Full Sail - Wassail

Tonights brew is a winter ale that I picked up during one of my "make your own six pack" sprees I had back in December.  I knew it was one I wanted to try but I never got around to cracking it open.  I decided to take this ale, along with a few others, over to my parents the other day and finally give it a shot.

The color of this winter warmer reminds me of a coke.  Deep brown with a red hue and off white foam.  The aromas are not quite what I expected.  More hops than I'm used to for this style.  Some roast and burnt caramel and toffee mingle in with the hops.  My first sip is a bit harsh.  I think the bitterness of the hops are assaulting my senses before the rest of the beer shows up.  A little warmth brings some subtle cherry and chocolate flavors as well as roasted toffee and bittersweet chocolate.  The alcohol is a bit sharp but mostly adds to the warmth of the beer.  Carbonation is moderate and the mouthfeel is a bit thin.

Overall 3.0/6.0 - I'm normally not a huge fan of the winter warmer category.  Every so often I would find one that I can enjoy and drink a couple pints of without feeling full/drunk.  Full Sails Wassail was not one of those.  I wasn't very pleased with the sharp bitterness and alcohol zing that I initially experienced.  As it warmed, though, I found the flavors I'm used to for a winter warmer.  I think one of these is enough for me.