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.
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.