Fueling the conversation, that why I crack open vodka sodas on a Monday night. No, I drink them because I’m doing some kind of research, like a good beverage blogger. No, it’s local – that’s it! I’m supporting a local company!

Truth be told, the cans of Rhinegeist’s Cincy Splash that I drank during this week’s episode were consumed just because I sort of like them. Not sort of… I like them. I’m ok with admitting that, I’m a big enough gnome to admit when I like something that might not be what you’d expect. They’re good.

It is just a happy coincidence that they do also fuel a great conversation about what the current model of craft beer actually looks like. We’ve got a big brewery outside of Cincy closing, a small taproom here in town that is evolving into a dive bar and music venue and it all factors into the same conversation that I feel like we’ve been having for months. What is craft beer in 2026 and are any breweries really prepared for that model?

I also drank a can out of the back of the fridge from Streetside that begs the question: “What IS West Coast” anyways? What do we as drinkers expect when we pick up a beer that says it’s a “West Coast” something. Are those expectations ever being met? Does that mean that we’re all wrong, actually?

It’s all very confusing, and very tasty.

If you like this show, or any of the other stuff that I make – remember that you can support it all by becoming a ‘Gnomie’ at https://www.TheGnarlyGnome.com/support