Night Shift Awake

Night Shift Awake comes as a four-pack of cans from Massachusetts, and the listing doesn't state a style, ABV or IBU, so what follows is general guidance for how a beer like this is best handled rather than a measured profile. The name suggests a beer built to be lively and drinkable, so expect a clean, moderately hoppy or roasty profile rather than something heavy. Check the can for the exact style and strength, and adjust the notes below accordingly. Cans suit this kind of beer well. They block light, which protects hop aroma and keeps flavors fresh, and they chill quickly. If the can turns out to be a hop-forward ale, serve it cold but not frozen, around 38 to 45°F, so the aromatics are still readable. If it leans toward a darker, roastier style, let it warm a few degrees toward 45 to 50°F, which brings out chocolate and coffee-like notes and softens bitterness. For glassware, pour it out of the can. A tulip or a standard shaker pint works for most ales, and a wider-mouthed tulip or snifter helps if it proves to be a stronger or darker beer. Pouring into a glass releases carbonation and aroma that you lose drinking straight from the can. On food, beers of this sort generally work with grilled sausages, burgers, sharp cheddar, roasted vegetables and smoked or barbecued meats, where the carbonation and bitterness cut through fat and char. A hop-driven version also stands up to spicy dishes such as tacos or curry.