Batch 421: This week on Craft Beer Republic, Greg, Flex, and Mel dive into the decline of beer festivals—is the party over, or is everyone just too cool to show up? Greg talks about getting a wakeboarding concussion because, apparently, helmets are for quitters. The crew are all drinking beers from New York, well, mostly. Plus, the gang explores why booze is about to get pricier in Nebraska and ends with a Florida man story that involves a golf cart, meth, and a very confused tow truck driver. Buckle up, it's a wild ride!

Beer Reviews:

• Mel is drinking Wings, a charity collaboration from The Seed, Marlowe Artisanal Ales, Mindful Ales, Timber Ales - A single barrel, mixed culture Saison brewed in support of cancer research. 
• Flex is puckering up Evil Twin Brewing’s Blue Raspberry Sour IPA - A sour IPA that tastes like the syrupy bottom of a blue raspberry snow cone. 
• Greg is crushing Equilibrium Brewing’s Above the Clouds - An 8% Hazy IPA with a smooth, velvety finish. 

The trio discusses the current state of beer festivals, noting that some of the top-tier breweries have stopped attending, which has left recent fests feeling lackluster. The discussion takes a turn when Greg shares his wakeboarding misadventure that left him with a concussion, leading to some laughs and a debate about whether helmets are really necessary. We also reminisce about the glory days of the beergram. And Mel got to get hydrated with Shredd on his trip through New York. 

Booze News:

• Nebraska proposes a massive tax hike on alcohol to provide property tax relief.
• Global beer production sees a 1% decline in 2023, with the US leading the drop.
• A new Craft Beer Hall of Fame is launched to honor the pioneers of the craft beer industry.
• Florida man engages in a slow-speed golf cart chase while trying to dispose of his meth pipe.

California is coming in with this week’s Ludicrous Libation Law.

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