| By Full Sail
Retro Look, New Flavors: Celebrating 21 Years of Session!
It’s hard to believe it’s been 21 years since we first launched the brand that changed everything. Since 1987, Full Sail has been brewing on the bluff here in Hood River, but 2005 was the year we introduced the brand that would become a craft lager icon. To celebrate this milestone birthday, we’re doing more than just blowing out candles—we’re celebrating our legacy and expanding the family.
A Tribute to the Original Session
If the new Session Classic cans look familiar, that’s by design. We’ve officially changed wardrobes, moving to a retro package design that is a tribute to the original look that hit shelves back in 2005. It’s a celebration of our history as the ultimate “anywhere” beer. It’s still vibrant red on the outside with that same 30-time gold-medal-winning quality on the inside.
Meet the New Family Members
We aren’t just celebrating the past; we’re pushing the styles forward. Accompanying our Classic Lager on the shelves this spring are two brand-new styles designed for consistency, balance, and maximum drinkability:
Session Japanese Rice Lager: We’ve used rice for a lighter body and an ultra-clean finish, hopped with Sorachi Ace for a subtle lemon zest and herbal character. It’s crisp, dry, and engineered for total refreshment.
Session West Coast Lager: This one is for the hop-lovers. It’s an all-malt lager that showcases Mosaic and Anchovy hops to deliver bright citrus and tropical notes with a firm, clean bitterness and a snappy finish. It’s that classic West Coast character, dialed in for total sessionability.
A Word from the Brewery
“Session is 21 years strong, and we’re not standing still,” says our CEO, Pat Tiernan. “The new lagers show exactly where we’re headed—bold flavor, easy drinking, and built for real-life occasions from the backyard BBQ to the weekend outdoors. It’s a new look that honors our history and reminds people why they fell in love with Session in the first place.”
Our VP of Operations, Garrett Meier, adds that these new brews are all about the craft of the lager: “Lager brewing is a technical discipline—balance is everything. Whether it’s the rice-driven body of the Japanese Rice Lager or the Anchovy/Mosaic-hopped aromatics of the West Coast Lager, we wanted to lean into what we do best: clean, flavorful, highly drinkable beer.”
Coming to a Shelf Near You
Whether you’re in a lawn chair or on a mountain peak, the perfect experience needs the perfect beer. Beginning this spring, you can find the redesigned Session Classic Lager and our two new varieties in draft and 12 oz cans (6-packs and 15-packs) throughout the Pacific Northwest and Colorado. Link to our Beer Finder https://fullsailbrewing.com/where-to-buy/
Save the Date: Party at the Source!
We couldn’t celebrate our 21st birthday without a proper party at the source. We are planning a Session Celebration at our Hood River Brew Pub in early May. We’ll have the new brews on tap, live music, raffles, and special food and beer pairings—all paired with the one of the best views of the Gorge in town. Stay tuned for more details and specific dates!
Ready to grab a 6 pack? Keep an eye on your favorite local bottle shop, Fred Meyer or taproom. We can’t wait to celebrate 21 years of great taste with you.