Beverages Ideal for Outdoor Tailgates During Football Games
Football Tailgates: The Best Beers to Enhance the Game-Day Experience
As the football season kicks off, fans across the country are gearing up for the ultimate pre-game tradition: the tailgate. With a focus on light, refreshing beers that pair perfectly with hearty tailgate fare, we've rounded up some of the best brews to make your game-day experience unforgettable.
Traditional Favorites
For generations, Miller High Life has been a staple at tailgates, offering a traditional beer with an ABV of 4.6%. Its smooth and drinkable nature makes it an ideal choice for social, outdoor settings. Another classic pick is Guinness Draught Stout, a creamy stout with an ABV of 4.2% that pairs wonderfully with hearty tailgate food.
Refreshing Craft Beers
Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale stands out as a unique and refreshing option for unseasonably warm game days. This blend of Kölsch, Gose, and Berliner Weisse styles is brewed with lime juice, lime peel, and sea salt, resulting in a tart, zesty, and refreshing beer that cuts through the richness of tailgate fare. Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils, a well-crafted pilsner brewed with traditional Saaz hops, offers more flavor than most light lagers but remains just as refreshing.
Local Connections
Craft beers with regional or team-specific branding add a fun, local flavor to tailgates. Brands like Golden Road’s “Whose House?! Blonde Ale” for Rams fans and Four Peaks’ “Red Bird Lager” for Cardinals fans blend regional beer culture with team pride, offering styles suited for tailgates, such as lighter ales and accessible lagers that balance flavor with easy drinking.
Crisp and Refreshing
Crisp lagers or pilsners work well for tailgating due to their refreshing qualities. Firestone Walker's Oaktoberfest, a toasty, malty, and slightly sweet beer, is designed for celebrations and pairs well with bratwurst and pretzels. This seasonal release might be remembered as the standout beer from this season's tailgates.
Additional Options
For those seeking lighter options, Modelo Oro, a Mexican lager launched in 2023, offers crisp refreshment with a touch more flavor than most in the category, and has 90 calories. Athletic Brewing's Upside Dawn is a non-alcoholic, zero-calorie golden ale, suitable for designated drivers or early morning starts.
IPAs for Intense Moments
While crisp lagers or pilsners work well for the majority of the tailgate, more hop-forward IPAs can complement the excitement during intense game moments. Bell's Two Hearted IPA, with its balanced, piney, and floral flavor profile, is one of the most respected IPAs in America and can be savored with each sip while discussing the merits of one's team. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA offers tropical fruit aromas and a juicy mouthfeel, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy hoppier brews.
In conclusion, the best beers for football tailgates are generally light, drinkable styles with refreshing citrus or subtle hop notes, designed to be easy to sip over several hours in social, outdoor settings. Craft beers with regional or team-specific branding also add a fun, local flavor that connects fans to their community and team identity. Whether you're a fan of traditional beers or prefer craft brews, there's a perfect beer to elevate your football tailgate experience.
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