An epic battle will ensue on Sunday between the two most historic franchises in the NFL: The Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.
Not only do these teams own the majority of NFL records, but they also have one thing in common: they hate each other immensely.
On Sunday, one of these proud franchises will be punching their ticket to the Superbowl, while the other begins a long off-season made longer by the knowledge that their loss came at the hands of their bitter rival.
One thing is certain – most of the Midwest will be tuned into the game with a very strong opinion on who they want to prevail. Undoubtedly, they will also be partaking in the oldest football tradition of all – drinking beer!
Beer and football are the ultimate couple when it comes to events and their alcoholic counterparts. This is most notably true in the upper Midwest where beer reigns supreme among all beverages. While it is not illegal to drink wine or martinis while watching a football game – it is definitely something that I would never consider doing.
While the big commercial brewers, including numerous Wisconsin based ones will clearly benefit from this historic matchup between these rivals, I thought it would be a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on two higher quality brewers from Chicago and rural Wisconsin: Goose Island and Leinenkugel.
Goose Island:
Goose Island is the Chicago brew. In my humble opinion, one cannot visit Chicago without trying a few of Goose Island’s masterpieces on tap. To be the top beer in the largest city of a region settled primarily by Germans and Poles is quite an accomplishment and it’s no mystery why it can be found in numerous locales and beer stores far from the Windy Cindy. Not only can they be found, but their varieties offer numerous adventures for a beer lover’s palate ranging from quenching summertime ales (one of the better American kรถlsches I have had) to intensely flavored Belgian style ales with enticing names like Lolita and Madame Rose! Whether you are watching football, shopping on the magnificent mile or simply looking for a great beer to pare with a nice meal, I highly recommend Goose Island and am quite sure that the city of Chicago is proud to call this company one of its own.
Leinenkugel:
Unlike the urban glamour of Chicago, the north woods of Wisconsin represent a different way of life embodied by the frozen tundra that the Green Bay Packers play on. In a different corner of the vast wilderness of Wisconsin lies Chippewa Falls – home to Leinenkugel – a company (now owned by SABMiller) that has been brewing quality beer since 1867. Leinenkugel is the nation’s 7th oldest brewery and excels at making quality lagers (and some ales as well) that go down smoothly without tasting like commercial beers. Although their original and classic amber represent two of my favorite lagers, perhaps their most popular style is their Honey Weiss which is very light and satisfying (and great from a tap with buffalo wings!).
Like the Bears and the Packers, these two breweries are alike in many ways, but completely different in others. In all cases, they represent two of the numerous great breweries that dot our country and offer great beers for those in need of a great football drink.
Enjoy your brew and go Bears!
