Countdown to the Big Game -- Lager Edition

by Matt DeMarco

With the big game approaching this weekend, here is the second list of beers for you that will not deflate your taste buds.

I have chosen four lagers that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. All of the beers I have picked are good beers that will not scare way non craft beer drinkers. The hoppiest of the beers is Victory Prima Pils and drinks more like an IPA than a lager or pilsner. The other beers are very light in the hops department. They all pair well with normal football fare.

At the end of this post, I have included a super simple recipe for beer cheese dip that can use any of the following Lagers.  Cheers!

Victory Prima Pils – A hoppy German style pilsner that pours a nice pale golden color with a fluffy head. It has a sweet, bready aroma with a touch of spicy and citrusy hops. Even though this is a pilsner, it packs a hop punch that is spicy and earthy up front with subtle notes of bready malts and a dry finish. This is a pilsner for hop lovers. Pairs well with burgers, sausage, and pizza. 5.3% ABV / 44 IBUs.

Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold – A Dortmunder style lager that is world class and better than most of the German ones. Pours bright gold with a lingering head and a clean malty aroma. It tastes very crisp with a nice balance of malts and hops and a dry finish. If you haven’t had this beer, you have to try it. Goes great with seafood and chicken. 4.3% ABV / 30 IBUs.

Sly Fox Helles Lager – A traditional German Helles Lager  that pours golden with a thin layer of foam. This beer has lager aroma with hints of breadiness and a light touch of hops. A light bodied lager with a slight kiss of hops and a smooth, dry finish. A nice example of a German lager that is easy drinking and a crowd pleaser. Pairs well with mozzarella sticks, shrimp, and wings. 4.9% ABV / 18 IBUs.

Bell’s Lager of the Lakes – An American Pale Lager that pours a clear golden color. Has a malty aroma with a hint of noble hops. It is very light bodied with a light malt sweetness and almost hidden hops flavor. It is crisp and refreshing and has the makings of a beer that you can drink all day. Pairs great with fried foods and bratwurst. 5.0% ABV.

BEER CHEESE DIP

Ingredients:

8 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz. Mozzarella cheese, Shredded
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup beer
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp salt

Directions:

Melt the cream cheese in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir in the cheese, beer, garlic, and salt, stirring continually until all the cheese is melted. Pour the dip into a serving vessel. A small crock pot or bread bowl works well. I like to serve this dip with pretzel bites, chunks of bread, or veggies.