Cranker’s Brewery has worked hard, upping their game to become one of Michigan State’s most sought after breweries, and their porters are leading the charge with plenty of accolades including a Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Using a single bettering hop, the acclaimed Warrior hop, this was brewed to allow the astringency from the roasted, darker malts to be balanced by the sweetness of coconut and chocolate, which immediately take centre stage open cracking.
Coconut Porters continue to be a hit with brewers around the world. Ranging from bold flavours that can be overdone for the sake of ‘going big’, to those with modest flavour profiles. Head Brewer, James Crank, has found a really nice balance between the two extremes and produced a highly quaffable brew that can be enjoyed all year-long, though we recommend drinking by end of August, at 9 C.
Deep dark brown, and pours into the glass with medium-low carbonation and a thin tan head that dissipates nicely.
Aromas of chocolate, coconut and molasses from the sweet malts show themselves with subtlety. There is nothing overpowering here, but lots to dissect for those with patience and affinity to coconut porters.
The aroma is a nod in the right direction. With a silky smooth mouthfeel from the oats, the texture is spot on for a porter. Using black and chocolate malts, there are subdued flavours of coffee, toffee, roasted grain and caramel to add to the obvious coconut and chocolate standouts. Drinks really well and leaves a slightly sweet aftertaste on the palate, yet with some light acidity. Overall this is a great porter with the chocolate and coconut being extensions of the brew.
Because it lands at 6.1% ABV, it should stand up to a nice lamb, chicken or red curry. Desserts are also fun with this style, from chocolate cupcakes to vanilla-bean ice cream.