If you're one of the many Americans (my hand is raised here) who has started following soccer after catching World Cup fever here in the states, the current three-week International Break may have you jonesing for a pitch-side fix.
I can't make matchday arrive any faster, but I can share some soccer-related goodness right here in Georgia.
The Peach State was graced recently with the arrival of beer from Long Live Beerworks. The Providence, Rhode Island–based brewery started distribution in Georgia, and among its first offerings was a beer with a direct nod to English football.
Black Cat.
Not only is Black Cat a highly rated hazy IPA that's been around since almost the beginning at Long Live, but its name pays homage to Sunderland A.F.C., famously nicknamed "The Black Cats." Legend has it a young supporter snuck a black cat into Wembley Stadium in 1937 for good luck as Sunderland won their first FA Cup. The superstition paid off, and the nickname stuck.
Armando DeDona, co-owner and head brewer at Long Live, used the nickname to his advantage while attending brewing school in the U.K.
"We were legally able to sell our casked beer to bars," DeDona said when asked about a contest he won while in school. As a competition arose to sell the most beer among the students, DeDona cleverly attached the name "Black Cat," and won in a landslide.
Black Cat started as a pale ale in the U.K., but has since been tweaked as Long Live established itself in New England. Today's version is a hazy Double IPA. The main differences between the original and the Black Cat we're enjoying in Georgia right now are the grain bill, yeast strain, and hop dosage.
Long Live integrates Black Cat everywhere it can, from t-shirts to events to a taproom experience designed to mirror the communal "third space" feel of an English pub.
"It seems like more people embrace pub culture in the U.K.," says DeDona. "Soccer is also a big part of the culture (obviously). It's hard to explain, but if you ever have a chance to visit, you'll notice it's sort of just part of the daily ritual. Drinking culture is more casual, and you'll likely see multiple generations enjoying a pint at the local pub."
Soccer and beer go hand in hand. So while we wait for club action to resume, pouring a Black Cat is an easy way to get your soccer fix.
What should you expect in the glass?
Black Cat utilizes two hops: Galaxy and fruit-forward Azacca, offering aroma and flavor notes of dank pineapple, bright citrus, and a pop of pine.
"We love its dank pineapple notes," says Long Live co-founder Jessica deBry.
