Award Winner Third Shift

Introducing the gold medal award winning beer, Third Shift. This is a dark, amber lager from the makes of the MillerCoors Company and it has gained a lot of attention in the last few months because it is new and its taste is something to note.

What is really cool about this beer is that it is considered a craft brew, even though it is under the MillerCoors brand. How is that? This beer is made by a team of brewers from the company who decided to try their hand at brewing outside of their normal work. Pretty cool, huh?

The impressive part is that it does not lose flavor or quality from this craft-brew process. It tastes every bit like it was made commercially, from the big companies. The dark amber color is very attractive and the taste is there to match. Made with more hops than traditional beer, but not too much to overwhelm, the beer presented a bitter taste that was quickly washed away with a sweet and refreshing hit of flavor. I think this beer is perfectly balanced with hops and malt. It is a tease. Just when you're about to decide if you like it or not, from the bitterness, the sweet kicks in and keeps you coming back for more.

This is a fantastic product with a cool story. This has been on the shelves for a few months, so it is fairly new in the market. I've started seeing more and more commercials for it, which are made very simply, but elegantly presented. Good work, Third Shift! You've created a beer that is great and a marketing campaign that is just as good.

A Review: Henry Weinhard's IPA

Discover Henry Weinhard's IPA, a refreshing beer that has received a lot of attention lately.

I am not a fan of IPAs. Many include ingredients that include very bitter elements, such as increased hops and even grapefruit. I cannot stand grapefruit. I will have to say, however, that this India(n) Pale Ale is bearable.

Made with additional hops, which IPAs are known for, it also has hints of various citrus. The reason why I can stand this IPA is because this style has introduced sweet elements to level out the bitterness. Caramel hints add the perfect amount of sweet that I can handle the beer. However, the beer still bothers me and I would only be able to drink one, maybe two before I would get too annoyed to drink it anymore. IPA lovers think this is a great addition to the IPA family and is much more enjoyable compared to other IPAs such as Ranger.

This brew has been around for quite some time, yet I am now giving it attention because it is a newer product for the Iowa market. Originally, Henry Weinhard's was exclusive to the western coast. It was just recently that the company reinvented their brand and started expanding across the country into the midwest and soon, the east market.

How is it Spelled: Beer or Beers?

You're at the bar and you're looking to order a few drinks for you and your friends. The bartender approaches and you ask for two beers. Afterwards, you're wondering if you have used the right plural style of the word. Which is right? Beer or Beers?

Although we are used to saying beers as a plural form for the alcoholic drink, the (unofficial) correct form is beer. However, the use of "beers" is not uncommon or necessarily wrong as it has become so common and extensively used by people over the years. The issue of "beer" as a plural sense of the word is similar to the rules of sheep and deer.

There are enthusiasts who would disagree. Others would say it depends on the context. Whether we're talking about the actual liquid, the serving tool (bottle, can, pitcher, etc) or even cases of bottles and cans, it certainly influences the use of the word.

It is a continued debate. You can learn more here. Also included are comments from readers who share their view. What are your thoughts?

Batch 19: A Pre-Prohibition Beer

Batch 19 is a new product from the Coors Brewing Company. Many people are surprised that the light beer company created something so dark and rich with flavor. Not that it's a bad thing, but consumers, especially those who love the brand, are caught off guard with the dark brew.

Batch 19 gets its name from the year which it was originally made, 1919. In 1920, prohibition was introduced into the country and the recipe was lost. It was within the last couple years that Coors found the recipe and began producing it again. This product has merely been on the shelves for a few months. Although sales started slowly, the beer is gaining speed and popularity with consumers and sales are on the rise.

The beer is a hoppy, malty brew with a darker color than popular draft beer. As you take a drink, your taste buds are greeted with a spicy and heavier-than-used-to taste and feel. As you swallow, the true flavors kick in as you experience bitterness, followed by a slight sweetness to round out the bitter flavor. The alcohol content is more than your average beer, at roughly 5.5%.

When I sample this product to consumers, the majority of them are interested in learning more and making a future purchase. Many agree that the beer is dark, but not too overwhelming on taste. Coors brand enthusiasts agree that this is an awesome dark option for the organization that is most known for its light option.

Check it out and even though it is a little more expensive, it is not a product to be overlooked.