THE BEER BEAT: Beaumont's list of top-notch airport bars somehow prompts a Super Bock memory.

For some unknown reason, Stephen missed the Super Bock Lounge at Francisco Sa Carneiro International Airport in Porto, Portugal. Seeing as it will be the next "airport of call" for the Confidentials come February, I may have to heed the call of duty and investigate.

As for the port wine ... we'll get to it. Madeira, too. More later.

Just remember: Super Bock is neither "super" nor "bock," but the last time I visited Portugal -- 17 years and a whole different life ago -- it was a golden lager that worked just fine served cold. There are several varieties these days, including a Stout and a Pilsener, but still no Bock.

In 2014, when NABC needed a beer for modeling our special one-off World Cup Series USA vs. Portugal brew, Super Bock yet again volunteered for duty.

By the way, there'll be no special World Cup Series brewed at NABC in 2018, unless Josh and Ben adopt a different nation.

Meanwhile, it's intriguing to have the new bourbon bar at Louisville International listed here, although as you can imagine, the airport brewery in Munich is a must-see for me at some point in the future.

Airport bars you want to get stuck in, by Stephen Beaumont (The Globe and Mail)

You can drink in the atmosphere as well as top-notch libations at these delightfully out-of-the-ordinary travellers' oases, from Spinnakers on the Fly in Victoria to Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen in Louisville to Wine & View in Helsinki

It's a sadly familiar scene: Waiting patiently at the gate for your approaching departure, absorbed reading the newspaper or scanning social media, you become vaguely aware of a slightly garbled announcement coming over the PA system, until the mention of your destination city and flight number snaps you to full attention. Flight delay. Of at least an hour and maybe – probably! – longer.

We've all been there, although that knowledge does little to mitigate the soul-sapping effect of lengthy and involuntary airport inhabitation. Fortunately, at a growing number of terminals around the globe, delays are becoming a little less irritating thanks to the arrival of a new generation of bars that are not only a cut above the airport norm, but good enough to rate as destinations in their own rights.

World Cup: USA vs Portugal "Super Bock" ... the video.

Thanks to Jeff G for the vid.

As a preface to the weekend event calendar, kindly permit me to begin with another reminder about NABC's World Cup Trilogy for 2014: USA vs. Ghana, Portugal and Germany. The fun continues on Sunday at Bank Street Brewhouse, with the release of "Super Bock" (USA vs. Portugal).

NABC honors the World Cup with three fresh, new beers honoring the three national football squads facing the USA in Group G of the opening round: Ghana, Portugal and Germany. Beginning on June 16, 2014, the beers will debut as the American squad’s opening matches are played. There’ll be many places in metro Louisville to view these contests —but how many of them created and brewed three new beers as specific accompaniment to the beautiful game, and the world’s biggest sporting event?

Just NABC. Do you see just what local can do?

USA vs. Portugal – "Super Bock"
Release: Sunday, June 22, at Bank Street Brewhouse, which opens at noon; the match is at 6 p.m. "Super Bock" will go on tap at the Pizzeria & Public House on Monday, June 23.

Three World Cup matches, three new beers. What we need are munchies.

On June 16, 22 and 26, the USA plays Ghana, Portugal and Germany, respectively, in the FIFA World Cup. Because the World Cup is being held in Brazil, the time zones make sense for American viewers -- thank you, Sepp Blatter.

Now, run off and count your bribes.

As previewed recently in this space, NABC has brewed three special "one off" beers for the occasion of the matches, and will debut them at viewing parties held inside our bricks and mortar. After being tapped on game day, they will continue to pour until depleted.

Monday, June 16 (evening), USA vs Ghana Citra Passion Ale ... both NABC locations
Sunday, June 22 (evening), USA vs Portugal "Super Bock" ... Bank Street Brewhouse
Thursday, June 26 (lunchtime), USA vs Germany Sticke Alt ... both NABC locations

Here's the preview link again:

NABC World Cup Trilogy for 2014: USA vs. Ghana, Portugal and Germany

Seeing as we have embarked upon a new direction at Bank Street Brewhouse in terms of food (if you are just tuning in, the kitchen is no longer active there and BSB is a brewery taproom only), there's an obvious challenge. What to do about nourishment during these World Cup promotions, and in such a themed matter as the beers?

Note that at the Pizzeria & Public House, there are no problems; life goes on as usual there. 

German food needs no introduction hereabouts. Having visited Portugal precisely once, I can offer dishes like salt cod (numerous modes of presentation) and tripe stew as being representative of native cuisine there. Probably few of us have been to Ghana, and so Wikipedia provides a few clues.

Ideas, anyone? Would any local caterers or eateries like to get creative and partner with us to feed World Cup watchers on these dates? If so, let me know.