Beer and Football

Beer is a staple at tailgate parties, pre-game fare to pair with hot dogs and burgers. It is advertised to the hilt during professional football games, and is sponsor of large gatherings on and near college campuses.

An American thing, the tailgate, the favorite style of libation tends to be the American lager, Miller and Bud ubiquitous.

In Chicago, the Bears are exceeding their anticipated level of mediocrity. Northwestern University's Wildcats are far from winning the Big Ten. Yet loyal fans still flock to liquor stores throughout the area to stock up for the game.

The recent 'merger' of Sam's with Binny's liquor stores may result in volume savings for customers; the monopoly may not.

Titans of the tailgate, Green Bay Packer backers are notorious for pairing beer and football. More so, Wisconsin Badger fans are beer drinking champions. It is no wonder their fight song is to the same tune as the Budweiser beer commercial, ending with, 'If you say "Wisconsin", you've said it all!'

I have always employed growlers at my tailgate parties. In Chicago try getting your half-gallon of draft beer from Lunar Brewing, Piece Pizzeria and Brewery, Flossmoor Brewing, Emmet's Ale House, Walter Payton's Roundhouse or Rock Bottom. Marion Street Cheese Market also has top taps and will fill anyone's growler.

Pairing beer and football is a super pastime. Try it some time.