It is often said that beer fans are only as attentive as their local breweries are. Actually, no one says that. I just made it up to sound wise. In today's overly-globalized world, nothing could be further from the truth. There are beers in my refrigerator right now that were lovingly crafted in small German towns, and I was able to walk down the street in Durham, NC to purchase them. The long arm of export is great and all, but there is still something to be said for breweries who decide to keep their product local. It gives you a truly unique experience as a craft beer fan. You get to sit down and partake in something that no one else in the world gets to. One such brewery in my hometown goes by the name of Fullsteam, and one of my favorite weekend activities is to commandeer a growler of their tasty nectar to share among friends. I recently got my hands on their Working Man's Lunch Chocolate Dark Ale.

Per Fullsteam: This beer is a tribute to the Southern tradition of an RC Cola and a MoonPie. We brew this beer with biscuity malts, vanilla, and chocolate nibs from Raleigh’s own Escazu Artisan Chocolates. But instead of using a traditional, dry English or Scottish ale yeast, we get zany and brew with a German (Weihenstephan) yeast strain. The result is a drinkable, “dark ale” with vanilla and chocolate notes. Have your three martinis, Boss Man. We’ll take a Working Man’s Lunch.

See what I mean? A truly unique local experience. Let's get started...

In the glass, this beer has deep brown coloration with some ruby red hues. It comes with a rocky tan head that has great retention. On the nose, the sweet malt of a good brown ale sets up shop as the dominant aroma. There is also a tangy roasted quality swirling around along with faint wisps of vanilla and chocolate. I could tell that the hop profile was trying to poke its head out, but could never quite make it. I had to wait for that first sip to hone in on it.

The mouthfeel is what immediately caught my attention, which is somewhat gritty and dry with a lighter body. Regardless, the beer still drinks like a smooth and syrupy brown ale, which was a cool effect. The roast flavor itself has a tart candied vibe, almost like a soured blend. Caramel and banana flavors also make appearances. I did find hints of vanilla and milk chocolate, but neither were prominent. The hop profile appears on the middle ground and adds a subdued bitterness. The combined flavor profile comes across like a sweet and sour brown ale with a bittersweet chocolate character. It's easy to drink, very enjoyable, and great fun to dissect. It has a lot of interesting complexity that will keep any craft beer fan entertained. The beer finishes clean with a sour malty aftertaste.

Overall, Fullsteam's Working Man's Lunch Chocolate Dark Ale is a tasty brew with a fun personality. It actually does remind me of an RC Cola and a MoonPie, so the beer definitely captures what it set out to. It brings a unique character to the table that you won't be able to find anywhere else and I feel fortunate as a local to have easy access. Fullsteam's mission is to develop a Southern craft beer identity, and Working Man's Lunch certainly fits that bill. Nicely done fellas, cheers!