Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Co., Fort Collins, CO.
Beer: Shift Pale Lager
Serving: 16 oz can
Glassware: New Belgium globe
Information: 5% ABV, 02 SEP 12 printed on bottom of can.
Style: American Pale Lager
Availability: Seasonal
Cellaring: Not recommended for extended aging.
Pairings: Fish, grilled chicken, poultry, earthy cheese.
Appearance
Pouring out a shimmering goldenrod color with vibrant clarity, Shift is capped by a well formed and well retained, faintly off-white head. Rings of open lace circle the glass like delicate chains.
Smell
Bright, crisp, and simply inviting, Shift has a delightfully delicate aroma of pale and pils malt supporting citrusy hops. Notes of earth punctuate the light lemon zest.
Taste
Thin lemongrass citrus washes over the tongue briefly before the maltiness takes over with a pale grainy flavor that eventually gives way to a little soapiness across the finish.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and easy drinking, this pale lager has a well-balanced level of carbonation to bring crispness and refreshment without being overbearing. Despite it’s wonderful drinkability, Shift still seems to remain a little thin feeling. The dry, faintly bitter hops could be adding to that effect but easily drinkable it remains.
Overall
Hellooo tailgating beer! Well constructed and flavorful, Shift offers a simple but tasty marriage of malt and hops for a summer beer that will refresh wonderfully. Appealing to all masses, the triple hops brewed crowd will shift gears with this great gateway beer while craft drinkers will reach for it’s clean lager characteristics and smooth flavor.
Score: 85 / 100 - Wonderful
Cheers,
-Andy
Thanks for the review! Shift is going to make this summer wonderful.