Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon (Again) … Full Brewing Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter
It’s nearing the end of January and you know what the means, Full Sail [insert alternating Barrel-aged beer]. All kidding aside, it’s time for Top Sail Barrel-aged Imperial Porter to make its biennial debut. This year’s batch much like previous year’s is a little different in part because of the barrels used.
Aging since 2011 this beer has always been a favorite of this writer.
“We love the concept of the bourbon barrel aging our beer. Our barrel aged beers have been a Full Sail tradition since 1998 when the Master Distiller from The Maccallan visited the brewhouse and suggested we try it. It was then we discovered the magic that happens when you pair vintage barrels, dedication, and patience. It’s an art form and when done right, it’s a wonderful thing. We brew this special beer in small batches, that’s why it is available in very limited quantities. You should get some while you can,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.
“Brewed back in January of 2011, this imperial style porter was reserved and aged in Kentucky bourbon casks from Maker's Mark, Jim Beam and Austin Nichols. After a year we created a blend that is 100% barrel aged beer to craft Top Sail. This aging amplifies our robust porter and brings out hints of chocolate, figs, vanilla and oak. It’s deep black in color, with a roasty malt flavor and a rich malt and vanilla sweetness that’s smooth and amazingly drinkable. A wonderful addition to any beer cellar,” added Emmerson. To help the beer aficionados that have the self-discipline to cellar this beer, Full Sail marks the bottle label with the reserve year. Top Sail was awarded a gold medal at the 2010 & 2011 World Beer Championships and was named One of the Top 25 Beers of 2010 by Wine Enthusiast. The beer will be available in 22 oz bottles and limited draft. (ABV 9.5%, IBU 40)
Plus much like the beer itself the brewery has held a tradition of hosting a Vertical Tasting at both their Hood River Tasting Room & Pub as well as their other location inside McCormick & Schmick’s.
“Since Top Sail is a blend of the three barrel varieties, we thought it would be interesting to try a bit of each before blending, so we kegged off a very small stash of each variety for the release. Join us to celebrate the release of this very special beer and taste the nuances between the three versions and the final blend,” added Emmerson.
Wednesday February 1st, 2012 5:00 PM (503) 222-5343
Top Sail Vertical Night at Full Sail’s Riverplace Brewery
307 Southwest Montgomery Street Portland, OR 97201
Wednesday February 1st, 2012 5:00 PM (503) 386-2247
Top Sail Vertical Night at Tasting Room and Pub
506 Columbia Street Hood River, OR
Look for Top Sail Barrel-aged Imperial Porter to be featured side by side such bottles as Session, Session Black, Session Fest.
Cheers
About Full Sail Brewing Company
The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Session and Session Black Premium lager. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 25 years. Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in 28 states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. http://www.fullsailbrewing.com
