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.

Kona Brewing Co. Fire Rock Pale Ale

What they say: It's signature copper color results from the unique blend of specialty roasted malts. The pronounced citrus-floral hop aroma comes from the liberal amount of Galena, Cascade and Mt. Hood hops added to each brew.

What we say: This A top grocery store find! Extremely flavorful and well crafted with an unusual recipe of hops and malts. Don't pass this one by. Be careful, you can go through a 6-pack of these without even trying.

Taste: The flavor is a delicious and balanced blend of hops and malts that is strong but not over powering. Where most pale ale's don't offer much in the way of hops or malts, think of this almost as a DPA. (Double Pale Ale) 

Appearance: Hazy amber. Filtered, but not to the point of being crystal clear, which to me shows off the ingredients in a beer. This is about as pretty as a beer can get. A nice moderate amount of biscuit colored head that disappears quickly. 

Cost: $6.99 - $8.79

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