Posted on January 29, 2013 by Mary Ellen Brewington
Have you made your Super Bowl checklist? This Sunday, Feb. 3, marks Super Bowl XLVII, and it’s fast approaching. Of course you need the basics for your viewing party: team jersey, massive flat-screen TV, and a comfortable place to sit… but what else?
Food and libations! Just as much as the football game and the highly anticipated commercials, party-goers look forward to good grub and even better beverages. Cherokee Distributing Company recommends a line-up of tasty brews to complement your game day menu and contend for MVP of the party.
If you’re looking for beverages for the big game with big, bold flavor, try one of our new high gravity beers. As the East Coast’s Baltimore Ravens take on the West Coast’s San Francisco 49ers, you can serve up cross-country battle of the brews at your Super Bowl party as well. And hefty high gravity brews complement rich, meaty game-time fare like grilled burgers, hot dogs, and smoked hot wings.
Try the IPA Maximus from Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California, for fans that prefer an extra hoppy brew that packs a punch – a lot like the 49ers’ hard-hitting defense. Or, serve a Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, California. This “beast” of a beer is brimming with bold flavors that will satisfy fans as they cheer for a “beast” on the field, 49ers’ new star quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.
Ravens fans will enjoy a Thirteenth Hour high gravity stout from the East Coast brewery that makes Samuel Adams. This Belgian stout combines the roasted coffee and chocolate flavors of a stout with the spiciness of a Belgian ale. Fans hope the Ravens’ defense, lead by retiring veteran player Ray Lewis, will hold the 49ers to a mere 13 points like they did against this brewery’s hometown team, the New England Patriots, in the AFC Championship game.
Another great East Coast brew to serve may not be high gravity, but it’s a classic brew from the Ravens’ hometown: Colt 45. Introduced in 1963 by Baltimore’s National Brewing Company, Colt 45 was created as a malt liquor for the blue-collar worker. The name Colt 45 denotes the “extra bang” drinkers receive from the higher alcohol content, and Ravens fans will raise their glasses to the “extra bang” their team’s tough defense will put on the 49ers as they rack up tackles and sacks.
When the Harbaugh brothers face off as head coaches in the first ever “bro bowl” for the Lombardi Trophy, their teams will play in the great city of New Orleans. For neutral partygoers, a selection of beers from the Big Easy’s own Abita Brewing Company will make them feel like they’re partying in the Superdome with a front-row view of the action.
Guests will enjoy the sweet chocolate toffee-like flavor of Turbodog that pairs well with hamburgers or sausages and spicy Louisiana jambalaya. A sweet-and-tart raspberry wheat beer like Purple Haze will complement light hors d’oeuvres like fruit and cheese as well as chocolate or fruit desserts. For underage fans and designated drivers, treat them to a sweet Abita Root Beer. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic root beer float that fans of every age will cheer for.
Cherokee Distributing Company supplies many area grocery and convenience stores with the beverages recommended here, and high gravity brews can be purchased at your neighborhood wine and spirits store.
So whether you’re cheering for the 49ers or the Ravens, looking forward to the commercials or the half-time show, or just rooting for a great time with friends and family, serve up a winning selection of brews at your Super Bowl party this Sunday.
As always, please enjoy responsibly and have a super time watching the game!