13 Beers of Festivus: Day 2 Full Sail Session Black Lager

Full Sail Session Black Lager
Full Sail Brewing Co., Hood River, OR
Schwarzbier
5.4% ABV
18 IBU
BA: Not Rated
Ratebeer: 85(92 style)
Gary's Wine (consumed at home)
12/15/10
$1.49 in Ommegang Witte glass
       Full Sail Session Black Lager is a beer from Oregon that has only been available in the New Jersey market for about a month.  It poured a dark, think, deep black color.  There was a thick, bubbly head of about one finger in size that dissipated slowly.  Upon pouring it seemed highly carbonated as if it were a soda, but as I learned upon tasting, this beer was not to be judged on its looks alone.  At just 5.4% ABV and 18 IBU the Session Black is just that, a session beer.  A session beer is a beer of which several can be consumed over a drinking session without getting the drinker drunk.  There is absolutely no alcohol burn while drinking and it goes down deceptively smooth.  It drinks like a fairly light lager with a little extra malty flavor with some caramel and really light hints of chocolate.  This beer probably won't offend or impress anyone.  The biggest draw of this beer is the cool short, fat bottle that it comes in.  I picked up a single bottle at Gary's Wine in Wayne, NJ for $1.49 and it was also available in 12-packs.  They also sold the Full Sail Session Lager.  I would imagine that it tastes much the same with less caramel.  I wouldn't really recommend this for our more advanced followers, but if you're just starting your craft beer journey, this is a nice way to dip your toes in the deep end.  Its nothing wild, but the color will play tricks on you.  I'll give the Full Sail Session Black Lager 3.5 pints but only because of its quirkiness and price.  For a few more dollars than the big boys but less than most craft brands, pick up a 12-pack for you and a friend if you don't really want to get drunk, but want some flavor.