Festivus - Full Pint Brewing Company

rfgetz

New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a medium brown, minimal head. Scent bring notes of caramel, toasted grain, brown sugar, seasonal spice such as cinnamon. Taste dials back the nose a bit, lightly muddy, nutty and sweet malts, spices are moderate but noticeable. Medium bodied, light in carbonation. Solid brown ale all around, maybe a touch less sweetness prefered, but appropriate for the season.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 16:20:49 | More by rfgetz

JednoPivoProsim

Maryland

3.68/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 FL OZ bottle into a pint glass. BEST BY JUNE2013. LOT 284.

Appearance: Pours a dark brown/burgundy body with a decent toffee colored head.

Smell: Malty alcohol-laced aroma of coffee liquor. Kahlua or Amaretto. Chocolate malts.

Taste: Chocolate malts. Christmas cookie aftertaste. Slight coffee flavor.

Mouthfeel: A little thin. Typical of brown ales in my opinion.

Overall: Similar to my just reviewed All In Amber by the same brewery, the chocolate malts dominate this beer. I am more accustomed to chocolate malts in a stout or porter. Very interesting in a brown or amber ale. A good beer for the holidays.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 23:08:20 | More by JednoPivoProsim

Ccath66

3.88/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Gold/coppery color when poured into a glass. Has a pleasantly spicy aroma fall/holiday cooking smells. The spice mix comes through in the taste, but doesn't linger. Although I had it only as a drink, would probably be a better beverage with food rather than those looking for chewy-ness in the beer itself.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 11:51:31 | More by Ccath66

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Full Pint Festivus.

Looks coppery red-brown with tan head of only half-an-inch. Died down pretty quick, too. Barely the spotty lace leaves behind.

Spices, hops, and bready malts. Allspice, cinnamon, biscuit, toastiness, pomme fruit, and minty hops. Pretty nice.

Nice balance between the spices (which are subtle, not overpowering) and the malt/hop ingredients. Follows the nose with more allspice and cinnamon. Barely any noticeable alcohol. The fruitiness is duller, but it's there, like a baked apple dish with cinnamon and clove. Mint and pine hops are coming through nicely, but no combination of anything achieves anything greater than a gentle bitterness. Still pretty dry, probably from the spices. The malt sugars are here, but attenuated a bit. Not very cereal-y either. Just a drier and tastier winter brown.

Could use some more carbonation, however, the body is soft enough to not coat or stick. Great drinkability, as this is a drinker not a sipper.

Finally, a run-of-the-mill winter seasonal that I could have more than one of in a single sitting. Not among the best, but still very enjoyable. And, certainly festive!

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 23:51:53 | More by thecheapies

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This poured out as a slightly hazy brown color with a fluffy white head on top. The smell of the beer gives off a really big amount of spice with some subtle sweet malts in the background. The taste of the beer is really impressive to me, it's loaded with wintery or autumnal spices that give the beer a nice warming flavor with the malts in there to balance it all out. The mouthfeel of the is smooth, it's drinkable and nicely carbonated. Overall I really enjoyed this beer actually. I would drink this one again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-02-2012 05:31:33 | More by Knapp85

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The nose on this thing is great. Total Christmas-y kind of thing. Lots of spices that really show well. The flavor profile follows suit, but is not as sharp, unfortunately. Kind of a thick body and presentation that seems a bit muddled and lacking clarity. A nice winter and holiday style beer. I think this would go really well with food.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 05:23:23 | More by RblWthACoz

soulfly1492

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Aroma: Huge aroma. Vaguely reminiscent of a Stone strong ale. Dark malts, crisp hops overall. Mild spices, maybe some cinnamon. Lots of malt aromas, some darker, some lighter. Chocolate, very bready.

Appearance: Dark brown, but clear when held up to a bright light. Pours a medium off-white head. Lots of lacing!

Taste: Dark malts, worty. Caramel, honey, cinnamon. Odd, but it's got the pleasant portion of that fresh paint aroma. Probably just in the way the malts and hops combine.

Mouthfeel: Medium body. Oily overall, mild carbonation.

Overall: Nice change-up from the typical winter warmer. Heavier on the dark malts, lighter on the spice and extra crisp hops.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2012 01:20:31 | More by soulfly1492

chadmoe1

Pennsylvania

2.73/5  rDev -25.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

From notes on 12/12/11

A -- Brown with 1/8" tan head; some lacing

S -- Spice (cinnamon stands out), little hops, some toasty notes

T -- Spice (cinnamon and mace) up front, smooth middle, definite hops at end (not sure what kinds though)...

M -- Nicely carbonated (not super high); smooth with some body

O -- A bit spicy and one-dimensional, especially on malt flavors given what the label states; hops seem misplaced at the end. Not my favorite holiday beer...a bit disappointed because I generally enjoy Full Pint / Rivertown beers...

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 01:28:38 | More by chadmoe1

AMiz602

Pennsylvania

3.18/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

This beer is a very interesting case....it is sweet and spicy to begin with, then goes to a very mellow hoppy flavor, followed by some hints of chocolate. It says it is brewed with cinnamon, and you can definitely taste it. But like I said, it quickly dissolves away for a light hop flavor and dry chocolately taste afterwards.

It is a gorgeous amber that is not too dark, and for being poured out of a bottle, held its head fairly well. The smell is quite sweet with a bitter hoppiness to it, and has about an average mouthfeel.

This is a very good seasonal beer, and is should be served a little warmer than one's average amber ale due to the spiciness and chocolate malt.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 03:52:21 | More by AMiz602

dtivp

West Virginia

3.23/5  rDev -12%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured a dark cola brown, ruby hues, a one finger dull white head that fades slowly into a thin ring with moderate lacing.

Aroma of dark fruits, vanilla, malt a a slight spiciness.

Taste followed the nose with sweet dark fruits and vanilla, hints of malt, a light touch of spice and a slight bitter finish.

Mouth Feel was a little thin, moderate carbonation, smooth with a slight bitter, dry after taste.

Overall a nice brown Ale, however, a little more balance and body would make this a much better beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 17:18:40 | More by dtivp

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I picked this up at Thirsty's in York, enjoyed chilled in a willybecker.

The color is deep brown with mild haze and thick light beige cap with tight bead pattern, the lace sticks in a stringy way. The smell is good with a nice toasted grain element and light spice with earthy nose and slight sweet tinges in the aroma with a gentle roasted biscuity accent. The feel is excellent -the balance is spot on practically with the spice, malt and hops working toghether with the yeast. There is a subtle toastiness and spice but the bitterness is moderate and carbonation adds levity to the overall feel with a semi-dry quality in the finish.

The taste is interesting with mild bready nutty notes with some cinnamon evident and the mace giving an earthy quality to accent the dark malt presence. The vanilla does more of a job giving the impression of sweetness and helps to balance the bitter elements. There is a mild hop quality which brings out the warmth of the spice in the back of the throat. The flavor has a mild caramel element with slight alcohol coming in as it finiished with light smokiness and subtle yeast flavor. The taste of pine returning in the last sip is pleasant.

Overall I felt this was a very decent brew for those who enjoy spice beers it lives up to the name. I like the balance and recomend this to those who like winter warmers- a very flavorful brew.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2012 15:08:04 | More by Slatetank

Dodo2step

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

P- Thanks t Ray in Pittsburgh for this one.

A- a raisin brown type of color that is opaque. A somewhat criscross lacing with a 2 finger head.

S- vanilla, and dark candied fruits and thats it. Simple.

T- a nutty and fig type of flavor with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

M- creamy carbonation which is odd but a nice complexity. The finish is smooth but the lingering effects are strong in the nut family.

O- A decent beer and one this is unique to Seinfeld. The nutty and cinnamon flavors dont complement each other overl well but this works.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2011 19:03:21 | More by Dodo2step

Starkk00

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Full Pint Festivus pours nice with a nice head and smells great. Originally from a bottle poured into a pint glass.

A - A nice brown/amber which you are able to see through.

S - Brown ale smell with cinnamon and vanilla notes.

T - Smooth brown ale again with slight notes of cinnamon and vanilla but nothing over powering.

M - Mouth is nice and finishes smooth.

O - A very drinkable brown ale for the Festivus season.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2011 00:43:36 | More by Starkk00

righthereisay

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Purchased a single at the 6 pack shop. Had it on tap the other day after a few other beers, so wanted a clean slate.

Pours like Coca Cola.

Smell, a bit nutty.

Tastes like a nut roll if a beer was made to taste like a nut roll. Maybe some vanilla. Not overly sweet though. Nice body and mouthfeel.

One could throw these down at a Christmas party, no doubt. That is why they were made.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2011 23:29:00 | More by righthereisay

oline73

Maryland

3.3/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a bottle into a standard pint glass.

Appearance: Pours a dark reddish amber with a finger of off white head. There is some solid retention and mild lacing.

Smell: Malty but not too sweet. Some vanilla and dark fruit notes with some mild spices. Nice.

Taste: Initially it reminds me of the smell, but the taste ends up being a bit watery and there is a bitterness that overtakes some of the other flavors.

Mouthfeel: The body is on the thin side with tingly carbonation and a very dry finish.

Overall: I really wish the taste was more like the smell. I don't mind the bitterness, but it overshadows the other flavors.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2011 02:19:34 | More by oline73

MsRif

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev +3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had on-tap at TJ's in Paoli, PA. Poured a dark brown, translucent color with a bit of haze. Small white head that mostly receded, leaving minimal lacing. Aroma of spices, sweet malts and brown sugar. Taste followed the nose and was fairly one-dimensional, but still well-balanced. Would have preferred a bit more spice. It was a touch too sweet, but still very drinkable. Smooth.

Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. A good beer to have with food as it isn't too heavy and it's not overwhelming on the palate. Wouldn't go out of my way to have this one again, but recommended as a one time try.

Serving type: on-tap

11-20-2011 14:51:17 | More by MsRif

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First had: on tap at TJ's, Paoli, PA

Served in a pint glass, appeared as a typical brown ale, dark brown color, slightly hazy, with a small off-white head. Aroma of sweet malts, brown sugar, and light spice. Sweet malt profile in the taste, but not one-dimensional and watery, like I find many brown ales to be. Rich, nutty, with tones of molasses and nutmeg. Medium body. Very sessionable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-19-2011 05:13:52 | More by Rifugium

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Picked up a single at my local place for $2.50, if I enjoy it I can grab up a four pack for around 8 bucks tax included.

Brown ale brewed with Cinnamon, vanilla, and mace which is nutmeg based.

A - Color is a hazy caramel brown with a nice inch of slightly opaque head. Head is nice and sticky.

S - For me what stands out the most is the mace and chocolate malts which give it a spicy and fruity smell. Smells fairly sweet.

T - Kind of thin and watery with very little spice making its way to the palate. If I swish it around in my mouth I can pick up some chocolate malts but it's mostly slight vanilla in the start and cinnamon hit in the finish. Pretty sweet though for Simcoe hops...

M - Thin even for 6 percent and only slightly spiced. Eh..

Overall I guess I expected more from full pint and maybe this isn't my favorite style but it really is kind of lackluster. If anything it could use more hops to give it a fuller body and always MORE spice! Pass...

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2011 00:15:14 | More by DrDemento456

Boto

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Draught @ Brewery: This one poured a ruby-tinged fairly clear brown color. There was a bit of a tan head on it that lingers and leaves some lacing. It has a nice aroma. Malty with some holiday type spices, but not overly done. The taste is good. Nice medium malt body, with a hint of sweetness. Spices and some fruits in the background. Just enough spices to be considered a holiday beer, but not so much that you wouldn’t mind drinking it all year. This one grew on me.

Serving type: on-tap

10-09-2011 20:38:55 | More by Boto

kbuzz

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got this growler directly from the brewery. Thanks to Jake for letting me in and get in his way a bit.

A: Pours a reddish-brown, dark amber. About a one finger head that reduced to a half finger fairly quickly but stuck around. A fair amount of bubbles in the beer, not too many. Some lacing.

S: Very nutty/biscuity smell...burnt croissant. Some vanilla. Little hop aroma if any.

T: Taste follows the nose. Very biscuity flavor. Some toffee notes along with some strong vanilla in the finish that coats the back of the throat...maybe even a little cinnamon back there. Some very minor piney hop notes on the sides of the mouth as well.

M: Silky, velvety mouthfeel. Medium-thin to medium bodied beer. Carbonation isn't very high, but it works well with this beer. Very easy drinking

O: A very tasty, easy drinking beer. Nuttier than most brown ales, in a good way. I like the hints of vanilla and cinnamon, appropriate for the season.

Serving type: growler

09-03-2011 01:05:36 | More by kbuzz

IronCitySteve

Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a hazy brown color with some reddish hues. Provides a small tan foam head that quickly dissipates

S: Some mild notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel and bread.

T: Tastes like christmas with a little bit more caramel and bread. A nice spice kick to this brown ale.

M: Leaves a slightly creamy taste on the palate. A nice medium body, just a tad thin.

D: This is an easy to drink Brown Ale, especially for the holidays.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2011 16:39:32 | More by IronCitySteve

Cylinsier

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a growler.

Dark brown and cloudy with a medium tan head.

Smells of spices and dark sugar malts.

Taste has hints of ginger and bready malts with brown sugar and molasses sweetness, but none of the flavors are overwhelming.

Medium feel with mild carbonation.

Good flavor ale with Christmas flavors. A nice change of pace from the typical winter warmers which tend to be more rich and sweet than this.

Serving type: growler

02-12-2011 18:02:02 | More by Cylinsier

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

A-dark brown with a reddish tint. cream colored head. basically looks like a holiday version of a brown ale

S-holiday spices with some molasses. decent for a brown ale, not too strong though.

T-hmmm a good taste of molasses and holiday spices with an ending thats mostly molasses. very balanced and decent tasting. one of the best brown ales i've had

M-medium carbonation, a bit cream as well. dry finish

D-the taste stays decently but this is not a classic. i wouldn't mind drinking this all night but i'd rather not if i had a choice

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2010 17:59:02 | More by AdamBear

Stinkypuss

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev +3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Full Pint, Festivus. Ontap.

Pours a dark brown in color, the bartender had to work to get any head on the beer at all. Aroma consists of caramel malt and some holiday spice. Flavor is a bit more complex with nutty, mildly roasted malts and some allspice and cinnamon. Fresh tasting beer with some spearmint like hops. Overall a well rounded beer and my favorite seasonal from full pint.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2010 15:38:54 | More by Stinkypuss

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours a hazy brown-ish color with a light tan head. In the aroma, a sweet roast, hint of caramel and a small nuttiness. In the taste, a small roast and dry nuttiness and a small caramel sweetness, but a bit watery. A small bite and medium to a thin bodied mouthfeel, with a dry small hop in the aftertaste. Nice hop in the aftertaste, but a bit thin.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2010 15:45:53 | More by OWSLEY069