Jun 12 2014

Oh When the Yanks….

American Outlaw members at World Cup qualifier against Mexico.

American Outlaw members at a World Cup qualifier against Mexico.

The World Cup begins today, and I look forward to the excited and colorful displays of national pride that inevitably occur during the tournament in an international city like DC.

My first real World Cup viewing experience was 2010. Camped out for the afternoon at a booth in a busy soccer-focused bar, I interacted with waves of fans filtering in and out to support their national teams.  Even if I knew nothing of the team playing, someone near me would be happy to provide insight, just as I did when the US played. The enthusiasm was contagious.

This year, I’ll enjoy watching matches in a variety of environments – whether relaxing around a friend’s big screen, swapping commentary with enthusiasts camped out in a soccer-focused pub, learning from expats as they cheer their home team at their favorite local restaurant, singing chants with US supporter group the American Outlaws, or picnicking with a disparate crowd of fans around a screen outside.

As I decide on matches and viewing locations, many of my friends pack for the  flight south in order to cheer the US team through the group stage. I wish them safe travels, I’ll look for them on TV, and I can’t wait to hear the stories.

In honor of the tournament and my friends’ adventures, enjoy some World Cup-related links:

 

 

Comments Off on Oh When the Yanks….   |  tags: ,

Jun 16 2013

Taste of Tradition

SE chants

Photo courtesy of Screaming Eagles

Last weekend, two of my favorite things about DC united for craft beer. As a long time soccer supporter and craft-beer drinker, I was very excited for the release of The Tradition, an American golden ale brewed by DC Brau in honor of local MLS team, DC United. So you can imagine my frustration to be out of town on the weekend it was released. I had to follow along through social media (#BrandtheBrew, #TheTradition).

There are a few things I love about this project and how it was rolled out:

  • A long-time, dedicated supporter won the Brand the Brew contest with the name “The Tradition”.
  • The beer was designed to be both accessible and lower alcohol (5% abv), making it a good choose for tailgates and viewing parties. 
  • On the day it was released, the brewery helped to get a few growlers to a bus-load of supporters traveling to a United match (versus New England Revolution) so that they wouldn’t miss out.
  • It’s the centennial anniversary of US Soccer this year, and milestone anniversaries are always a good excuse for something special.
SE flag wall

Photo courtesy of Screaming Eagles

Yesterday, I was able to test The Tradition in the environment for which it was brewed – a tailgate with the Screaming Eagles supporters club. When choosing tailgate beers, I look for something versatile and  refreshing with an interesting enough flavor to enjoy drinking it but not so interesting it draws attention away for the pre-game social experience.

The Tradition proved to be a good choice for the sunny summer warmth of RFK Stadium’s Lot 8. Very close to a session beer (a low-alcohol beer designed for drinking multiples), it has a nice body that balances a lingering, slightly spicy bitterness. The flavor is enjoyable and present, but it doesn’t commandeer your attention while drinking it.

DC Brau also supplied a keg of their new Kolsch-style beer, Das Bier.  It’s 5% with a delicate body, soft fruit and biscuit characteristics, and low hops presence (15 IBU). This is definitely a beer I’d swing by the brewery for a growler of before a match. Apparently, my fellow supporters agreed because this was the first keg to be kicked at the tailgate.

Well done, DC Brau! You’re 2 for 2. Now, if United could just demonstrate a similar success rate….

Comments Off on Taste of Tradition   |  tags: , ,