Top 5 Super Bowl Beers

January 31, 2014
Provisions,Shopping

Let me start by saying I’m not a beer geek. My expertise falls much more under the category of spirits and cocktails. That being said, I’m still a beer guy. I’ve attended my fair share of brewery tours, I experiment in the occasional home brew, and in some circle circles of my life I’m simply referred to as, “All Mighty Beer Pong Champion.” I digress. Despite the fact that I know you’re gonna get creative and make a pitcher of cocktails on Sunday, let’s face it, the Super Bowl is all about beer. But instead of a boring old 6-pack, why not mix it up this year with an assortment of beers? There are several places these days that sell single bottles of beer. Bevmo and Trader Joe’s to name a couple. It’s always fun to pick and choose, and your guests will be excited to try some new.

Top 5 Super Bowl Beer Recommendations // HonestlyYUM

1. California Lager, Anchor Brewing

I was thrilled to see that Anchor Brewing (the folks behind Anchor Steam) had a lager. And even more thrilled to see its label, decorated with our very own California Golden Bear. It has a slightly sweet malt flavor, but finishes crisp and dry. Easy drinking to say the least.

California Lager, Anchor Brewing // HonestlyYUM

California Lager, Anchor Brewing // HonestlyYUM

2. Trippel Belgium Style Ale, New Belgium

Yes, New Belgium are the peeps that make Fat Tire. But given the choice, I’d take Trippel over Fat Tire any day. Don’t get me wrong, I love Fat Tire, but this ale tripped me out (no pun intended). The coriander definitely comes through, which I love. This beer is flat out interesting. Really fun beer to introduce to someone who enjoys Belgian style ales, but looking to expand their horizon. Oh, and it’s brewed in Fort Collins, Colorado. Seahawk fans beware . . .

Trippel Belgium Style Ale, New Belgium // HonestlyYUM

Trippel Belgium Style Ale, New Belgium // HonestlyYUM

3. Snake Dog IPA, Flying Dog

What can I say, I’m a hophead. It’s no surprise that IPA’s tend to be my beer of choice. I hadn’t seen Snake Dog until recently, and was excited to give it a try. Frankly, it was the label that caught my eye. It reminded me of a cross between me and my dog Grizzly! It had a pleasantly bitter, citrusy flavor. It was very fresh and had a ton of carbonation. I can’t wait to sip a bottle or two while I chow down on some wings.

Snake Dog IPA, Flying Dog // HonestlyYUM

Snake Dog IPA, Flying Dog // HonestlyYUM

4. Honey Saison, Almanac Beer Co.

There’s so many things to love about this light, crisp honey saison. First off, it was incredibly refreshing. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we’ve had a bit of a warm winter (understatement of the year) here in California. This beer hit the spot with a huge burst of carbonation, accompanied by floral and citrus notes. Also, I love the painted label. Everything from the big block typography, right down to the tiny detail of the honey bee. Check out their website for info on their farm-to-bottle approach to brewing.

Honey Saison, Almanac Beer Co. // HonestlyYUM

Honey Saison, Almanac Beer Co. // HonestlyYUM

5. Indian Brown Ale, Dogfish Head

Dogfish Head makes one of my favorite beers of all time: the 90 Minute IPA. I decided to branch out and try another one of their brews. I chose the Indian Brown Ale, and it did not disappoint. As advertised, this ale is surprisingly hoppy and malty at the same time! I can easily see this having mass appeal. I think I found my new favorite party beer!

Indian Brown Ale, Dogfish Head // HonestlyYUM

Indian Brown Ale, Dogfish Head // HonestlyYUM

BONUS BEER!! Existent – American Farmhouse Ale, Stillwater Artisanal Ales

You didn’t think I could leave with you just five beers, did you? I’m so happy I stumbled upon Existent ale. As Stillwater describes, “This is an ale for you to define.” I was more than happy to do just that. The darkest selection of this bunch, Existent is truly complex. I felt like it was very well balanced, but all over the place at the same time. In a good way. Bonus points if you recognize who’s on the label.

Existent - American Farmhouse Ale, Stillwater Artisanal Ales // HonestlyYUM

Existent - American Farmhouse Ale, Stillwater Artisanal Ales // HonestlyYUM

Happy drinking this weekend!!

Top 5 Super Bowl Beer Recommendations // HonestlyYUM

(images by HonestlyYUM)

Conversation

We visited Ninkasi Brewworks, Mumbai to find out how beer is made and we were not bored! Read to find out the number of stages wheat goes through to give you the cold, tall glass of beer that you love so much.

http://tafrii.com/the-art-of-making-beer/

#NinkasiBrewWorks #craftbrew #brew #drink #beer #ninkasi #goddessofbeer #brewery #beerlover

Seattle and Denver each have plenty of microbrews… I kinda thought the whole selection would be taken from the superbowl participant cities. But these look pretty tasty!

I’m always tempted by a good looking label, then freak out and go for what I know already instead of trying something new. Your making beer look so refreshing right now….TGIF!

even though I am not much of a beer person I will always try a new kind there. for me superbowl is more about food and drinks than the game though 🙂

I enjoy the occasional beer but I’m with you- it’s typically a cocktail in my hand rather than a brew. Still, I always enjoy a nice stout. Left Hand Milk Stout is my absolute favorite at the moment. I’ll most likely be drinking that on Sunday as I cheer on the Broncos!

Ohhhh HonestlyYum friends, how you tempt me so, with all your tasty beerified postings…(sigh)….I am a bit disappointed though, that you left off Homer’s beer of choice, Duff. 😉 Cheers to you and all your loyal readers. I’ll open a few of these fine choices this weekend I’m sure!

Replying to HomerCancel reply

Link Love