Battle Of The Beers

Now that Christmas is behind us, it's time to move on to the next most important shopping task: Finding the right beer for New Year's Day college football games.

As sure a tradition as popping Champagne on New Year's Eve is cracking open a cold one as the first floral arrangement hits the Pasadena streets.

For those who love a good battle of contrasting styles — as we're likely to see between Wisconsin and TCU in the Rose Bowl — check out Discord Dark IPA from Pyramid Brewing Company in Seattle. Discord has the light body of a typical IPA–but is presented over a canvas of black malt. With the use of five varieties of hops and four malts, this is one seriously flavorful yet complex beer.

If you're having a hard time picking a team in the Fiesta Bowl (happy to see Oklahoma's return to glory, yet excited to see underdog UConn in a big game), reach for a Two Hearted Ale from Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Mich. It's a crisp American-style IPA with prominent citrus flavors and a slightly dry finish that'll satisfy even the most conflicted fan.

And looking ahead to the BCS Championship game on January 10, Ducks and Tigers fans eagerly anticipating victory should stock the fridge with Celebration Ale from Sierra Nevada in Chico, Calif. This brew features citrus aromas and flavors of orange and pine that'll keep you happy well into next season, win or lose.

Have a go-to beer for watching college football? Tell us about it below.