Whether you’re kicking back on the couch or buzzing it up at a bar in Philly, my job is to tell you what you should be drinking when the USMNT kicks off for the last time before heading to South Africa. Now, I realize this is an American game, and what advertisers are going to tell you is that you need to be drinking the great American lager. This is incorrect. Put down that straw-colored, over-carbonated, tasteless macrobrew. Knocking back ten of those babies won’t make you a better supporter of your team. It will just make you fat, and then how will someone mistake you for Clint Dempsey when you’re walking around in your number 8 kit?
When you find Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier, stop, pause, sip, enjoy. I promise we’ll be visiting other witbiers this summer, so this is a great way to acquaint yourself with the style. It pours a hazy copper color with visible bubbles and little head. Strong aromas of blackberry, sweet malt, and wheat. The palate is a little thin and moderately carbonated, so it’s a perfect baby step from the typical lagers. Although the taste disappears quickly, it’s refreshing, with plenty of berries and sweet malts—a good summer sessions beer. And considering it’s named after a revolutionary war hero, what beer would be better at getting you in the mood for USA v England?
I know you’re going to watch USA v Turkey. If you’re reading this column, it will be your must-see match this week. But because I’m nice, I’ll go ahead and give you a backup match. Yesterday brought the sad news that St. Louis Athletica, a club in the Women’s Professional Soccer League, has folded due to financial reasons. This brings the WPS down to seven teams—so if you’re looking for something to watch on Sunday, give the ladies your attention. The Washington Freedom take on the Philadelphia Independence in yet another opportunity designed to remind Americans of their revolutionary past. You can find it Sunday on FSC at 5pm CDT, and streaming live on the WPS website.
These women are a rare breed, underappreciated, devoting their lives to sport for very little reward. Why not salute them with a style of beer also underappreciated by the female population? Imperial IPAs are often not enjoyed by women, as we have a much higher sensitivity to bitterness than males. But just as soccer skills need to be developed, you can also train your palate to appreciate bitter hops. Try Un*Earthly, from New York brewer Southern Tier. This one pours a honey red brown with a thin cream head and minimal lacing. The first aromas are of caramel and dough, with typical hop smells of grass and floral following. Some yeast in the taste, followed by floral notes before finishing with bitter citrus peel—all typical of an IIPA, but not overwhelming in the way some West Coast ones can be. With an 11% ABV, in no time you’ll be cracking amusing puns about the unearthly skills of the women footballers.
Meet Kirsten:
Ever since Brazil caught my eye during the 1994 World Cup I’ve considered myself a soccer fan, but it wasn’t until the summer 2008 that I decided to find a club. I focused on the Premier League and eventually chose Aston Villa. Initially drawn in by the pretty clarets and blues, I found I liked their organization, their owner and their manager. I fell hard and now it’s too late—I can’t give them up. As for MLS, that was easy, as I live in Seattle. I also support Exeter FC, SSC Napoli, FC Koln, Estudiantes Tecos and Tooting & Mitcham FC, all for a variety of reasons including cider, tattoos, scarves, owls, and a soccer player texting while on the pitch. I’m the Managing Editor of SB Nation’s Aston Villa site, 7500 to Holte. I also will be contributing to Two Footed Tackle after the World Cup.
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Sam Adams is certainly not a microbrew; its parent company, Boston Beer Company, is the largest American-owned beer company, but this week I’m trying to recommend something that is widely available and likely to be on tap and, as always, still delicious. That's my job right? Would I lead your astray? (Ed: Despite Samual Adams massive size they still stay true to craft brew principles.... read about founder Jim Koch.)
East-coasters sh
ouldn’t have a problem tracking down Sam Adams beer. However, I am suggesting you skip their core beers, such as the standard Sam Adams lager, and branch out to their seasonal pours.
ouldn’t have a problem tracking down Sam Adams beer. However, I am suggesting you skip their core beers, such as the standard Sam Adams lager, and branch out to their seasonal pours. When you find Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier, stop, pause, sip, enjoy. I promise we’ll be visiting other witbiers this summer, so this is a great way to acquaint yourself with the style. It pours a hazy copper color with visible bubbles and little head. Strong aromas of blackberry, sweet malt, and wheat. The palate is a little thin and moderately carbonated, so it’s a perfect baby step from the typical lagers. Although the taste disappears quickly, it’s refreshing, with plenty of berries and sweet malts—a good summer sessions beer. And considering it’s named after a revolutionary war hero, what beer would be better at getting you in the mood for USA v England?
I know you’re going to watch USA v Turkey. If you’re reading this column, it will be your must-see match this week. But because I’m nice, I’ll go ahead and give you a backup match. Yesterday brought the sad news that St. Louis Athletica, a club in the Women’s Professional Soccer League, has folded due to financial reasons. This brings the WPS down to seven teams—so if you’re looking for something to watch on Sunday, give the ladies your attention. The Washington Freedom take on the Philadelphia Independence in yet another opportunity designed to remind Americans of their revolutionary past. You can find it Sunday on FSC at 5pm CDT, and streaming live on the WPS website.
These women are a rare breed, underappreciated, devoting their lives to sport for very little reward. Why not salute them with a style of beer also underappreciated by the female population? Imperial IPAs are often not enjoyed by women, as we have a much higher sensitivity to bitterness than males. But just as soccer skills need to be developed, you can also train your palate to appreciate bitter hops. Try Un*Earthly, from New York brewer Southern Tier. This one pours a honey red brown with a thin cream head and minimal lacing. The first aromas are of caramel and dough, with typical hop smells of grass and floral following. Some yeast in the taste, followed by floral notes before finishing with bitter citrus peel—all typical of an IIPA, but not overwhelming in the way some West Coast ones can be. With an 11% ABV, in no time you’ll be cracking amusing puns about the unearthly skills of the women footballers.Meet Kirsten:
Ever since Brazil caught my eye during the 1994 World Cup I’ve considered myself a soccer fan, but it wasn’t until the summer 2008 that I decided to find a club. I focused on the Premier League and eventually chose Aston Villa. Initially drawn in by the pretty clarets and blues, I found I liked their organization, their owner and their manager. I fell hard and now it’s too late—I can’t give them up. As for MLS, that was easy, as I live in Seattle. I also support Exeter FC, SSC Napoli, FC Koln, Estudiantes Tecos and Tooting & Mitcham FC, all for a variety of reasons including cider, tattoos, scarves, owls, and a soccer player texting while on the pitch. I’m the Managing Editor of SB Nation’s Aston Villa site, 7500 to Holte. I also will be contributing to Two Footed Tackle after the World Cup.
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The Blackberry Witbier is good if you're planning on having one. Anymore than that and the oompa loompas come roll your bloated ass out of the chocolate factory.
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