It’s not a name you easily forget.

Which is why the Two Beer Queers, with their weekly beer podcasts taped in a Kapolei garage, have quickly become an Internet sensation in less than a year.

They’re on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter. And now they’re helping promote Metromix’s “20 things to do in Honolulu,” a weekly online guide to what’s happening.

So who are these Two Beer Queers, anyway?

Turns out they’re two 29-year-old friends and graduates of Kamehameha Schools, who share an affinity for beers — preferably dark brews — and a knack at sharing that passion in an accessible, often hilarious way.

Late last year, the two friends — Russel Kealoha and Bully O’Sullivan (not their real names, which they don’t care to share) — had an idea for a Web-based comedy show. They were working on that concept until they had an even better idea, one that would get them some real-time practice on camera and in production.

A beer podcast. From Hawaii. Super local kine.

“It’s local, it’s funny, but straight to the point,” Russel said. “We know locals like it to-the-point.”

The format doesn’t change much. Russel and Bully, who chose “moke”-sounding names to relate to the local audience, set up a camera in Bully’s garage and, after some quick discussion and research (and a few beers), sample two brews. The goal is to let Hawaii beer-drinkers know there’s more out there than Heineken.

Neither are self-proclaimed beer experts. And they don’t even pretend to be. But since the podcast — and sampling some of the world’s best brews — the two have retired their former favorites — Heineken, Bud Light — for more sophisticated brews such as Rogue’s Chocolate Stout and Younger’s Special Bitter. (Don’t ask about Primo Beer, though. They shot an episode where they hanged the local beer, execution-style. It’s still hanging in the background in their current videos.)

Russel, who has a bachelor’s degree in film from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, is the mastermind behind the podcast, while Bully, who works for his family’s catering business, knows his beers. Together — and with the help of co-producer and graphics guru Kaeo Kepani (real name) — they’ve been broadcasting weekly episodes that have grown wildly in popularity.

In just a few months, TBQ have more than 1,500 followers on Twitter and hundreds of Facebook friends. Their videos are watched around the world. The two are even recognized in public. (They know this because people call out their TBQ names.)

“In the beginning we were happy if just one person watched it,” Bully said.

Despite the amount of time they put into the production of these weekly podcasts, the crew doesn’t turn a profit on these webisodes. At least not yet.

“It’s nice to get money,” Bully said, “But it’s all about putting on a good show.”

Sure, they get free beer from such sponsors as Shiroma’s Wine and More in Waimalu. But they’re really doing this to gain exposure for their real goal — to get that comedy show going.

“We weren’t expecting this to go anywhere,” Bully said. “It’s kinda like a launching pad for the variety show, to get more practice behind the camera. We didn’t expect anybody to watch it.”

Added Russel, laughing: “Now we can’t stop. We gotta keep going.”

So about that name. ...

“We wanted something catchy, one name, something fun and light-hearted,” Bully said.

After a few less-than-stellar names, Russel blurted out, “two beer queers,” and it just stuck.

“We’re two guys who like beer,” Bully said. “We’re queer for it.”

Awkward pause.

“I like girls,” Russel said. “You can write that down.”

Where to find The Two Beer Queers
www.twobeerqueers.com
www.twitter.com/twobeerqueers
youtube.com/twobeerqueers