IT'S GIANTS VS. PATS (again) for Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5th. You'll share something in common with Tim Tebow now—sitting at home watching the Big Game on TV, but you'll have much more fun doing it, thanks to the great beers and chip dips you're sharing with your buddies. You can go with your old standbys, or try some of these newer brews launched in the past few months. None are so challenging as to alienate your Stella / Coors Light quaffing friends, but each brings something new to the table.
Budweiser Light Platinum: The beer that's made the biggest marketing splash so far this winter, Bud Light Platinum, was supposedly available everywhere January 30th (but still not available on our cosmopolitan block as of Feb 1). What makes it "platinum?" A new, even bluer bottle than "old" Bud Light, and a slightly higher alcohol content (6% ABV as opposed to 4.2% for Bud Light and 5% for regular Bud). That slightly buzzier booze content also arrives with 17 more calories per can (137), or about as much as an additional teaspoon of sugar, so those seeking a "skinny" drink should keep that in mind. If you're a frequent Bud Light drinker, you'll also notice slightly sweeter fruit notes when you first sip, and a fuller, richer taste as you drink. What we're saying is, guys should like the buzzier buzz and women will dig the tastier taste.
Guinness Black Lager: You may have an immediate reaction against stouts and their strong, dark flavors. But don't overlook this new black lager from Guinness based on assumptions. Despite a deep black color, like a stout, this mellow, approachable and rich brew combines lager hops and cold-wbrewing methods with a rich roasted barley. It creates a drink that is crisp and refreshing, without the excessive hopiness of the IPAs, or the bitter undertones of a traditional stout. Guinness's master brewer Fergal Murray says that "tasting is believing," on this one, and we agree.
Samuel Adams Adams Alpine Spring: The new seasonal release from Samuel Adams is a bright, citrusy, unfiltered lager. Inspired by the Alpine foothills, where small flowers bloom, blonde women serve beer and cider, and cattle munch serenely early spring grasses, the beer is refreshing and a easy reminder that spring is not far off. The brew, from Sam Adams founder Jim Koch, is significantly lighter and cleaner than the company's winter brews still dominating the shelves.
Tiger Beer: Tiger Beer's been around forever, but unless you hit up an Asian restaurant (and skip the Tsing Tao), it's unlikely you've tried. Based in Singapore, it's hugely popular in Asia. It's a classic pilsner (pale lager), not unlike most big American brews, but with more body, aroma and a mild bite, which finishes dry. It's a nice balance for your friends who might scoff at the MGD in the ice tub, but also won't alienate the non-craft beer crowd. Pairs beautifully with spicy foods, from Mexican to Asian and balances nachos nicely. Your friends will not be disappointed.
Chang Beer: Also not new, but one that many Americans may be less familiar with. Chang Beer, out of Thailand, earned the title "Asia's Best Premium Lager" at New York's World Beer Awards 2011 last fall. (You knew there was a World Beer Awards, right?). This light amber lager is a nicely balanced combination of sweet, citrus and a clean maltiness. Like Carlsberg, it's got elephants on the front, but unlike Denmark, there actually are elephants in Thailand, so the logo means something. If you're serving sushi or other Asian-influenced dishes during the game, the beer will work particularly well. Oh yes, and despite the spelling, it's pronounced "Chong."
Samuel Adams Infinium Ale: Champagne-style beers (fermented in the bottle with Champagne yeasts) began receiving some notice when small producers like New York's Brooklyn Brewery began playing with the old technology. Infinium a collaboration between Sam Adams and Weihenstephan, was released for the holidays for a second year. It's pricey (at $20 a bottle), but it's a large bottle and a little goes a long way. Due to the yeasts and brewing process, you'll find citrus, apple and floral aromas with a medium sparkling carbonation (still with a decent beery head), and sweet, bready palate. Of all the beers on the list, this will most appeal to that guy who talks casks ales and microbrews, and the least to your friend who only ever drinks a basic light beer. Still, a good one for a bit of adventure (and limited, while supplies last).
Eden Ice Cider Calville Blend: Someone at the party is going to want something other than beer. Shake things up yet again with the 2010 harvest of Vermont heritage apples, reimagined in a hard ice cider. Like ice wine grapes, Eden's apples are late-harvested, and picked and processed cold. The result is a concentrated richness, sweetness and viscosity not found in your average hard cider. Eden emphasizes traditional and heirloom apple varieties (in this case MacIntosh, Calville Blanc, Roxbury Russet, and several others). Pairs nicely with cheese and fruit plates.
Super Bowl XLVI takes place February 5, 2012. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 EST on NBC.
The Mr. Adams Beer Cocktail
(from Jill Schulster JoeDoe NYC)
- Infinium Champagne-style beer
- 1 oz Simple Syrup, boiled with 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper and filtered
- 1/2 oz Apple Cider
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Fill large beer glass halfway with Infinium. In a shaker with ice, combine black pepper syrup, cider and lemon juice. Shake and strain into glass. Stir lightly, and garnish with lemon peel.
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Thirsty for more? Check out National Spirits Examiner or NY Drinks Examiner.
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FTC Disclaimer: The author sometimes receives product samples for review, which carry no cash value and cannot be re-sold, and sometimes attends press events such as lunches or cocktail parties, designed to promote a given product. The author is not paid by any alcohol manufacturer, retailer or distributor, or provided compensation apart from revenue from an assigning publishing company for editorial publication. Opinions are the author's own. By the way, you should be 21 or older to read this page. Author received samples of Tiger beer a couple of months ago for review, but has yet to find the Budweiser Platinum on store shelves, nor has he made it out to try the new JoeDoe sandwich shop. Need to fix that.
