Shells and Hops Podcast

23/05/2024

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢 🍺

02/12/2023

It’s time their story was told…before it’s too late.

Catch the Gopher Games documentary, the story of development’s destruction of the gopher tortoise population along with the rest of Florida’s wild spaces.
Coming to YouTube and public screenings in early 2024!

26/11/2023

Let me start by thanking George Emde for this wonderful beer gift. We are huge fans of Wicked W**d Brewing, as their IPA’s are amazing, but we were not aware they made a stout, and an imperial stout at that. So naturally when George brought me this 6 pack, I was really eager to try it.

This beer is brewed with golden raisins (yes, this is not a typo), cinnamon and vanilla. Not being a fan of raisins I was a bit weirded out, but I was determined to still try it. I mean, how bad could it be? Sporting a robust 8.7% ABV this beer should be a very good stout. So why the run around?

This beer is a prime example why you shouldn’t forget the basics of beer drinking. Why? Because stouts are known for tasting different depending on their temperature with 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit being the agreed best temperature to enjoy them. Why am I writing this? Because the first impression I got when I tasted this beer was a mix of confusion and disappointment in the taste. I wanted to chill it a bit so I placed it briefly in the freezer but the attempted 10 minutes became 25 while I was playing with the turtles in the garage. At a very cold temperature I could taste the cinnamon but the rest of the flavors were not really good. It was very crisp and refreshing when those are not the attributes of a stout, let alone an imperial stout. As I felt bummed out by the taste I let it sit for a while and came back to it (never waste beer) to continue drinking and the beer I tasted then was not the same beer I tasted right out of the freezer. Holy sh%+ it was good! The once weird flavors now went into complete harmony with a degree of sweetness at the end that completely goes against the bitterness expected from stouts yet not disappointing at all. I am guessing the raisins are to blame for this and if so, it was genius to add them. You are indeed feeling like you are drinking a very well made boozy cookie that fits perfectly with the current cool/cold weather.
Personally I would have never guessed this was an imperial stout but I would certainly call it a stout and specifically a dessert stout. It isn’t too sweet where you wouldn’t want to have another one but it isn’t too light either so it really can be the closer for the night.

I am not sure how easy this beer will be to find but it is definitely a beer to try even if it’s only once. Hope you enjoy and please leave your own reviews/opinions if you try it.

Remember to always drink responsibly.
🐢 🍺

31/08/2023

A great time of the year! As a side note, I rank 1-3 from right to left. Founders did a very good Marzen once again and the flavors just scream Oktoberfest. Sam Adams did their usual steady flavored beer and Sierra Nevada just disappointed me. Neither is a bad choice at all though.

19/07/2023

USARK FL Online Auction

An online USARK FL Benefit Auction is happening on July 29th and 30th exclusively at BSRauctions.com. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to acquire stunning reptiles while supporting USARK FL!

Registration is very easy at BSRauctions.com. This is a no-reserve auction with lively bidding wars, and $59 flat rate shipping no matter how many animals you buy. S*x, and weight or length of the animals are guaranteed.

In addition to a variety of cool animals, you have the opportunity to bid on a custom electric guitar, built by Adam Shirah , originally donated by Jeremy and Genie Baud .exotic.reptiles and signed by Brian Barczyk , Kevin McCurley , Ty Park, Mark Bell, Kim Bell, Greg Graziani Eugene Bessette, Craig Trumbower, Ralph Davis, Vin Russo, Tom Crutchfield, Brian Gundy, Colette Sutherland, and Dan Sutherland.

We're accepting a maximum of 50 live animal donations. If you have healthy reptiles to contribute, contact [email protected]. Prohibited species are not accepted.

Join the fun and acquire incredible reptiles, while supporting USARK FL on July 29 and 30th at BSRauctions.com.

24/05/2023

Tasting some good beers at Crave & Copper in Auburndale.
Chillin’ on a Deck is an Imperial/Double Lager at 7.2%ABV and Cinco de Mango is a Mango Habanero Lager at 4.5%ABV.

10/04/2023

Our apologies for a non-beer and non-turtle post but this is something that, as reptile lovers, we can’t condone. FWC has become a rogue agency with no supervision and zero accountability. Please, if you love animals, not just reptiles, do whatever you can to bring about positive change to this agency. The current state of FWC is a total disgrace.

Contact Gov DeSantis
850-717-9337
[email protected]

Contact the Governor and tell him to ask for the resignation of FWC leadership and an immediate end to the killing of captive animals by FWC.

https://youtu.be/BuimdwINSzk

30/10/2022

No Mames Mexican Lager from Tripping Animals Brewing. Once again the artwork nails it but so does the name. This beer is definitely a true Mexican inspired lager in every sense of the word. Think drinking a Modelo but better. Very light taste and very refreshing and true to its name.
Always drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

28/10/2022

Are you guys ready for our second guest review? Well I hope so because here it is. This review is brought to you by none other than Paul Vanderschow who is a staple in the turtle world. Paul breeds and keeps a very varied collection of turtles and he is also a beer fanatic so he fits perfectly here. He is reviewing Corporate Ladder’s Double Barrel Champurrado. This is an imperial stout with a very complex aging process which is why it is in such high demand when available. Let’s see what Paul has to say:

Inspired by the traditional Mexican hot cocoa beverage, this stout is rich, sweet, and delightfully spicy. The robust chocolate backbone is apparent from the moment the cap is popped, with hints of peppery zest that gently tingle the sinuses, and apple aromatics from the brandy barrel aging. It pours opaquely dark and viscous, with minimal head. The flavor is boldly and unapologetically sweet chocolate, with subtle, smooth vanilla, cinnamon notes, and a creamy mouthfeel that only marshmallow can provide. Cayennes contribute a peppery heat that builds quickly from mid-swig, and rises to crescendo seconds after swallowing, tantalizingly lingering on the pallet and in the sinuses. Bourbon barrel aging adds a boozy caramel essence to the flavor, but is perfectly balanced with the hearty flavor of the stout base. That so many different components are present, yet distinctly discernable, layered and balanced, is a testament to the level of artistry that the brewers have achieved with this spectacular brew.

There you have it. If this review makes you want to try it, check out Corporate Ladder Brewing and enjoy. Thank you Paul for your review and your support.

Always drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

26/10/2022

Mrs. Glenda is the next Tripping Animals Brewery review. Raptor artwork? Yes please! The beer is another not-too-hoppy Double IPA which isn’t a knock per se. It’s smoothness and good taste hides the powerful 8% ABV and that’s really good because you can really drink the whole 4 pack before realizing what’s up and inevitably saying to yourself “clever girl”.
This is yet another DIPA that would be a great option for people who normally don’t enjoy IPA’s or DIPA’s for that matter. Very refreshing and flavorful.

Always drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

24/10/2022

Dino Park delivers taste like you would expect from its name. It isn’t a roller coaster of taste but it is intense and extremely satisfying. Toppling Goliath Brewing has brought us amazing IPA’s like Pseudo-Sue and King Sue but they did something different with Dino Park. This is a beer that you can have at any season as it’s robust body can hold up even in cold weather. The best part? Your beer supplier should be able to order this amazing beer for you without issues. Give it a try and let us know what you think.
And since we are dealing with a Dino theme let’s show you a Dino-sized turtle to go with it. Here’s our large male Orlitia borneensis.

Always drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

23/10/2022

Tripping Animals Brewing Company does have amazing art for their beers. They’re expensive beers and I am sure it will be open for debate as to whether the beer justifies the price. However we purchased several of their beers and will review them here as we taste them. We are starting with Frog Eat Frog World, a double IPA with possibly one of the coolest and trippiest artwork out there. As you can see the can looks different with and without flash.
The beer itself is actually quite mild for DIPA standards. We are used to DIPAs with a bit of a hoppy kick which was reduced in this beer but not absent. It is a very enjoyable beer that drinks quite smoothly and does make want another one (or three). We found out the brewery is in south Florida yet we found their beers for sale in Savannah, GA. Go figure!

We realized also we have been posting some good beers but we have been neglecting our shelled friends. So please enjoy a pic of a few of our baby Podocnemis vogli.

Always remember to drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

20/10/2022

Today’s review is thanks to Mike and Jann and their gift of this amazing Kölsch by Coast Brewing Company in SC. You may be used to reading “German style” on many beers but you don’t always get to experience that. That will not be the case with this beer. It has a very smooth and refreshing flavor while still delivering the malt taste of a German beer. Not heavy not light it almost could be classified as an Oktoberfest beer. One thing is certain, one is not enough and the six pack went pretty quick between us. If you find yourself in or near Charleston, make sure to give this brewery and beer a try.

Always drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

19/10/2022

This is probably one of the easiest reviews we had made. What you see and read is exactly what you’ll get. There is no subtle coconut taste like some others, this is truly an amazing coconut Porter. As a Porter it delivers very well with the right flavor balance for a Porter but the obscene amount of coconut and chocolate flavor makes you think you are drinking a cold Mounds bar. This is a beer worth looking for regardless but especially if you want to see how a coconut Porter should taste.

Always remember to drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

11/10/2022

This is a first for Shells and Hops, our first guest review by our own Divy. And yes, sadly it’s a sour review.

“If you love a refreshing, tart sour beer on a warm day, then this is the one for you. It pours smoothly as a hazy, coral-colored cloud of fruity tartness. A light and fresh taste of berries, this sour will not leave you with a cloying aftertaste. Instead it ends with what may be the perfect note of Vanilla. It leaves my sour buds clamoring for more!”

Always drink responsibly!
🐢 🍺

11/09/2022

Absolutely amazing beer given to us by our friends at Ectotherm Empire. The pecan taste is there no doubt about it but it isn’t the defining quality of this decadent beer. It’s smooth taste does contain the expected bitterness of a stout but without the long lasting effects. It is hard to describe how good this is so my advice is to drink it and enjoy it for yourself. At a 10.5% ABV we do not advise you drink this beast on an empty stomach unless you really want to get the full experience, hahahaha. Sharing is encouraged but not a must as a single person can easily drink the whole bottle without issues, it really is that good.

31/08/2022

Fall is coming and what better way to welcome it than with a selection of Oktoberfest beers. Terrapin and Founders both came up with their entries this season and we got to sample them at the beach during the Daytona Reptile Expo. Founders absolutely knocked it out of the park with a very genuine German style Oktoberfest. Terrapin’s wasn’t amazing but it was extremely refreshing.

05/08/2022

Happy International Beer Day!
We tasted this Porter called Tupac Shaporter a few days ago. It was not as robust as other porters we have had but it was still very well made with a great balance of flavors and a smooth finish.
Hope everyone gets to have a good beer today and always drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

01/06/2022

Many thanks to our good friend Lizette for bringing this variety over. Although nowhere as rich and delicious as the original Dragon’s Milk, the Solera variety brings a very unique dimension to this stout. As described on its label, the notes of caramel and fig and felt relatively easily. The toffee took us a bit to locate and honestly not 100% sure we did, hahahaha. But with a robust 10% ABV you will be too happy to keep track of the flavors. Thanks Liz!

10/03/2022

Living up to its name, the 90 minute IPA gives you enough hops and flavor for a good 90 minutes, not to mention its robust 9% ABV.
Remember to ALWAYS drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

09/03/2022

Our version of drinking a Black and Tan.

08/03/2022

We are not gone, not even close. We have just been drinking a lot of good beer.

14/12/2021

It seems that every year it becomes a bit harder to obtain Narwhal locally but this year we solved that issue. You may think it’s obsession but we prefer to call it determination.
🐢🍺

12/12/2021

Season 2 is here! Yup, you’re reading that right. The guys are back with new episodes and that means new beers and new turtles. Season 2 will take them to different breweries in Florida and around the USA as well as the usual studio but it will still be the same raw/unedited format you’re used to.

The first episode has them reviewing one of the beers Joel brought back from his trip to Ocean Lab Brewing in Puerto Rico. Driftwood Brown is a unique and amazing beer that should be on everyone’s “must try” list. The beer gets paired with the equally amazing Hardella thurjii, the Crowned River Turtle.
Give it a listen and feel free to post your comments.
As always, drink responsibly.
🐢🍺

La segunda temporada de Shells and Hops ha llegado. Ivan y Joel estarán visitando cervecerías en Florida y varias partes de los EUA para traerles más cervezas y nuevas tortugas siguiendo el mismo formato de siempre.
El primer episodio tiene la magnífica cerveza Driftwood Brown de Ocean Lab Brewing en Puerto Rico pareada con la increíble tortuga Hardella thurjii, la Tortuga Coronada.
Espero disfruten el episodio y como siempre, déjennos comentarios si pueden.
Recuerden siempre tomar responsablemente.
🐢🍺

05/12/2021

This is my crown jewel video from Black Lab Brewing. This is my interview with Matt Boder, the owner and brewmaster of this awesome place. Hope you guys like the video and hope you can visit Black Lab Brewing in Barcelona.

05/12/2021

Here’s a few brief reviews (in Spanish but some commentary in English by my guest tasters) of the beers I tried at Black Lab Brewing. Check the comments for more videos so as to not make too many threads.

05/12/2021

Hi everyone, Ivan here. This is my intro video (Spanish language) before going into Black Lab Brewing. I was a bit disappointed up to this moment with the whole beer scene in Barcelona as it wasn’t what I expected. However, all that changed once I got to Black Lab Brewing. This brewery has a great location, almost a can’t miss location honestly, and on top of great beer, the food menu is phenomenal. Most of the videos are in Spanish but there’s a few in English too. Hope you enjoy them.

05/12/2021

Greetings everyone. Despite a long silence we are back with some new material that we hope you enjoy. We have some good raw footage from a trip Ivan took to Barcelona and his visit to some breweries there. The footage is mostly in Spanish so our apologies to our English speaking fans but do not feel too discouraged as there is a very nice interview with the owner and brewmaster of Black Lab Brewing and that’s in English. So enjoy the next few videos and keep drinking responsibly and enjoying your turtles and tortoises.
🐢🍺

Pic for attention features Estrella and Damm Lemon beers with chicharrones and patatas bravas in Madrid (before we headed out to Barcelona).

05/07/2021

We were able to obtain this fantastic beer and I asked Divy to help me out with the review as she is not a stout lover. The beer is Cookie Season by Wild Leap Brew Co. in Georgia and it was sold as “samoas in a beer” so I was quick to grab a bottle. The first thing that made me very intrigued, aside from the potential taste, was the wax seal on the bottle. Call me crazy but to me this usually means the beer is quite strong and at 13% it certainly fits the bill.
It took a few sips for me to really get into it and I don’t mean it as a knock, just the truth. It doesn’t hit you with the caramel, chocolate, coconut punch you expect from “liquid samoas” but it is a very well made stout. The coconut and chocolate notes were somewhat faint at first only to become more prominent after you’ve drank it. I never really got the caramel taste but again, no biggie. The most striking quality is the rather “flat” or absence of a lingering aftertaste (be it bitter or otherwise) from most stouts. This beer finishes more like a Porter than a Stout and that was the best selling point for Divy. She doesn’t like the aftertaste most stouts bring but she loved Cookie Season.
The fact this beer didn’t meet my expectations as far as taste is my own fault for trusting the review I read as if it was a fact and not an opinion of the reviewer/seller. Without that mental bias, I was able to enjoy the beer for its own taste and it was quite remarkable. The lactose added a very balanced sweetness and made it a very easy to drink stout which translated to a rather quick buzz with its awesome 13% ABV. I do not think this beer is available year round but if you can find a bottle, don’t hesitate to get it.
🐢🍺

24/06/2021

Please read and repay immediately to USARK FL if this applies to you.

FWC license holders PLEASE READ and share!

USARK FL needs to know if you are a member and have a current license (Class III for tegus/green iguanas or Conditional Species Permit) that:

1. expires after July 28, 2021, or;
2. expires/expired between April 29 and July 28, 2021.

If so, EMAIL us at [email protected] with this information:

1. Name on the license;
2. type of license;
3. species affected;
4. date of license expiration.

This information will not be disclosed but please contact us ASAP to let us know you fall into this category.