Ready to take your game day experience from good to gridiron greatness? Whether you're cheering for the home team or just here for the snacks, there's one thing we can all agree on—beer and football are a match made in sports heaven. But why settle for any old brew when you can elevate your football feast with the perfect beer and snack pairings?

At Angry Otter Liquor, we've got the playbook for creating the ultimate game-day lineup, complete with tasty combos that'll have you doing your own touchdown dance. So, let's crack open a cold one and dive into the delicious world of football season favourites!

Classic Combos That Never Miss

There are three basic principles when it comes to matching your beer with your snacks. The first is to match strengths. Bold flavours demand an assertive beer, and vice versa. The second is to match harmonies. Combinations work best when they share common flavours or aromas. The last principle is to consider the level of sweetness, bitterness, carbonation, and richness. Here are a few of our favourite starting lineups.

• Wheat Beers: from American light and hoppy ones to Belgian spiced with citrus or German hefeweizen with hints of clove, pair well with seafood, goat cheese, pretzels, or mustard. Consider making our favourite appetizer, Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels.
• Pale Ales: from American or Indian Pale Ale, all variations have hazy, rich flavour profiles, allowing them to pair well with grilled meats, intense cheeses, or spicy dishes. Consider an ale with Spiced Grilled Street Corn.
• Amber Ales: These medium—to full-bodied brews boast rich, toasty flavours that pair well with mild cheese, fruit desserts, or salty olives. Consider pairing them with Baked Mediterranean Brie.
• Brown Ales: These English-style ales have a medium body and dry maltiness, making them perfect for pairing with barbecue or mustard dips. Consider making it with a No Beer Can Chicken at your next cookout!
• Porters/Stouts: Made from dark roasted malts, these stronger beers have full flavour profiles with bitter aftertastes. Consider pairing them with roasted meats, hearty cheese, or peanut butter-flavoured snacks. Consider pairing these Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with your brew! 

Support Local: Pairing Regional Beers

Being from BC, we may love the American game, but we love our local beer more. At Angry otter, we have a special spot in our collections for our local breweries, many of who have made gems that grace our shelves and coolers. Here are a few of our favourites that you won't be able to find anywhere else!

Yellow Dog Brewing's Angry Otter Lager

A crisp, clean, and easily crushable lager, this one is brewed locally by our friends at Yellow Dog Brewing specially for our shelves and you! It's not just a beverage but an experience. From a spontaneous beer to enjoying during a celebration, this lager is the missing piece to your perfect moment, no matter the occasion!

Learn more about this brew here. 

Parallel 49’s Koi Killer IPA

It all began with some notorious otter mischief at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens, where a crafty otter caused a stir by taking out seventeen prized koi in 2018 and 2019. When we teamed up with Parallel 49 Brewing to create our own IPA, we turned this quirky tale into a way to help the gardens recover, giving birth to 'Koi Killer IPA.' A portion of the proceeds from every case sold has supported the gardens ever since. And as you enjoy this hop-forward brew, keep an eye out for our new look and improved recipe with a slightly higher ABV—because great beer constantly evolves.

Find out the full story behind the killer otter here. 

Strathcona Beer Company's Mixed Berry Sour

Inspired by the fresh flavours of BC berries, we teamed up with Strathcona to turn these local gems into something unique! Mixing blueberry and strawberry juice and adding a touch of lactose from a creamy finish, sour beer enthusiasts will love our latest collaboration.

Learn more about our new sour here. 

Enjoy the Game without the Hangover

Whether pacing yourself for the long haul or prefer a lighter touch, low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers can still deliver big on flavour while keeping you in top cheering form. Pair these brews with just as light and refreshing snacks to keep your game-day energy up without feeling weighed down.

Look for session ales, low-ABV options, or non-alcoholic beers that offer all the taste without the extra buzz. The best part is that our favourite domestic beers and local craft favourites are joining the bandwagon and joining in on the craze, meaning there are several great options. Ask our team members what their favourites are next time you're in!

The key here when pairing is finding the right balance. With many of these lighter options, keeping the snacks equally light is best. Consider things like popcorn, veggie platters, or hummus and pita. (Check out our favourite hummus recipe here!) These pair with the subtle flavours of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers, allowing you to enjoy every bite and sip without overindulging. 

How to Host the Best Game Day Party

Game day isn't just about the match but also the spread. Start by stocking up on all your essentials from Angry Otter Liquor, ensuring you've got a variety of beers to suit every taste. Set up a snack and beer station where guests can easily help themselves and keep the beers chilled for optimal enjoyment. A few pro tips: pre-cut and prep your snacks to make serving a breeze and remember to have a variety of glassware on hand for those who appreciate their beer in style. With a well-planned spread, you'll be the MVP of hosting, no matter how the game turns out.

With football season in full swing, there's no better time to perfect your beer and snack pairings for game day. From classic combos that never miss to local brews that bring a taste of BC to your table, the right pairing can turn any game into a celebration. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night with your favourite team, Angry Otter Liquor has everything you need to make your game day experience unforgettable.

We'd love to see how you pair your favourites—share your go-to combos with us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! And don't forget to keep an eye out for our exclusives next time you're in your local Angry Otter.

Cheers to great games, better beer, and the perfect snacks!