Florida Beer: Sweet Potato Casserole From Funky Buddha Brewery

Every week, we take a look at a craft beer brewed in Florida. Follow #FloridaBeerFriday for more reviews of Sunshine State brews. Get out there and #DrinkLocal.

Happy Friday, and welcome to the weekly beer feature where I take a look at a beer brewed right here in the Sunshine State. It's a glorious time to be a beer drinker!

This week, I'm popping a top of enlightenment with a sampling of Funky Buddha Brewery's Sweet Potato Casserole Strong Ale, a spice/vegetable beer that's brewed up to 7.9 percent ABV. The Oakland Park brewery has made this their fall seasonal, and for good reason: it's bursting with the flavors of autumn, ushering in the harvest season.

You may remember this beer from years past when it was available as a special brewery only release for growler fills and as one of the limited tappings at the Funky Buddha Lounge's anniversary parties. It's a recipe that's been around for a while, but is now, thankfully, available in 12-ounce bottles for your home drinking pleasure.

The beer pours with an orange-red color that shows hints of magenta. It takes a mild white crown that just barely covers the top of the glass. 

Aromas of cinnamon, sweet potato, pumpkin spice, and buttery crust leap out like a quail from the brush. It's a joy to breathe deep the gathering scents of this beverage. Luckily, the flavor pulls through on the nose by showing up sweet but balanced, with strong pie spice character, marshmallow, and the distinction of sweet potato. It rolls through the entire sip and doesn't give up. There is a heft of body to this one and leaves hints of spice lingering towards the end.

Having had this beer in many previous years, I believe that this is the best iteration yet. This is a welcome addition to the fall seasonal lineup from South Florida brewers.

Funky Buddha Brewery's Sweet Potato Casserole is available in four packs of 12-ounce bottles for $11.99.

Doug Fairall is a craft beer blogger who focuses on Florida beers and has been a homebrewer since 2010. For beer things in your Twitter feed, follow him @DougFairall and find the latest beer pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.