Beer

Today’s Malt Monday post is all about Denver vs Seattle Beers for the Big Game Beer Battle. With just about a week left until the most “Super” football game, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks are being matched up on everything from coaches to quarterbacks to beer. For the Big Game Beer Battle when matching up Denver vs Seattle Beers I had to rely on some trusty internet research since I have never visited Denver or Seattle or have any memorable experiences drinking beers from these areas.

The criteria used from this list came from a few key things:

1. I reviewed past winners from the Great American Beer Festival

2. I read recent beer news from both Denver and Seattle

3. I read beer blogs from Denver and Seattle-based bloggers

4. I included beers I was familiar with

5. I read about Denver and Seattle’s beer history

When comparing Denver and Seattle beers, and past winners from the Great American Beer Festival, Colorado is the clear winner. In 2013 alone Colorado had 46 wins from the festival whereas Seattle only had four wins. This was surprising to me since I had read such positive things about the beer scene in Seattle and how it is a craft beer mecca. We also know Colorado is the home of popular domestic beer, Coors from the Coors Brewing Company. The Coors Brewing Company is the third largest brewer in the United States and is the largest single brewery facility in the world. While I am not a fan of the beers from Coors Brewing Company, their massive influence in the beer scene can’t be denied.

My Denver vs Seattle Beers for the Big Game Beer Battle is as follows.

DENVER

Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout (a chocolate beer) from Great Divide Brewing Co
Lilikoi Kepolo (a fruit wheat beer) from Avery Brewing Co.
Butt Head Bock (a Bock) from Tommyknocker Brewery

Locally, where I live I have only had experience with Tommyknocker Brewery and I was extremely pleased with their beer but I have not tried the rest.

SEATTLE

Men’s Room Original Red (an ordinary or special bitter) from Elysian Brewing Co.
Chopper’s Red Ale (a red ale) from Georgetown Brewing Co.
12th Can (a pale ale) from Hilliard’s Beer

I have not tried any of these beers but I can tell you I am most intrigued by the 12th Can. The 12th Can is a Seahawks-themed beer named after the nickname of Seahawks fan, the 12th Man, since Seattle has some of the loudest fans and are often referred to as the 12th man on the field.

While I normally try to pick a winner for the big game beer bowl, when it comes to the Denver vs Seattle Beers I just can’t choose a winner. Simply enjoy the game, crack open a cold one and cheer on your favorite team.

Wanna know more about beers and big game? Check out some of these articles.

http://www.today.com/food/super-bowl-beer-brawl-what-drink-while-rooting-your-team-2D11997570

http://www.thereporteronline.com/events/20140122/have-a-craft-beer-competition-for-the-super-bowl

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/craft-beer-playbook-open-wide-super-bowl-21658179