Pride Pub: Orlando City vs. Montreal Impact

In the wake of Cyle Larin’s DUI arrest, we here at The Mane Land debated whether or not to publish this regular site feature. In the end it was my decision as managing editor to run the story, which had already been written in advance by David Rohe. However, as a site staff, we felt it was important to emphasize that we believe in the responsible consumption of alcohol. If, as an adult of legal drinking age, you decide to drink alcohol, we urge you to please ensure you do so in a safe manner, and never drink and drive. - Michael Citro, Managing Editor, The Mane Land

Welcome back to Pride Pub. Orlando City is hosting Eastern Conference foe Montreal Impact from the Great White North this Saturday. It’s time to get back into the MLS part of the schedule, and to start a new home winning streak. As for any Canadians reading, just sit back and relax, and welcome to warmer weather. You won’t need your tuques.

Just a reminder on how this works: We choose a craft beer from the country/state/city of our opponent and we include an appropriate recipe to go along with it. Of course, we also choose a Florida craft beer to complement our other recipe and to represent our Orlando City Lions here in the beautiful Sunshine State.

From Canada, eh?: Equinoxe de Printemps, Brasserie Dieu du Ciel

Dieu de Ciel has been brewing craft beers in Canada since 1998, though founder Jean Francois’ journey began back in 1991. They now brew over 13,000 hectolitres per year (look up the conversion yourself, ya hosehead). Equinoxe de Printemps is a 9.5% ABV brew, so if you have plans early Sunday morning, you might want to take it easy.

According to the brewery:

"To celebrate the arrival of spring in Quebec this Scotch Ale is brewed with maple syrup, proposing oak and malt flavours with a hint of caramelized fruit. The warmth of alcohol envelops the mouth and enhances the maple flavour for a sweet yet balanced finish.”

Pair with: Maple and Garlic Pork Shoulder. Scotch ales always pair well with meat, and this maple-infused dish will bring out the same flavor in the Equinoxe de Printemps.

Dave’s Recommendations: Baked Cheese and Bacon Potatoes. Can’t have maple without the bacon, so we’ll stick it in a Hasselback potato with some cheese. Delicious!

From Florida: Saison de Banc Vert, Green Bench Brewing

Since we’re playing Montreal, our second selection is at least named like a French Canadian beer. Saisons are perfect for when the weather gets warm, and this particular saison was a gold medal winner in the wood/oak aged pale category at the 2014 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Basically, it’s a winner, just as Orlando City hopes to be this Saturday.

According to the brewery:

"Saisons, or Farmhouse Ales, were originally brewed as a summer seasonal in the French-speaking region of Belgium. Dry and crisp, our “Green Bench Saison” is packed with fruity esters similar to citrus fruits and spicy, peppercorn-like phenols from our farmhouse yeast strain."

Pair with: Louisiana Seafood Muffuletta. Cajun has a bit of French in it, so let’s keep the theme going with this muffuletta. I chose a seafood muffuletta, as it will pair nicely with the Saison.

Dave’s Recommendations: Cajun Potato Chips. Keeping it simple, you can either make your own or buy some from the store. If you get store bought, try to find kettle style chips to mimic the homemade variety.

That’s it for this edition of Pride Pub, you hosers. Let us know which pairing you decided on for your tailgate or watch party in the comments below. Thanks for your patronage and Go City!