Urban Artifact has built a reputation for doing things their own way, and Cabriole is a beer that really leans into that identity. In this video, I sit down with Cabriole and give it my full attention—from the pour to the finish—to see how it comes together as a complete drinking experience.
I begin by examining the visual characteristics of the beer, because appearance matters. The color, haze, and head all play a role in setting expectations, and I share what immediately caught my eye once this beer was in the glass. From there, I move into the aroma, taking time to explore the layers and nuances that come through on the nose and how they hint at what’s to come.
When it comes to the tasting, I break down the flavor progression in detail. I talk about what I’m picking up on the front end, how the beer develops mid-palate, and what lingers after each sip. Equally important, I dive into the mouthfeel—how the carbonation, body, and texture interact with those flavors and whether everything feels intentional and well-balanced.
To close things out, I give my overall thoughts on Cabriole as a beer and as part of Urban Artifact’s portfolio. I discuss who I think this beer is best suited for, when it would shine the most, and how it stands out in the ever-growing world of sour and wild ales.
If you enjoy thoughtful beer reviews that go beyond quick reactions and really explore what’s in the glass, you’ll want to watch this one. Let’s break it down together—and as always, get your beer on.
A place to stay beer informed as well as learn about beer in a fun, entertaining, and educational way!
Firestone Walker | Anniversary XXIX (29) Ale Beer Review
When Firestone Walker drops a new Anniversary Ale, it’s more than just a beer—it’s an experience. In this video, I’m reviewing Firestone Walker Anniversary XXIX Ale, and I’m breaking it down the way beer fans want it: visually, aromatically, and sip by sip.
I start with the appearance, because this beer makes a statement the moment it hits the glass. I talk through the color, the head, and the overall presentation, and how those visual cues set expectations for what’s to come. Sometimes the beer tells you a lot before you even lift it to your nose—and this one definitely has something to say.
From there, I spend time with the aroma, letting it open up and evolve. I share what I’m picking up, how the barrel influence comes through, and how those aromatics connect to Firestone Walker’s blending approach. This is one of those beers where the nose alone can keep you hanging out with the glass longer than expected.
When it comes to the taste, I slow things down. I walk through initial flavors, mid-palate transitions, and the finish, highlighting how balanced—or bold—those flavors feel. I also focus on mouthfeel, talking about body, texture, carbonation, and how smooth or warming the beer feels as you sip.
Finally, I give my overall thoughts—how Anniversary XXIX comes together as a complete beer, who I think will appreciate it most, and whether it delivers on what fans expect from this legendary series. Huge thanks to Firestone Walker Brewing Company for sending this beer over for review, allowing me to give it a proper, thoughtful tasting.
If you’re curious about this release, wondering if it’s worth tracking down, or just enjoy deep beer conversations, you’ll want to watch this one. Let’s talk beer—get your beer on.
Other key details about this beer:
About The Blending:
XXIX | The Final Blend
Parabola (13.6% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (32% of blend)
Barrel Details – 10yr Henry Mckenna and 9yr Elijah Craig
Imperial Stout
OG=34.22P FG=9.7P IBU=55 Color=Midnight
Our beloved Parabola recipe aged for 12-16 months in Bourbon barrels. Massive amounts of Roast Barley, hopped with Styrian Golding and Hallertau Tradition.
Velvet Merkin (9.1% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (20% of blend)
Barrel Details – 11yr Henry Mckenna and 12yr Elijah Craig
Milk Stout
OG=21.9P FG=5.3 IBU=30 Color=Black Velvet
An old friend from the barrel program which goes into barrels as a 5.5% ABV milk stout and comes out as a complex and rich 9% velvety fudgy delight. Brewed with oats and milk sugar. Hopped with 100% Oregon-grown Fuggle.
Frau Gruber Blend (12.8% ABV) Aged in Bourbon barrels (15% of Blend)
Barrel Details – 12yr Elijah Craig
Pastry Stout (non-adjuncted stock)
OG=40P FG=20.2P 259 Color= Black Hole
This massive beer is left over barrel stock from our first collab with Frau Gruber (Heavy Souls). The beer used in the blend has been aging for 24 months in 12yr Elijah Craig barrels and was the biggest beer we had ever brewed at the time.
Helldorado (13.9% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (15% of blend)
Barrel Details – Heaven Hill
Blonde Barleywine
OG=27.1P FG=2.8P IBU=11 Color=Golden Blonde
We brew this beer to allow the blenders the opportunity to adjust viscosity and color. Lean and focused to express barrel character, hopped with Styrian Golding.
DDBA (9.0% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (10% of blend)
Barrel Details – 10yr Henry Mckenna and 9yr Elijah Craig
Imperial Special Bitter
OG=27.8P FG=7.9P IBU=26 Color=Ruby
A double version of our flagship DBA, fermented in oak barrels and aged for at least 12 months in Bourbon barrels.
Stickee Monkee (12.8% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (5% of blend)
Barrel Details – 10yr Henry Mckenna and 9yr Elijah Craig
Central Coast Quad
OG=29.37P FG=7.78 IBU=35 Color=Walnut
Round and full-bodied Quad brewed with Belgian Candi Sugar and Mexican Brown Sugar.
Bravo (11.4% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (3% of blend)
Barrel Details – 6yr Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bourbon
Imperial Brown Ale
OG=25.2P FG=3.4 IBU=35 Color=Deep Brown
The OG - A longtime beloved base beer used to blend our Barleywines. Old school and lean. Hopped with Brave and Styrian Golding hops. 12 months in barrel.
The team that created the winning blend that became “XXIX”
Niels Udsen – Castoro Cellars
Pete Slosberg – founder Pete’s Wicked Ale
Bob Garcia
Tripping Animals Brewing Continues to Grow Amid Industry Changes
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Great Lakes Brewing Company | Juicy Vibacious Doube IPA Beer Review
Great Lakes Brewing Company has a long-standing reputation in the craft beer world, so when I finally sat down to review Juicy Vibacious Double IPA, I wanted to give it the attention it deserved. This video isn’t just about whether I liked the beer—it’s about understanding what it brings to the table and how it delivers on its bold name.
I kick things off by breaking down the appearance, because first impressions matter. I talk through the haze, the color, the head formation, and what that visual tells me about what’s coming next. From there, I lean into the aroma, taking my time to explore how the hops present themselves, how intense they are, and whether the beer leans more tropical, citrus-forward, or somewhere in between.
Once I take that first sip, the focus shifts to flavor and balance. I walk through how Juicy Vibacious hits the palate, how the sweetness and bitterness interact, and whether the Double IPA strength enhances or overwhelms the experience. I also spend time discussing the mouthfeel, because a great juicy IPA should feel as good as it tastes—and not every Double IPA gets that right.
To wrap things up, I give my overall assessment—where this beer lands for me, and how it stacks up as a hazy Double IPA. Whether you’re a longtime Great Lakes fan or just curious if this one deserves a spot in your fridge, this review gives you the full picture.
If you appreciate deep-dive beer reviews that go beyond hype and focus on the full drinking experience, you’re in the right place. Thanks for watching, and as always—get your beer on.
Rod J Beer Review: Great Lakes Vibacious Double IPA
In today’s video, I’m taking a close look at Vibacious from Great akes Brewing Company and giving you my honest thoughts from start to finish.
I break this beer down the same way I always do — starting with the visual appearance, diving into the aroma, and then getting into the flavor profile and mouthfeel. From first sip to final impression, I’ll let you know exactly how this one drinks and whether it lives up to the expectations.
Is Vibacious something I’d pick up again? Does it stand out among other beers from Great Lakes Brewing Company? And most importantly — is it worth your time and money? That’s what this review is all about.
If you’ve had Vibacious, drop a comment below and let me know what you thought. I always enjoy hearing how your experience compares to mine.
If you enjoy honest beer reviews, unboxings, and conversations about craft beer, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future videos.
Thanks for watching — and as always, get your beer on 🍻
Is the Rising Cost of Beer Changing How We Drink? The Data Says Yes.
There’s been a lot of conversation across the beer industry lately — brewers, distributors, bar owners, and even retailers — all asking the same question:
Are rising beer prices causing people to drink out less and buy less beer overall?
Based on multiple industry reports from the Brewers Association, IWSR, Beverage Information Group, Gallup, and retail sales data from top beer companies, the answer appears to be:
👉 Yes — rising costs are contributing to measurable shifts in consumer behavior.
Here’s what the data shows:
🔺 Beer Prices Keep Rising
Ingredients, shipping, aluminum, labor — it’s all more expensive.
Industry analyses estimate that U.S. beer pricing has climbed 20%+ over the past 4–5 years, well ahead of historical averages.
🔻 Beer Sales & Volume Keep Falling
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U.S. beer volume dropped 4.4% in 2023, hitting its lowest point in years.
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Craft beer saw its first net decline in brewery count in two decades, with closures outpacing openings.
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In 2024, U.S. beer production fell another 1.2%, showing ongoing softness.
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Premium beer (craft, imports, specialty) declined globally for the first time in four years.
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Major brands report consumers are buying fewer packs and making fewer trips.
🧍♂️ Behavior Is Changing — Not Just Sales
Consumers aren’t only drinking less beer. They’re:
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Drinking less alcohol overall — with Gallup showing the lowest U.S. drinking rate in decades
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Choosing smaller formats (singles over six-packs)
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Trading down or switching to non-alcoholic options, which grew ~9% globally
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Cutting back on on-premise drinking as bar and restaurant pricing climbs
🥽 What This Means for the Industry
This isn’t a “beer is dying” moment — but it is a pivot point.
Price sensitivity is reshaping the landscape:
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Breweries must justify premium pricing more than ever
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Bars and bottle shops may need to rethink value offerings
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NA and alternative beverages are becoming real competition
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Consumers are choosing intentional drinking occasions instead of routine consumption
📊 The Big Picture: Prices Up, Volume Down
Below is an illustrative chart reflecting the overall trend seen across reported data from 2015–2024:
💭 Final Thought
The question isn’t just “Why are beer sales down?”
The question is:
“How does the beer industry adapt when consumers become more selective, more price-sensitive, and more health-conscious — all at the same time?”
It’s a challenging moment, but also an opportunity for smarter innovation, better storytelling, and a renewed focus on value.
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