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Assuming you’re not already exhausted from Thanksgiving, there’s some football still to be played this weekend. The Syracuse Orange (8-3, 5-2) take on the rival Boston College Eagles (7-4, 4-3) with quite a bit on the line for SU — most notably, a likely Camping World Bowl bid. Just in case the arguments with your relatives weren’t stressful enough, well... here’s more to add to it.
Things get started at noon ET from Chestnut Hill, Mass. (ESPN/WatchESPN for those of us at home). Not much tailgate time, but just take care of that on your probable day off on Friday instead, right?
No matter when (or if) you’re imbibing before, during or after this game against BC, 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.
Boston College beer pick: Night Shift Brewing Whirlpool
In the recent haze craze, pale ales seem to have fallen by the wayside... not so at Nightshift, however. Whirlpool is hazy, sure. But it’s most importantly light and refreshing, with a hefty burst of citra hops and tropical flavors. You can find cans of the local favorite at the brewery, so if you happen to be in town for the game, perhaps make the trip over and grab some (today — versus Saturday, since it won’t be open yet).
Syracuse area beer pick: Good Nature The Great Chocolate Wreck
Good Nature’s over in Hamilton (home of Colgate... woof), but the beer’s much more redeemable than the “hoodoo” of late. The Great Chocolate Wreck is an imperial stout with cocoa nibs and cocoa powder, paying homage to the 1955 freight train of Nestle chocolate that derailed nearby. It’s appropriately rich, but avoids being cloyingly sweet. The beer actually manages to be a bit lighter and smoother than one would think... in a good way.
Los Angeles area beer pick: Phantom Carriage Lugosi
Keeping with the classic horror theme at Carson’s Phantom Carriage, Lugosi is appropriately named for famed actor Bela Lugosi. The beer, however, is a bit different... a dark wild ale aged in Syrah barrels with brettanomyces and lactobacillus. The wine flavors take center stage and balance well with the brett and lacto (mellowing what could be a sharp flavor). It’s fruity and tart and complex — and you can find it in bottles as well as on draft at the brewery, thankfully.