It’s looking like it’s going to be a cold winter. The biproduct of this is: my fridge is quickly filling up with imperial stouts and porters to keep the blood warm. One can I’ve had in my fridge for a couple of weeks is Paleo Pinhead Imperial Coconut Porter from Beavertown and Cigar City. Needless to say, 2/3rds of the way in and my beer blanket is on and I’m tucked in tightly.
Background
Few would argue that 2017 has been the year of collaborations. At times, it’s been difficult to keep up with who’s been brewing with who and new beers have seemed to hit the shelves on a daily basis. I reached a point in the summer where I realised I’d have to start choosing my collab hauls carefully or risk putting an unhealthy dent in my bank account and facing collab-fatigue. When Paleo Pinhead Imperial Coconut Porter arrived in my local bottle shop, I knew it was a definite yes.
With the inaugural Beavertown Extravaganza taking place this year, it’s no surprise that Beavertown’s collaboration game has been stronger than ever in 2017. With the Tottenham brewery inviting their friends from all over the world to take part in the biggest craft beer festival the UK has ever seen, there’s been plenty of opportunity to not only party together but experiment and learn from each other in the brewhouse.
Paleo Pinhead was born from the camaraderie between Beavertown and Cigar City Brewing, from Tampa, Florida.
The beer
Paleo Pinhead is an imperial coconut porter, dispensed from a 440ml can. The brew-sheet for this beer is impressive – the hefty ABV of 9% is the result of a heavyweight malt bill of 8 different barley malts combined with oats, and hops from the USA and Australia in Columbus and Ella, fermented with US-05 American Ale yeast. Given the name of the beer (and the dominant aroma and taste), I’m assuming there’s plenty of added coconut.
The pour
Paleo Pinhead pours almost black, with a lively white head. It’s opaque and syrupy in the glass.
The aroma
This beer delivers a comforting hug to your nostrils. The dominant aromas are chocolate, coffee and sweet roasted malt, complimented by hints of coconut and vanilla. When a beer smells this delicious, it promises to be really special in the taste department.
The taste
Hot damn! Paleo Pinhead more than delivers on it’s promises. This beer is like the liquid child of a dark chocolate bounty and the yellow or pink coconut liquorice allsorts. Upfront, there’s so much sweetness – it’s all coconut, vanilla and roasty cacao, seemingly disguising the 9% ABV, followed up by a satisfying boozy kick to remind you that this badass porter means business. On the palate, it’s smooth, syrupy and creamy, but with a satisfying dryness in the finish.
Verdict
Forget winter warmer, this is a Caribbean winter getaway in your mouth. If you’re after plenty of bitterness in a porter, this probably isn’t for you, but if you’re interested in something dark, indulgent and boozy, definitely look out for this in your local bottle shop!
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