Full Sail Brewing – Snow In The Gorge? It’s Time For Wassail

Full Sail Brewing Releases Wassail for the Holiday Season

Hood River, Oregon – In Hood River, every year a few undeniable signs signal when winter is at the doorstep. The cool east winds begin to blow, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams get a white blanket of fresh powder, and the snow report for the backcountry regains its trance-like hold. But most of all, we know it’s winter because the Wassail starts flowing once again.

“Brewing Wassail is an annual tradition here at Full Sail. 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. It’s no wonder this multi-medal winner 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, perfect for the holidays. 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. It’s like our own little Christmas miracle,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

Visiting family and friends this holiday season? Well, good news holiday travelers, it’s Wassail to the rescue. Samples of Full Sail’s Holiday Ale will be available free-of-charge to all Horizon Air passengers (who are of age of course) this December throughout the Western U.S, Canada and Mexico. “If your travels bring you to our neck of the woods, be sure to swing by our Tasting Room and Pub and try a vertical tasting of Wassail 08 and Wassail 09,” suggested Emmerson.

The Wassail 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. ABV 7% IBU 56.

In 2009 Wassail was awarded its fifth gold medal, and was rated “Exceptional” at the World Beer Championships (WBC). Wassail previously won a platinum medal and a “superlative” rating at the 2005 WBC, a gold medal at the 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2004 WBC, and three silver medals in 1999, 2000 and 2001.