Game day beer picks: Syracuse vs. Louisville

The Syracuse Orange (4-6, 2-4) are on the road for the final time this season, heading out to face the Louisville Cardinals (6-4, 3-4) for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff. As we’ve mentioned all week, it’s a must-win. So you’re probably going to need some extra drinks to get through this stressful time for Orange fans.

No matter when (or if) you’re imbibing to unwind before, during or after this matchup vs. the Cardinals, see below for beer picks that are worth your while. You probably won’t be able to acquire at least one of these. Sorry in advance.

Louisville Beer Pick: Against the Grain Brewery Bo & Luke

I’ve discussed this beer on the site numerous times before, but that’s not going to stop me from doing so again. Plus, given the stakes on Saturday, Bo & Luke’s 13 percent ABV is the ideal beer to calm your nerves. The smoked imperial stout is aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels and features all of the rich flavor notes you’re looking for in both a smoked stout and the Bourbon you’re required to drink when down in Louisville. It’s not too sweet and the Bourbon notes come alive more with some warmth. Procure a bottle of this whenever you can — their distribution’s actually gotten pretty wide, as I’ve even seen it out here recently.

Syracuse Area Beer Pick: Saranac Brewery Chocolate Mexican Porter

F.X. Matt Brewing Co. is the company behind Saranac, which anyone whose ever set foot in the CNY area likely knows of -- even if they haven’t tried quite a bit of the easily accessible lineup. Chocolate Mexican Porter is the brewery’s take on a spicy porter that’s been en vogue on a wider scale since Stone released Xocoveza several years back. This specific beer has a nice mix of cinnamon, chili peppers, vanilla and dark chocolate that all play pretty well together and fail to overpower. The cinnamon and pepper add a subtle kick at the back end that I personally find to be a highlight of any of these types of brews.

Los Angeles Area Beer Pick: Yorkshire Square Brewery The Tenant

Just like it’s pretty tough for me to get most of the beers listed above, it’s going to be tough for any of you to get the beers listed in this section each week. But it would be irresponsible to celebrate local beers without highlighting some of the best from the exploding L.A. scene.

Less than a mile from other L.A. beer hot spots like Monkish and Smog City is Yorkshire Square, a proper British-style pub with their own cask-conditioned ales. The Tenant, a pale ale, is one of their staples and drinks incredibly easily. While I’m partial to the hoppier West Coast pale ales packed with more tropical and piney notes, this pale ale is an enjoyably smooth option that refreshes with every sip. Plus if you’ve spent any time abroad, the location is sure to take you back -- though with a bit more Southern California sun and patio space than you might remember in London. The staff’s also a wealth of knowledge on cask ales, so if you have questions, go ahead and ask.