Band of Brewers Third Shift Amber Lager

What they say: Gold Medal Winner (That's about it)

What we say: This is a boutique label brewed by Coors and as such tastes like a cousin to original Coors. An amber "ale" would have shown more ambition. Okay if you are in a beer bind.

Taste: Thin body with a wee bit of malt sweetness.

Appearance: A very light gold, tinted and clear yellow. Tall head but not rich, more fizz. 

Cost: $1.49 - $1.79 per can

Last Word: Get it! / Skip it / Wait for a sale.

Highland Brewing Co. Gaelic Ale

What they say: Deep American amber ale featuring a rich malty body. Cascade and Williamette hops add a complex hop and aroma. This ale is exceptionally balanced between malty sweetness and delicate hop bitterness.

What we say: The color leans a little more toward a dark ruby than amber but it's pleasing nonetheless. This  is a perfect gateway to malty beers. Think of it as an IPA but instead of amped up hops, the Gaelic Ale has more malts. Next step up to Bear Republic's Red Rock Ale.

Taste: A little sweeter than most grocery store beers, this brew highlights malts instead of hops. Nice medium body, and a welcome relief from beers and brewers who have the "hops on the brain syndrome".

Appearance: A dark but translucent red.

Cost: $8.79 - $9.99

Last Word: Get it! / Skip it / Wait for a sale.

  

Kona Brewing Co. Big Wave Golden Lager

What they say: Big Wave is a lighter bodied golden ale with a tropical hop aroma and flavor – a smooth, easy drinking refreshing ale. The use of caramel malt contributes to the golden hue of this beer and our special blend of hops provides bright quenching finish.

What we say: This beer is not accurately named or classified in my opinion. As for the "golden", try thinking of an original Coors in color and clarity. More yellow than gold. While Kona calls this an ale, you would think is was a lager. As for flavor, there is really not much to latch on to. 

Taste: Little to no reference to malts or hops or flavoring of any kind. Slightly sour. All the body of a typical American pilsner. 

Appearance: Weak, clear yellow hue.

Cost: $6.99-$7.99

Last Word: Get it! / Skip it / Wait for a sale.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale - Seasonal

What they say: "Celebration Fresh Hop Ale is a special ale for the holidays. Featuring the first hops of the growing season, this pioneering IPA is full of complex flavors and aromas from the generous use of whole cone American Hops"

What we say: This is one of the best beers on the market, grocery store or not. The breweries description is on the money with the "full of complex flavor" assessment. Multiple and layered hop flavors are right up front with no searching involved. Additionally, there is a decent amount of malt flavor trying to play catch up. This winter seasonal usually starts hitting shelves in November and quite often sales out quick. You're lucky to get a 6-pack of this by early January.

Taste: Very hoppy up from, giving away to some malt flavor in the rear.

Appearance: Simply beautiful. A gorgeous amber liquid with an off-white head that is frothy and hangs around for a good while. Leaves a moderate amount of lace on the glass.

Cost: $7.99 - $8.79 per 6-pack.

Last word: Get it! / Skip it / Wait for a sale