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Maine Beer Geeks: Hardball & Hops
Maine Beer Geeks: Hardball & Hops
Author: Richard Bateman
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© 2026 Maine Beer Geeks: Hardball & Hops
Description
Two self-proclaimed baseball historians and craft beer enthusiasts from Maine sharing candid conversation on “America’s Pastime” and Maine|New England craft beer.
125 Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode we pay homage to Maine's newest sports franchise, Portland Hearts of Pine, by tasting two craft beers specifically brewed to be served at home matches. So while our footballer heroes hit the pitch let's see what we're up to in the stands. We also do a fun comparison of one of our favorite all-time beers, Pliney the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company. Cheers, Geeks!
Send us a text In this episode we taste a selection of dedicated gluten-free beer from one of Portland, Maine's newest and coolest breweries - Orange Bike Brewing. Listen in to hear our takes on these craft beers.
Send us a text In this episode we say "sayonara" to Dry January and pre-empt the upcoming Winter Olympics by celebrating the multiple GOLD MEDAL winning efforts of Maine's very own Allagash Brewing Company. Listen in to hear our thoughts on three outstanding beers!
Send us a text In this episode we subscribe to the viral "Dry January" movement and sample a bunch of non-alcoholic beer offerings from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and BERO. Do these "beers" taste any good or was this just a waste of time and taste buds? Tune in to hear our thoughts?
Send us a text In this episode we discuss possibilities for the Red Sox roster moving forward, all while sipping on a couple of beers from both Bissell Brothers Brewing and Treehouse Brewing Company. Listen in to hear our takes on all the things...
Send us a text In this episode we discuss our visions for the future of the roster for next year's Boston Red Sox team... and we perhaps preview our upcoming pilgrimage to Hill Farmstead Brewery in Vermont to celebrate Rich's birthday.
Send us a text In this episode we taste Oktoberfest offerings from a couple of Maine craft breweries (Definitive Brewing Company & Bissell Brothers Brewing), as well as from Vermont (Hill Farmstead Brewery) and Massachusetts (Tree House Brewing Company). Listen in to hear our thoughts on these tasty Fest Biers and Marzens.
Send us a text In this episode we are introduced to a new craft brewery from Connecticut - Fox Farm Brewery. We sample three of their beers - Riffle (West Coast IPA); Burst (Unfiltered IPA); and Roam (American Pale Ale). Listen in to hear our thoughts on these beers.
Send us a text In this episode we focus our attention on a few Summer Crushers... the "lawnmower beers", as it were. You know, the ones that you down in seconds flat after a hot session on the lawnmower! Listen in to hear our thoughts on these beers.
Send us a text In this episode we happily taste the "siblings" of one of very favorite Maine craft beers... Thirsty Botanist from Boothbay Craft Brewery. As with many iconic IPAs, a double and sessionable version has burst onto the scene recently. Listen in to hear our thoughts on these new variations of a classic IPA.
Send us a text In this episode we continue our exploration of blueberry inspired craft beers. As always, listen in to hear our thoughts on these four offerings.
Send us a text Getting through the dog days of Summer and sliding towards Labor Day with Part 1 of our Blueberry Beer tasting experience. Listen in to hear our thoughts on these treats.
Send us a text In this episode we taste a couple of collab beers from one of our favorite Maine craft breweries, Mast Landing Brewing Company. And we also sample a tasty pastry sour ale from Southern Grist Brewing Company (Nashville, TN). Listen in to hear our thoughts on these three interesting beers.
Send us a text In this episode we taste a special collection of craft beers from our happy place, Hill Farmstead Brewery in Vermont. These Farmhouse Style craft beers all share the same base, but are brewed with different hop profiles. Tune in to hear our thoughts on each. Cheers, fellow craft beer geeks!
Send us a text In this early morning episode we of course start with a taste of "Breakfast" from Maine Beer Company. We also have conversation surrounding the struggles of our beloved Red Sox since resuming action after the all-star break. Then it's time for another beer 😂
Send us a text In this episode we're tasting craft beers from Maine and Vermont; and of course, there's some Sox talk as well. Listen in for our thoughts and opinions on both topics.
Send us a text In this episode we once again step out of our comfort zones and take a tasty little trip to Funkytown. And no, it's not a walk on the dark side again as there was not a stout to be had this time around. Listen in to see which styles we try.
Send us a text As the song states at the beginning of this episode, "It's been such a long time... !! 265 days, in fact, since we last posted any content. We've missed you all and are happy to be behind the mics again. We're back and we kick it off with some amazing beers! Give it a listen and enjoy.
Send us a text In this episode we sample craft beers that really take us out of our comfort zones. But, in true Maine Beer Geeks style we finish up with one our all-time favorites. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the stouts we tasted.
Send us a text In this episode we sample several examples of West Coast IPAs and discuss their merits as it relates to the true criteria(s) of the style. Listen in to hear our thoughts and "non expert" reviews.



