Posts Tagged ‘Full Sail Brewing’

Press Release: Full Sail Brewing Company Releases Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter

January 26th, 2010
Full Sail Brewing Company

Hood River, Or – The waiting list is growing and so is the anticipation. It is almost time for the annual and very limited release of Full Sail’s bourbon barrel beer. Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Porter rested in oak bourbon barrels for close to one year will finally be ready to pour early this February.

“Our barrel aged beers have been a Full Sail tradition since 1998 when we discovered the magic that happens when you pair vintage barrels, dedication, and patience. Brewed back in February 2009, this imperial style porter was reserved and aged for almost a year in casks from Maker’s Mark, Stranahan’s and Four Roses. After a year we created a blend that is 100% barrel aged beer to craft our Bourbon Barrel Top Sail. This extended aging presents aromas of oak, coconut and bourbon. Deep chocolate flavors warm to a full-bodied beer. Oak, toast and caramel flavors are rounded by the bourbon fire and sweetness. Deep black in color, Top Sail Bourbon Aged Imperial Porter has a roasty malt flavor that is immensely drinkable and smooth. It cellars well, if you store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient – you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster. To help the beer aficionados that have the self-discipline to cellar this beer, Full Sail marks the bottle label with the reserve year. Top Sail will be available in 22 oz bottles and limited draught. (ABV 9.85%, IBU 65)

“We love the concept of the bourbon barrel aging (though we confess we love the beer even more). Whiskey begins life as beer–or at least a beer-like concoction. It’s made from malted grain and water, which is then distilled and barrel-aged, so barrel aging beer in whiskey casks is a natural. Wood and barrel aging is an art form that takes dedication, patience and care. When done right, it’s a wonderful thing. It’s still distinctly beer, but with added depth and flavor. We brew this special beer in small batches, that’s why it is available in very limited quantities. You should get some while you can,” added Emmerson.

To celebrate the release of this beer Full Sail is planning two Horizontal Tastings that highlight the flavor components of this special brew. “Since Top Sail is a blend of the three barrel varieties, we thought it would be interesting to try a bit of each before blending, so we kegged off a very small stash of each variety for the release. Join us to celebrate the release of this very special beer and taste the nuances between the three versions and the final blend,” added Emmerson. The special tapping will take place at 5 p.m., Monday, February 1st, at Full Sail’s River place Brewery in Portland, Oregon and on Thursday, February 4th at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River. For more information call the Full Sail River place brewery at 503-222-5343 or the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247.

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Session and Session Black Premium lager. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 22 years. Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view.

www.fullsailbrewing.com

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Cellaring Beer and the 2010 New Year’s Day Tasting

January 6th, 2010
Annual New Year's Day Tasting (2010)

Another year is upon us, and that means another Annual New Year’s Day Tasting for my family.  Overall, the tasting went great, but there were a few mistakes made that we can look forward to cleaning up next year.  In this article, we’re going to talk a little bit about cellaring beer–the whats, whens, and whys.  First though, let’s go through this years tasting list:

  • Abyss (2007), Deschutes Brewing, Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • Abyss (2008), Deschutes Brewing, Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • Abyss (2009), Deschutes Brewing, Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • Auld Battle Axe, Laurelwood Brewing Co., Scotch Ale
  • Black Butte XX, Deschutes Brewing, Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter
  • Black Butte XXI, Deschutes Brewing, Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter
  • Black Xantus, Nectar Ales, Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout
  • Bourbon Barrel Belgian-Style Quad, Boulavard Brewing, Barrel Aged Quadrupel
  • Dark Horizon II, Nogne o, Unclassified
  • Double Alt (25th Anniversary), Widmer Brothers Brewing Co.Double Alt
  • Mirror Mirror, Deschutes Brewery, Barleywine
  • Moose and Squirrel, Laurelwood Brewing, Russian Imperial Stout
  • Old Boardhead (2007), Full Sail Brewing, Barleywine Style Ale
  • Old Rasputin XII, North Coast Brewing, Russian Imperial Stout
  • Olde Reliable, Laurelwood Brewing, Barleywine
  • Paradox (Speyside), BrewDog, Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • 2008 Stormwatchers, Pelican Brewery, Barleywine
  • XII, Firestone Walker, Barrel Aged Blend
  • XIII, Firestone Walker, Barrel Aged Blend
  • Yeti Oak Aged Espresso, Great Divide Brewing Co., Imperial Stout

Annual New Year's Day Tasting (2010)

Deschutes Abyss.

Malty beers with a low hop profile and a high ABV are best for aging, so it’s no surprise that this list is populated by some heavy, malty beers.  Hops are used for three primary purposes in beer: bitterness, flavor, and aroma.  If a beer is based on its hop profile, all of this resiny goodness will disappear over time, leaving you with a strange mess.  Imagine your favorite Imperial IPA.  Now imagine it with no hops.  Since beers like Stouts and Porters are low on the flavor and aroma hop scale, they make good aging candidates because this loss of hops does not adversely change the character of the beer.  However, since hops are used for bittering as well, an aged beer will lose a little bit of this bitter bite, causing the final product to reside on the sweeter side.

Why age a beer in the first place?  Complex beers have many layers attained from several parts of the beer making process.  From roasted malts and intricate grain bills, to variations in yeast type or fermentation with fruit, beers can become complex in the brewing phase alone.  Add on barrel aging or blending, and the final product can be a multi-layered showpiece.  When some of these beers are released, they can be rather untamed: too bitter, overpowering alcohol, overwhelming bourbon flavor.  It’s possible that any of the beers aspects are out of proportion with the rest of the beer.  This does not mean that the beer is bad, but people may describe it as too young, too hot, or that it simply needs some age.  Aging a beer like this can transform it immensely.  The biggest change you’ll see is that these beers mellow with some time, softening the sharp edges, creating a subtler beer.  The hotness of the alcohol dies down, fresh bitterness softens, and that overwhelming smack of bourbon now resides softly in the mix.

Aging beer is not complicated, but it depends on three things:

  1. Darkness: keep beer away from sunlight.  Put the beer bottle in a (clean) sock.  Put the (clean) sock in a closed box.  Put the box under a black towel.  Put that box somewhere dark (basement, a closet, or that room with no windows that your neighbor doesn’t know about).  Well, it doesn’t have to be that drastic, but light is terrible for beer and will devastate your aging process, turning your masterpiece into a drain pour.
  2. Cellar Temperature: 55 °F is ideal.  Fluctuating temperature does not do a beer any favors.  A small difference through the seasons isn’t that big of a deal, but you’ll want to stay away from repeating anything near several fridge to room temperature cycles.
  3. Self control: if you ain’t got it, your beers won’t make it to the cellar.

Annual New Year's Day Tasting (2010)

Boulevard Brewing Bourbon Barrel Quad.

With a total of 20 beers for our tasting, most weighing in around 12%, we had a lot of work to do. We paired the verticals up, and tried to weave in a couple of different styles along the way. The tasting was divided into 4 rounds of 5 beers over two days. We thought about squeezing into one day, but everyone was scared by that idea. Really scared. In the end, we had an odd mix of styles that didn’t always reflect well on the beer. For example, after the three year Abyss vertical, we decided on the Bourbon Barrel Quad as a “palette cleanser” before hitting the Old Rasputin XII. Well, this wasn’t as much a decision as it was a forced hand. We had so many giant beers and mismatching styles, that a perfect solution was hard to come by. I highly anticipated tasting this Quad, but sandwiched in between a whole bunch of barrel aged Imperial Stouts was not the way to showcase its qualities. A little more forethought into the tasting groups would have helped, but sitting there in front of all those bottles, we couldn’t delay any longer.

  • For the ‘07/’08/’09 Abyss vertical, the 2008 was the favorite.  The blend of oak, licorice, chocolate, roasted malts, and bitterness struck a delicious balance, while the 2007 had faded into obscurity with all aspects falling on the far side of subtle.  It wasn’t that the ‘07 was bad, it was just lifeless next to its brethren.  While I like the 2009 right now, next to the 2008 it did seem a little young.
  • The same was true for the ‘08/’09 Black Butte Reserve: The older beer achieved a phenomenal balance and smoothed out over time.  The ‘09, while immensely drinkable (I was only able to cellar 2 out of 12), was a bit rougher around the edges.
  • Barleywines: We didn’t make it to the Stormwatchers, but the whole table loved 2007 Old Boardhead and 2007 Olde Reliable.  The affects of aging was most prevalent with these beers.  Barleywines tend to polarize people into the “love it” or “hate it” camps.  They are big, sweet, often taste of dark fruits, and can be very un-beer like.  These tastes were still noticeable in the aged beers, but they were more refined and quiet, turning everyone at the table into Barleywine fans.  This was especially surprising from my father, who usually finds this style too overpowering.
  • Another favorite was the Moose and Squirrel.  After almost two years and at only 8% ABV, I wasn’t sure how this one would hold up.  In fact, I liked this beer so much at release time, I drank them all.  Luckily, my brother had stashed one away.  Again, same story: the aging had smoothed out the rough edges.

As indicated on the list above, two beers didn’t make it to the table: Stormwatchers and Auld Battle Axe.  We had to throw in the towel before prying these open.  It was a simple matter of too many beers and too little time.  The Stormwatchers made it back to Portland, but only briefly.  This was another of my highly anticipated beers and I had the choice of hiding it back in the cellar for another day or finally getting a chance to drink it.  It’s not in the cellar.  I’m sure I’ll think back at next years tasting and wonder what it would have been like with another year on it, but self-control doesn’t always win out for me.

Check out the rest of the photos here.

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Full Sail Brewing Celebrates Oregon Craft Beer Month

July 7th, 2009
Full Sail Brewing Company

Hood River, Oregon – Brewers know the best way to celebrate is to brew a special beer, and in honor of Oregon Craft Beer Month Full Sail Brewing Company will release a new beer in their Brewer’s Share line up. The special beer, Andy’s Ambrosia Red, was developed by Full Sail Brewer Andy Cummings. The Brewer’s Share series is a line up of small batch draft beers where each of the Full Sail brewers takes a turn hand-crafting a single batch recipe of their choosing.

You are invited to swing by and raise a toast with brewer Andy Cummings and the Full Sail Crew to celebrate Oregon Craft Beer Month and to “Meet the Brewer and the Beer” at their Riverplace Brewery in Portland, on Monday, July 13th from 5:00 to 6:30PM and at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River, on Thursday, July 16th, from 5:00 to 6:30PM.

In Greek mythology ambrosia was considered the drink of the gods. Rightfully so that brewer Andy Cummings has crafted this heavenly red ale; its namesake also means “delightful liquid”. This medium-bodied, dry-hopped red ale was brewed with a variety of specialty malts (Crystal, Munich, Honey and Carafa) with a pronounced hop flavor and an emphasis on the aroma from the dry Brewer’s Gold hops.

Living up to Full Sail’s reputation as “brewers of godlike nectar,” Andy notes that his inspiration was to brew something for any beer lover to enjoy midst the summer’s hellacious heat. “It’s generously hopped, but the alcohol is on the lighter side, making it easy to drink more than just one… and perhaps experience a bit of that immortality.” ABV 4.9% IBU 53.

Full Sail’s Brewer’s Share beers will be exclusively available on tap at Full Sail’s Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River, Oregon, and at Full Sail’s Brewery at Riverplace, in Portland, Oregon. Growlers to go are also available. The next Brewer’s Share will be crafted by Full Sail brewer Nathan Jacobson and is expected in early September.

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Portland Beer Photo of the Day: Full Sail’s Old Boardhead

April 20th, 2009

52 Beers Group, Week 34: Old Boardhead

Old Boardhead Barleywine-Style Ale from Full Sail Brewing Co.

“A deliciously rich Barleywine that has a spectacular depth and delicacy of flavor that is deep and robust. Its strong sweet body is balanced with Centennial and Crystal hops for a pleasant hoppiness and finish.”

Stats: 9% ABV, 91 IBU

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Full Sail Brewing Co. Releases Brewmaster Reserve Keelhauler Scottish Ale

March 19th, 2009

This just in from Full Sail:

Hood River, Or – Full Sail Brewing Company is proud to release a new beer in their Brewmaster Reserve line-up for 2009, Keelhauler Scottish Ale. Keelhauler is a full bodied rich ale with slight notes of caramel and cocoa and a strong malty flavor. The hop character is spicy and earthy with a nice finishing hop flavor. “With this style we embark on a trip across the pond. Keelhauler, a nautical term, refers to a form of punishment one might get for treachery on the high seas, but there’s no punishment here, we just thought it was a great name for a beer. Scottish Ale’s are widely interpreted between sweet and roasty. We go for the balanced side, using imported Crystal and Amber malts with
imported Challenger, American Willamette, and Sterling Hops to bring this Scottish Ale to life, said Full Sail Brewmaster, John Harris. ABV: 6.8% IBU: 48

“Keelhauler is part of our rotating selection of Brewmaster Reserve Beers. Every ten weeks we come out with a different beer that show cases the brewer’s art. We began the program back in 1998 as a way of celebrating our independence and creativity,” added Full Sail’s Founder and CEO, Irene Firmat.

Keelhauler will be available in 22oz bottles and on draught in specialty beer stores and pubs throughout the Pacific Northwest from Mid-March until June. Full Sail will follow-up Keelhauler with Grandsun of Spot India Pale Ale due out in June. Full Sail will feature Keelhauler at the Spring Beer and Wine Festival scheduled for April 10 & 11th at the Oregon Convention Center. Here’s the full list of Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve 2009 line.

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 21 years. Full Sail is committed to brewing great beer while adhering to socially and environmentally sustainable practices. Full Sail recently received the “Businesses for an Environmentally Sustainable Tomorrow Award (BEST)” from the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development and the “Governor’s Award for Sustainability” from the State of Oregon. Their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view.

www.fullsailbrewing.com

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Full Sail Releases Black Gold Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

January 20th, 2009

Hood River, Or – Full Sail Brewing is proud to announce the special release of Black Gold Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout 2009. This highly anticipated release from Full Sail’s vintage barrel series has been a Full Sail brewing tradition since 1998. Every year since, Full Sail’s talented team of brewers brew an Imperial style dark ale and fill roughly sixty oak bourbon barrel casks, then age them in their cellar for about a year.

“Wood and barrel aging is an art form that takes dedication, patience and care. We brew this special beer in small batches, that’s why it is available in very limited quantities. You should get some while you can,” explained Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Brewmaster.

The beer will be released in early February. According to Jamie, it was initially brewed in February 2008, and released as Full Sail Imperial Stout. A portion of the batch was reserved and aged for almost a year in Bourbon casks from Kentucky to create Black Gold. “This extended aging presents hints of vanilla and allows the Stout to pick up the flavors of the wood, bourbon and oak. The aging combined with the robust character of the Imperial Stout make for an extraordinary and wonderful taste experience. It has a strong roasted malt character and a full body. Chocolate and caramel nuances blend with the hops for a smooth Imperial Stout,” described Jamie. “It cellars well, if you store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient – you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint,” To help the beer aficionados that have the self-discipline to cellar this beer, Full Sail marks the bottle label with the reserve year. Black Gold will be available in 22 oz bottles and on draught. (ABV 10.5%, IBU 65)

Full Sail is planning a special event to celebrate the release of Black Gold. The brewery will be pouring three of their wood-aged beers including bourbon-barrel-aged 2002 and 2008 Top Sail Imperial Porter, and 2009 Black Gold Imperial Stout. The special tapping will take place at 5 p.m., Monday, February 2nd at Full Sail’s River place Brewery in Portland, Oregon and at 5 p.m., Thursday, February 5th at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River. For more information call the Full Sail River place brewery at 503-222-5343 or the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247.

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Nation’s Greenest State Honors Brewery for Responsible Business Practices

January 5th, 2009
Full Sail Brewing Company
Full Sail Brewing Company

Portland, Or – Full Sail Brewing Company was honored by the State of Oregon for their outstanding commitment to sustainable business practices. The Brewery received the Governor’s Sustainability Award for small business. The State of Oregon, ranked the greenest state in the nation by Forbes.com and Business Facilities Magazine, presents the awards annually to innovative companies and organizations that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to sustainability.

The second annual Governor’s Sustainability Awards were recently presented by Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury as part of the Oregon Business Council’s Leadership Summit. The Oregon Sustainability Board selected winners from more than 50 nominations.

“Businesses increasingly understand that sustainability benefits the bottom line in three ways,” said Bradbury, who also chairs the Oregon Sustainability Board. “First it helps the economy, second, the environment and third, our citizens.”

The judges noted that Full Sail demonstrated outstanding sustainability practices in social equity, energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, use of recycled materials, procurement of local ingredients, community involvement, and waste management.

“To be acknowledged for our sustainable business practices by Oregon, a state that has been at the forefront in its commitment to responsible business practices is an honor. For us, this sense of responsibility has been part of our core principals since we first started brewing beer over 21 years ago. Over the years we have been committed to being stewards of the environment and have remained dedicated to operating our brewery in the most responsible manner possible. As an employee owned company we share this award with our all employees who are a key part of our daily commitment to these practices. Open communication and suggestions from employees have contributed greatly to the success of managing and maintaining a socially and environmentally fair business,” said Irene Firmat, Full Sail’s Founder and CEO.

Full Sail Brewing Company
Full Sail Brewing Company

“Our brewery’s amazing location nestled between the Columbia River and the snow-capped peak of Mt. Hood, in Hood River, Oregon makes us all feel a deep connection for our surroundings. Employees are the owners at Full Sail – and because Oregon is our home – we feel empowered to run the brewery in the most responsible manner every day. As much as we are committed to brew great beers, we are also committed to our community. It would be impossible to live and work in the Columbia River Gorge and not be inspired by the sheer beauty of the place. It is the blue skies, green forests, snow-capped mountains and pristine rivers surrounding us that insure our dedication,” added Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

Some of the company’s sustainability measures include:

* Efficient brewhouse: The brewery is as sustainable and efficient as possible, starting with the parts of the building that were reclaimed and recycled when the brewery first opened in the old Diamond Fruit cannery. The company utilizes energy measures such as energy-efficient lighting and air compressors, and compresses the work week into four very productive days, which helps reduce water and energy consumption by 20 percent.

* Sustainable brew process: Pure water literally flows from the peaks that surround the brewery, so Full Sail takes care to conserve this precious resource. While average breweries consume six to eight gallons of water for every gallon of beer produced, Full Sail has reduced its consumption to a mere 3.45 gallons, and operates its own on-site wastewater treatment facility. Local farms supply the other essential ingredients for award-winning brews: 85 percent of hops and 95 percent of barley come straight from Northwest farms.

* Reduce-Reuse-Recycle: Full Sail uses 100% recycled paperboard on all its packaging (and was one of the first in the industry to commit to long-term purchasing of recycled paper products). Everything from office paper to glass to stretch wrap to wooden pallets is recycled. Even dairy cows are beneficiaries of brewery waste: 4,160 tons of spent grain and 1,248 tons of spent yeast are sent back to farmers every year to use as feed for cows.

* Community-wide practices: Full Sail purchases 140 blocks of Pacific Power Blue Sky renewable energy per month. This practice results in the reduction of 168 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of planting 33,000 trees. Full Sail also supports over 300 events and charities each year, with a focus on those in Oregon. Employees at the company have inspired environmental change among other businesses in the Hood River area as well. Full Sail was a founding member of the Hood River Chamber of Commerce’s Green Smart program, an initiative that helps businesses and organizations within the Hood River watershed increase their productivity and profitability by improving resource efficiency and by reducing waste and pollution.

Earlier this year, Full Sail was honored with a BEST (Businesses for an Environmental Sustainable Tomorrow) award by The City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development for their energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies and for demonstrating a commitment to responsible business practices and innovation in sustainability. In addition the company’s Portland Riverplace Brewery and offices received recognition as a RecycleWorks business for its excellent track record of recycling, reducing waste and buying environmentally preferable products.

About Full Sail Brewing Company
Full Sail Brewing Company (www.fullsailbrewing.com) is an independent, employee-owned brewery operating for 21 years in Hood River, Oregon. Full Sail is committed to brewing great beer while adhering to socially and environmentally sustainable practices. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, and Session premium American lager. Full Sail is the only brewery to have ever been named to the “Best 100 Companies to Work for in Oregon” list by Oregon Business Magazine and maintained that distinction for five consecutive years. Full Sail is a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Portland, a founding sponsor for the Hood River Chamber of commerce’s “Green Smart” program, and supports over 300 events and charities each year, the majority of which are local.

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Full Sail Brewing Celebrates the Bounty of the Holiday Season with Wassail Ale

October 7th, 2008

Hood River, Or – A few unmistakable signs tell us when winter has arrived in Hood River. The waterfalls in the Gorge start kicking out the jams. The snow report for the backcountry regains its hold over us. And the Wassail starts flowing once again. And that means friends and family will surely be close behind.

“Historically, brewers craft small batches of darker beers, generously adding extra hops and malts to make exceptionally robust tasty ales to celebrate the season and as a way of sharing the bounty of the season with their customers. We carry on this tradition with Wassail. Choosing our ingredients for Wassail is like taking time to choose the perfect gift. Each year we carefully select the best hops and malts to brew this special beer. This year’s Wassail is brewed with a range of caramel malts and dark chocolate malts giving it a deep mahogany color and a full malty body. We used a blend of European noble hops and Pacific Northwest aroma hops for a pleasantly hoppy finish creating a deliciously balanced beer that appeals to both hop and malt lovers alike. In other words, a Christmas miracle! It’s our gift from the brewery to our loyal beer patrons – it’s our way of giving thanks. We have brewed Wassail every holiday season since 1988 and it’s now as much a part of the festivities as sharing a roaring fire with our closest family and friends,” recalled Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

The packaging features a vintage postcard of the scenic Hood River Valley dusted with snow. In the spirit of tradition, a snow-covered douglas-fir tree looms in the foreground and Mt. Hood rises majestically in the background. Wassail makes the ideal gift for the beer enthusiasts in your life, and is the perfect accompaniment to the desserts and flavorful dishes that the holidays bring. Look for Wassail six packs at your favorite store, or on draught at your local restaurant or pub. Wassail will be widely available October through December.

Wassail was recently awarded another gold medal, and was rated “Exceptional” at the 2008 World Beer Championships (WBC). Wassail previously won a platinum medal and a “superlative” rating at the 2005 WBC, a gold medal at the 2007, 2006 and 2004 WBC, and three silver medals in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. The Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar since 1987. Their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. www.fullsailbrewing.com

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Full Sail Brewing Celebrates 21 Years with “21″ A Special Anniversary Brew

September 15th, 2008
Full Sail’s “21″ Doppelbock.

Hood River Oregon – “Over the last year, we have been working on a special beer to celebrate a special occasion – the brewery’s 21st birthday which is coming up in September. This means we are finally old enough to drink our own beer. They say your 21st birthday is a rite of passage – the milepost that marks your evolution from child to adult, with all the attendant privileges & responsibilities. We say it’s a great excuse to brew a killer doppelbock. Concocted by our brew crew in celebration of our epic and glorious 21st birthday, we bring you “21″ a deep amber colored lager brewed in the doppelbock style,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

“Twenty-one years ago, we dreamed of opening a brewery. That dream became a reality, and now here we are celebrating our 21st birthday. Our little brewery never would have made it without the support of friends, fans, and family over the years. Many thanks for all you’ve done to help us reach our 21st birthday,” said Irene Firmat, Full Sail’s CEO and Founder.

You’re invited to come celebrate Full Sail’s “twenty-onederful years” and raise a toast to 21 with the Full Sail crew. The brewery will launch “21″ at their Tasting Room and Pub on Thursday, September 25 at 5:00pm. This same evening, the brewery will tap a keg of 15 year old Full Sail Porter and launch their seasonal Brewmaster Dinners with a four course Brewmaster Dinner menu featuring “21″. The brewery will continue to offer the special menu every Thursday night that takes you through four different courses with a special beer pairing with each course. The menu will change based on the seasonality of the ingredients and the release of the brewery’s seasonal and reserve programs. The cost of the dinner including beer is $25 per person. The Brewery will begin serving the menu at 5:00PM. Quantities are limited. (Full Sail’s regular menu will also be available.) The brewery will also tap a keg of 21 at their Riverplace Brewery in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday, Oct 1 at 5:00 pm. For a complete list of Full Sail’s birthday festivities or to send a birthday message to the Full Sail Crew visit http://www.fsb21.com/

“This beer is a labor of love. From brewhouse to bottle, 21 was given the care that only an employee-owner can provide with all the time and attention that a beer this special deserves. Summer’s brewing gives this beer a luxurious 12 weeks of lagering creating a deep amber colored brew in the German Doppelbock style. Its ample malt body complements the generous warming alcohol with just a hint of Noble hop character. 21 will be released in specially hand labeled bottles this September. Tastes like a great way to celebrate your birthday,” added Emmerson. 21 is part of Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve line up. This special anniversary beer will be available in 22 oz bottles in limited quantities in September.

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. The Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar since 1987. Their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view.

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Full Sail Brewing Releases New Brewer’s Share Beer – Phil’s Existential Alt

September 3rd, 2008
Full Sail Brewing Company
Full Sail Brewer Phil Roche.

Hood River, Oregon – This year Full Sail celebrates 21 years of doing what they love, brewing beer. As a continuation of their 21st birthday celebrations, Full Sail is proud to announce the next beer in their line up of small batch draft beers called “Brewer’s Share.” To celebrate the release of Phil’s Existential Alt, brewed by Full Sail brewer, Phil Roche, the brewery invites you to “Meet the Brewer and the Beer” at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub on Monday September 15, from 5:00 to 7:00PM and at their Riverplace Brewery in Portland, on Tuesday September 16th from 5:00 to 7:00PM.

“This is a great way to give our customers a chance to meet the brewer who crafted the beer and gives the brewers a chance to show off their mad brewing skills,” says Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster. So come celebrate with Full Sail and raise a pint or two with brewer Phil Roche.

When asked what his inspiration was for Phil’s Existential Alt, Roche replied, “Altbier is indigenous to Dusseldorf and Neanderthal man is indigenous to Dusseldorf. The ancient Germans thought a lot about their existence. Early myths contain some 200 verses about the creation of the world. The ancient Germans thought even more about beer, with 400 verses about beer making. “Phil’s Existential Alt” celebrates our existence through our most celebrated beverage…beer!”

Full Sail Brewing Company
Phil Roche, being as one with the mash paddle.

According to Phil, A generous amount of Munich and Vienna malts give this beer its copper color and toasty-caramel aroma. German noble hops provide complimentary bitterness and a clean, dry finish. The beer has been cold-conditioned for six weeks and goes down smooth. 5.1% ABV, 43 IBU.

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. The Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar since 1987. Their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. For a complete list of Full Sail’s birthday festivities visit www.fullsailbrewing.com.

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