If you’re preparing for the Super Bowl, you’re likely finalizing your food menu, and wings are a staple for many Americans. At J. Timothy’s Taverne in Plainville, Connecticut, known for their exceptional wings and impressive beer selection, they have developed a unique take on this classic dish and paired it thoughtfully with various beer styles.

J. Timothy’s Taverne offers wings that can be served "dirt style," which involves frying the wings once without sauce and then deep frying them again with sauce. This cooking method was created in the 1980s by a regular named "Dirt" who requested his wings be refried after they got cold. As the Super Bowl approaches, J. Tim’s expects to sell an astounding 12 tons of wings, necessitating refrigerated trucks for supply.

For those unable to visit the restaurant, their acclaimed buffalo wing sauce, recognized as one of the best in the U.S. by The Food Network, is available for purchase online.

Beverage director Nikki Vinci provided recommendations for pairing beer with some of their wing flavors:

Buffalo & Golden Lager

For a traditional pairing, golden lagers, such as American light lagers or German-style Helles, work well with J. Tim’s buffalo sauce, which isn’t overly spicy. They refresh the palate without overpowering the flavor of the wings.

Honey Gold BBQ & New England IPA

New England IPAs (NEIPAs) offer juicy, fruity flavors that complement the salty sweetness of the Honey Gold BBQ wings. A denser NEIPA is ideal as it enhances the experience, contrasting nicely with the BBQ’s flavor.

Dry Rub & Stout

For dry-rubbed wings featuring chipotle spices, a dark beer, like an oatmeal or milk stout, pairs wonderfully. A stout with an ABV of at least 6-7% will stand up to the robust flavors of the wings much better than those with a lower ABV, such as Guinness.

Teriyaki & Smoothie Sour

A standout pairing, the combination of savory teriyaki wings with a fruit-forward smoothie sour can lead to delightful contrasts. When choosing a smoothie sour, look for those that emphasize fruit flavor rather than sourness, preferably featuring a lactose addition for body and sweetness.

Sweet Thai Chili & Hefeweizen

The banana and clove notes of a hefeweizen, along with its spirited carbonation, complement the Sweet Thai Chili sauce well, balancing heat with sweetness and cleansing the palate.

As you gear up for the Super Bowl festivities, consider these pairings to enhance your wing experience. Enjoy your gathering, and remember to drink responsibly!