from their website:
A few unmistakable signs tell us when winter has arrived here 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. We’ve 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.
It’s no wonder this multi-medal winning Winter Warmer is one of our favorite beers to brew. 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 Pacific Northwest hops for a pleasant hoppy aroma and finish creating a deliciously balanced beer that appeals to both hop and malt lovers alike. In other words, a Christmas miracle.
from my notes:
deep, rich caramel color. with medium tannish head, large bubbles that dissipates quickly, nice lacing. Faint floral scent with hints of apple. When it hits your tongue you taste some malt, and black tea then finishes with roasted hops. Nice balance.
Full Sail’s Wassail wasn’t a bad beer, it was quite nice. But, there wasn’t anything about this seasonal ale that made it memorable. If I hadn’t taken notes at the time I’d completely forgotten about the thing. So, if you see it on a shelf and another seasonal brew you won’t go wrong picking up this one but you might miss out on picking up a great one.
Rating (out of five):
