources, reinforcing one of the podcast’s central themes: beer appreciation improves with education, curiosity, and community involvement.

Matt opens by clarifying a common misconception: while many drinkers refer to beers like this as “ESBs,” that name is technically reserved for Fuller’s ESB. Under BJCP guidelines, Trooper is properly evaluated as 11C Strong Bitter, the strongest subcategory within the British Bitter family—though still very much a low-ABV, balance-driven beer.

The episode explores Matt’s long history with Trooper, including how its rarity and style alone made it an instant purchase when he first encountered it years ago. That history leads into a fascinating discovery: the vast global Iron Maiden beer lineup, brewed with multiple partners worldwide and spanning everything from lagers and IPAs to stouts, sake pilsners, and imperial beers—far beyond the single Trooper label most fans recognize.

Using BJCP 11C Strong Bitter guidelines, Matt conducts a full judging breakdown, highlighting the beer’s brilliant clarity, deep copper color, caramel-forward malt profile, restrained earthy hop character, and deceptively dry finish. While the beer hits many stylistic markers, excess sweetness and slightly muted bitterness hold it back in competition terms, resulting in a final score of 34 out of 50 (Very Good).

As with many episodes, Matt emphasizes the distinction between judging to style and drinking for enjoyment. Despite the lower-than-expected score, he makes it clear that Trooper remains a beer he will gladly continue to drink whenever it’s available. The episode then delivers a collection of savage one-star reviews, ranging from stale malt complaints to over-the-top Iron Maiden insults, providing some much-needed levity.

Matt opens by explaining why Vienna Lager holds such a special place in his beer journey, tracing it back to his early craft beer days and the role Sam Adams Boston Lager played as his gateway into better beer. That personal connection sets the tone for a thoughtful, technically rigorous review grounded in both experience and nostalgia.

Using BJCP Category 7A guidelines, Matt evaluates the beer’s copper color, clarity, persistent head, malt-forward aroma, and balanced bitterness. While the beer excels in appearance and overall balance, the judging reveals a few technical shortcomings, including a slightly acrid finish, excess sweetness for the style, and a slick mouthfeel that detracts from elegance. These factors lead to a final score of 35 out of 50, placing the beer firmly in the “Very Good” range.

Despite the score, Matt is clear: this is a beer he would happily drink again. The episode reinforces a recurring theme of the podcast—the difference between judging to style and drinking for enjoyment—and why a technically imperfect beer can still be highly satisfying in real-world settings.

Matt shares his prior experience with Other Half, noting that while he’s enjoyed their IPAs before, this particular beer was a classic case of label buying—a marketing reality many craft beer fans know well. A deeper look into the brewery’s catalog reveals a diverse lineup beyond IPAs, including lagers, sours, and spontaneous fermentation beers, even though hop-forward styles clearly dominate their production.

During the tasting, Matt addresses an important judging dilemma: while the can simply says “India Pale Ale,” further research—and the beer’s unmistakable appearance—confirm it should be evaluated as a 21C Hazy IPA. Using BJCP guidelines, he breaks down the beer’s opaque yellow appearance, exceptional head retention, intense citrus and tropical fruit aroma, and luxuriously soft, creamy mouthfeel.

Flavor-wise, Dollar Slice delivers vibrant orange zest, pineapple, and juice-forward hop character from Citra and Galaxy hops, earning high marks across the board. A slight lingering off-flavor prevents a near-perfect score, but the beer still lands at an impressive 41 out of 50, firmly in the Excellent range. Matt emphasizes that without this minor issue—possibly isolated to the can or palate—this could easily have been a mid-40s standout.

With no one-star reviews to read, the episode closes on a thoughtful soapbox moment about Untappd, consumer-driven beer trends, and the disconnect that can occur when breweries resist making the styles people actually want to drink. Matt balances critique with humility, acknowledging the complexity of running a brewery while reaffirming his belief that variety, responsiveness, and drinker feedback matter.

Matt explores his history with Heist Brewery through Tavour, noting that while he’s enjoyed their beers before, this is his first experience with Fragile—and his first Italian Pilsner reviewed on the podcast. He also takes time to highlight Heist’s wide-ranging tap list, touching on the brewery’s diverse approach beyond the IPA-heavy norm.

Because Italian Pilsner isn’t a standalone BJCP category, Matt walks listeners through how to properly judge it using BJCP’s suggested entry guidelines, evaluating the beer as a 34B Mixed-Style Beer with a German Pilsner base plus dry hopping. The review covers clarity, head retention, hop expression, bitterness levels, mouthfeel, and balance—along with a candid critique of BJCP’s notoriously difficult website navigation.

Fragile earns a 36 out of 50 (Very Good), matching the previous episode’s score but illustrating an important distinction: judging to style versus drinking for enjoyment. While Matt finds the beer slightly restrained for a dry-hopped pilsner in competition terms, he makes it clear this is a beer he would happily order multiple times in a real-world setting—especially as a meal-friendly, refreshing lager with depth.

With no beer reviews to roast, the episode closes with a festive twist: Matt reads brutal one-star reviews of A Christmas Story, turning the beer’s name into an excuse for some unexpectedly dark and hilarious holiday commentary.

Matt shares his long history with PB&J Mixtape, from first discovering it through Tavour during its early limited releases to watching it go viral after expanded production in 2023–2025. Along the way, he explains how the beer transitioned from rare brewery-only release to nationwide phenomenon, why demand exploded, and how XUL scaled production without sacrificing quality.

The review itself breaks format in an interesting way. Matt judges the beer as a BJCP 29B Fruit and Spice Beer with a Straight Sour base, evaluating how well the peanut butter, grape jelly, and sour components balance against each other. While the beer delivers exactly what it promises—liquid peanut butter and jelly—it earns a 36 out of 50 (Very Good) on technical judging, mainly due to balance and mouthfeel considerations. On pure enjoyment, however, Matt makes it clear: this beer is an absolute blast to drink.

With no one-star reviews to read (a rarity), the episode evolves into a deeper conversation about gluten-free, seltzer-based sours, whether they should be judged alongside traditional beers, and what their rise says about the current—and future—state of craft beer. Matt closes with a candid reflection on declining craft beer sales, changing consumer tastes, and why beers like PB&J Mixtape may be exactly what keeps people engaged with fermented beverages in the years ahead.

This episode is equal parts beer review, industry commentary, and passionate defense of fun, creative brewing.

Check out the trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCTTT3pcLcs

The episode opens with a candid reflection on why the show paused in 2025, how life and work finally found balance, and why several NEOZAZ podcasts are experiencing a creative resurgence. From there, the focus shifts squarely to the beer in hand. Matt conducts a full BJCP-guided evaluation of PBR as a 1B American Lager, breaking down appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. Despite long-standing stigma surrounding macro lagers, PBR earns an impressive 40 out of 50, landing firmly in the Excellent range—much to Matt’s own surprise.

The most jaw-dropping moment comes when Matt compares PBR side-by-side with his own gold-medal-winning American Lager, discovering just how close the two beers really are in flavor and structure. The episode wraps up with a reading of hilariously savage one-star reviews, reflections on evolving beer quality over time, and a thoughtful reminder that judging a beer by its style—not its reputation—can lead to genuine surprises.

Whether you’re a craft beer devotee, a BJCP judge in training, or just here for Godzilla on a beer can, this episode proves that even the most unlikely beers deserve a fair tasting.

Frank gets busy on the dance floor and feels up some more players.

Frank gets surprised in an intimate moment. A tiger attacks second base. And outfielder loses his head. Ludwig gets the finger.

Frank assaults an umpire while the crowd watches baseball bloopers.

We are introduced to a room full of baseball commentators.

Frank confronts Ludwig at the Queen’s reception.

Frank bats down Ed’s pockets and finds his gun and wallet.

The queen’s throat is cut by a cake knife.

Check out Jim O’Kane’s podcasts:

Frank disposes of some ancient milk.

Check out Jim O’Kane’s podcasts:

Frank gives his opinion on Shakespeare in the Park.

Check out Alice @PodSocialite on Twitter and @PodcastSocialite on TikTok.

Check out Alice @PodSocialite on Twitter and @PodcastSocialite on TikTok.

Check out Alice @PodSocialite on Twitter and @PodcastSocialite on TikTok.

Check out Alice @PodSocialite on Twitter and @PodcastSocialite on TikTok.

Drebin continues to search Ludwig’s office.

Check out Alice @PodSocialite on Twitter and @PodcastSocialite on TikTok.

Frank fights against a mount of pistachio shells, then searches Ludwig’s office for a Bingo card.

Check out Eric Jack Nash @LuckyMustard on the socials and his podcasts: Watchmen Minute, Almost Famous Minute and Feels Like Weezer

Check out Eric Jack Nash @LuckyMustard on the socials and his podcasts: Watchmen Minute, Almost Famous Minute and Feels Like Weezer

Check out Eric Jack Nash @LuckyMustard on the socials and his podcasts: Watchmen Minute, Almost Famous Minute and Feels Like Weezer

Check out Eric Jack Nash @LuckyMustard on the socials and his podcasts: Watchmen Minute, Almost Famous Minute and Feels Like Weezer

Frank and Jane get bizaaay.

Check out Eric Jack Nash @LuckyMustard on the socials and his podcasts: Watchmen Minute, Almost Famous Minute and Feels Like Weezer

Check out Pride & Shame: https://prideandshame.bandcamp.com/

Check out Pride & Shame: https://prideandshame.bandcamp.com/

Check out Pride & Shame: https://prideandshame.bandcamp.com/

Check out Pride & Shame: https://prideandshame.bandcamp.com/

Check out Pride & Shame: https://prideandshame.bandcamp.com/

Check out Steve’s trivia games at: https://www.facebook.com/KnowContest

Check out Steve’s trivia games at: https://www.facebook.com/KnowContest

Check out Steve’s trivia games at: https://www.facebook.com/KnowContest

Check out Steve’s trivia games at: https://www.facebook.com/KnowContest

Check out Steve’s trivia games at: https://www.facebook.com/KnowContest

Check out Matt Donnelly at heyscoops.com and mindnoodler.com

Check out Matt Donnelly at heyscoops.com and mindnoodler.com

Check out Matt Donnelly at heyscoops.com and mindnoodler.com

Check out Matt Donnelly at heyscoops.com and mindnoodler.com

Check out Matt Donnelly at heyscoops.com and mindnoodler.com

The press conference unfolds, Frank switches microphones, insults a foreign nation’s government, and relieves himself.

Check out Walt’s podcast, the Wilder Ride: https://thewilderride.libsyn.com/

Check out Walt’s podcast, the Wilder Ride: https://thewilderride.libsyn.com/

Check out Walt’s podcast, the Wilder Ride: https://thewilderride.libsyn.com/

Nordberg puts in an order for some top-shelf drugs. Wilma cries.

Check out Walt’s podcast, the Wilder Ride: https://thewilderride.libsyn.com/

Frank can’t find Nordberg, and then proceeds to fold him in half several times.

Check out Walt’s podcast, the Wilder Ride: https://thewilderride.libsyn.com/

Check out guest Jonathan Carlisle’s podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-bride-minute/id1193286837

https://www.uhf62nd.com

Check out guest Jonathan Carlisle’s podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-bride-minute/id1193286837

https://www.uhf62nd.com

Check out guest Jonathan Carlisle’s podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-bride-minute/id1193286837

https://www.uhf62nd.com

Check out Jonathan’s podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-bride-minute/id1193286837

https://www.uhf62nd.com

Check out Jonathan’s podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-bride-minute/id1193286837

https://www.uhf62nd.com

We are back for a new season of Halloween Horror Nights content mostly focusing on the 2025 season but with a few fun things along the way.

But we can't start talking about HHN34 until we have our last word on on HHN33. For better or worse, here is that last word in our our HHN33 Wrap Up episode!

What more of a description do you need?'

The main focus of the episode is a discussion about the cold IPA style, including its characteristics and the ongoing debate around the name. Matt shares his experience brewing cold IPAs and his thoughts on how it compares to Indian Pale Lagers.  

Matt then provides a detailed review of the Space Monkey Mafia, covering its appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.  

Since there were no one-star reviews available for the beer, Matt includes a segment where he shares some negative reviews of Billy Joel's album Stormfront, which contains the lyrics that inspired the beer's name.  

Overall, Matt gives Space Monkey Mafia a positive review and the episode provides an in-depth look at the cold IPA style.

Matt shares insights on:

The unique, dry-hopped character of Italian Pilsners and their unexpected origin story.

His thoughts on Long Live Beer Works’ dual locations in Providence and Boston, and their mission to never brew a flagship beer.

The pros, cons, and addictive temptation of beer delivery app Tavour, which introduced him to this beer in the first place.

Matt evaluates PVD Pils as a German Pilsner + dry hopping under BJCP’s 34B "mixed-style" category, scoring it a strong 41 out of 50. He praises its crisp balance and soft bitterness, though wishes the dry hopping came through a bit more boldly.

With no one-star reviews available, this episode skips that segment—but not before delivering a full pour of beer nerd insight, judging challenges, and personal anecdotes.

Listen now at Neozaz.com, BigMonsterBrewing.com, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’re curious about Italian Pilsners or want a crash course in evaluating mixed-style beers, this episode’s got you covered.

A longtime fan of the underappreciated California Common style, Matt traces its American roots back to the iconic Anchor Steam and shares how this Ivanhoe Park version rekindled that same love. He reminisces about discovering Anchor Steam on tap at Disney Springs and even recounts a homebrewing misfire where he tragically dumped what turned out to be perfectly carbonated bottles too soon.

In this episode:

A BJCP-style evaluation of 1915 California Common, scoring a strong 44 out of 50, landing it in Matt’s top 3 beers on the show so far.

Discussion of the style’s history and why it deserves more love from craft brewers and beer drinkers.

A few rants about brewery websites, can labeling, and fond memories of Ivanhoe’s long-gone Valentine’s Day beer-and-donut pairings.

Hilarious one-star reviews of Anchor Steam, including some bizarre metaphors, backhanded compliments, and one classic "I hate to be like this" disclaimer Matt just had to call out.

Listen now on Neozaz.com, BigMonsterBrewing.com, or your favorite podcast app. If you're a fan of old-school American styles or looking for a sleeper hit from a local brewery, this is an episode you’ll want to tap into!

A Familiar Face in the Wild Two Hearted has gone from a hidden gem to a supermarket staple. Back in the day, it was a recommendation from a beer friend whose name and face I've long since forgotten. But the beer? That stuck. It's the one that pulled me into the world of IPAs and hop-forward beers. Even with Bell’s acquisition and expansion under Sapporo’s umbrella, Two Hearted remains reliably solid—and, importantly, unchanged.

It’s a 7% ABV American IPA brewed with 100% Centennial hops, delivering citrus, grapefruit, and pine aromas that punch your nose before the glass hits your lips. It’s a go-to in restaurants with thin tap lists and a reliable backup when the local stuff isn’t doing it.

Style Showdown I reviewed it under BJCP’s 21A American IPA guidelines. Despite occasional (and misguided) arguments that it’s too dark or too alcoholic to be a “true” IPA, it fits perfectly into the style. My judging breakdown?

Appearance: Orange-gold and glowing. 3/3.

Aroma: Orange zest, grapefruit, tropical fruit, light sweetness. 12/12.

Flavor: Great hop expression, solid bitterness, but lacking distinct malt character. 15/20.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and well-carbonated. 5/5.

Overall: Delicious, but a bit more malt balance would elevate it. 7/10.

Final Score: 42/50

Clone Attempts & Price Shock I’ve even tried to clone this beer using Bell’s own ingredients from their old General Store (RIP). The results? Close, but no Centennial cigar. Brewing variables like yeast handling and water chemistry make a big difference. Also? The hops didn’t seem all that different from the ones I normally buy. Still, a fun experiment.

Then there's the unforgettable sticker shock moment: $16 for a 16oz Two Hearted at a Columbus Blue Jackets game. Worth it? Maybe. Shocking? Absolutely.

One-Star Review Roulette The internet delivered again, with some hilariously bad takes:

“Tastes like dog shit.” (A classic.)

“Most ungodly bitter beer I’ve ever tasted.”

“Deserving of a 75… 1 out of 5 stars.” (Math is hard.)

Bierstadt Lagerhaus, based in Denver, Colorado, has earned a cult following for its reverent dedication to traditional German brewing. Their Slow Pour Pils gets a lot of love, but it's their Helles that quietly steals hearts. This beer is a love letter to patience, balance, and restraint. At just 4.9% ABV, it’s a masterclass in malt character, subtle floral hops, and soft carbonation that leaves you wanting another pour… and another.

I shared a bit about my first encounter with Bierstadt’s beers—how it felt like discovering an old world secret at altitude. Drinking their Helles reminds me that not every beer needs to punch you in the face with hops or roast. Sometimes, a well-executed classic is the soul-soothing comfort we didn’t know we needed.

Live tasting? Of course. I cracked a can and walked through the golden hue, the fluffy white head, the bready nose, and that impossibly clean finish. If clarity and calm had a flavor, this would be it.

To wrap it up, I dipped into the internet’s worst takes with a few ridiculous 1-star reviews. Spoiler alert: if you complain a Helles “tastes like beer,” you might be missing the point.

Matt shares the story of how this beer’s arrival in Florida sent local craft beer fans into a frenzy and recalls his first, underwhelming experience with Von Trapp Pilsner. But after giving it a second chance, does it live up to the hype? He dives into a BJCP-style evaluation, scoring it 38 out of 50, with praise for its crispness and clarity—though lingering bitterness and an aroma-flavor mismatch kept it from scoring higher.

In this episode:

• A deep dive into the actual connection between the Von Trapp family and this brewery.
• The Florida craft beer community’s tendency to overhype new arrivals (and why Matt’s still guilty of it himself).
• A hilarious twist on the usual one-star review segment—since Von Trapp Pilsner lacked enough bad reviews, Matt instead reads brutal one-star reviews of Miller Lite, proving that some people take their pilsners very seriously.

Listen now on Neozaz.com, BigMonsterBrewing.com, or your favorite podcast platform. If you love traditional lagers, craft beer hype cycles, or just a good beer rant, this one’s for you!