Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
We spoke with Sketchbook Brewing Co. founder and head brewer Cesar Marron about Night Game.
BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
I did.
BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
Night Game is Double IPA that drinks easy and has a smooth, rounded bitterness.
BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
I wanted a Double IPA that was in the 8 percent ABV range with lots of late-kettle hops and balanced bitterness. I came up with 8.8% and 88 IBUs on the recipe. The unnamed beer was the conversation of the evening at a family party. When my father-in-law heard the stats, “night game” were the first words out of his mouth. I had very little idea what it meant (darn Brazilian immigrant totally ignorant of baseball). 8-8-88 was the dateline of the first night game in Chicago Cubs history. Duh!
BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
As far as Double IPAs go, for sure, but I would soon learn to pace myself as this one sneaks up on you.
BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Strong, pungent cheese, cured meat and ribs.