Grizzly Growler

If you’re watching the Super Bowl in good Ol’ snowy Missoula Montana, then this post is for you. Since the downfall of my 49ers a decade ago now, I haven’t been as interested in the Big Game for more than the commercials. There have been a few good Super Bowls in the meantime, but it never has the same meaning when your favorite team is not playing for or in the Super Bowl.

This year is no exception, with the exception of the Saints, an underdog story only America could love.

For my Super Bowl party, I’ll be serving Big Sky Brewing Co.’s Powder Hound. There is no implicit meaning behind this decision other than the fact that growlers of Powder Hound are on sale for $4 at the tap room right now.

But here are my top local picks for Super Bowl beer.

1. Missoula Brewing Co.’s Highlander – Any time of year is a great time of year for Highlander, but I think it’s a fine beer to drink with hot wings. That malty sweetness inherent of Scotch-style beers is perfect for that spicy treat.

2. Bayern Brewing’s Pilsner – If you’re used to drinking Bud Light or Coors for the Big Game, you should really upgrade this year. Bayern Pilser has that same light characteristic of the American pilsners, but with the added benefit of taste and style. You’ll be in familiar territory, but it will be a whole new ball game.

3. Kettlehouse Brewing Co.’s Brick & Mortar Imperial Porter – I should’ve swung by the brewery and picked up a growler of this beauty. I can see enjoying a good close Saints victory with a glass of this big, big beer in hand.

4. Big Sky Brewing Co.’s Trout Slayer (Correction: Too many damn beers with Trout in the name) or Moose Drool in cans – Cans are downright cool on Super Bowl Sunday. So is a fine glass of barley wine, but if you’re going to drink beer and eat hot wins, you might consider grabbing a six-pack of cans of either beer. Depends on your mood of course, but you’re either going dark or light. Both beers have some great, unique characteristics that will add a little fun to your Super Bowl party.

5. Blacksmith Brewing Co.’s Black Iron IPA – This is a seasonal, and I’m not sure it’s in season right now, but this might be one of my favorite local IPAs. The black malts added give this huge beer a totally different feel than our most familiar West-Coast style IPAs. At any rate, they are open on Sundays, so stop in and ask about the Black Iron. If they don’t have it, try the Cutthroat IPA.

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday, and please remember to drive safely.

Go Saints!

Prost,

GG