Sweet Child of Vine is an English-style IPA brewed by Fulton Beer, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a can.
Appearance
The ale pours a mostly cloudy deep copper—nearly amber, in fact—and is topped by a thick off-white cap of rocky foam that shows fine retention. Following the reduction, patches of lace clutch the sides and a thin ring of bubbles rounds the glass. Ample bits of fine sediment are visibly afloat.
Aroma
The aroma wafts caramel, toffee, toasted bread, earthy hops, and a hint of stewed vegetables.
Flavor
Malty biscuit and toasted bread lead the palate with a mild mix of piney and floral hops. The finish is spiked with orange citrus, grassy hops, and bottoms out with caramel and toffee.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is soft and smooth with a body that’s just over medium and moderate carbonation. Finishes dryly with a slight astringency.
Overall
Its appearance is lovely. There was a slight vegetal character to the aroma that was off-putting. The IBU count is a bit high for the style but a hefty malt backbone keeps its bitterness mostly in check. Feels a bit thick but its dryness makes it pretty easy to tilt back. Sweet Child of Vine is a beer that you’re not sure if you care for it at first but its taste really grows on you as keep drinking.