Full Sail Capsize
Full Sail Brewing Company

Full Sail CapsizeFull Sail Capsize
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From:
Full Sail Brewing Company
 
Oregon, United States
Style:
Imperial Pilsner
ABV:
7.2%
Score:
88
Avg:
3.91 | pDev: 9.46%
Reviews:
18
Ratings:
21
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Aug 24, 2016
Added:
Sep 27, 2002
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
With an extra load of Cascade hops from start to finish, we have upended our Pilsner. Big hop flavors of citrus and pine abound, but with a smooth malt character, this is one remarkably easy-to-drink lager.

Building on our award-winning Cascade Pilsner, our new, dry-hopped Capsize Imperial Pilsner delivers even more Northwest hoppiness and summer happiness. Capsize is an aromatic hoppy delight. Its clean malt profile, well balanced with moderate bitterness, sets the stage for a blend of Cascade, Crystal and Citra hops to provide a spicy Northwest backbone to the full-bodied golden lager.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by freed:
Photo of freed
Reviewed by freed from Oregon

4.28/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
I'm glad to see Full Sail has a range of big and interesting beers to go with their stalwart standards. This beer seemed a surprise, but shouldn't be considering Full Sail's history with pilsners.

I see that many of my sentiments have been voiced - hoppy, aleish, but I'll keep going. Poured from a 22 oz. bottle, a rich orange golden beer with a very tight head of tiny, white bubbles. Really quite attractive. The aroma is hoppy, but in a different way than most IPAs. Owing to the style-specific hops, I'm sure, but they're pleasant at this level. The malt aroma wafts through the hops, and anchors the the beer to its near-style.

The taste is as advertised; Imperial. Though almost an ale in its mouth-feel and taste, the malts and hops really stay true to the form, and provide a pleasant treat. The malt body is reminiscent of a doppelbock, maybe even an Oktoberfest. Slightly nutty and bready. The hops are also about the same level, if not a tad bit more than most I've tried. The flavors are nice and do not push too far. The longer I spend writing, the drinkability increases.
Sep 23, 2003
More User Ratings:
Photo of beergoot
Reviewed by beergoot from Colorado

4.38/5  rDev +12%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Crystal clear, light gold colored body; lively carbonation; thick, creamy head; walls of foam mark every sip from the glass. Bright, subtly malty with a slight citrus-like edge. Mild, bread-like malt backbone; slightly sweet but with a grainy counterpoint; fine hop bitterness showing up midway and lingering at the finish. Heavy body yet gently smooth and soft on the palate; mostly dry finish.

This is an incredibly well-balanced imperial lager beer. There is a fine smoothness and softness throughout all while delivering a big yet seemingly restrained bold pilsner maltiness and hop bitterness. There is nothing harsh or overpowering. An awesome lager that differentiates itself from a bock or even doppelbock.
Aug 24, 2016
Photo of stevoj
Reviewed by stevoj from Idaho

3.94/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bomber from WinCo. Nice golden body, tight white creamy head. Grainy lager aroma erupts into a nice sharp taste, faint hoppy bite at the back end. Creamy, velvety smooth. Closer to a lager than a pils, but well done, so it doesn't mstter.
Aug 12, 2016
 
Rated: 4 by Erik-P from Canada (BC)

Jul 30, 2016
 
Rated: 4.14 by ummswimmin from New Jersey

Jun 27, 2016
 
Rated: 3.75 by LXIXME from New Mexico

Jun 15, 2016
Photo of gripweed44
Reviewed by gripweed44 from Oregon

4.68/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Remember that "Imperial" is a ALE term and
"Double" is a Lager term

This is a Lager. The idea was to "double" the character of a classic pilsner. Think of Double Bock. Saaz hops throughout. If the beer finished with any sweetness, it might be considered a bock. Crisp, attenuated and very drinkable. Silver medal at GABF.

The was the first double Pilsner made in the USA. I had to petition the BATF to allow the name " Double Pilsner" to be used
This was Jim Kennedy's last beer.
Jan 06, 2007
Photo of tfinn
Reviewed by tfinn from Oregon

3.41/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5
one of a few remaining bottles of the one--year-old 2004 batch left to me by a departed friend and fellow beeradvocate. I'm certain he wouldn't mind me reviewing it, and I do so now because I'm a little concerned that these won't hold up much longer, since my basement seems to stay eternally in the high 60s rather than a more appropriate 55. some of the bottles have been oxidized beyond acceptable levels, but this one seems to be in fairly good condition. with that disclaimer...

pours thicker-than-normal yellow/orange with a light head and tiny slow-moving bubbles. some haze, and a good amount of yeast in the bottom of the bottle. I remember younger versions being much clearer, bordering on bright, and it's possible the yeast are a low-flocculating strain, and the extended storage has allowed them to reproduce. it would be a good exercise to hold one of the bottles just slightly above freezing for a few weeks to see if it would drop out.

smells of musty but still sweet hay, some grass, estery apricot / peaches, slight phenol/solvent, and a bit of what the OSU brewing program calls "pineapple upside down". the fruity elements are the intensity of some british-style ales, which wouldn't be acceptable for a normal pilsner, but this is american double pilsner, so OK.

taste is what my friend termed "salty pilsner" and yes, there does seem to be a salty cooked grain component to it, along with a fairly strong green hop notes. the intensity is still there compared to younger samples, but the elements seem to have melded together. this sample is slightly oxidized, which may explain a slight metallic flavor. it's odd to me that this is still so weighty; I would have expected the lengthened storage to dry it out, but full sail obviously knows how to control their unfermentables. (there does seem to be a bit of crystal malt in here too?)

mouthfeel is full and coating. no carbonic tang. malt flavors are cleansed by citrus-rind hops and a touch of alcohol. I get a slight bit of hop spice here too, which I'm sure is present in the nose, but is likely buried by everything else. no sourness. this beer isn't fresh, but it isn't infected either.

I'm a bit mixed on drinkability. this has pilsner elements, but with the intensity of, say, an ESB. it is a bit weighty, and although the finish is clean, it's simply thick and seemingly filling to me. a single bomber is enough -- it's not something I'd have multiple bottles of. it's a ruminating beer, for me perhaps more than other people. I hope full sail brings it back sometime so I can get a young sample again.
Dec 08, 2005
Photo of mentor
Reviewed by mentor from Colorado

4.2/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Bomber obtained from Total Beverage a couple months ago and aged at room temp until tonight. Pours a thick two-finger yellow-light-tan head over a cloudy apricot colored liquid. Oops, I wasn't aware there was sediment in the bottle and some particulates went into the glass. Smells rich malty with some hops that go with an alcohol sting. The hops smell like hallertauer, but also with some west coast citrusy hop character (orange oily, mostly), which I don't think fit in a pils. Tastes is hoppy oranges, smooth alcohol sting, and thick malt. Hop bitter is low, but is augmented by alcohol burn. The beer is quite fruity, which is not in the style of a pils. Can't be helped, I suppose, with this much malt. The malt is apricots, light-colored raisins, a hint of soured malt, honey, and some canned pear syrup. The aftertaste, where hop floral shines (for me, at least) is hop bitter on the back of the tongue with pithy and orange oil qualities. This beer is more of a stong IPA than a Pilsener. It's tasty, but not to style. Too fruity and too west coast hoppy. Really enjoyable. Nice smooth thick mouthfeel and carbonated to fit the flavor. This beer is reviewed to my preference (which tends toward malty sweet beers), rather than to style.
Sep 25, 2005
Photo of ElGordo
Reviewed by ElGordo from Oregon

3.6/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
A bottle of vintage 2003 that sat in my cellar for about two years. Why so long? Beats me. I just rationed out my trophy beers that I brought from Oregon reeealy slowly.
Pours a slightly cloudy orange-amber color with a light, bright head. Huge bubble emanating from the bottle of the glass slow down after a bit, but still keep coming. Nose is much different than I remember when I had this beer fresh. It's almost like a barleywine - rich malt, dark sweet fruit, brown sugar, and ale yeast, all built around a very strong presence of alcohol.
Palate is unique. Up front, a vinous, tart, citrusy flavor asserts itself immediately. A touch of malty sweetness emerges for just a bit mid-palate, yielding to a wide array of flavors, including some pine and balsamic vinegar. Finish is a tad bitter, but still pleasant.
Body is slightly syrupy, with a moderate amount of carbonation. This is a slow drinker, and probably better young, but aging definitely has yielded interesting results.
Jul 27, 2005
Photo of UncleJimbo
Reviewed by UncleJimbo from Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
22 oz brown bottle, capped. 2003 Reserve.

This beer poured a hazy, peach color with creamy, off-white foam that persisted. The smell was hoppy (NW hops) with some malt aromas. It tickled the nose a bit. The taste was somewhat sweet malt and very hoppy. A bit of alcohol could be tasted as well. There was a slightly resinous hoppy flavor in the finish. The mouthfeel was smooth and creamy and warming with medium body and moderate carbonation. The alcohol and hops lingered on the palate. This was a decent beer, but I think I prefer "single" pilsners over "doubles".
Feb 26, 2005
Photo of Mitchster
Reviewed by Mitchster from Michigan

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Reserve 2003, 22 oz bottle. 7.2% ABV.
Pours out to a cloudy sunset orange-golden, forming a tall creamy, whipped, meringue-like light beige head with wonderful retention and one continuous solid sheet of lacing. Beautiful looking brew. Aroma is wonderful...sweet husken pale malts wonderfully in balance with abundant floral hops and vanilla rooibos. I am not getting a distinct Saaz character here...in fact, I'm getting a distinct Northern Brewer, Mt. Hood, Amarillo thing going here. Carbonation is mild to moderate. Mouthfeel is spicy and zippy, with a medium-dense body, not soft like a traditional pilsener. Taste begins with spicy citric, resinous, and floral hops, followed by a substantial pale malt bill with golden raisin and date notes. Bitterness is moderate with woody and herbal tones and lingers long into the aftertaste. The finish is medium-dry and has touches of honey and residual sugars.

I have a hard time calling this a double pilsener, because in every aspect it says it's an IPA. 99% of serious beer drinkers would call this an IPA as well. Nevertheless, this is a good brew, but wasn't quite what I was expecting for my first "Double Pilsener". If you are seeking something adventurous, this is not it.
Nov 04, 2004
Photo of RedDiamond
Reviewed by RedDiamond from Oregon

3.05/5  rDev -22%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Was a pilsner ever meant to be doubled? Wouldn’t the extra infusion of alcohol impinge on the delicacy of the flavor and crush its malty nuances and floral bouquet? And doesn’t the very name of this beer portray a lack of balance?

Capsize suggests this may all be true. On the one hand it boasts a light fruity aroma and a clear, true gold color. On the other hand, the low carbonation is contrary to the pilsner style and produces no head or lace. This rounds the mouthfeel a bit but deletes the more nuanced elements that might emerge from the fragrance.

Capsize has a full malt profile sealed to its bittering compliment by a prominent measure of alcohol. The taste is modestly fruity yet spiced with a peppery bite.
Oct 22, 2004
Photo of gbontrag
Reviewed by gbontrag from Colorado

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Golden as yellow pine floors with a head in the clouds; white and tall and proud, and hanging on like snow on a 'fourteener.'

Smells like...Oh, so good b-e-e-r: Malt-O-Meal with a shot of wheatgrass juice.

This puts my tastebuds on edge with an astringent bite, then ties them up with hop vines. Now the interrogation begins over-buttered scones. There's plenty of dry humor, and bitter barbs. It's like talking to an ex-girlfriend who's hoppier now; she's making more money then you, she has a great new boyfriend, a nice car and house, (Is that a boob job?), and she still has that sharp sense of humor. It's kinda nice to talk to her, she always was easy....to talk with.

A great beer to start the evening out with.
Oct 04, 2004
Photo of feloniousmonk
Reviewed by feloniousmonk from Minnesota

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Clear, bright, honey-golden appearance, fresh, chalk-white head, 1/4" and slowly dissapating. Aroma: lively hoppiness, Saaz, I'd bet, floral, herbal, and sweet, distinctive and impressive.
Big mouthfeel, full blast of tantalizing hops that sweetly ring the mouth, before drying out. This play on the palate returns in every sip , and before long the larger than average ABV starts to ring forward and rise above the flavor, projecting itself as a major player in the overall profile. Now, I'm not sure why the meaning of this brew's name escaped me so far, but I get it now!
Vry tasty, with a rich, amber flavor, slightly buttery, but classically pilsneresque, with an extra edge.
Yum! Double-thanks to weefisheads!
Mar 08, 2004
Photo of beernut7
Reviewed by beernut7 from Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This is the first I have heard of this variation of style. Nice clear straw-colored pour with a thick foamy head. The aroma of sharp malt and spicy noble hops invites a deep sip. The first taste is sharp and bitter with bold caramel malt overtones. The bitterness becomes less apparent and plateaus to a moderate level though the finish. The malts are well incorporated into a bold, impressive brew that would probably cellar well. The spiciness of the hops pairs well with a light alcoholic warmth
Sep 28, 2003
Photo of beerguy101
Reviewed by beerguy101 from California

4.18/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
Deep gold color, medium head. A full-bodied pilsner. Very malty and very hoppy. Very full flavor. Big and bold, yet very smooth taste. Pilsner flavor but very full and expansive taste. Mouthfeel is very full and round. Finish is smooth and clean. Aftertaste is slightly bitter. Interesting beer. Not much of an alcohol bite at 7.2%
Aug 16, 2003
Photo of MJR
Reviewed by MJR from Missouri

3.67/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
22oz bottle

Reserve 2003...(7.2%abv, which is higher than last years)

Appearance: Pours a crystal clear yellowish-gold with a small amount of carbonation bubbles. It's light tan head starts out huge before fading to a small, but lasting cap.

Smell: Unique aroma with this brew. It's best described as a cross between a pilsner and a barleywine. There's the maltiness and freshly mown hay of the former, along with the alcohol and fruitiness of the latter. Fair amount of hop aroma too, which brings a bit of balance.

Taste: The flavor starts out a bit rough and ragged, with the maltiness and fruitiness somehow peacefully coexisting. That freshly mown hay character gets trampled in the process. Swishing it around my mouth brings out all kinds of fruit...lemon, banana, etc... There's a pronouced hop bitterness and flavor that slowly grow, until they take over in the finish, along with a slighty burnt taste and a spicy, alcoholic dryness. The alcohol isn't very well hidden, as this feels and tastes like it's stronger than 7.2%abv.

Mouthfeel: Slighty syrupy, with a full and round mouthfeel. Massive alcoholic dryness on the finish, which somehow turns a bit crisp.

Drinkability: This beer seems like a good idea, but the execution isn't as good. It's too rough and ragged with it's alcohol content. I would cellar a bottle for a year or so to see if age could smooth it out, but I only purchased one bottle during my recent vacation.
Aug 13, 2003
Photo of Reidrover
Reviewed by Reidrover from Oregon

4.03/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Ok the 2003 Reserve is here!! and its way stronger..weighing in at 7.2%
Comes in the 22 oz brown bomber..with the new moderd looking Full Sail label..nice bright blue and yellow.
This is a wondeful pilsner bier to behold deep dark honey golden colour..with a nice sized white head..nice carbonation strings..head goes fast but some lovelly lacing is around all down my glass.
Very livelly aroma of spicy hops is evident..also a nice doughy aroma.
Wow this is one hoppy pilsner..the hops are very "sharp"..alcohol aftertatse but its well balanced..theres even some remanents of malt after wards..alcohol warming in the throat.
Nice and spicy on the palte but it smooths out near the end.
Very nice drinkable beer..what is this though "Double Pilsner" it says on the label..Imperial Pilsner anyone?
Jul 28, 2003
Photo of sinistersteve
Reviewed by sinistersteve from Washington

3.36/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This is most certainly an interesting beer. I can easily say I've never had anything like it before. It's got a great orange-amber color to it that appears very inviting, but its aroma is something that is hard to decipher. Almost a skunky aroma, but not a bad skunky. Very citrusy and a strong alcohol scent in fact. It's flavor is unusal at first, but the 7.2% ABV helps you forget about it rather quickly. Not a bad beer, but probably something I won't get again knowing I have better things to choose from Full Sail.
Oct 12, 2002
Full Sail Capsize from Full Sail Brewing Company
Beer rating: 88 out of 100 with 21 ratings