Full Sail Brewery - LTD Limited Lager Series, LTD 04 Pale Bock

Oh, Full Sail, why can't I quit you? Why would I want to?

From January to March, Full Sail has released its limited edition Pale Bock. From the Full Sail website: "This Pale Bock is a finely balanced single malt, single hop, lager that is pale-golden in color and brewed with just pale malt and pleasantly hopped with just Willamette hops." I don't know what's so special about Willamette hops, but here's my impressions of the quality overall.

On first pour it's a clear but dark golden color, with a thick head that lingers. The malt is ever present in the bouquet, as is notes of citris and honey, but in a very clean and crisp manner if that makes any sense to you. The malted barley comes through loud and clear in both scent and taste. There's hints of oak and caramel, similar to double-hopped IPA to a modest degree. The hops gives it a strong bite in the finish. It's a very filling brew, though there's nothing crisp or clean in the body.

It's an interesting brew, like the bastard love child of a Firestone Double Hopped IPA and a Carlsberg pilsner. I liked it, because of that unique combination of sensation. The 7% ABV didn't hurt either. Check it out before it's off the shelves for the year!

Full Sail Brewery - Extra Special Bitters Limited

Everyone knows, it's bitters! (that's me!)

Yeah, I know, getting back on track now.

The Extra Special Bitters is a summertime release, between April and June according to the Full Sail website. When poured, the bitters have a rich amber orange color, and a modest head without being too foamy. It starts out thick, but that dissipates quickly.

Tastewise, the hops come through clear, well balanced. They're neither overpowering nor subtle, which would I'm sure tickle IPA drinkers. It's also malty, there is a crisp caramel bite to it in the finish. Reminiscent of orange juice and honey lemon tea, which I'd guess comes from the citris hops. There is supposedly a pleasant bouquet, but it was too subtle for me to tell. I'm told it's a sugary aroma. Overall, it's a mellow well balanced beer, and in my opinion it has something for everyone.