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Step into the vibrant world of Wisconsin's craft beer scene as the Northwoods Beer Guy and friends explore the Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival in La Crosse. This on-location adventure captures the excitement of discovery as Mike and his crew of familiar podcast voices sample their way through dozens of unique offerings, delivering real-time reactions and expert ratings.

Wandering from booth to booth, the team encounters everything from pepper-infused pilsners that glow slightly green to dessert stouts garnished with marshmallows. They discover hidden gems like Skeleton Crew Brew's Salty Dog salted caramel porter and Marshon Cider's Snowed In Cinnamon that "tastes exactly like apple pie." Each encounter becomes a mini-masterclass in beer appreciation as they analyze flavor profiles, discuss brewing techniques, and rate each selection on their established scale.

The gang's excitement is palpable when they discover unexpected standouts like Turtle Stack's perfectly balanced Coconut Baltic Porter and North Pillar's surprisingly smooth double hazy IPA. Their candid reactions and friendly banter create an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're right there with them, sample glass in hand. Whether you're planning to attend next year's festival or simply looking to expand your craft beer knowledge, this episode provides both entertainment and education from true midwest beer enthusiasts who know how to appreciate everything from traditional styles to boundary-pushing experiments. Join the Northwoods Beer Guy for this festival tour and discover why Wisconsin's craft beer scene deserves your attention.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

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What happens when two beer enthusiasts taste their way through seven wildly different craft beverages in a single sitting? A flavor journey that spans continents, traditions, and brewing philosophies.

Mike and Jim kick off with excited chatter about the upcoming Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival before diving into their eclectic tasting lineup. Their adventure begins with Stone Arch Brewing's Honey Wheat Ale, where they discover how honey attempts to temper wheat's distinctive character—with mixed results. The mood shifts dramatically when they crack open a Newcastle Brown Ale, finding comfort in the time-tested English classic that's been perfected since 1927.

The conversation takes a sharp turn with Lupaline's "Tropical Fun Pants," a fruit-forward experiment featuring mango, pink guava, and passion fruit that leaves them pondering whether too many flavors can compete rather than complement. Their collaborative German-style lager—a partnership between Lakefront Brewing and Hofbräu München—sparks discussion about international brewing collaborations and traditional techniques.

Perhaps most fascinating is their first-ever mead tasting on the podcast with "Kill All the Golfers," a Caddyshack-referencing black tea and lemon metheglin that challenges their palates in unexpected ways. The hosts explore the ancient origins of mead, dating back 9,000 years to northern China, while comparing it to the clean, champagne-like finish of Loon Juice's Honeycrisp hard cider.

The tasting concludes with two distinctly different offerings: Central Waters' "Semantic Satiation" West Coast IPA with its surprisingly approachable hop profile, and Hammer Heart Brewing's "Flaming Longship," a smoky Scotch ale inspired by Viking traditions and Swedish metal music that divides their opinions dramatically.

Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about the incredible diversity in today's brewing landscape, this episode offers thoughtful insights, honest reactions, and plenty of laughs along the way. Join Mike and Jim as they remind us that great beverages, like great conversations, bring people together—even when opinions differ.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.

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When we stepped into Boulevard Brewing Company during our Kansas City visit, we knew we were in for something special. What we didn't expect was just how masterfully this brewery has honed their craft across such diverse beer styles. Having brought back seven distinct bottles to sample, we're taking you on a flavor journey that showcases why Boulevard deserves its reputation as one of America's premier craft breweries.

From the moment we crack open the Joker's Wit Double Wit Beer with its perfectly balanced coriander notes, through the fascinating Saison Brett farmhouse ale with its distinctive earthy character, our palates are challenged and delighted in equal measure. The Dark Truth Imperial Stout delivers complex layers of espresso, roasted fig, and subtle smoke, while the Mexican Xocolatl Ale perfectly harmonizes chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla and mild chile heat in what quickly becomes one of our highest-rated offerings.

Perhaps the most remarkable discovery comes with Boulevard's Baltic Porter aged in both red wine and bourbon barrels. In an unprecedented tasting experience, we find that sipping reveals prominent wine notes, while taking larger gulps brings forth bourbon flavors – something neither of us has ever experienced in over a hundred podcast episodes. Beer can rarely surprise seasoned tasters like this, yet Boulevard manages the improbable.

The brewery's innovations continue with their Chai Imperial Stout and Espresso Martini Stout, both clocking in at a formidable 12% ABV yet drinking with remarkable smoothness. The collaboration with Kansas City's Oddly Correct coffee creates an espresso intensity that builds fascinatingly with each sip, cementing our impression that Boulevard's barrel aging program ranks among America's finest.

What truly sets Boulevard apart is their ability to create beers with pronounced, distinctive flavors that remain perfectly balanced and approachable. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just beginning your journey, these offerings showcase brewing artistry at its finest. Join us as we explore the depth and breadth of Boulevard's exceptional lineup – and if you find yourself in Kansas City, their taproom is an absolute must-visit experience.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.