We’re less than two weeks out from the Super Bowl, and now that we know it’s Denver and Seattle battling for the Lombardi Trophy, it’s time to start planning the game-time beer list. Priorities, you know.

In case you’ve been under a rock the last 12 hours—or asleep, which is understandable—the game’s making headlines: I’ve seen everything from the wink-wink “Super ‘Bowl’” to the less discrete “Pot Bowl,” “Weed Bowl” and “Bong Bowl.” Yes, both Colorado and Washington have legalized recreational marijuana. We know this. Since partaking in the substance will land you in the clink everywhere else, I’m officially hijacking this line of thinking and dubbing the upcoming event based on something else those two states are know for: hops. Let’s get ready for the Hop Bowl (I know it doesn’t make any sense, but let’s run with it).

There will be more Super Bowl drinking ideas in the weeks to come, but here’s a pretty easy one to tackle: Serve some of the best hoppy beers from each state, one brand for each category. Why? You like hops. Why else? Reasons: It’s simple, it’s easy, and—for the most part—these beers are pretty widely distributed. See, the NFL does open up avenues for cultural exploration.

Here’s my Hop Bowl lineup for 2014:

IMPERIAL IPA:



Washington

Pike Doubble Troubble IPA

Colorado

Avery Dugana IPA

AMERICAN IPA:

Washington

No-Li Born & Raised IPA

Colorado

New Belgium Ranger IPA

SPECIALTY IPA:

Washington

Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA

brewed with jasmine

Colorado

River North Hoppenberg Uncertainty Principle

Belgian-style IPA

EXTRA/SPECIAL/BITTER (ESB):

Washington

Redhook ESB

Colorado

Odell 5 Barrel Pale Ale

ENGLISH-STYLE IPA:

Washington

Fish Organic India Pale Ale

Colorado

Left Hand 400 Pound Monkey

BARLEYWINE:

Washington

Old Schoolhouse Barley Wine Style Ale

Colorado

Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine

Which state would win in this match-up?

EDIT: Ineligible player penalty rightly called by reader Chris below. Substitute Old Schoolhouse into the lineup. Continue play.