Whether you’re betting the house on the outcome of the game or taking the over/under on the National Anthem runtime, placing bets during the “Big Game” is a tradition.
Every year, it seems like the governors of the representative cities bet whatever their specialty is. Like Tom Wolf and Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton bet Tasty Cakes and Nut Rolls on the NFC Championship.
Wolf is still waiting on his Nut Rolls, apparently.
This year, with two major craft brewing cities in the mix, the stakes are a little different.
Victory, Yards, and Yuengling — three of the largest and most popular breweries in Pennsylvania — apparently have beef, at least for this week, with the likes of Harpoon, Jack’s Abby, and Sam Adams.
Here’s the breakdown of the wagers. Plus, what to drink from the Pennsylvania breweries. Who will you back?
Yards Brewing Co. vs Harpoon Brewery
Two of the East Coast’s brewing icons are putting their beer and taprooms on the line.
Yards sent out a bet to Harpoon that the loser has to not only wear the winner’s jersey in the brewery, but they have to put their beer on tap in their tasting rooms.
Imagine being a Patriots fan and having to go into Harpoon to order a Philadelphia Pale Ale the day after you just lost the Super Bowl. That could sting.
What to drink
I’m not breaking any new ground here, but Yards Brawler is one of the most underrated beers out there. It manages to pack a hell of a lot of flavors into just 4.2% ABV. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so this is perfect and goes well with nachos. Others to keep an eye out for are Philadelphia Pale Ale, Love Stout, and any of the Ales of the Revolution.
Victory and Yuengling vs. Sam Adams and Jack’s Abby
Hey @VictoryBeer – the only winning that’s going to happen this weekend is #NewEngland.
— Samuel Adams Beer (@SamuelAdamsBeer) January 29, 2018
What started out as a simple Twitter taunt has now taken on a life of its own.
Sam Adams poked the bear with a shot at Victory. Victory called in the dogs by roping in Yuengling. Yuengling upped the ante by calling out Jack’s Abby.
Now, you have four brewing behemoths with a lot riding on this game.
Whoever loses this wager has to wear the other team’s mask, GOAT or dog (I’ll let you figure that out), during their next brew day. To spice things up even further, the losing side has to donate money to the winner’s charity of choice.
#BeerForACause as Jack’s Abby put it.
What to drink from Yuengling
Yuengs. And. Wings. Done.
What to drink from Victory
Hop Devil, Prima Pils, Headwaters Pale Ale, or — my personal fave — Dirt Wolf, are all excellent choices for gameday. If you’re looking for an all-day beer, I would go with their Home Grown Lager. Crisp, clean, refreshing — and delightfully hoppy. Perfect for that 3-ft party sub that you will inevitably gorge on.
No matter what you’re drinking. Just remember one thing #supportPAbeer and [*begrudgingly*] #FlyEaglesFly because no one wants to see Tom Brady win another one.
