TJ Maxx Beer Dreams, Popcorn Beer Trauma, and the Reality of Craft Beer Prices

The latest episode of Craft Beer Republic covers a little bit of everything happening in the world of craft beer right now, including beer pricing, off-flavors, brewery news, and even where to find the cheapest beer at MLB stadiums.

Flex checks in at 41 days sober but still manages to steer the conversation, while Greg takes a shot on a hyped craft beer four-pack that doesn’t deliver the way he hoped. Steph joins the episode from Utah with a barrel-aged sour she’s been holding onto, bringing at least one reliable beer into the mix.

One of the more memorable moments comes from a listener submission describing a lager that tasted like buttered popcorn. That leads into a discussion of diacetyl, a common off-flavor in beer that can create buttery or slick characteristics and quickly turn a good beer into a bad one.

The episode also touches on the economics of beer, comparing the cost of a six-pack in 1980 to today. While macro beer prices have stayed relatively low when adjusted for inflation, craft beer continues to trend higher, especially with premium four-packs becoming more common.

There’s also a breakdown of MLB stadium beer prices for 2026, highlighting which ballparks are offering affordable options and which ones are still charging a premium. For craft beer fans who also follow baseball, it’s a useful look at where your money goes on game day.

On the brewery side, Eagle Park Brewing has acquired Soul Boxer Cocktail Company, expanding into ready-to-drink cocktails with plans for canned, non-alcoholic, and THC-infused options. Meanwhile, Lost Abbey is adding another location in San Diego as it approaches its 20th anniversary.

The episode rounds out with the usual mix of stories and commentary, including a Florida man attempting to board multiple planes at an airport and an ongoing debate about Wisconsin-style old fashioneds.

Beers Featured

• Sour Brainless on Pineapple – Epic Brewing (barrel-aged sour, pineapple)

• Apocalypse Road Trip Hazy IPA – El Segundo Brewing x Beer Zombies (hazy IPA, tropical, light pine)

Key Topics

• Craft beer pricing and inflation

• Diacetyl and off-flavors in beer

• Craft beer vs macro beer cost comparison

• MLB stadium beer prices (2026)

• Eagle Park Brewing acquisition news

• Lost Abbey expansion

• Craft beer hype vs quality

About Craft Beer Republic

Craft Beer Republic is a weekly craft beer podcast hosted by Greg and co-hosted by Flex, featuring beer reviews, brewery news, and conversations from inside the craft beer community.

FAQ

• Why does beer sometimes taste like buttered popcorn?

This flavor is usually caused by diacetyl, a common off-flavor in beer that creates buttery or slick characteristics.

• Is craft beer more expensive than it used to be?

Yes. While macro beer has remained relatively stable when adjusted for inflation, craft beer prices have increased, especially with premium four-packs.

• Which MLB stadiums have the cheapest beer?

Some stadiums offer value pricing or promotions, with select locations offering beers as low as $3 to $5 depending on the day.