After years of beer drinking, I’m
finally coming around to the IPA style. Ironically, the beer that proves this
is a lager. But, This is no simple lager, it is Shift by New Belgium of Fort
Collins, Co. I tried Shift, at my favorite pub, Union Jacks, and, at the time,
didn’t realize that Shift is a lager. It was so hoppy, I assumed that it was an
ale. I purchased a few cans of Shift from a local beer store, read the label,
and was surprised to learn that this very hoppy drink is a Pale Lager style.
Shift pours a beautifully clear golden
orange which reminds me of a Fosters or a Canadian lager. The pour leaves a
nice foamy head which laces the glass. A whiff of Shift gives me a strong hint
of grapefruit juice and the first sip is a strong IPA sensation. Yeah, this is
an IPA! If this beer were brewed by any other brewery I would continue to
argue that it is an ale.
Ah, another sip and more grapefruit
flavoring. Shift is a lager for beer lovers who want something more than some cereal
malt in their drinks. It is very smooth,
light a lager, but deceptive with the strong hops presence. The hops certainly
are not overwhelming, Shift is a light and refreshing beer.
One of many reasons I wear New Belgium cap nearly all the time; 4.5 out of 5 pints.
Yes, my job is busy enough that t-shirt Tuesday has been on vacation since Jan. 31. In that time I have acquired a few new shirts and can't recall disposing of any shirts. Here are two new additions to the collection. I finally purchased a Fanatical Recycling t-shirt from Zazzle. I thought the shirt was going to be a more neutral color green and, while it is not a color I would normally wear, I have come to accept the lime green as an appropriate color for a shirt from the recycling services industry. 
