Days of the Beer, July 25

The beer for today is Walter Payton Pilsner.

Sweetness, Walter Jerry Payton was born July 25, 1954. He played for the Chicago Bears. (booo). He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and once held records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, and carries. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1003.

Payton was drafted with the fourth pick in the 1975 NFL draft. He finished his rookie season with 679 yards and seven touchdowns. His next year he rushed for over 1,000 and scored 17 touchdowns. His third season, he was selected to the Pro Bowl, and was the MVP.

In 1985, he rused for over 1,500 yards. He was a part of the Super Bowl Shuffle (Kriddy has the tape). The Bears won Super Bowl XX over the Patriots, 46-10. Payton didn't score a touchdown.

Walter Payton died November 1, 1999 from complications from primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare autoimmune liver disease.

The beer comes from America's Brewing Company, in Aurora. The brewery is part of Walter Payton's Roundhouse.

Payton Pilsner. Named after Walter himself, this is a Bohemian Pilsner with 34 bittering units. Compares to Heineken or St. Pauli Girl. In 2007 when the bears were in the Superbowl, excited fans consumed 180 kegs worth of beer between the beginning of the playoffs and the Superbowl. 5.3% alc./vol.

The beer is pretty much only distributed in Illinois, and is on tap in several locations. So if you can find one, have a Payton Pilsner, and remember Sweetness.