It’s been a sobering two weeks for Sir Pour and Panther fans. It was the bye-week blues, but also a time to reflect and to look to the future. The Panthers are on the verge of either reclaiming a season against the Cowboys, or falling into 1-5 oblivion. Sir Pour knows that now, more than ever, we need a new beginning--and a new beer.

IPA-Heist Brewery in Charlotte

Charlotte has seen a boom in locally owned breweries in recent years. The hotbed for Queen City beer is the NoDa neighborhood, where three new breweries have opened in the past few years. Heist is the latest brewery in the hood and is located in a historic cotton mill built in 1904.

The Brew

The IPA is one the seven beers made by Heist. It has "enormous amounts of cascade hops and massive amounts of malted barley" according to the website, and while it packs an intense beer punch, it’s also as smooth as you will find in an IPA. Savor the taste, but know that like any IPA with 8.5 percent alcohol, Heist’s version will sneak up on you after a few rounds.

How it Relates to the Game

Sure, it’s a new beer for what we hope is a new beginning. But it’s also the creation of Heist brewmaster Zach Hart, a Dallas, TX native and yes, a Cowboys fan. A win will make this IPA even better

Where to Buy

Right now, only in Charlotte at their NoDa location. But like the half dozen other new breweries in Charlotte, expect to see them across the South in the next few years.