Full Sail IPA - Full Sail Brewery & Tasting Room & Pub

Omnium

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This is new to PA from what I've gathered, and I've only noticed three of their beers in my area so far.
Bottle > Pint Glass

A - Pours a nice standard gold color, but very little head, no lacing retention at all.
S - Interesting smell, pine hops with an undertone of citrus, some mixed malts of bread and toffee, and a few grassy hints as well.
T - First thing you get is some piney bitterness, but it washes away fast, then you get this rather strong wheat and yeast flavor, kinda bready, even though this isnt heavily malted, its flavor is more pronounced than the hops.
M - Well carbonated for sure, dry finish, mildly bitter
O - I wasnt expecting anything great. I dont need the label to tell me something is "ridiculously tasty" thats usually the first indication there's a liar amidst their 47 employee's. But its not bad, definitely sessionable, but more in the line of a summer IPA, very much reminds me of HopSun, just 10 times less exciting and flavorful. But a decent introduction to Full Sail, maybe they'll get super creative, who knows.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 02:25:43 | More by Omnium

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +22.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Once again, it is my extreme honor and privilege to welcome Hood River, OR to the Great & Mighty Commonwealth of PA! I was just in Philly yesterday and I have seen more Full Sail beers here in Lancaster than I did there. Maybe I was not looking hard enough or maybe Lancaster (City & County) has made it onto the beer map at last. Just wonderin' ,,,

From the bottle: "Ridiculously Tasty India Pale Ale"; "Specialists in the Liquid Refreshment Arts Since 1987"; "47 Employee Owners".

Man, I was jonesin' for a beer today, especially after yesterday's Real Ale Fest at Yards. I had this as the next one to drink and I was thinking about it as the end of the day approached. I wasted no time getting from the bottle into a shaker glass and I quickly had two fingers of rocky, tawny head with very good retention for my efforts. Color was a deep-amber with NE-plus quality clarity. The nose was resinous with a pine scent and my mouth was watering. I had to wait for the foam to fall, leaving sticky lacing in its wake. Mouthfeel was medium and I was instantly reminded of why I am a self-proclaimed hophead. Hops are the bomb, yo! I felt like an addict getting his fix and the pine sap flavor was making me feel right at home. Finish was dry, not gasping for air afterwards dry, but still dry. And hoppy. Did I mention that I like hops? I liked this beer ... a lot. More, please.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 23:13:22 | More by woodychandler

TheMarkE

California

4/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Nice amber color with plenty of foam and some lacing.

Smell: Caramel malts with pine, citrus, and floral notes.

Taste: Delicious. Plenty of hop flavor without being overly bitter, balanced with just the right amount of malts and enough spice to give it a bit of complexity.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a clean aftertaste.

The Verdict: Excellent. Though some hopheads may find it lacking, the subtlety of this is nearly perfect for my palate. Since I can’t get my Sweetwater 420 and Victory is a rarity in these parts, this may become my new session IPA.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2013 16:41:18 | More by TheMarkE

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.89/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - A bright amber orange tint. Head is a 1/4 inch but seems to stick around for a bit with decent lacing. Bubbles feeding the carbonation.
S+T - Smell is to be desired with some moderate gram cracker, bread, and piney hops but taste is way better than expected. Very balanced citrus hop bitterness, some bready gram cracker crust, and a finish with some piney hops that cling to the palate. Not blown away but I am impressed.
M - Light to medium, easy to drink, hides the 60 IBU's well.

Overall I would drink this again. In a way it reminds me of 60 minute IPA with less carbonation in a way helping drink ability. I would buy it again if I found it.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2013 03:06:42 | More by DrDemento456

smiga

New Jersey

3.74/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

EMPLOYEE OWNED!

Appearance: CLEAR well carbonated golden color with tiny bubbles of carbonation floating towards a solid white head w good retention.

Aroma: Old fashioned american ipa. bready. Yeasty. A bit of caramel, toffee, malt but sweet. Some fruit and a little citrus and pine.

Taste: Bitter and American classic at first, and bready. Caramel and english malts with a lemon - hoppyness. It's drinkable, and thirst quenching - their goal, but a bit forgettable too. Not as intense as big hoppy IPAs like Stone or American PAs like Dales.

Mouthfeel: medium body with above average effervescence and easy drinkability. Nice summer beer, not a winter beer really. Should be delivered in cans please.

Overall: Definitely a gentle IPA for someone just getting into hops. Not the intense flavor and bitterness that hopheads want. Love that FULL SAIL is employee owned (47)! For that reason, I recommend them. Bready, bakery, summery, light beer. Should be in cans!

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2013 23:30:59 | More by smiga

jmbranum

Oklahoma

4.71/5  rDev +31.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Light amber colored liquid with a white head. Very, very pretty in the glass, especially when held up to the light.

Aroma is nice and full with lots of grain and maltyness, aromatic hops and a hint of pineapple and oranges.

Flavor is very balanced. There is a background of matzah bread, a little bit of toastynes and just the right amount of hops. The hops seem to dance between citrus, herbs, mint and a tiny bit of pine.

Mouthfeel is medium to full and feels very smooth.

An excellent beer. On style note --- I would probably label this as being more of a British style IPA or maybe an American style Pale Ale. It is not nearly as hoppy as many American IPA's.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 21:10:08 | More by jmbranum

JamesMN

Minnesota

3.41/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Slightly hazy golden orange color with little bubbles of carbonation floating towards a thin soapy off-white head. Pretty much picture perfect for the style but appearances are hardly ever mind-blowing.

Aroma: Caramel and a hint of toffee in the malt department. Some pine and a little citrus where the hops are concerned.

Taste: A nice burst of bitterness straight away but that quickly dies out and the palate becomes a little watery. Usual caramel and english malts are present along with a sweet lemony hoppyness. The breweries website says that this is meant to be a 'thirst quenching IPA' which I'd agree with. But the end result is an IPA that doesn't focus enough of good hop flavor.

Mouthfeel: Between thin and medium in body with just above average effervescence and easy drinkability.

Final Thoughts: Definitely a starter/transition IPA for someone just getting into craft. It doesn't contain the real flavor and bitterness that hopheads are interested in. Would I drink it again? No.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2013 21:41:40 | More by JamesMN

LXIXME

New Mexico

3.93/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bit above the glass gives this IPA a big white slightly off white head above a clear bright copper golden colored beer. The light biscuity head takes its time to settle into a pretty nice lacing on this hopsy drink.

Light citrus, light fruits, light earthy pine, and a lighter grain malt aroma.

Light citrus fruit and fresh pine taste with just a slight hint of grain malts keep this slightly bitter.

The hops bitterness remains in the dry aftertaste of this medium bodied beer.

This beer has a light and refreshing hops bite to it, not as bold or, to me, as good as Red Chair NWPA but a decent enough IPA to down a few of them on any given afternoon.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 21:45:31 | More by LXIXME

TBoneJones

Texas

3.33/5  rDev -7%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours nice crisp-looking yellow-golden beverage with a very white frothy head.
Tough to smell much, but light fruit and malt. And with a hint of a nondescript funk I don't care for as well.
A hint of fruit is captured by the hop bitterness. Malt backbone is there, some breadiness. Nothing outstanding here, but not bad either. Enough hops to satisfy my taste buds for a quencher. I could reach for a few of these on a warm day and not complain much.
Carbonation is ok and the aftertaste is not bad either. I'd add a half point more if only it didn't come off slightly thin to me.
All in all, despite certain aspects that fell short for me here, this comes through in the end as a whole unit, as a drinkable ipa I'd reach for again one day. I got the impression of this as an ipa that, had it been my first one ever, would have made me want to try other styles. A solid but basic intro to IPAs.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 23:36:42 | More by TBoneJones

nUgZ

North Carolina

2.9/5  rDev -19%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

12 ounce bottle poured into a pint glass.

A: Pours a clear golden color with a 1 finger head and some lacing.

S: Grassy and malty smell. Not too much going on here.

T: Much like the smell, grassy and malty. Bleh.

M: Light to medium bodied with good carbonation.

O: Leaves something to be desired. Not bad, but not something I would seek out.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2012 03:13:22 | More by nUgZ

JayQue

Virginia

3.5/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Fairly average IPA. Pours a clear golden color with medium white head and average retention. Looks like an American lager. Aroma is mild maltiness with a little grassy hops. Taste is somewhat malty with just a little grassy hops to balance it out.

Mouthfeel is light and crisp. Would be an ok session beer if it was not 6.00% abv.

Nothing special, pleasant but there are many better IPAs out there.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 01:14:12 | More by JayQue

brewdlyhooked13

Ohio

3.08/5  rDev -14%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance - a light hazy golden straw color. A thin finger of head on top plants a sticky thin ring of lace at the high water mark. Tendrils of carbonation from the bottom are pushing around flecks of suspended solids in the glass. Maintains a thin cover for a good long time.

Aroma - soapy, floral, wet and lemony. A bit light after setup but pleasant.

Taste - floral, lemony, a light breadiness. A snappy twang of hops mid-palate, but not much development. The bitterness is a touch rough, not quite medicinal. Ends dry and some astringency creeping in on the finish.

Mouthfeel - a decent level of crispness, slightly smooth but wouldn't mind some more of that.

Drinkability - an average drinkable IPA. I would like to see more on the citrus side.

Serving type: bottle

10-17-2012 02:12:19 | More by brewdlyhooked13

mfavoino

Washington

3.45/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Light golden copper color with a finger and a half of head that retains well.

S: Very subtle citrus notes and pale malt. Weak.

T: Pale malts, some citrus sweetness, and some dry bread flavor. Finishes with a touch of hop bite.

M: Medium body, average carbonation, and leaves the palate feeling clean.

O: Too many good IPAs to choose from in the PNW area for this to be one for me to seek again.

Serving type: on-tap

10-13-2012 21:15:37 | More by mfavoino

kojevergas

California

2.58/5  rDev -27.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

12 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap acquired at a Trader Joe's and reviewed live in me gaff in Los Feliz, California. Served into a Uinta pilsner glass. Expectations are average given the brewery - which has been sort of meh for me in the past. Best before 12/18/12. 6.0%.

Not paired with anything. Served straight from the fridge.

A: Pours a two finger beige colour head of some mild cream, above average thickness, and good retention. Colour is a clear pale yellow. No yeast particles. No bubble show. Not particularly vibrant.

Sm: Generic floral hops, clean malts, some cream, and very light citrus. Appealing and fresh. An average strength aroma.

T/Mf: Generic floral hops and slick clean malts. Some artifical cream. The sugary artificial malts don't cover up the hop bitterness on the climax. As a result, the balance is impaired. A bit buttery. Overly smooth and wet, not allowing the flavour to shine through. Simple and underwhelming.

Dr: Drinkable but meh. Another middling bottle of mediocrity from Full Sail. I suppose it's priced well for what it is. A very lackluster beer in the style. More a pale ale than an IPA. I wouldn't bother with this again. Doesn't make me excited for more Full Sail beers.

C-

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2012 05:48:09 | More by kojevergas

harrymel

Washington

1.95/5  rDev -45.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Best by 23JAN13

Pours a nice golden ale with a near solid sheet of fine white foam. Brilliant clarity. Smells like grain, simple grain and some hints of herbal hops - not anything like the current trend in IPA, more english and more oxidized. Flavor doesn't diverge much from the nose: oxidized malts and bitterness with little depth and complexity. Not impressive. Medium bodied with sharp carb and an off dry finish. This beer is too one dimensional and a little oxidized for my preferences.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2012 03:47:08 | More by harrymel

axeman9182

New Jersey

3.48/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle, best by date of 12/14/12, It was poured into my Firestone Walker tulip.

Full Sail IPA pours a 100% clear tangerine, with some dark yellow highlights. About two fingers of white head caps the beer. Head retention is very good, though lacing still ends up a little bit on the spotty side. The nose has a bit fresh crackers to it, along with a floral, earthy hop aroma that is far, far too subtle. That same bready, cracker malt character from the nose provides a nice opening at the front of my palate. The wave of bitterness that rolls through next is moderate, but still enough to grab my attention. The finish is nice, with a bit of an orange-citrus flourish playing nicely against the more floral flavors. The body is very nice and light, with just a little bit of presence. The carbonation just doesn't pop and liven up the beer the way it should. Full Sail's IPA is definitely on the more subtle and restrained side for a style that's not always known for those traits, but it's still a nice beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2012 03:34:11 | More by axeman9182

Vigilante

Nevada

3.38/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Light golden copper color with two fingers of head that dissipates somewhat slowly leaving light lacing.

S: Malt with a hint of hops and citrus. Not a very strong or complex aroma.

T: Pale malt, slight piney taste, lemon notes , crisp finish.

M: Light to medium body (for an IPA), clean a little fizzy. Smooth finish.

O: Decent beer overall but not outstanding. A little too light in the mouthfeel and aroma.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2012 05:27:29 | More by Vigilante

timtwoface

British Columbia (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This beer falls into the category of a "standard" IPA for me, as far as strength goes. This beer doesn't intend to be a hop-bomb and I appreciate that - it is a nice, crisp, bitter, but easy-drinking beer of which I could have many in a single sitting if I so chose. I would definitely recommend this as a good ipa to try - especially if you are not overly familiar with the style. Most of what I have tried by Full Sail has been good and I would say this is my favourite thus far.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2012 06:17:05 | More by timtwoface

phishsihq

Colorado

3.35/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The brew pours a clear, golden color, and is capped by a thin white head that provides spotty lacing. Citrus aromas come out of the gate swinging, mostly grapefruit and orange notes, and is met by muted toasty cereal malt hints. Citrus and just a touch of piney hop flavors dominate the pallet before being evened-out by a slight caramel malt backbone and a slightly bitter finish. Smooth throughout, Full Sail IPA is medium in body, and features a moderate amount of carbonation.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2012 01:14:55 | More by phishsihq

beergoot

Colorado

3.58/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appears as a rich amber with a creamy, long-lasting white head. Smell exudes caramel malts with a citrus and pine hop bouquet. Hop bitterness dominates the taste, coupled with a thin malt presence. Medium bodied, fairly effervescent on the tongue, clean and dry.

I hoped for a bit more balance with this beer. The malt taste and aroma pale behind the strong hop bitterness. A good beer, nevertheless...

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2012 19:28:13 | More by beergoot

daliandragon

North Carolina

3.68/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Golden in color and high in clarity. Crowned by an impressive ivory head and a sticky ring of lacing. Nose features pine and citrus but is a little faint for my taste.

Taste is pleasant with citrus and floral hops and some accompanying bread and caramel notes to the malt. Texture is thick enough but matches the carbonation even;y, which is a plus. The malt really strikes the right notes but I could use a little more of that famous northwestern hop assault to really make this a contender, but this is clean and drinkable. Not something that stands out but a solid, if mellow example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2012 02:33:49 | More by daliandragon

Beerevity

3.6/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a deep orange with a white head. Smell is fruity and clean hops. Bitter hops up front give way to refreshing pine and floral notes. A very refreshing and crisp brew that isn't overly done. Exploring the vast and dangerous plains of IPA's where sky-high IBU's reign king, it's nice to have an ole reliable brew like this one.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2012 22:41:34 | More by Beerevity

soulfly1492

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Aroma: Moderate malt and hops. Malt is mostly pale. Some fruity esters, lemon. Hops are bitter and pine, some citrus.

Appearance: Light gold, high clarity. Lots of bubbles rising. Head is clean white in color. Good retention and tons of lacing.

Taste: Lots of pine and citrus grapefruit hops. Mild alcohol. Moderate pale malt, bready, mildly toasty. The hops get a tiny bit harsh at the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body. Mild carbonation stings a bit. Feels creamy but finishes quite dry.

Overall: Better than average IPA. Full of malt and hop flavor.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 23:32:17 | More by soulfly1492

Brad007

Vermont

3.85/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a mild gold with a very thin head into my glass.

Aroma consists of piney hops and some biscuit malt. Pretty simple

The malt show smore than the hops on the tongue. Balanced. Crisp

Mouthfeel isn't much to write about. Not offensive though.

An excellent ipa that should please fans of the style

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 23:16:55 | More by Brad007

intensify

Colorado

3.88/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured an amber-colored body alongside a 1 finger head. Fast retention and fair lacing.

S- Grassy/floral, dank resinous grapefruit, spices, cracked pepper, bready, apricot, candy-like sugar.

T- Strong hints of grapefruit. hoppy, earthy, a touch of alcohol in the finish. Again, the candy-like flavor sticks to the palate and invites you for another drink. The finish is very bitter, but is complemented by the sweet candy like presence.

M- Medium to high carbonation, medium bodied, and the finish is not the usual dry of "higher" IBU ipa's.

A tasty and refreshing American IPA. Easy to enjoy and if you like hops, this is for you.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2012 05:42:49 | More by intensify