Maui Brewing Co. CoCoNut PorTeR

Beer: CoCoNut PorTeR
Brewed by: Maui Brewing Co.
Style: Porter
ABV: 5.7%
IBUs: 30
Can: (Yep, you read that right!) 12 Fluid Oz.
Served in: Pint glass
Place of purchase: Beverages and More! (BevMo)
Price: $9.99 / 4-pack

There's no denying that our prejudice against beer that comes in cans prevented us from trying the Coconut Porter sooner, but as soon as we took a look at their reasoning, we couldn't argue against it. As it says right on their can, "Cans are lighter, chill quicker... eliminate light damage and reduce the risk of oxidation, keeping our beer fresher than in bottles!" And "Aluminum is the most recycled and most eco-friendly material." It struck a chord in both the environmentalist and the beer lover within us!

Personally, I don't think Mugsy was too excited about drinking Coconut flavored beer of any kind, but I couldn't wait to try it! After all, not only has the Coconut Porter won several awards; not only is it brewed with six varieties of malted barley, hops and hand-toasted coconut, but it's brewed with Aloha! How many beers can say that?!?!

In every proper review, your trusted husband & wife team of Beeraucrats will examine the Appearance, Aroma, Taste, MouthFeel, Drinkability and Overall Rating of the Beer and arrive at a Total Score from
1 to 10.

CoCoNut PorTeR

APPEARANCE:

Mugsy: Extremely dark brown. Completely opaque and unable to be seen through, even when held to light. Light tan colored head that dissipates to practically nothing. No lacing left on glass whatsoever.
Jugsy: Very dark brown -- almost black. Thick and dark, even when held up to light. Tan, frothy head dissipates quickly down to nothing.

AROMA:

Mugsy: Strong smell of roasted malt is first to hit the nose. Very sweet. Lots of dark chocolate aroma mixed with toffee, as well. Slight hint of coffee is in there also.
Jugsy: Sweet chocolate, toffee and sugary coconut scents are right at the forefront. Spicy aromas are also present: vanilla, nutmeg and allspice blend in with a slightly funky yeast. Roasted malt/coffee marries nicely with toasted coconut for a candy-scented harmony throughout.

TASTE:

Mugsy: Strong taste of chocolate and roasted malt. The toasted coconut is prominent. Very nice balance between hops and malt here. While the malt is dominant, the hops are quite obviously present, unlike what is found in some porters.
Aftertaste is slightly of coffee and definitely of toffee and caramel. The sweetness and bitterness do a lovely little dance with each other.
Jugsy: Bitter roasted malts and hops are among the first flavors to hit your tongue, followed immediately by sweeter toffee and coconut taste. The coffee, spices and sweet coconut combine to deliver a complex flavor palate with the distinct
aftertaste of toasted coconut and coffee grounds.

MOUTHFEEL:

Mugsy: The coating left on the tongue, as if one has just eaten dark chocolate is the dominant factor here. Slight sting from the roasted malt and hops. Goes down nicely, if not just a tiny bit watery.
Jugsy: Creamy and bold with a fair amount of carbonation. Leaves a roasted malt and bitter hops coating on the tongue.

DRINKABILITY:

Mugsy: The aforementioned watery finish (really, very slight) actually makes this somewhat of a refreshing beer, if one can imagine saying that about a porter. At 5.7% ABV, I'd have no problem throwing back several of these before feeling like I'd had enough. However, the sweetness, which is not overbearing after only one, might become an issue after two or three. Also, the heavy tongue coating might become an annoyance after a while.
Jugsy: Very nice beer. Only the price-tag would keep this from being a session beer. It's rich in flavor, but not heavy feeling and I could certainly enjoy drinking this brew all evening.

OVERALL:

Mugsy: Nicely done! Overall, quite a nice balance between the sweet and the bitter, even if the sweet does take over a little. While some porters become more complex in flavor as they warm, this one most certainly does not. The flavors become far less distinct and the finish becomes even more watery. This is definitely meant to drunk cold. Still a nice job and I would be happy to drink again. Would go well with sweet chocolately desserts and would go extremely well with rich, hearty stews on one of those cold winter nights. Ahhhh, cold porter, warm stew and a hot wife! Tonight, I think I'll take all three!
Jugsy: I had to overcome the idea that quality beers only come in bottles. After looking at Maui Brewing Co.'s reasons for choosing cans (both environmental and to protect the flavor of beer) I was convinced that they really cared about what they were doing and became very curious about what the CocoNut PorTeR actually tasted like! The smell and taste of this porter is truly unique, rich and extremely pleasant. I became an instant fan the first time I tried it. (The colder, the better on this one!) It doesn't taste like it comes from a can, but it does taste like it costs $9.99 for a four-pack! You'll forget all about the price-tag once you taste its greatness!

SCORE:
Mugsy: 7.65
Jugsy: 8.95