The Winter Olympics officially begin Feb. 7 and while Sochi, Russia, may be nearly 6,000 miles from East Tennessee, we will still celebrate at home toasting feats of our amazing athletes.
Tap into your internal highlight reel and think about all the historic Winter Olympic moments. Remember the U.S. hockey team winning the gold medal in 1980 after defeating Canada – in what is now deemed “the forgotten miracle,” because of the “Miracle on Ice” against the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, N.Y., in the semifinal game. Relive the excitement of American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan overcoming a bizarre attack to claim the silver medal at the 1994 games, an event recently captured by ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series.
The Olympic Games are steeped in history, and you don’t want to miss any momentous victories. This year’s Winter Games offer a star-studded and awe-inspiring lineup – here is the complete schedule of events – and there are plenty of brews to complement your viewing parties with family and friends.
What better way to celebrate the diversity and excitement of the Olympic Games than to taste beverages from all over the world? Here are some of our suggestions for the Olympics of 2014.
The Winter Olympics deliver many incredible events including those in which athletes fly through the air on a pair of skis or a snowboard. In honor of the host country – and those sky-high, gravity-defying tricks, try a Lagunitas Imperial Stout. Russian imperial stouts are strong dark beers made in the style that was brewed in 18th century London for export to the court of Catherine II of Russia. Keeping with that tradition, this high gravity stout delivers an uncommon richness and smoky, roasty depth – just as Russian royalty would have enjoyed it.
American to its core, Pabst Blue Ribbon is a premium lager first brewed in Milwaukee in 1844. Like Team USA, this beer has a long and proud history, taking its name from the silk ribbons tied to the bottle in 1882. You may be cheering for America to bring home gold medals instead of blue ribbons, but you’ll still have picked a winning brew with PBR cans of red, white and blue.
Celebrate Team Canada by popping the top off one of Angry Orchard’s newest additions, Iceman. This cider is inspired by the traditional ice ciders of Quebec, Canada. The frozen apple juice and hints of sweetness make this beverage a perfect choice for winter sports viewing.
Take a liquid trip to Germany with Beck’s Sapphire, which delivers a distinctively smooth taste. Comprised of German Sapphire (Saphir) hops and an abundance of luxurious herbs and citrus flavors, this beverage takes you straight to Berlin.
To enjoy a comprehensive taste of Europe, serve plenty of Stella Artois. A touch of elegance, handcrafted sophistication and all natural ingredients create this quintessential European lager.
First brewed in 1944, nothing says Team Mexico like cracking open an ice cold Tecate. Serve it with fresh lime and a sprinkle of salt to showcase the authentic taste of a Mexican classic. Or, for a refreshing twist, try Modelo Especial Chelada. This ready-to-drink Chelada blends fresh tomato, salt, lime and traditional Modelo Especial for a bold, well-balanced and bubbly beverage that pairs perfectly with shrimp fajitas and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Speaking of beer and food pairings, complementary cuisine is a must for any festive gathering, and the Winter Olympics set the perfect stage to try new international recipes with friends and family. Here are some recipes sure to spice up your party.
Everyone at Cherokee Distributing is excited to celebrate the splendor of the Winter Olympics. We encourage you to pour some ice cold brews, watch the greatest athletes in the world and, as always, drink responsibly.