8 Craft Beers to Class Up Your Super Bowl Party
via Tasting Table by Delia Mooney
What’s our favorite part of game day? Getting an excuse to stuff our faces with as much junk food as we please, of course! And nothing washes down those chips and wings quite like an ice-cold beer.
If you’re kicking off your Super Bowl festivities well before the ball hits the field, you might think your only option is the same old big-name brews. But the usual suspects aren’t the only cold ones capable of keeping you both refreshed and alter through the final whistle. So if you love good beer as much as we do, consider swapping that 30-rack for a sixer of delicious craft brews.
Because they’re both low in alcohol and high in flavor, these eight craft brews are able to cut through cheesy, fatty snacks (we see you, nachos), while also standing up to spicy foods like Buffalo wings without dominating your palate. Plus, if your team starts losing, all of these beers pair perfectly with a nice shot of the hard stuff.
All of the craft brews are available in cans, so whether you’re hosting or heading to a friend’s, they’ll fit easily into a cooler and stay colder longer than bottled options. And, hey, since these are all state specific, you won’t even need to break out that old koozie to show your allegiances. Get ready to crack one (or a few) open.
Georgia-Brewed Beers for Falcons Fans:
Creature Comforts Bibo (Athens) German Pilsener, 5.5% ABV
This pils is clean and refreshing, providing just a hint of lemon to balance out the biscuity malt.
SweetWater Blue (Atlanta) Fruit Beer, 4.6% ABV
If you’re looking for something sweeter and slightly tart, this is the perfect option. The fruity aroma hits your nose up front, followed by a pleasant, lingering tang.
Terrapin RecreationAle (Athens) Session IPA, 4.7% ABV
This beer will take you back to the days of summer. Its piney bitterness is nicely balanced by a splash of fresh grapefruit for a totally crushable experience.
Red Brick Brewing Laughing Skull (Atlanta) Amber Ale, 5.3% ABV
This delicious, malty amber ale is chock-full of sweet honey and roasty caramel notes. Trust us—you won’t be able to put this one down.
Massachusetts-Brewed Beers for Patriots Fans:
Jack’s Abby Leisure Time Lager (Framingham) Spiced Wheat Lager, 4.8% ABV
If you’re looking for a lighter brew with a touch of spice, this is your new game-day go-to. The crispy lager is brewed with an array of botanicals, including lemongrass, coriander, orange peel and chamomile.
Harpoon Take 5 (Boston) Session IPA, 4.3% ABV
Harpoon is a hometown favorite for Pats fans. This light-to-medium-bodied, brightly hopped session ale goes down smooth and easy, making it a great all-day sipper.
Cambridge Brewing Co. Remain in Light (Cambridge) American Pale Lager, 5% ABV
This Beantown gem satisfies both hop heads and lager lovers alike. The lager’s sweet grain backbone mingles with earthy Czech hops for a slightly piney, brisk finish.
Cisco Brewers Sankaty Light (Nantucket) Light Lager, 3.8% ABV
This guy might be low in booze (and calories at just 126), but it sure provides a whole lot of flavor. It’s a step up from the standard American light lager with an inviting, floral nose; an effervescent, zesty mouthfeel; and bone-dry, thirst-quenching closing note.
These are the suggested crafts for the teams in the Super Bowl this year. If your team’s not here, what brews did you have in their honor? Tell us – we’d love to hear.