Every once in a while, I like to judge a book by its cover — at least in the beer cooler. It’s hard for the eye not to be drawn to the colorful can of Tallgrass Brewery’s 8-Bit Pale Ale, covered in 1980s video-game imagery, including a pixelated smiley face and barrel rocket labeled “galaxy hops.” Luckily, this eye-catching cover contained a pretty good beer.

THE EXPERIENCE: The 8-Bit is nearly as golden as the smiley face on its logo, with a thick head and lacing that clings to the inside of a glass. It boasts a woodsy aroma with a hint of citrus, like the smell of a new oak log cabin after the floors have just been scrubbed with Pine-Sol. The flavor itself is not heavy, but has the pop and sizzle of a well-made pale ale, as well as a crisp dry finish.

ADVICE: The 8-Bit is a great pale ale for people like me who don’t generally like a APAs or IPAs. I’m not sure what about it evokes vintage video games apart from its label design, but a six-pack could make a good gag gift for the gamer in your life.

— by Emma McClatchey