This week Captain Brandon Weninger and First Mate Tony Golec come back to the studio, after a much needed break and drink OIB's Hazy Triple IPA "Cosmic Kerfuffle".

About the beer:
Galaxy & Citra hopped hazy Triple IPA

This week Brandon and Tony sample New Glarus "Gyrator Dopplebock".

AAAAANNND WE'RE BACK!

We had to take some time off, but we're and starting off this month with Goose Island's barrel aged "Shamrock Stout".

Beer description:
Goose Island Shamrock Stout is a decadent delight that is aged for a full year in freshly emptied bourbon barrels and finished with peppermint, cocoa nibs and vanilla. The aging process imparts rich, warming notes of oak and whiskey, while the addition of cocoa nibs and vanilla adds layers of sweetness and complexity. Goose Island Shamrock Stout is a perfect way to raise a toast this year without having to dye the river green.

This week bids farewell to Dry January for Brandon with this first drink since 2024.  

Beers on this episode:
Barrio - Rojo
Boulevard Brewing - Plaid Habit

This week Brandon and Tony bid farewell (probably) to Dry January with Go Brewing's "New School Sour Berry".

Beer description:
This isn’t your average sour—it’s a flavor revolution. Bursting with juicy, fruit-forward notes that are perfectly balanced by a zippy tang, it’s the ultimate mashup of sweet and tart. Imagine the boldness of ripe citrus colliding with the smooth sweetness of stone fruit, all tied together with a crisp, clean finish that’ll leave your taste buds begging for an encore.
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Crafted as an ode to the creators—the new school who see blank walls as opportunities and rough sketches as blueprints for greatness—this beer is alive with flavor as vibrant as their work. It’s more than a drink; it’s a masterpiece in every sip.

This week we sample two local beers during halftime of the Bears/Texans game. Be sure to wish Brandon a happy 49th birthday!

Beers on this episode:
Revolution Brewing - Pursuit of Freedom: Apple Tart
"The enticing combination of apple, vanilla, and cinnamon offers beguiling aromas and captivating flavors in the latest entry in our Pursuit of Freedom series of Session Sours with real fruit."

Noon Whistle Brewing - Daaa Gummy
"Da Gummy is a hazy IPA with a blend of Cashmere, Strata, Chinook, and Mosaic Hops. Cashmere hops open up with notes of peach and tangerine rind. Strata hops step in, offering herbal and dank undertones that add depth. Chinook hops bring a symphony of pine and resin notes. Finally, rounding everything out Mosaic hops shine, with their signature fruity character, weaving in elements of juicy citrus and ripe berries."

This week Tony is half in the bag in Michigan while Brandon tries to keep it together.

Beers on this episode:
Drekker Brewing Company - There Will Be Prrrt
Transient Artisan Ales / Roaring Table - Northerly

This weeks Malted Minis is brought to you by the heat wave Chicago is about to experience for the last days of August.

Beers on this episode:
Martin House Brewing Company - Scare Bears
"Imperial Kiwi Sour."
Hop Butcher For The World - Gator Belts and Patty Melts
"El Dorado & Citra-hoppped India Pale Ale"

This week we slide in July with two easy drinking and fruity midwest beverages.

Watermelon Splash
Vibrant, bright and crisp. Watermelon Splash is 100% natural with zero artificial sweetners. Wisconsin malt serves up 4.0% ABV, only 105 calories and 6.5 g of carefree carbs. A provocative and refreshing burst of watermelon joy!
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Strawberry Beer For Tacos
Pouring cherry blossom pink and bursting with floral wild strawberries aromatics, Strawberry Beer for Tacos pay tribute to the strawberry margarita while remaining distinctly unique. The flavor highlights a touch of lime acidity under a robust strawberry yogurt tang. A saline finish rounds out the nose and concludes yet another Off Color beer to pair perfectly with your taco.

​Still time to invest into Lake Effect Brewing.  Check out the link below.
​invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/lake-effect-brewing-company

This week we say "bon voyage" to Brandon while sipping on Marz Schwarzbier from Marz Community Brewing Co.

SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENT
Next week we have a very special 1 hour EPISODE of The Malting Hour!!!
You won't want to miss it!

Beers featured on this episode:
Marz Community Brewing Co. -  Marz Schwarzbier