News beers: Session Fest, two from Dundee

Full Sail Brewing had a new addition to its Session family of beers – Session Fest. It’s a holiday beer that comes in a stubby little bottle.

“When we decided to brew a special Session for the holidays, we knew right away what color it had to be: Red (and full-bodied). Next, we considered what kind of head it should have. Bright white was the obvious answer. And as for the label? Gotta be green, right? So there you have it. A new Session all decked out for holidays, ready to spread joy and cheer. Happy Holidays to one and all! And have a good Session,” said Irene Firmat, Full Sail’s Founder and CEO.

According to Full Sail executive brewmaster Jamie Emmerson, “Session Fest is a Czech-style strong lager (gotta love the Czechs!) called polotmavé or literally ‘light dark or semi-dark.’ Brewed with 2 Row Pale malt, Munich malt, Caramel malt and Wheat malt, and hopped with a blend of Glaciers and Cascades, Session Fest has a medium-to-full body balancing candy caramel and full malt flavors that are underscored by a spicy hoppiness that provides a nice perfume with citrus and pine overtones and a long clean finish.” 6.2% ABV 26 IBU

* Dundee Ales & Lagers had added two beers, Dundee English-Style Ale and Nut Brown Ale, to its variety pack. Dundee English-Style Ale combines pale and caramel malts with Columbus and Cascade hops for a malty, slightly sweet finish. Dundee Nut Brown Ale is brewed in the traditional Yorkshire square fermentation style, with caramel and chocolate malts and Willamette hops, producing a round-bodied ale similar to those found in Northern England.

“Both English-Style Ale and Nut Brown Ale will remind craft beer drinkers of traditional tavern brews, and each has a unique flavor profile,” said lead Dundee brewer Jim McDermott. “English-Style Ale is 5.1 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and rates 17 on the International Bittering Units (IBU) scale, making it easy to drink with a classic, clean taste. The Nut Brown Ale has a 5.3 percent ABV and rates a 20 on the IBU scale. Beer drinkers will enjoy its rich taste and hints of natural hazelnut flavor.”

Making their debut with the new brews are two new Dundee label characters—a barmaid on the English-Style Ale and a squirrel on the Nut Brown Ale. “Dundee approaches craft beer in a fun, drinkable and entertaining way, which is embodied by the characters on our beer labels,” said Lisa Texido, brand manager, Dundee Ales & Lagers. “Consumers will be able to recognize Dundee on-shelf by its eye-catching packaging which features two new characters this fall.”