Full Sail's Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter

Those who love the big bold flavors of imperial dark ales coupled with a touch of bourbon will be happy to hear that Full Sail Brewing Co. is again releasing their coveted Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter.

Aging for a year in the bowels of their cellars, Bourbon Top Sail is slated to drop on February 1, 2012 and promises lots of oaken notes and a rich bourbon notes. Look for a vertical tasting and more. Here’s the details from Full Sail:

The long awaited moment will soon be upon us: the newest batch of Full Sail’s very limited bourbon barrel-aged beer is set for release on February 1^st. Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter has been aging in oak bourbon barrels deep in the brewery’s cellar for an entire year. During those long months the bourbon barrels and time have been working their magic on our Imperial Porter. This commitment to patience and excellence results in a truly special beer – complex, elegant and supremely balanced with added depth and flavor. Soon, Full Sail will be able to share the delicious result— the 2012 reserve of Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter.

“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 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)

To celebrate the release of this beer Full Sail is planning two Vertical Tasting events that highlight the flavor components of this special brew. “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. The special tapping will take place at 5 p.m., Wednesday, February 1st, at Full Sail’s Riverplace Brewery in Portland, Oregon and at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River.   For more information call Full Sail at Riverplace at 503-222-5343 or the Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247.