Game day beer picks: Syracuse vs. NC State

So we’ve had a bye week, we’ve had an extra weekend to rest the liver, and get ready for a mid-week matchup between the Syracuse Orange and the N.C. State Wolfpack. This match should be tight from the get go and provide for hours of viewing pleasure, which you can also accomplish while having a beverage.

Whether it’s right after work or you have the day off for this Thursday kickoff at 8pm, you can 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.

NC State Area Beer Pick: Brewery Bhavana Plow

Brewery Bhavana is a unique brewery and dim sum bar with a bookstore attached to it. It’s more than enough to keep you occupied before the game. Plow is their core pale ale, described by them as “The Gracious Pale Ale,” lending it’s grace to a blend of Citra, Mosaic and Saaz hops, and Biscuit malt, creating a crisp finish for a pale that adds a bit of refreshing character. John notes it’s a must for both food and beer if you’re visiting Raleigh.

Also while you’re there, check out Cart. It’s a limited release, but it’s on tap now. A juicy and tropical triple IPA brewed for a balance that belies its strength. Clocking in at 9.5%, it’s worth a try if you’re in the area for the game. Hell, try anything, they have 40 taps on premise.

Syracuse Area Beer Pick: WT Brews Luck Be A Latte Stout

The brewery, right on the Seneca River in Baldwinsville, should be added to any tour of Syracuse area breweries, for good reason. They’ve been putting out consistently above average brews for about five years now. Luck Be A Latte, as you can imagine, is a coffee oatmeal stout. It lives up to it’s billing with a heavy coffee nose and flavor that fills out with some vanilla and coffee notes. It’s getting to be stout season and this is definitely one to try.

Los Angeles Area Beer Pick: Imperial Western Superchief

Cities like L.A. require creativity for breweries here and there, and Imperial Western qualifies given its existence within the historic Union Station. Superchief is a Simcoe-forward West Coast IPA that possesses a refreshing bitterness and doesn’t overexert itself as a simple and enjoyable drink. Though you may not get much on the nose, the flavor quickly makes up for it. Superchief’s on draft, but can also be found in cans around town — best drank when fresh, obviously.