Fullsteam Brewery - Sweet Potato Ale
I think I mentioned before that Sean at Fullsteam had given me a couple bottles to try. For those who missed it, the other day I posted a review of Hogwash!, the coming-soon Durham brewery's smoked porter. After knocking out that one earlier this week, I was looking for an opportunity to try the other one, Sweet Potato Ale. Who am I kidding? I was saving it for the Super Bowl.
Bio
The Sweet Potato Ale is another of Fullsteam's Plow-to-Pint brews. Those familiar with pumpkin ales might assume that this, too, would be brewed with pie spices. Instead, it's actually brewed with real sweet potatoes. Baked sweet potatoes are added to the mash, giving this beer its color and unique aroma and flavor.
6.2% ABV
Appearance
Bright, golden color. Mostly clear appearance, with only a slight haziness.
Thin white head. Ample carbonation.
Aroma
The aroma is almost what you'd expect... strong and sweet with a distinct soft and mellow sweet potato smell.
Taste & Feel
Imagine a mellowed-out pumpkin ale.. sweeter and not as spicy. The flavor starts off with a light, honey malt. The sweet potato flavor is well-deifned, and is sustained right through the mild spice finish.
It has a medium body and smooth, rich mouthfeel with a bit of a carbonated tingle.
Verdict
As much as Sean was touting the Hogwash!, the Sweet Potato Ale sort of blindsided me with how good it is.
This beer will be on my next Thanksgiving table. However, I don't want to pigeonhole it as a fall seasonal. Fullsteam plans to offer it year-round. It holds promise as an accompaniment to a variety of meals, but the unique flavor will allow it to stand on its own as a good casual drinker.
