Full Circle Brewing 'High Speed Rail' Red Ale. 6.8% abv. Deep ruby color. Thin white head that falls to a collar. Moderate retention and lace. Nose of sweet fruity malt. Front taste of amber malt, citrus pulp, notes of tangy orange. Aftertaste of bittersweet fruit candy, faint herbal hops on the back. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, thick, flat carb.

This beer has a nice flavor, but has its flaws. It came from a growler, unopened for two days, which may or may not have affected its unfortunate "young" taste and flat mouthfeel. It tastes like wort in progress, as if it's not quite finished. Another week in the fermenter might make a world of difference. Or not. Either way, I can't recommend this beer as it is. Pass on this one.

From the brewery:

"Lots of caramel and roasted malt gives this beer a big malty sweet body, moderately hopped at 5.3% Alcohol By Volume."

[source: fullcirclebrewing.com]

Full Circle Brewing 'DD' Doppelbock. 8.4% abv. Amber-ruby color. Thin ivory head. Low retention, no lace. Nose of sweet malt, honey, faint cloves on the back end. Front taste of sweet malt, orange rind, bittersweet light fruit. Aftertaste of bitter citrus, brown sugar, light fruit. Medium body. Mouthfeel is hot, thick, sticky, alcoholic.

This is a fine Doppelbock. The taste is malty-fruity with notes of citrus from nose to bottom. The body is balanced well, with the astringent flavor rising to the edge. I would like more head presence but that is nitpicking for a high gravity brew like this. Very good stuff. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"Our version of a doppelbock that is red in color with a sweet apricot front end and a smokey finish. big and hearty (he-he). Award winning, second place 'Sudz In The City' 2012."
[source: pub menu]

Low head retention and zero lace are the only flaws in this otherwise excellent doppelbock.

Full Circle Brewing 1850 London Porter. 5.5% abv. Black in color. A sliver of head off the tap that quicklly fell to zero head. Aroma of plum and raisins. Front taste of raisins and stone fruit. Aftertaste is lingering version of the same. Raisins, plums, some grapefruit rind. Medium body. Mediciney astringent mouthfeel.

I've had this local porter many times, and it's inconsistent. There are times when it's excellent and times when it's not. Today is a "not" day.

From the brewery:

"Made in the style of the Victorian Age. This 'Extra Stout Porter' is made with dark caramel & black malt delivering a delightfully smooth and rich flavor without a husky harsh finish at 5.5% Alcohol By Volume."