Uneasy Rhetoric

The next winter brew to come under scrutiny is Full Sail Brewery’s Wassail Ale.

The beer is golden brown, sort of a burnt caramel, with a somewhat fruity, though unobtrusive smell (I kid you not, when I smelled it in the bottle - before I poured it - I thought “V8 Juice.”).

Wassail Ale, unlike the spiced punch it was named after, is neither spicy nor sweet. The taste is uncomplex, somewhat hoppy and perhaps with a little vegetable or squash. That could also have been the pumpkin seeds I was eating earlier. It is mildly bitter and there is little aftertaste.

This beer should appeal to those looking for something inoffensive, yet still distinctive, to serve at the office Christmas party. It lacks the more bold flavors and risk taking I enjoy in the winter ales.