Forget the "Bud Bowl" and macrobrews; let’s briefly look at beers for the Super Bowl, from another angle: from the respective cities (Chicago and Indianapolis) this year.

Since most Super Bowl parties can be longish events, you might want to stick to more of the session beers rather than the high-alcohol ones.

Chicago of course has Goose Island. Two session recommendations that would go well with most party fare are the Honkers Ale (4.3% alcohol) and the Nut Brown Ale (5.2% alcohol).

Indianapolis has a dearth of breweries, and a handful of brewpubs (most of which appear to be chains). If I were to pick, I’d go with either Brugge Brasserie or Broad Ripple Brew Pub. Both of them offer up Pilsners (growlers, anyone?) that float around the 5% alcohol range.

Interestingly, both Chicago and Indianapolis have a Rock Bottom Brewery; perhaps it would be more fair to pit one against the other and see how the local waters fare. :)

Meanwhile, I’ve skipped over my own advice and picked up some Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball Ale, at 9%(!) alcohol. With a name like that, how could I resist?

Happy Super Bowl, everyone.