2015 Advent Beer Calendar: Full Sail Amber

Author: Jason Harris
December 3, 2015

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in the Beer Advent Calendar 2015 series. Likewise, I’m going to be posting a beer review each day. Some will be Christmas or Winter ales and other selections will be beers I’ve been wanting to review for some time.

At Pints and Steins, we cover Full Sail Brewing on a regular basis as it’s a favorite brewery. One of Full Sail’s most popular beers is Full Sail Amber and it is well known for a reason: it was Oregon’s first amber ale.

How does it taste?

In yesterday’s review, we discussed Stormbreaker’s Mississippi Red. Full Sail’s Amber is similar in taste profile. When you first pour it, this amber is a deep orange/red-ish color that can be seen through. It’s pretty fizzy and bubbly, suggesting high amounts of carbonation.

Any amber or red ale is an interesting balance of hoppy sweetness and malt-earthy tones. Full Sail absolutely nails this balance with their amber. The cascade and Hood hops greet your tastebuds at first followed by a smooth malty aftertaste. Again, like Mississippi Red, Full Sail Amber has caramel notes that make it distinctive versus other brews in the category.

Should I buy it?

I’d recommend you buy a six pack, no doubt. This is a sharable beer that will appease any craft beer fan. Even if you’re a Coors Light or pilsner fan, try an amber ale as it’s not overly bitter and it is a great introduction to craft beer.