With last week's first snow came the opportunity to crack open the season's first winter warmer. Full Sail's Wassail, while a misnomer in that it tastes nothing like the spicy Christmastime punch that dates to the Middle Ages, is a fine, hearty comfort. A deep brown ale with a tan head, it leads with a rich, malty, bready nose that teases with a bit of piney hops. Four malts dominate the flavor, which kicks in a little cocoa and caramel and has a nicely balanced bitter-hop finish. The medium to slightly heavy body gives it a creamy, satisfying feel, and alcohol by volume of 7 percent warms the throat and the spirit.

Marcus Chamberland, The Denver post