Nothing goes better with football than beer. So, with the biggest game of the year coming up, we asked some of our Flying Saucer insiders what they’re drinking this Sunday and what Beerknurds can expect to find at their local Saucer.
Chris Swearingen, assistant GM, Charlotte Flying Saucer
What will you be drinking?
I won’t have to look any further than Charlotte for my Big Game pint of NoDa Hop, Drop ’n Roll IPA. Along with being a partial description of Cam Newton’s skill set, it’s a proven winner, taking home a gold medal at the 2014 World Beer Cup. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s brewed by North Carolina native Chad Henderson.
Who’s going to win: Denver or Carolina?
Carolina.
Is your store doing anything special for the Big Game?
Besides adorning our store with anything we can find in Carolina black and blue, we’ll be slinging North Carolina drafts for $3.50 a pint and offering a menu of Big Game food specials, including foot-long hotdogs and tater tot chimichangas. That’s right, tater tot chimichangas!
(Did I mention we’ll be rooting for Carolina? And yelling a lot.)
Josh Hamilton, GM, Raleigh Flying Saucer
What will you be drinking?
I’ll be drinking a New Belgium Citradelic IPA because it’s refreshing and great to throw back a few of. I’m going to drink one or two for every touchdown Carolina scores when they whip up on Denver.
Who’s going to win: Denver or Carolina?
Carolina!
Is your store doing anything special for the Big Game?
Of course, we’ll be showing the game! Call and reserve your table now. We’ll have $3.50 North Carolina beers and half-price appetizers.
Claire Altree, manager, San Antonio Flying Saucer
(The only manager goofy enough to pose like this on her busy bar top during business hours.)
What will you be drinking?
I’ll be rocking the Oskar Blues!
Who’s going to win: Denver or Carolina?
I know nothing about sports, but I love beer! I’ll be cheering for the team repping the BEST beer this Sunday. GO BRONCOS!!! GO OSKAR BLUES!!! GO GOOFY MANAGERS!!!
Is your store doing anything special for the Big Game?
We’re doing a roasted turkey leg special with green beans and garlic mashed potatoes and showing the game on all TVs — including the big screen — as well as $3 Texas pints!
Bobby Jones, manager, Fort Worth Flying Saucer
What will you be drinking?
I’ll be drinking Great Divide Denver Pale Ale to support the Denver Broncos. It’s a mildly malty, pale ale with a hint of grapefruit and a lower ABV (5.5%), so I don’t over consume while having multiple beers. It also pairs well with Italian sausage, which is a great game day snack.
Who’s going to win: Denver or Carolina?
I’m hoping Denver wins, but I’m not super confident.
Is your store doing anything special for the Big Game?
The Fort Worth location is hosting a pre-game tailgate with Rahr & Sons Brewing featuring Shotgun Friday playing on the patio stage from 1 to 5PM. Complimentary Texas chili (with beans) and white chili will be served on the patio with various canned beers from Rahr & Sons. We’ll be doing a free raffle every quarter during the game, with bags of swag and other goodies from Rahr & Sons up for grabs.
Joshua Justice, manager, Houston Flying Saucer
What will you be drinking?
Sierra Nevada Otra Vez. In addition to being a fantastic Gose, it’s a perfect beer for drinking during the long haul of a Big Game party. It’s a low ABV at 4.5%, so you can have four and not want to nod off when the game gets out of hand in the third quarter, as they’ve been known to do. It’s also not a palate wrecker, so if and when you do want to change gears, you’re getting the flavor the brewer intended and not a beer masked by what you’ve been drinking prior.
Who’s going to win: Denver or Carolina?
Always bet contrarian. Denver.
Is your store doing anything special for the Big Game?
We gave away “The best seat in the house” to our recent 2015 trivia champions, who bested every other team to claim bragging rights for the next 52 weeks. We’d love to do a Denver vs. Carolina beer tapping, but unfortunately we don’t get any native Carolina beers. Help us out, Wicked Weed!
Captain Keith
Captain Keith (L) with Ken Grossman (R)—owner of Sierra Nevada and a true pioneer of craft beer.
What should Beerknurds drink during the game (if not hitting up their local Saucer)?
For your party: Karbach Weisse Versa to appease Blue Moon friends and convert them to craft. I think you’d be surprised if you offer Sierra Nevada Torpedo or Stone Delicious IPA how many people will go for it. Don’t forget your friends who love stout — Lakewood Temptress (for North Texas locals) or Ballast Point Victory at Sea. Be sure to get a variety and also stock up on lower octane beers. The key is: Don’t be afraid to spend money on your friends.
Who’s going to win: Denver or Carolina?
I’m going with Carolina because we have restaurants there.
