Beats, Beards & Brews

The gang (Eric, Evan and Dan) is all here in a very special episode of Beats, Beards & Brews. In the second episode of their new "album discussion" format, the boys review Metric's ninth studio album Formentera II. Get ready for some divided opinions and a whole lotta foolin'. Metric songs previewed in this episode include: You'll also hear some hot takes on Rolling Stone's surprisingly controversial "50 Best Canadian Musician's of All Time" list and some even hotter takes on QT taquitos. It's a vibe. As always, thanks for listening. Until next time! Eric: Oh, and as a little bonus, here's a Formentera II track-by-track breakdown that Consequence did with Metric! Just in case you happen to vibe with this album like I did. ;)

Eric and Evan are back on their mics after a bit of a summer hiatus — and they're mixing things up! In this episode, the duo discusses trying out a new format for the podcast, where they focus more on the albums they are reviewing in shorter, tighter episodes. Pittsburgh alternative rock/metal band Code Orange is the group featured this time around, as the boys take a deep dive into the band's fifth studio album "The Above." Code Orange songs previewed in this episode include: Evan and Eric also share some beverages they are drinking. Eric sips on Zombie Dust by 3 Floyds Brewing and Evan tries out the non-alcoholic version of Guinness. As always, thanks for listening. We greatly appreciate your support!

Evan and Eric hit the mics to review Portugal. The Man's ninth studio album Chris Black Changed My Life. Can it top the insane hype around Woodstock and standout track "Feel It Still"? Well, the lead single on this one, "Dummy," was featured in a Taco Bell ad. Is that good or bad? You decide! Portugal. The Man tracks previewed in this episode include: Next up, Eric revisits The Bearded Mack and shares his thoughts on the company at this point in time and selects his favorite scents from their Beard Oil Sample Pack. Note: The Icy Mack scent was not available when Eric ordered his sample pack. But he tried this scent previously, and it's pretty enjoyable. The Beard Mack Sample Pack Scents Ranked Finally, the boys discuss Evan's recent decision to quit drinking and Eric rates the Non-Alcoholic Chocolate Milk Dark Brew from Untitled Art, which has a wide selection of N/A brews. As always, thanks for listening and stay tuned for more new episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews!

Dan and Eric are back on their respective mics to deliver not one, but three album reviews. The boys share their well-informed opinions on Free Rein to Passions by Dirty Nil, But Here We Are by the Foo Fighters and Weathervanes by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Choice tracks previewed in this episode include: Next up, Eric reviews beard oils, beard hydration spray and natural deodorant from Voodoo Menscraft. Then the boys talk about two totally legal cannabis-infused beverages: Climbing Kites and Trail Magic. As always, thanks for listening and stay tuned for more new episodes very soon!

Now that we've all had some time to let the riffs on the eleventh Metallica album 72 Seasons sink in, it's time to let our thoughts be known with an official Beats, Beards & Brews review. Dan and Eric are joined by returning special guest Alex for a thorough discussion on the album. Metallica tracks previewed in this episode include: Next, Eric embarks on a musky journey through Chicago, Miami and Austin, three destination-inspired beard oil scents from Passport Grooming in West Des Moines, Iowa. Finally, the boys drop reviews of one beer we won't name and two very special dank beers — DDH Dr. Dank IPA by Reunion Brewing and Legalize Big Doinks Extra Dank West Coast IPA by Fair State Brewing. Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more new episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews!

The full crew is back to review Paramore's sixth studio album This Is Why. What do the boys think of the album in comparison to to After Laughter and the band's previous work? Tune in to find out! Paramore tracks previewed in this episode include: Later in the episode, Eric reviews the new Death Wish Blueberry & Vanilla Coffee Beard Oil from 1740 Beard Balm — a company the bearded boys are already familiar with. Finally, everyone sips on a trio of different beers, which include: Citrus SurferFrench Toast StoutStrata DDH Hazy IPA Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more exciting new episodes!

In a very exciting moment in Beats, Beards & Brews history, Eric hops on the mic for his very first solo podcast recording. His mission? You'll have to listen to the episode to get Eric's complete list of anticipated albums, but you can and totally should check out this Spotify spoiler playlist of blazin' hot tracks. While the majority of this episode is a celebration of music, Eric does reveal some top secret information about upcoming beard product reviews. He also drinks a Barrel Aged Collaborator Doppelbock by No Coast Beer Co. and Allerton Brewing Co. (two quality Iowa breweries). As always, thanks for listening, and stay tuned for more new episodes!

In an episode so thrilling that the boys took a month to edit and release it, Evan revisits 2022 to pick two of his top albums of the year. Despite this very large slap in the face to Eric and Dan, who picked the correct album choices for him in the previous episode, the boys listen to Evan's new picks. So just what two albums motivated Evan to want to return to the mic so badly? Evan's Interesting Album Picks Released in 2022 (Revised) Where the Heart Isfive seconds flat Good job, Evan. We're proud of you for picking these albums. In other Beats, Beards & Brews news, Eric and Dan rate some beard oils (in three different scents) and beard butter (in one scent) from 8-bit Beard Co., a retro gaming themed beard company. Featured scent profiles in this episode include: Hero of Time, Blue Devil and Thrilla Gorilla. Finally, the boys drink and review two N/A beers and some hop water, because why the hell not? Featured beverages include: Brewdog's Hazy AF, Exile's Ruthie NA and Lagunitas' Hoppy Refresher. It was dry/moist January at the time of this recording, so back off! Thanks for listening, though, seriously. Stay tuned for what's next! Peace.

To mark the end of another year, Eric, Evan and Dan all hop on their respective mics for one last time in 2022. First, the boys select their 2022 end-of-year music highlights (two picks per person). This list includes albums that released in 2022 that we found interesting for one reason or another. Don't miss it! Beats, Beards & Brews 2022 End-of-Year Music Highlights include: Harry's HouseVaxis – Act II: Window of the Waking MindAlpha ZuluDiaspora ProblemsTragic MagicPainless Honorable mention album picks include: Dripfield by Goose and SZNZ: Winter by Weezer. And here are some links to the Spotify playlists referenced during this episode: BBBPod: 2022 AlbumsBest of 2022: Eric's Metal PicksBest of 2022: Eric's Non-Metal Picks Next up Eric shares his updated Top 5 Beard Companies list, which includes: BeardbrandCanYouHandlebarThe Bearded MackT3 Beard Co.Last Looks Grooming Honorable mentions for best beard product companies include: The Beard Baron, Copper Johns Beard Company and Damn Yankee Beard Company. You can also check out the previous list of top beard companies released in 2020 to see how things have changed since that time. Eric's beard product scents of the year include: Boardwalk Mack by The Bearded Mack (seasonal summer scent), Huntsman by The Beard Baron (seasonal winter scent), The Lodge by T3 Beard Co. (seasonal winter scent), Ghost Falls by Copper Johns (seasonal fall scent) and Spirit Guide by Damn Yankee (seasonal fall/winter scent). Finally, the gang all drinks and reviews Christmas Ale by Great Lakes Brewing Company out of Cleveland, Ohio. Cheers to you all and the new year! Stay tuned in 2023 for more new episodes of Beats, Beards & Brews.

Coming in hot ahead of the Christmas holiday weekend, here's a wholesome new episode of Beats, Beards & Brews for all to enjoy! It's December, which means the music release calendar has slowed way down, but that doesn't stop the boys from diving into the latest EP from The Sound of Animals Fighting titled APESHIT. Listen with glee as the gang debates whether they like this experimental indie/post-hardcore rock band's new tracks or not. It's a lot to digest, that's for sure! The Sound of Animals Fighting songs previewed during this episode include: In a new segment titled "Eric's New Cool Winter Beard Oil Scents," the man himself (Eric) drops three cold weather beard oil recommendations. These are beard oils that Eric recommends for any bearded man when the temps get cold. Eric's top beard oil picks for the 2022 winter season include: The LodgeYukkonThe BumbleJoyGoodwillHuntsmancold classics Don't forget to check these businesses' social media accounts (especially Instagram) for potential sales codes. Finally, the boys serve up a fisting of beer reviews, as they all drink Fistmas, a holiday red ale with ginger and orange peel, by Revolution Brewing. Happy holidays!

In another very special episode of Beats, Beards & Brews, the gang reunites to discuss the 40th anniversary remaster version of KISS' 10th studio album Creatures of the Night. Released in 1982, the album is one of KISS' heaviest and a fan favorite. But how do Eric, Evan and Dan feel about it? Tune in to find out! KISS songs previewed during this episode include: Later in the episode, Eric shares his thoughts on Beardbrand's updated Utility Oil product line and its Temple Smoke scent. Then the boys review two intriguing ales. Dan rates Raspberry Jam Bam by Inbound Brewco. Meanwhile, Evan and Eric review Strawberry Biscuit Ale by Southern Grist Brewing Co. brewed in collaboration with Hardee's.

Welcome to Beats, Beards & Brews' 2022 celebration of everything fall. OK, so we swapped out Weezer's SZNZ: Autumn for Sumerlands Dreamkiller ... but Dreamkiller brings to mind A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Warriors so that still fits the fall episode theme, right? Absolutely. Good. Great. Sumerlands' songs previewed during this episode include: Next up, Eric shares his favorite fall beard oils. These include: Smoked PumpkinT3 Beard Co.HitchhikerTravelerIowa Beard Co.Live DeliciouslyLast Looks Grooming Finally the boys— or boys and men — drink and review The Great Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale by Elysian Brewing and CaramelCrisp Caramel Popcorn Ale by Revolution Brewing, which are both flavor experiences. Happy fall. Happy autumn. Happy Halloween. Happy all of it. Cheers!

Eric, Evan and Dan are back to discuss the debut album Days of the Lost from The Halo Effect, a Swedish melodic death metal supergroup featuring former members of In Flames. Unsure if this album is your cup of tea? If you like hard rock or heavy metal with melody this is probably worth a listen. The Halo Effect songs previewed during this episode include: Next up, Eric rates a trio of liquid beard butters from T3 Beard Co. Scents reviewed during this episode include Hop Head, Chill Out and Comatoze. Finally the boys sip on some Royal Eddy and Surly Furious. Cheers!

Summer is chuggin' right along ... so fast that it took the boys a while to get this episode posted. But if you're a fan of Coheed, it's worth the wait. Maybe. We're not making any promises. Outside of the fact that we do indeed review Coheed & Cambria's Vaxis — Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind. Songs previewed during this episode include: Next up, Eric drops a review of Boardwalk Mack, an ICEE inspired blue raspberry and cherry limited edition summer beard oil from The Bearded Mack Grooming Co. featuring notes of bergamot, lemon, jasmine, amber and musk. *Note: Boardwalk Mack is currently sold out on the website. But keep an eye out for this limited edition annual scent next summer or stay tuned for a restock ... not sure if that'll happen, though! Finally, the boys ride off into space and rate two beers from Boulevard Brewing Company's Space Camper IPA series — Alpha Vapor Nebulous IPA and Gigahop Dual Hemisphere IPA. Grab a brew or two, sit back, hit play and enjoy. We appreciate you all.

The full Beats, Beards & Brews crew is back to talk about some of the local and national albums we missed so far in 2022. Featured albums include: Harry's HouseDrawing Little PicturesBorn in FogJudas Curse of the Iron SabbathPaid in Full Tracks previewed during the episode include: Dan delivers a review of The Soap Guy's Natural Soap — he purchased the "Masculine Scent" collection on the site — in the latest edition of Sudsin' It Up. He also delivers a special investigative report looking into claims about another soap company we have positively reviewed on the podcast. Finally, the boys drink some local IPAs and Eric continues to try Warheads flavored things ... this time, beer! Beers reviewed during the episode include: DeadringerFinally We Got Our IPAWarheads Blue Raspberry Sour Ale Thanks for listening, as always!

What's that off in the distance? Is that the super-heavy Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah? Cue the THICC riffs. Meshuggah is back baby! Eric couldn't be happier as the boys drop their reviews of Immutable. Dan and Evan aren't as sure of their feelings. Meshuggah songs previewed in this episode include: In another edition of "Sudsin' It Up" (with Eric), the biggest beard on the pod drops a review of the Greenhorn Unscented Solid Beard Wash Bar by Whiskey 'N Hardtack. Meanwhile, Dan wishes it actually felt like spring in Minnesota while sipping on Springbier from Indeed Brewing Co. And Eric drops his review of the Chonk Spumoni Sundae Sour from Drekker Brewing Co. Evan gives a shout-out to Blonde Fatale from Peace Tree Brewing Co. If ya know, ya know.

The gang reunites once more to review Ghost's fifth studio album Impera. The boys unravel the mystery of Papa Emeritus to emerge with a new theory that involves Weird Al secretly fronting the band. Is there any merit to this claim? Hard to say! Ghost tracks previewed on this episode include: Next up Eric reviews War Zone Sour Watermelon Beard Oil from T3 Beard Co. which may or may not be a wholesome Christian beard company. "Whatever your religion is ... who cares. We're here to talk about sour watermelon beard oil." Eric also shares some fun facts about Warheads. Evan and Eric celebrate Equalitea as they drink Big Grove Brewery's latest sour ale with lemon peel, honey, and white tea. Dan gets green beer catfished by a misleading St. Patrick's Day social media post from Dangerous Man Brewing Co., but ends up reviewing a Blackberry Lime Popsicle IPA from the brewery instead. All's well that ends well. Thanks for listening and stay tuned for our next episode featuring MESHUGGAH!

Eric, Evan and Dan return to review the self-titled, third studio album from Zeal & Ardor. What does the band sound like? Grab a fistful of blues and sprinkle in some gospel. Then add in a healthy portion of black metal. Now you've got yourself a musical stew unlike anything you've ever heard before. Zeal & Ardor tracks previewed on this episode include: Next up, Eric reviews the Neutral Full Spectrum CBD Beard Oil from Beard Octane. He also rates their Neutral Full Spectrum CBD Lathering Conditioning Wash. These products come at a premium price. But are they worth it? You'll have to tune on in to find out! Finally, the boys briefly discuss the difference between West Coast IPAs and Hazy IPAs. Eric proceeds to review Sparkle Wolf by Modern Times Beer and Dan rates Moon Howler by Fulton Beer. Oh, and Evan drinks Easy Eddy by Big Grove Brewery. It was in his fridge. What will the boys review next? Give us a follow and find out. In the meantime, enjoy this episode and take care of yourself!

Dan and Eric break out their cowboy hats for a special two-man episode where they review Dispatch to 16th Ave. the second studio album from the "proudly independent and unapolegetically southern" Nashville-based country duo Muscadine Bloodline. Muscadine Bloodline songs previewed on this episode include: For the beard portion of the episode, Eric shares his thoughts on Genesis, a coffee, tobacco and vanilla scented beard oil from Bay Area Beard Co.'s Biblical Beard Oil series. Finally, Eric rates On the Button Blonde Stout from Confluence Brewing Co. and Dan revisits an old favorite — Choco Milk Stout from Dangerous Man Brewing Co. Cheers!

Just when you thought it was safe! The boys are back and this time they're sharing some albums they are looking forward to in 2022. 2022 Anticipated Album Picks Include: Get Well SoonKing Iso11:11PinegroveErebosVenom PrisonLet There Be WitcheryMidnightImperaGhostSpringWeezerImmutableMeshuggahFear of the DawnJack WhiteIt's Time...To Rise From the GraveUndeathAlpha GamesBloc PartyVaxis II: A Window of the Waking MindCoheed & CambriaSummerWeezerEntering Heaven AliveJack WhiteFallWeezerWinterWeezer Albums With TBD 2022 Release Dates: The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead Whew! That's a lotta albums. And here's the Spotify playlist we made! Eric also drops a quick review of Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Balm from Duke Cannon. And the boys rate the 2022 HopSlam Ale from Bell's Brewery.