The Alcohol Professor has some huge college basketball fans among its ranks, so we’re really, really excited to launch the 2nd Annual Booze Bracket™!

Here’s how it works:

We’ve looked at every team playing in the 2022 Men’s NCAA March Madness Tournament and coupled each one with a hometown brewery, winery, and distillery. As the teams move up the bracket, so will the booze-makers! All of the producers featured in the Booze Bracket have won awards at one of the International Beverage Competition Series events, held annually in New York, Berlin, Melbourne, and Hong Kong. (Note: for the few teams that don’t have an award winner based in their hometown or state, we went with the brewery/winery/distillery connected to the hometown of a top player or coach.) At the end of the tournament, producers who are paired up with the Final Four teams, as well as the eventual National Champion, will get a special award, courtesy of the International Beverage Competition Series.

This page will be live-updated with matchups, results, and commentary, so check back often to see how your favorite beverage producers are faring alongside their teams! We’ll also be posting all tournament rounds and matchups on Alcohol Professor’s social media channels as well, so be sure to follow all the action on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Live updates start below:

The Championship

Monday 9:20PM EST TBS

Kansas vs North Carolina

Recap, Predictions and Pairings

Sometimes, Love can be cruel. Just ask the Bluedevils, now reduced to spectators of the national championship game they fought so hard to play in. Caleb Love delivered the swish heard around the world with about a minute left in the semi-final Saturday night. That high-arcing, 3-pt shot was the dagger to the heart of Duke’s hopes of advancing.

And that doesn’t even begin to capture a game that had 18 lead changes, multiple players with double doubles and far exceeded the hype. Duke will look back on missed free throws down the stretch and Love’s offensive dominance when Coach K needed a defensive stop the most, but there is no shame in their game. The Bluedevils gave a fine performance, stellar even, just not quite as perfect as the Tarheels in the final minutes of the game. 

Having said that, we went 50% on predictions for the night, meaning Kansas performed as expected and controlled Villanova from the tip. But how will the Jayhawks match up against the juggernaut that is UNC?

We predict that the Tarheels will cap an ideal run through the tournament by edging Kansas tonight. The Jayhawks will likely take an early lead but UNC has the goods to get streaky and has shown a deficit is nothing but a dare. The Tar Heels will need to channel every bit of their adrenaline from outperforming Duke in an instant classic but we feel they are fundamentally sound enough to stay with Kansas down the stretch. 

Pairings: Carolina fans will be hoping for sky-high rebounding and soaring threes while sipping on Altitude 3400 from Burntshirt Vineyards (2020 NYIWC North Carolina Winery of the Year). Those hoping the Jayhawks bring the trophy back to the heart of America, can open a bottle of Heartland Red Velvet from Smoky Hill Winery (2019 Kansas Winery of the Year)

Congratulations to our Championship Beer, Wine and Spirits.. although all our alcohol bracket participants are winners!

4.2.2022

Final Four

Predictions and analysis

It is hard to absorb that there are actually two Final Four games as the historic implications of North Carolina vs Duke overshadow all else in Bracketville. However, it is our job to pick a winner for both and we will endeavor to do just that.

Kansas vs Villanova

Saturday 6:09pm CBS

Last week we witnessed how Agbaji can turn a game around as the Jayhawks shot lights out the entire second half. McCormack and Braun are consistent and get a boost from Remi Martin who has exploded off the bench this tournament. The depth of talent is the real threat here. Conversely, Villnova is not particularly deep and the season-ending injury to Justin Moore highlights that deficiency. We predict that capitalizing on free throws will not be enough as Villanova will struggle to slow the Jayhawk’s pace enough to stay in it. Kansas takes this one with Moore’s absence as the deciding factor for us.

Pairings: In anticipation of the big win, Jayhawk fans should mix up a Sporting Crush, one of the featured recipes of Kansas’ own TILL Vodka.

Duke vs North Carolina

Saturday 8:49 CBS

Duke will have a chip the size of Cameron Indoor Stadium on its shoulder coming into this match-up. Despite Coach K’s protests to the contrary, avenging the early March loss that marred his final home game, is job #1. Making it to the NCAA final is gravy. Even if Duke was not playing its best ball of the season, revenge would be enough to give them an edge. However, the Bluedevils will have to find an answer for Manek, instrumental in the March dismantling, particularly from 3-pt range as well as the duo of Love and Bacot whose double-doubles have carried the team into this weekend. This will go down to the wire but Duke will be the victor.

Pairings: This game deserves a drink that, like the opponents, stands the test of time. No matter who you’re rooting for–or against– watch every lead change with an Old Fashioned made with Lonerider Spirit’s Bourbon Whiskey.

3.28.22

Recap Sunday Elite 8

Cinderella has left the building and other non-surprises from Sunday’s action

Kansas vs Miami

76-50

Halftime adjustments are pretty standard around these parts, but Bill Self needs to bottle whatever he served up yesterday to his trailing Jayhawks. What followed was one of the finest 20 minutes of college basketball ever played sparked by a 14-5 run to start the half. Defensively, Miami was rattled enough by the awakened Agbaji giant to continuously cough up the ball which held Hurricane scoring to a mere 15 points for the second half. McCormack and Braun joined Agbaji in double figures as the Jayhawks emphatically punched their ticket to New Orleans.

North Carolina vs St. Peter’s

69-49

It was an old-fashioned drubbing on a national stage, but the gritty kids from Jersey City gave the tournament a spark and made history over the last two weeks. Alas, we hate to bid them farewell. The Peacocks struggled on both ends from the tip and despite a flurry of strong play from Ndefo in the second half, it never looked like a real contest. Bacot and Manek were dominant on the boards and effective offensively as well posting 20 and 19 points respectively.

Pairings: Peacock fans can console themselves with an iconic New Jersey wine What Exit Red from Old York Cellars. Hold your heads high, Hurricane faithful and sip on Kozuba Distillery’s Sunshine State Agave Silver in honor of Miami’s admirable representation of their home state.

3.27.22

ELITE 8 Recap and Predictions

It wasn’t pretty or magical, but it was the defensive dogfight promised as Villanova took down Houston 50-44 to advance to the Final Four. Both teams shot below 30% on the night and despite great stops, the Cougars couldn’t capitalize to close the gap to less than 4 points. A late injury to Wildcat Justin Moore, averaging 15 points per game, may sideline him presenting a strategic challenge for Wright moving forward. In the second match-up, Arkansas never found its rhythm against Duke as the Blue Devils cruised to the Final Four. With four players finishing in double-figures, it was a balanced effort that Arkansas couldn’t match defensively. 

Miami vs Kansas

2:20 pm CBS

Lots of history in this match-up with the 25th Elite Eight appearance for Kansas after earning the distinction of all-time winningest program on Friday. Conversely, Miami has never advanced to the Elite Eight, but Coach Larranaga has done it twice. Ultimately, we think Miami will be outmatched by Kansas’ rebounding and Agbaji’s 40% sharpshooting from beyond the arc. 

Pairings: Kansas fans can drink to the Jayhawk’s strong trio of Martin, Braun and Agbaji with Smoky Hill Winery’s 3 Aces Rosé.  Support the Hurricanes by sipping an East Pass IPA from Destin Brewery as Miami tries to slip past the East Region champions.

North Carolina vs St. Peter’s 

5:05pm CBS

We are throwing caution to the wind here and have absolutely no stats to back it up BUT St. Peter’s for the win. Once you are on the bus, it is rude to exit the bus before your stop. 

Pairings: Tarheel Nation can celebrate the many players capable of eviscerating an opponent’s lead with the appropriately named, Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives brew from North Carolina’s Bhramari Brewing Company.  The Peacock fan base grows daily and the apple of America’s eye deserves apple-based spirits from Laird and Company, win or lose.

Don’t forget to cheer for your hometown beer, wine and spirits.. they are in it to win it too!

3.26.22

Elite 8 predictions day One

Ok, so maybe we are now officially on the “Run, Baby Run” bandwagon. St. Peter’s stunned Purdue last night despite debilitating foul troubles and a late run from the Boilermakers. Joining Cinderella at the Elite 8 Ball will be North Carolina who squeaked by UCLA, Miami after dismantling Iowa State and Kansas who let Providence come back from double digits before closing out strong.

And before we move onto tonight, yes, we are patting ourselves on the back for going 6-2 overall in predictions for the Sweet 16.

Houston vs. Villanova

6:09pm TBS

This game is the real toss-up of the Elite 8. Both teams limit opponents to approximately 60pts, favor a slower pace and have recent history in the Final Four. The Cougars play tight defensively in the paint which will force the Wildcats to the perimeter where they ranked #1 in the Big East but shot a dismal 9-30 against Michigan. They will need to shoot well from the arc, but we are giving a slight advantage to Villanova here with experience and patience on their side. 

Pairings: How can the Wildcat faithful not sample Ocho Robles from Pennsylvania’s Eight Oaks Distillery in the Elite 8? It's like destiny. Not to be forgotten, the Houston fans can indulge in Balcone Distillery’s appropriately named Lineage Texas Malt Whisky, as this Cougar squad is reminiscent of the historic Phi Slama Jama era.

Duke vs. Arkansas

8:49pm TBS

Maybe we are getting sentimental in old age, but we are giving Duke the edge here. Much has been said of Duke’s young line-up but that green factor means no one has emerged as a clear offensive spark. The Blue Devils have several players– mainly Moore, Banchero and Roach– who can take over a game or start a run.  And they will need it against Arkansas’ stifling defense which held Gonzaga to a mere 37% shooting and an abnormally high turnover rate. This will be a wild ride, but we predict Coach K will route the “Muss Bus” back home to Fayetteville. 

Pairings: Coach K’s family has been ever-present this season, so why not celebrate his historic run sipping a 2019 O Reserve Meritage, with a hint of spice on the finish, from family owned Burntshirt Wineries. Arkansas fans can channel their unpredictable Razorbacks with Cutwater Spirits’ Long Island Iced Tea, if you’re not careful they will sneak up on you!

Our Elite 8 beer, wine and spirits are every bit as worthy of national recognition as the home teams they represent

3.25.22

Sweet Sixteen predictions day 2

Well, we went 3-1 last night with Arizona, Texas Tech, Michigan and the dagger to bracketology everywhere, Gonzaga, knocked from atop the March Madness Mountain. So, that means our insight is either red hot or will completely crash and burn tonight. Forging ahead, nonetheless.

UCLA vs North Carolina

It is hard to overlook the deep experience the Bruins bring to this match-up. Four players return from last year’s Final Four squad and the tease of Jamie Jaquez returning from an ankle injury is the tipping point for us. Not to discount the Tarheels’ talent, but UCLA’s defense will win this one. 

St. Peter’s vs. Purdue

This will come down to which team gets to 70 points as Purdue is 26-0 when reaching that mark. Conversely, St. Peter’s has held the last 8 of 9 opponents to under 70 points. Not sure we are officially on the bandwagon, but going with the Cinderella here because, why not? For those that need a more solid reason, Pinterest has designated March 25th as National Peacock Day. Is that a sign?

Kansas vs Providence

Providence has proven itself a worthy and underestimated opponent thus far, but we predict the Friars will fall short tonight against Kansas. The Jayhawks have more scoring options and responded to everything Creighton threw at them going strong down the stretch last weekend.  The Friars will keep it competitive but their infamous luck won’t be enough.

Miami vs Iowa State

Seeding wise, this is a #10 vs #11 but both are tournament underdogs vying for an improbable move to the Elite 8. Frankly, we like the guard play for Miami and think the Hurricanes are just quick enough defensively to stall the Cyclone’s offense. We think Miami gets the nod and even if the pick is wrong, be grateful we side-stepped the rabbit hole of weather references available to include here.

If last night was any indication, there are no sure bets. Well, except the fine quality of the beer, wine and spirits paired with the teams

3.24.22

sweet 16 predictions

Who will advance to the Elite 8 after tonight’s games? We pick the winners below and you can pick your beverage from the booze bracket list on this page. That way, everyone is a winner.

Arizona vs Houston

Offensive rebounding was the Achilles heel for the Wildcats in their narrow OT win over TCU last weekend and now they face one of the best rebounding teams in the country in this Houston squad. We predict Houston will knock out the #1 seeded Arizona in a close match-up. 

Gonzaga vs Arkansas

Arkansas has shown grit thus far in the tournament with Lykes providing a spark at times when needed. Gonzaga overcame sluggish starts to claim victory which we predict will be the case tonight as well. Arkansas will keep it close, but the Bulldogs will pull away in the second half en- route to the Elite 8. 

Villanova vs Michigan

Howard’s Michigan squad was the most underestimated team in the tournament. The Wolverines are a big-time program on a redemption tour after rampant questioning of their bid worthiness. This is a rematch of the 2018 championship game, which gives Michigan another ax to grind. Dickinson will be tough to stop in the paint, but we predict Villanova’s experience will matter down the stretch and give them the edge. 

Duke vs Texas Tech

Duke has not been a force all season and have looked vulnerable this tournament in particular. Texas Tech showed they can play strong in the closing minutes with a run to shut down Notre Dame last weekend. This one is a toss-up, honestly, but we are giving the edge to Duke for coaching experience and the sentimental 100th tournament win for Coach K if it goes the Blue Devil’s way. 

No better way to cheer on your bracket pick than with hometown beer, wine and spirits that advanced as well

3.22.2022

Small Teams in National Spotlight

Schools to watch and accompanying spirits that score extra points for excellence with which to toast success…

The best thing about the NCAA tournament is the chance for smaller programs to jump onto the national stage. I mean, if you’ve been following St. Peter’s all along then I need you to reach out and help with my Powerball numbers. Today, we focus on some of these little schools that may not be Giant Slayers but are worthy of recognition, nonetheless. 

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits

The Jackrabbits are no strangers to the tournament having earned a bid five times in the last decade. Although seeded 13th, the upset chatter was rampant prior to the Jackrabbits’ first round game against Providence. And it almost played out as predicted had the Friars not pulled out a close one. Sadly, we also bid farewell to our alcohol pairing Brickway Brewery and Distillery in neighboring Nebraska. Brickway, like March Madness, has a little something for everyone with a whisky tasting room, year-round brews and canned cocktails to name a few. 

San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztecs have dominated the Mountain West conference and earned a tournament bid for over a decade but haven’t advanced to the second round since 2015. For much of the game against Creighton, Aztec fans may have thought this was their year. However, Creighton prevailed in OT to escape a first-round upset. The Aztecs aren’t alone in gaining national attention, Cutwater Spirits, based in San Diego, is acclaimed for refreshing canned spirits including tequila and rum cocktails perfect in victory or defeat. 

Colgate Raiders

Earning its third bid in four seasons as the champions of the Patriot League, Colgate is not to be overlooked. Success (approximately 40%) from behind the arc anchors this team under Coach Matt Langel. The opener against Wisconsin was no exception as the Raiders went 10-22 from 3-pt range to keep the game close until a smothering defensive stance put the Badgers up for good. Also a consistent performer is Cooperstown Distillery with an array of accolades for its spirits crafted in historic Cooperstown, NY.

3.21.2022

The Sweet 16 is set

Duke vs Michigan St.

85-76

The elder statesmen of D1 basketball went toe-to-toe Sunday vying for a spot in the Sweet 16. Tom Izzo and Mike Krzyzewski met for a record 6th and final time in the NCAA tournament as Coach K’s quest to punctuate his retirement with another championship marches on. The Spartans showed little regard for the legacy as they commanded the early minutes with blocked shots from Marcus Bingham, Jr and defensive grit. However, the Blue Devils got their bearings en route to a 10-pt run that earned them a 3-pt lead at the half. It was a game of streaks with both teams going cold at times allowing their opponent to reclaim the lead. In the end, Duke’s assault behind brilliant play from Paolo Banchero in the last five minutes resulted in a 15-4 streak and put the game out of reach. It seems fitting to toast two legends influencing the game for generations with a choice from Next Century Spirits (2021 NYISC North Carolina Distillery of the Year)

Miami vs Auburn

70-61

If you’ve been following Auburn this season, you likely didn’t recognize the squad on the court Sunday. The team once ranked #1 in the nation, let the Hurricanes huff and puff and blow their tournament dreams down. And many fan’s brackets as well. Miami gained a lead from the jump and never relinquished it. A smaller, guard-focused gameplan stifled NBA prospect Jabari Smith and held the Tigers to a dismal 30.4% shooting on the night. Conversely, the Canes shot 48.5% behind lead contributor Isiah Wong’s 21 points with Kameron McGusty adding another 20. Next, Miami faces fellow spoiler Iowa State which toppled #3 seed Wisconsin, Coach Bruce Pearl raised the bar for Auburn all season, let’s raise one to him from Vitamin Sea Brewing, South Hollow Spirits or Russel Orchards–all from Pearl’s home state of Massachusetts.

Congrats to all the beers, wines & spirits who’ve made it this far:

3.20.2022

The Round of 32 Day One

An emotional roller-coaster of a day with upsets, hating on referees and some close calls.

UNC vs Baylor

93-86

From youth rec ball through the NBA, the refs may wear stripes–but also sport a target on their backs. Never was this more apparent than in this matchup featuring a hungry Baylor looking for back-to-back championships and the spoiler-happy Tar Heels . And for an entire half it looked like they would as UNC dominated Baylor, commanding a 42-29 lead at the half. However, at the 10-minute mark, Tar Heel Brady Manek was charged with a Flagrant 2 foul for a questionable elbow to the head and ejected. Manek had contributed 26-pts before ousting and UNC was rattled by the blow. What followed was most likely an instant classic as the Bears went on a 20-4 run erasing a 25-point deficit. The chatter about blown calls, refs on the take and worse ran rampant on social media while the two teams battled into OT. The Tar Heels are experienced enough to know that good teams find a way to win and did just that; dashing the chance of a Baylor repeat. We should all take a moment to hoist one from Texas’ Balcones Distillery or Hye Cider Company in honor of the referees who show up to a thankless job all season long.

The Rest of the Bracket

Following the raucous, off-kilter feel of the first game, the rest of the bracket brought the basketball world back to center. The top seeds–Gonzaga and Kansas— advanced to the Sweet 16 but without #3 seed Tennessee who fell to Michigan. Michigan picked a fine time to peak and has people thinking maybe the selection committee isn’t so crazy after all. A trio of #4 seeds, Providence, UCLA and Arkansas move on as does our Cinderella. St. Peter’s, becomes just the third 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16 as they sent Murray State packing. Imagine what the Peacocks of Jersey City can do with essentially a home game in Philadelphia next weekend. As we bid farewell to the Vols, fans can say goodbye Tennessee style with a sampling from Shulz Brau Brewing, Nelson Green Brier or Arrington Vineyards while blasting “Rocky Top.”

3.19.2022

Friday Kinder to Top Seeds

It seems Thursday’s games sucked all the drama out of the basketball universe as Friday’s matches were more as expected with the exception of two.

Michigan State vs. Davidson

74-73

With inconsistent play hampering a strong season, Tom Izzo’s histrionics on the sidelines are almost understandable. This squad delivered many down-to-the-wire, heart stopping wins to lesser ranked opponents and this first-round 74-73 win against Davidson was no exception. The Spartans caught a break when early foul trouble put Luca Brajkovic on the bench for most of the first half but only parlayed that into a 1-pt lead at the half. Brajkovic returned with a vengeance, scoring 7 straight to open the second half. State senior Joey Hauser anchored a Spartan scoring run that widened the margin to 8-pts with a minute left. Davidson countered with a 3-pt shot from Spartan transfer Foster Loyer but simply ran out of time. Spartan nation, grab a stout from New Holland Brewery (2121 NYIBC Michigan Brewery of the Year) and brace for Duke on Sunday.

Illinois vs. Chattanooga

54-53

The Fighting Illini found themselves in a bout with a feisty Chattanooga team that kept them on the ropes most of the game. The fourth seed never took the lead until the sub 5-minute mark but held on when it mattered. Anemic offense and poor outside shooting underscored Illinois’ weaknesses but as he has all season, Kofi Cockburn stepped in and provided vital points in the paint. Malachi Smith gave a valiant effort for Chattanooga but his last second shot fell short as time expired. Chattanooga fans, it was a season worth toasting with a Chardonnay from Arrington Vineyards or a shot of whiskey from Uncle Nearest.

The Booze Brackets for the Second Round are set! Congrats to all the hometown beer, wine and spirits producers who made it through the First Round:

3.18.2022

The First Round

Bracket busters, Cinderella stories and more

Twelve hours of basketball sounds intense and yesterday’s first rounds fit the bill with OT’s, bracket busters, and behind some solid play, we found Cinderella.

A FAIRY TALE ENDING

Kentucky vs St. Peter’s

85-79 Upset

That glass slipper belongs to St. Peter’s who showed #2 seed Kentucky the door like a pesky step-mother with top billing. For those that haven’t Googled it yet, the #15 seed is a New Jersey school with about 2500 undergrads which will now get a serious recruiting boost. Playing like they had nothing to lose, the Peacocks shot an impressive 85.7% to the Wildcats’ 65.7% at the charity stripe and it was the difference in OT. Outside of Oscar Tshiebwe’s 30-pt contribution, Kentucky couldn’t dispatch a smaller opponent playing like they had nothing to lose. Perhaps only a glass of Elijah Craig (2021 NYISC Kentucky Straight Bourbon of the Year) will numb the pain for Wildcats fans.

OTHER BRACKET BUSTERS

Richmond and New Mexico State

Historically, the 12 vs 5 seed match-up is upset prone and yesterday was no exception. Richmond played spoiler to Iowa nabbing a 67-63 win and New Mexico State dismissed UConn 70-63. The Iowa team that crushed its way to the Big Ten Tournament only a week ago never showed up yesterday and the Spiders took advantage of the offensive struggles. UConn, on the other hand, was stymied defensively by Teddy Allen. Allen was a scoring juggernaut, posting 37 on the night including improbable jumpers and consistent free throws. Husky fans can pick a strong beverage from hometown Clocktown Brewing Company, Litchfield Distillery or Priam Vineyards to drown their sorrows.

3.17.2022

The First Four - Part II

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

It took two OT’s and possibly a dose of St. Patrick’s Day luck for the Fighting Irish to squeak past Rutgers 89-87 in the final play-in game. The game was a back and forth affair from the tip with both teams shooting about 50% on the night. Caleb McConnell and Ron Harper led the scoring for Rutgers but it was Paul Atkinson’s put-back with time winding down that would seal it for Notre Dame. Coach Brey likely needed a shot of Buskers (2021 NYISC Single Malt Irish Whiskey of the Year) to celebrate and fans hoist a Columbia Craft Brewing Irish Stout or Magners Irish Cider to prepare for a feisty Alabama in the next round.

And, if beating the number one scorer in the nation is wrong, then I want to be Wright. Wright State that is. The Raiders took down Bryant University’s trash talking, high flying Peter Kiss in last night’s first play-in game 83-82. Kiss has made his presence known on and off the court and he still managed an impressive 28pts in defeat. Bryant fans toast a great season with RGNY (the NYIWC North Fork Winery of the Year).

The First Round Booze Brackets are set! Track your favorite wines, beers and spirits through the tournament with these handy bracket graphics:

The First Round:

3.16.2022

The First Four Part I

Recap of Tuesday games

Ah yes, beware the Ides of March and those with something to prove to the Selection Committee. Ok, maybe Shakespeare wasn’t talking hoops, but we are. Last night, March Madness kicked off with much less drama than Tom Brady’s fake retirement.

In the first, Texas Southern utilized bench scoring and a solid percentage at the charity stripe to shut down Texas A&M CC. Despite a less than 10-pt final differential, the game never felt close. Congrats to Maple Branch Craft Brewery, Solaro Estate Winery, and Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon on being the first to advance in the Booze Bracket!

Indiana faced a much-hyped Wyoming in the next match-up. After a sloppy start all around, the Hoosiers settled in to prove they earned a bid. Behind strong rebounding and Wyoming miscues, Indiana took command down the stretch. Hoosier fans, raise a glass of Hudson Whiskey (2021 NYISC New York Rye Distillery of the Year) to your player of the match Trace Jackson Davis.

Track your favorite beers, wines and spirits through the tournament using these handy brackets - We’ll be posting updated brackets with each round!

The First Four:

The First Round:

The Tournament starts March 13, 2022!