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Left Hand Brewing's Brian Sweeney.
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Left Hand Brewery Rep Torn Between Duty and Tom Brady

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Left Hand Brewing Company (Longmont, Colo.) made waves this week by suggesting that Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning should try a fuller-flavored, craft beer alternative as his post-game refreshment (“Left Hand Brewing calls ‘audible’ on Peyton Manning’s Bud Light choice“), and now they’ve made a friendly wager on the AFC Championship with Jack’s Abby Brewing (Framingham, Ma.).

The Bet

If the Patriots win, Left Hand’s Boston-based sales rep has to wash the Jack’s Abby delivery van. If the Broncos win, Jack’s Abby will be washing the Left Hand limo when they’re in Denver for the Craft Brewers Conference in April. Game on.

“We’re pretty excited about Sweeney washing our van,” said Eric Helder of Jack’s Abby.

The Dilemma

In a surprise twist, Sweeney has been caught betting against his own team!

“Brady’s 10-4 in his career against Manning,” said Sweeney. “The Broncos are a strong team and healthier than New England; plus they’ve got Welker.  New England’s found a running game when they needed it most.  Either way, I’m a Brady guy, the safe money is always on Brady.”

So if Brady conquers, and Sweeney’s precious Pats win, what will he be drinking while he’s washing Jack’s Abby’s van?

“Probably Jack’s Abby’s gold medal-winning beer, Mass Rising,” said Sweeney.

How appropriate.

Left Hand’s Emily Armstrong responded to Sweeney’s comments with little understanding.

“Fine Brian, you have one day to celebrate, then it’s back to Left Hand. You know, the 2013 three-time gold-winning brewery you work for!

So what will Emily be drinking if the Bronco’s win?

“Wake Up Dead Nitro…because that’s how I’m going to feel Monday morning after celebrating through the night!”

The Irony

So it’s a gentlemen’s bet between these two (sort of) rivals. But, even if New England ends up victorious on Sunday, Sweeney (Left Hand’s token Patriots fan) will scrubbing the Jack’s Abby delivery van. For Sweeney, this bet seems to be a lose/lose. Terrible odds, if you ask me.

Whether you’re a football fan or not, if you’re a craft beer lover, there’s a reason to watch the game.

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Tiffany Lutke is a former Craft Beer Program intern at the Brewers Association. She spent her days as a kid in the small craft brewery her father owned on the east coast, which led to her love for small and independent breweries. When she’s not pouring beer at Upslope Brewing Company taproom in Boulder, she’s sharing pints with old friends at her favorite beer bars like The Mayor of Old Town in Fort Collins, Colo.

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