Unique Flavors in Southern Beer

Is there such a thing as “southern” beer and if so, what makes it special?  Local ingredients, that’s what.

This is the season for pumpkin flavored beer but head to North Carolina, or Mississippi and you’ll find some truly unique flavors.

At Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, N.C you’ll find native persimmon grown in the area creating an ale that is smooth and spicy.  The persimmon trees were planted as wind breaks by farmers who now supply the small, bright orange fruit to Fullsteam.  These persimmons differ from the larger Asian variety and are said to have a spicy apricot/pumpkin flavor.  Fullsteam’s Persimmon Harvest Ale is described as a “classic winter fireplace beer”.  It is also available in South Carolina.

In Kiln, Mississippi, look for Lazy Magnolia Brewery’s Jefferson Stout, a creamy brew flavored with sweet potatoes.  That’s true Mississippi.  Lazy Magnolia also makes a Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale possibly the first beer in the world made with whole roasted pecans.  Its fans are legion and the beers can be found in MS, AL, LA, TX, GA, FL, SC, OH, KY, IL, NY, MO, AR, and TN.