Beer Versus Wine – The Perfect Super Bowl Pairing
If I were President of the United States, the first thing I would do is use my executive order to declare the Super Bowl and the day after a national holiday. (So maybe that would be the second thing, the first would be to use my executive order to place term limits on Congress. But I digress…) It would be a day to celebrate all things American – sports, consumerism, and gluttony – with a day for recovery afterwards. A day to get together with friends and family and be loud and proud as we cheer on teams we care little about. But that’s okay, for we are Americans, and the commercials are awesome!
So whether you are a Broncos or a Seahawks fan, or a sad Browns fan and realize your team will never, ever make the big game, what will you be toasting with on Super Bowl Sunday? Will you raise a glass of California Zinfandel to the proud heritage of our domestic wine production or will you fill your mug with a favorite local craft beer in honor of the American entrepreneurial spirit? Or are you going to piss on the notion of all things American and drink an import like Corona, Heineken, or Budweiser?
As I ponder my drink of choice come Super Bowl Sunday, or Monday if it’s too snowy for those pampered corporate asses who actually get to attend the big game, I think about two things.
The first is the food spread at a Super Bowl party. Spicy chicken wings. Peppery nachos. Hearty chili. Salty and juicy frickles (fried pickles for those of you not in the South). Crunchy potato chips and cool French onion dip. Greasy, cheesy pizza. My glass has to be filled with something that accompany all and not overpower any of these decadent foods.
Frickles – A Perfect Super Bowl Food
The second thing is that I am in it for the long haul on Super Bowl Sunday, I want something light in alcohol and flavor profile so that I won’t tire of it by halftime or be passed out by the fourth quarter. I also have to keep in mind the hangover factor. I don’t want one as I do have to work the next day (I’m not president yet and the Super Bowl is still not a national holiday).
The clear choice to me is beer. But, I’m not talking about the watered down piss (see note above about imports) that tradition dictates. No, I don’t care that Miller Lite now comes in vintage cans. Same piss, different package. This year, I like NoDa’s Jam Session from right here in Charlotte. While I can’t relish in watching my Panthers play this Super Bowl Sunday, I at least can enjoy a Charlotte brew that is crisp and has just enough hops to make me happy.
What about you? What wine or beer will you be drinking on Super Bowl Sunday (or Monday)?
As a foodie and an admirer of both craft beer and fine wines, I often wonder what the perfect food pairing is. Once a month I’ll toss out a food for pairing suggestions from my fellow beer geeks and wine nerds. Some dishes will come with a convention that popular opinion dictates a specific pairing. Other posts will present a dish that is a toss-up between beer or wine. I look forward to hearing your suggestions in this conversation. Be creative, challenge norms, have fun, and check back often to read what others have to say.
*Party photo credits go to Susan Hughes. The frickles credit goes to Looks like Lulu.
You know I like wine but beer is a football thing. I kinda hope they have the game on Saturday.
But you were drinking wine during the Panthers game… I don’t see you breaking from Chardonnay.
I’m probably going to cozy up on the couch with a Notch Session Pilsner, myself. Out of curiosity though, which wine would you say would pair best with a Super Bowl feast/meal/extravaganza?
I like the craft pilsner idea. It’s what Bud and Miller are trying sadly to be.
As for wine, I’m kind of stumped. I would suggest something white or with bubbles due to the spice and salty nature of the festivity foods. But I drink those too fast so I would think maybe a dry rose. Then again, it is football and drinking something pink deserves an ass whopping. Perhaps a pinot noir? Now we’re talking about shelling out some coin for a decent bottle. My conclusion, stick with beer.
No quite sure yet, but it will likely be wine. I have not ruled out the possibility of beer, though–we still have some in the house leftover from a summer barbecue. Does that stuff ever go bad?
What type of wine? A reader asked for a suggestion and I was stumped. See my above comment
Most likely your beer is skunked (corked in wine terms) depending on what you have and how it was stored. If it is a “domestic” light like Bud Light and it was kept cold, you’ll be fine. Even if it was stored warm, you should still be fine. LOTS of preservatives. If it’s craft and local, you might have a chance of some flavor left if it was stored cold. If not, just dump it. Most craft beers, unless a Belgian style or imperial, won’t age.
Sorry I can’t offer a pairing but if you give me some of those frickles and a bowl of guacamole I’ll just sit in the corner and drink what you have and be happy.
You dip your frickles in guacamole? Strange combo 🙂
Well, no, but I’ve never had a frickle (or heard of it) and I’m curious. Perhaps it is a regional delight? Fried pickle? The regional specialty of my area was “fry sauce” which is a combination of mayonnaise and whatever ketchup type recipe for french fries, etc. Maybe it would work for a frickle?
It’s a deep fried dill pickle – a southern tradition. Ranch is served as a dipping sauce.
What is this Superbowl you speak of? Honestly, sometimes it’s like you’re talking a different language 😉
The Super Bowl is the football championship. The real football. Not what your part of the world calls football. We call that soccer. Can you say soccer? You really need to work on your English.
Sah-ker, sah-ker… nah, it just isn’t working for me. FOOTBALL – there, that’s a real word. 🙂
I don’t deny that football is a real word. You just translate it wrong.
I’m guessing you never heard of a frickle before either.
I’ve heard of frick! 😉
Well, if you’re cheering for the Broncos aren’t you obligated to drink Coors? (haha)
Blasphemy! With all the good Colorado beers… and let’s not forget about legalized marijuana!
Great Divide, Denver brewery, is available in NC, so that’s a beer choice!
Not sure what I’m drinking yet, but I do know it’s got to pair well with chili!
I got you covered. http://thewanderinggourmand.com/2013/10/31/beer-or-wine-the-perfect-chili-pairing/
And this is why you’re part of my online Brew Crew!
I made your online brew crew? I’m honored!
You’re a top notch brew bud! 🙂
How about popping open a can of Underwood Pinot Noir… American wine, American innovation!
I never heard of canned pinot noir. Is it good? How much for a sixer? What an invention. American ingenuity at it’s finest!
It is coming out this Spring. If you go to Underwood’s website you can pre-order a 4 pack for $24 of either the Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris. It’s limited to one selection, so as the dude in The Last Crusade said “Choose Wisely.” (or you can submit an alternate email.)
So this is a 2015 Super Bowl suggestion? Still a good suggestion nonetheless. I look forward to trying it when it’s out.
I thought it was out already, but I guess not.. so I guess I’m awarded no points and may God have mercy on my soul.
You can redeem yourself with another wine suggestion.
Love the site! Just stumbled across it was happy to see you touching upon two of my favorite topics – wine and football. I’ll be drinking bubbles, for sure. There are too many fried and spicy foods in the lineup to not go with it. Probably something inexpensive since all my friends will be nervously guzzling during each play. Cheers!
Thank you for stopping by! Do you have a particular bubbles you will be choosing? Prosecco by chance? It’s inexpensive and sweet enough to combat the spice.
P.S. – You and Mrs. G. would get along great! Those are two of her favorite things, too.
Will you still be my friend if I admit that I’m not going to watch the super bowl? I mean, it’s okay with me if you make it a national holiday. And I’m certainly not against super bowl parties (in fact, I think a national play-off is a fine reason for a party).
In the spirit of playing along; I think beer and cocktails are appropriate for a super bowl party. Wine just seems like the absolutely wrong thing to pair with football.