So what’s with all this hoopla over Third Shift Amber Lager? You’ve probably seen the commercial for this beer on TV. It features an unusually large group of brewers in hard hats, really resembling construction workers more than makers of beer. They’re called the “Band of Brewers”, and my can of third Shift Amber Lager says their “passion for brewing doesn’t stop when the day shift is over.”
The Third Shift website has even more gimmicky slogans, like “Never Clock Out.” Here’s a little more about the beer from the brewery website:
Our Band of Brewers® developed this award winner; a smooth and easy drinking amber lager — well balanced with sweet maltiness, lightly toasted character, subtle hops and beautiful color.
Third Shift™ is best enjoyed after working hard at something you love or anywhere passions are shared.
All well and good. But let’s set the puffery aside and just take a look at the beer itself, shall we? First off, we should note that there is no Band of Brothers brewery, not really. This is a Miller Coors brand, thought they don’t tell you that on the website or the can label for that matter.
Third Shift Amber Lager is a Vienna Lager by style with 5.3% alcohol by volume. I bought a 16-ounce can at Kroger for just $1.00, which is actually a very good deal. I expect that is an intro to get you to try it, but who knows? A six-pack runs $5.99, so you are actually better off buying six single cans.
Third Shift Amber Lager pours to a bright orange amber color with a massive head of creamy white foam and a surprisingly malty nose that hints at chewy caramel. Taking a sip, I get a lot more of that caramel malt up front in the palate. I actually got more malt than I thought I would get here. It’s even gently toasty, I think, and my can was decidedly fresh tasting. I discerned no adjuncts, always a plus. The finish is slightly sweet, softly balanced by an ever so subtle grassy hop aroma and bitterness.
In some ways, this reminds me of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, albeit a lot less hoppy. Still, this was a tasty and refreshing first beer of the night, and served nicely to wash down a toasted Italian grinder hot from the oven. Third Shift Amber Lager can certainly stand on its own merits. We’ve asked the big brewers to give us good beer for a long time. Third Shift Amber Lager is proof they can, and yet another step in the right direction.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft