Seasons change and with the transformation in weather bestowed upon us by Mother Nature comes a change in seasonal beer. Oregon’s Full Sail Brewing is fully in tune with the idea that different times of year call for different beer and now that winter is drawing closer, Full Sail is set to release Wreck the Halls Hoppy Holiday Ale. This four-time gold medal winning brew is hugely popular with fans and will now be available in six packs for the first time, complete with new packaging as part of Full Sail’s new Brewmaster Reserve 6-pack series. Full Sail Executive Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson says the beer is befitting of a cool- weather brew.
“This annual favorite – in 6-packs for the first time – is a sublime hybrid of an American-style IPA and a winter warmer,” says Emmerson. “The result is a bold brew that celebrates the holidays with an intriguing blend of Centennial and Cascade hops providing elegant citrus notes balanced by a backdrop of a rich caramel malt body, dry hopped to amplify the aromas and flavor.”
Full Sail’s core and seasonal Brewmaster Reserve beers just recently went through a packaging transformation complete with new label designs and other changes. Wreck the Halls received a makeover of its own with hand-drawn artwork by Portland-based TWEEQiM creativeLab’s MiQ Willmott. The new design is certainly conducive of this festive, celebration- oriented time of year and Full Sail Brewmaster Jim Kelter says the new look is perfect for a business that prides itself in promoting creativity and individuality.
“Wreck the Halls is an integral part of our diverse lineup of holiday beers, which includes both ales and lagers, and is our way of celebrating the holidays, our independence, and creativity,” says Kelter.
Since Wreck the Halls is a winter seasonal and the winter season is all about the holidays, many will look to pair this beer with appropriate cuisine. Wreck the Halls matches up well with cheese and Full Sail recommends pairing it with Rogue Oregonzola, pepper jack, or stronger aged cheeses like farmhouse cheddars, Stilton, Roquefort, super aged Gouda, or Vacherin Mont D’Or. Wreck the Halls is also a good matchup with chili and Thai foods. It makes a great end to any meal as well, with a flavor that complements spicy/sweet desserts such as spiced rum cake and spiced sticky toffee pudding.
Winter only comes around once per year and winter seasonal beer is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and keep the body warm as we anticipate the milder days of spring. Wreck the Halls is a very good choice for your seasonal drinking needs and at 6.5 percent alcohol by volume and 68 IBU, it has that slight extra kick your body needs. It will be sold October through December, in 12 oz. bottles and draft in places where Full Sail beer is presently sold. The window of opportunity is small, so get your hands on this seasonal favorite while supplies last.
For more information on this and other Full Sail beer, be sure to visit the brewery’s web site at www.fullsailbrewing.com.
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