Pool Water Pale Ale: Keystone Ice Returns, George Clooney’s Beer Investment, and a Brutal Trader Joe’s Beer Review

The latest episode of Craft Beer Republic covers several recent craft beer and beer industry stories, including George Clooney’s investment in Crazy Mountain Beer, the return of Keystone Ice, and Molson Coors launching Keystone Light Apple ahead of Memorial Day. Greg and Flex also spend part of the episode discussing a Trader Joe’s exclusive imperial golden ale that quickly became one of the most aggressively disliked beers reviewed on the show.

The episode also includes listener beer stories, discussion around Leinenkugel’s and legacy brewery ownership, and reactions to several macro beer brands including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Busch Light, and Keystone.

George Clooney-Backed Crazy Mountain Beer Raises $15 Million

One of the major beer industry stories discussed involves Crazy Mountain Beer securing a $15 million seed funding round tied to actor George Clooney and his business partners.

According to the discussion, the funding is expected to support a nationwide expansion beginning next spring. The story reflects a continuing trend of celebrity-backed alcohol investments entering the beer space, particularly as craft breweries search for new growth opportunities and broader distribution strategies.

The episode briefly compares the move to other recent beverage industry celebrity partnerships and acquisitions that continue reshaping the craft beer market.

Keystone Ice and Keystone Light Apple Expand Molson Coors’ Lineup

Molson Coors appears twice in the episode’s beer news segment.

First, Keystone Light Apple is set to launch ahead of Memorial Day. The flavored light beer joins a growing list of fruit-forward macro lager releases targeting seasonal beer drinkers.

The hosts also discuss the return of Keystone Ice after the brand was discontinued in 2021 during Molson Coors’ premiumization efforts. Keystone Ice is expected to return to shelves in 2026.

The conversation turns into a broader discussion about macro beer brands including Busch Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Keystone, and regional drinking preferences.

Pilot Tom Accidentally Roasts Leinenkugel’s Founder

One of the standout beer culture stories in the episode comes from listener favorite Pilot Tom.

Tom recounts unknowingly criticizing the Leinenkugel’s beer lineup directly to Dick Leinenkugel during a flight where Leinenkugel had reportedly covered beer tabs for passengers ordering the brewery’s beer.

The story also touches on the discontinued Big Eddy series and the larger history surrounding Leinenkugel’s ownership under MillerCoors, including the closure discussions tied to Chippewa Falls brewing operations.

The segment becomes a broader conversation about legacy regional breweries, acquisition fallout, and how longtime beer brands are viewed by modern craft beer drinkers.

Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter Beer Gets Destroyed

Flex reviews Speculoos Cookie Butter Beer, an imperial golden ale brewed by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery for Trader Joe’s.

The beer features toasted coconut, vanilla beans, milk sugar, and cookie butter-inspired flavors. While the aroma receives early praise, the actual drinking experience goes downhill quickly.

The review turns into a lengthy discussion about Trader Joe’s private label beer program, dessert beer trends, and how flavored imperial ales can sometimes miss the mark despite strong concepts and high Untappd ratings.

Featured Beers

Speculoos Cookie Butter Beer – Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Imperial golden ale brewed with toasted coconut, vanilla beans, milk sugar, and cookie butter-inspired flavors.

Me Again – Urban Roots Brewing

West Coast IPA brewed with Citra hops featuring citrus, passion fruit, and light tropical fruit character.

Episode Content

Outside the beer industry discussion, the episode includes a listener story about a pale ale that allegedly tasted like heavily chlorinated pool water, comparisons between Pabst Blue Ribbon and other macro lagers, and Greg recounting a failed job interview after admitting he dislikes country music before learning the position involved editing country music television content.

The episode also includes discussion about golf, wakeboarding injuries, and a Northern California campground arrest involving an intoxicated man and a running chainsaw.

Listen:

“Pool Water Pale Ale” is available now on Craft Beer Republic through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.