Untappd Owners Only Take, Never Give

Just an example of a recent checkin – proof of us users creating content for Untappd to sell ads around, while they give us no new features

This week Untappd announced they are shutting off the DM feature. Too many spammer DMs they had to wrangle, so they didn’t want to mess with it anymore.

Which, whatever, it’s fine. I will miss it, though, because plenty of listeners of the Perfect Pour would message me about the show or something related. But it’s not a big loss to me otherwise.

The thing that pisses me off about it is that the Untappd owners (some corporate entity now, I never care enough to look up who exactly anymore) haven’t given users a new feature in years. And they are taking another thing away?

Untappd users give and give content, and the owners only shove more ads in our feed – so yeah, like every social media app in existence then? Right. Anyone want to build a beer app with me? (mostly kidding)

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2025

shelves of beer six packs at Whole Foods market with the center sixpack being Sierra Nevada Brewing's Celebration Ale

It has hit the shelves. The 2025 version of Sierra Nevada Brewing’s famous Celebration Ale!

I know that Sierra Nevada wants us to call it a Fresh Hop IPA, and I get it. But we will always call it Celebration Ale, my friend.

So, I have had it. One so far. And every year I try to pull something different from the previous years, like everyone else. I can’t so far, from just the one beer. Cleaner, is the only note that comes to mind at the moment.

I will enjoy testing and documenting it more.

Here are some takes on Celebration ’25 from Untappd users:

“Still great, but the fresh hop character isn’t as prominent as in ’24.” – Lone P

“More subdudued and malty?” – MBBrews1

“This one is maltier and a bit less hoppy.” – Lone P

“Not enjoying the hop profile this year. Disapointing. I was really excited for this batch too.” – Chad O

“Excellent.” – Ralph C

Now I have to dive back in and see if I get that it’s maltier than the previous year.

If you ever wondered how they choose the Fresh Hops for Celebration, have a gander:

Cheers!

-Mikey

Beers I Had While Listening To Pearl Jam

Pic taken from the delightfully old-school Live Bootleg blog

Few things pair better than great music and great beer. When diving into Pearl Jam’s catalog, whether you’re like every dude in the world and in a Ten kind of mood or feeling the depth of Vitalogy, you need the perfect beer in hand. I did have the perfect beer… it was called a beer.

I have never admitted to being a big Pearl Jam fan. I don’t know why that is. Maybe they are too… known. Too pedestrian. But they are not pedestrian. They are deep as shit.

Yeah and maybe that is it, they are too fucking deep.

Anyway. I am sitting home (mostly) alone on a Saturday night, having beers and listening to live Pearl Jam recordings, reliving being at a PJ show. These are the beers I had leading in and the beers I am having now while having a good time with a nice relaxing buzz:

  • Liquid Gravity Brewing “Pale From The Crypt” Pale.
  • Barebottle Brewing “Citra Ka-Pow” IPA.
  • Coronado Brewing “Big Weekend” DIPA.

BTW, have you listened to Pearl Jam’s new stuff, Dark Matter? It’s pretty fucking good for a band that most people would consider ‘past their prime’ and stuff.

Anyway, please make space to have some beers and listen to a band you love, live, it will make you feel better about things, I promise.

-Mikey

Craft Lager Beers Good For Watching a Fight

Anchor Lager pic swiped from Anchor Brewing

Here’s a list of craft lagers that are perfect for a boxing match or any big event. These beers offer more depth and character while staying refreshing and easy to drink:

  1. Firestone Walker Lager – A clean, classic Helles-style lager with just the right amount of malt sweetness and crisp finish.
  2. Sierra Nevada Summerfest – A Czech-style pilsner with a bit of hop bite, perfect for fans of flavor without heaviness – it doesn’t matter if it’s not summertime, it will still hold up.
  3. Victory Brewing Prima Pils – A German-style pilsner with floral hop aromas and a balanced malt base.
  4. Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils – A refreshing pilsner with a touch of honey-like malt and crisp hops.
  5. Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold – A smooth, slightly sweet lager with a hint of toasted malt and a crisp finish.
  6. Jack’s Abby House Lager – A New England craft favorite that’s malty, smooth, and perfect for sipping during a fight.
  7. Brooklyn Brewery Lager – A Vienna-style lager with caramel malts and a touch of hops for balance.
  8. Deschutes Da Shootz! – A light lager with clean, bright flavors and a sessionable ABV.
  9. Modern Times Ice – A super crisp lager with a dry, refreshing finish and just a hint of complexity.
  10. Anchor Brewing California Lager – A historic recipe with a balanced malt profile and just enough hops to keep it interesting.

If you don’t feel like searching around town for one of these give GoPuff a try and have one delivered.

These options cater to your beer-appreciating fight crowd and bring something unique to the table, while still being accessible for any beer-drinking crowd. Which of these catches your eye?

P.S. I would like to add a local shout-out to Tioga Sequoia Brewing’s “Red Wave Light Lager”!