Full Sail is one of those breweries that I’ve always been a bit indifferent towards. They’re signature brew is the amber, but nothing really jumps out at me as a must have beer. With that said, while walking the aisle of Trader Joe’s I’ve noticed their LTD for some time. This last trip, I finally decided to grab a bottle and give it a shot.
I originally had no idea what kind of beer the LTD was. I had assumed it was an ale, maybe a bitter, but after reading the bottle, discovered it was in fact a lager. Actually, LTD is a strong lager with a healthy 6.4% ABV.
The pour was fairly standard, a rich pale amber with a decent head on top. The aroma was a bit yeasty, subtly sweet and loaded with alcohol. The same can be said for the first sip of the beer. This is a strong lager and doesn’t do much to try and hide the fact. If you get past the alcohol, the beer is a little sweet with a light hop finish. Unfortunately, the alcohol is hard to ignore and dominates all aspects of this beer.
So how do I feel about this beer after finishing it? It’s not a horrible beer, there is some redeeming quality to it, but this is one that probably has to be served ice cold and is probably only appropriate if getting drunk is your ultimate goal.
As with most beers avaialble at Trader Joe’s, the price is definitely right to try this beer. A single bottle costs you $1 and change. At that price it’s worth it just to try something new. For those interested, this was Recipe # 02.
One of the best beers I have had, let alone in the category of lager.
Here are my tasting notes!
http://thefullpint.com/2008/06/13/review-full-sail-ltd-series-02
Cheers!
Mario… I had a version of the beer aged in a Bourbon barrel, a 2006 and I got it a few months ago, that was really good. Perhaps a bit heavy on the bourbon, but nice.
yeah, I used to be a big Full Sail fan. But they have been drowned out by some of our own local craft beers, haven’t they. I do know they have some special beers, but they never make it to the Bay Area.