Last week I the started the 2011 NFL season tailgating at Met Life stadium for the Jets/Cowboys game. In a massive sea of green clad Jets fans, sparking up grills to prepare various forms of seasoned meats, the beers most often seen were of the fizzy yellow variety. However, one cooler held a secret. Mixed in with the chilled cans of Miller Light was a bottle of true relevance. An old micro friend. Something a tad tastier than the common mans micro muck, a bomber of Stone Arrogant Bastard.
The one thing I never understood was why someone would spend time grilling up big flavorful pieces of meat cover them in big bold spicy sauces then wash them down with flavorless swill. It's the equivalent of picking off a pass, running it down the field, avoiding multiple defenders, reaching the 1 yard line only to sit down and not score. What the hell? If you start strong finish strong. Arrogant Bastard's strong abrasive hop profile matched perfectly with the charcoal cooked meats. From brats to dogs, burgers and grilled chicken the beer flavor never got lost. Overall, the best combo was Bastard and marinated steak. The garlic, onion, season salt and lines of black char from the steak melding with the roastiness and bitter hops of AB was an intoxicating flavor marriage. Not that Bastard is the only beer suited for a big grilling occasion, it's simply a damn good one. The bonus of the day was that there was even enough to enjoy once we broke out the cigars. Consider Arrogant Bastard a true tailgate necessity.
No comments:
Post a Comment