We have just recently started to get Full Sail in our area and I’ve gotten the opportunity to try a few of their beers before, however I’ve never tried this particular brew, so I’m really eager to see how it is.
From the website, fullsailbrewing.com, we find this bit of info about the Session “Black” Premium Dark Lager.
Short, Dark, and Drinkable and seven time Gold Medal Winner including the 2009 GABF! The second addition to family, Session Black, carries the mantra of drinkability into new territory. Most beers this dark are so heavy-duty, you could eat them with a fork. Session Black, on the other hand, lets you have your dark beer and drink it, too. With just a hint of roasty chocolate character, Session Black is short, dark, and totally drinkable. At long last, a dark beer that doesn’t drink like a meal.
Sounds good. Let’s drink.
This brew came in a cool, little, stubby, 11 oz. bottle and it had an ABV of 5.4%.
It poured a very dark brown color with some copper and ruby highlights throughout. The head was tan in color, somewhat small and insignificant, but smooth. I thought that the retention time was below average and the lacing left behind was slim to none.
The nose brought forth some toasted grain along with a “tea leaf” kind of aroma. A bit of light coffee and chocolate were found, although neither fragrance was overly dominant. A bit of nuttiness was discovered after the brew warmed a touch. Overall, not extremely complicated or robust, but not too bad either.
From the taste…. a solid dose of toasted/roasted malt and grain pushed forward as well as some toasted breads and bread crusts. Some dry chocolate and very light coffee savors as well as some more of that nuttiness that was discovered in the fragrance.
The mouthfeel was medium bodied. Mostly dry, smooth and slick. A decent amount of medium strength carbonation was felt, however not a terrible amount of flavor was left behind on the palate between sips. It vanished fairly quickly to be honest.
Well…. this was an ok beer and worth a try if you happen to see it. I don’t necessarily think that I would go out of my way to find it, but I’m definitely glad that I had the opportunity to give it a test drive and I’d drink it again if it were offered. It has some complexity and some character, yet not quite to the level of some of the other Full Sail brews that I’ve tried. Either way, if you guys happen to see it on the shelf, pick it up and decide for yourself if it’s a worthy brew. Be sure to let me know your opinion of the Full Sail Session “Black” Premium Lager if you’d like. I’d love to hear a second opinion.
Thanks for reading everyone. I really appreciate you all taking a few minutes to check out the review.
Until next time. Cheers.
Score: 3.45 out of 5
Grade: B-
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Zach
February 24, 2013 at 8:17 pm
This is a beer a friend of mine mentioned to me recently. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to once I can find it. I am a particular fan of this style of beer (dunkel, dark lager, schwarzbier, etc.).
Just curious… I am in search of the so-called 'perfect' dark lager/ dunkel. From your foray into this style, what would you recommend?
This is a fairly new search for me. The only ones I've had that are worth mentioning are Dark Cloud by Mother Earth Brewing, Black Radish by Weeping Radish Brewery, and 1554 by New Belgium (the weakest of the three IMO).
Would love to get any recommendations that might be easily available/ widely distributed.
Just discovered your blog, and plan to pop in from time to time. Prost!
Zach
February 24, 2013 at 8:17 pm
This is a beer a friend of mine mentioned to me recently. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to once I can find it. I am a particular fan of this style of beer (dunkel, dark lager, schwarzbier, etc.).
Just curious… I am in search of the so-called 'perfect' dark lager/ dunkel. From your foray into this style, what would you recommend?
This is a fairly new search for me. The only ones I've had that are worth mentioning are Dark Cloud by Mother Earth Brewing, Black Radish by Weeping Radish Brewery, and 1554 by New Belgium (the weakest of the three IMO).
Would love to get any recommendations that might be easily available/ widely distributed.
Just discovered your blog, and plan to pop in from time to time. Prost!
Scott Shrewsberry
February 25, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Zach,
After reading your comment I'd say that you have more experience with Dark Lagers than I do!!! I don't really seek them out. I do pick them up every so often, but I have yet to find one that I really enjoy…. or rather one that I want to pick up on a regular basis.
I'd just try all that I could find if I were you. You'll run across a diamond in the rough at some point I'm sure.
Thanks a bunch for reading and commenting brother. I really appreciate it.
Cheers,
Scott
Scott Shrewsberry
February 25, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Zach,
After reading your comment I'd say that you have more experience with Dark Lagers than I do!!! I don't really seek them out. I do pick them up every so often, but I have yet to find one that I really enjoy…. or rather one that I want to pick up on a regular basis.
I'd just try all that I could find if I were you. You'll run across a diamond in the rough at some point I'm sure.
Thanks a bunch for reading and commenting brother. I really appreciate it.
Cheers,
Scott