Death by Coconut. It’s a beer by Oskar Blues of course, Oskar Blues Death by Coconut Irish Porter. Here, one assumes that Oskar Blues is referring to a metaphorical death by coconut, that the beer is just so overwhelmingly packed with coconut flavor that it’s, well death by coconut. What a way to go.

There are, however, other ways to die by coconut that are far less pleasant. Recently, we spent a week in Hawaii. One of the things we did was to visit a tropical plantation, where of course they grow coconuts among other things. Our tour guide gave us a demonstration of how to open a coconut in 5 seconds flat. She also explained how people through the ages have died from coconuts falling on their heads.

Oskar Blues says of Death by Coconut Irish Porter on their website:

Intense pure liquid cacao flavors swirl with popping coconut aromas, all supported by a semi-sweet porter made from loads of our dark chocolate and extra dark caramel malt. This limited release specialty comes around once a year to satisfy that sweet tooth, so get ’em while you can before they disappear. At 6.5% ABV and 25 IBUs, this choconut goodness will have you yellin’ “Pass. Dash. Hit.” all winter long.

Now comes the bad news. The price. In my opinion, Oskar Blues Death by Coconut Irish Porter is one of the most overpriced beers out there. I saw it for the first time in South Carolina at a Total Wine running $15.99 for a 4-pack. $15.99 is high enough for a 6-pack, but a 4-pack? I passed. I did get a can from Chuck Triplett, however, and this review is thanks to his generosity.

Oskar Blues Death by Coconut Irish Porter pours to a jet-black color with a thick creamy tan head and a rich nose of dry toasted coconut. Taking a sip, the beer is about right in body for a porter but maybe a tad thinner than I would like. The coconut is certainly here though, I get fresh coconut and toasted coconut notes, all leading into a dry gently chocolaty and subtly roasty finish.

A tasty beer to be sure, but way overpriced, and not as good a one in my opinion as Maui Coconut Hiwa Porter which I enjoyed in Hawaii. That one is also packed with coconut flavor but runs $6 less and you get two more cans.

4 ½ stars on its own, less a star and a half for the ridiculous price. I didn’t buy it at that price when I saw it, and still wouldn’t after having tried it, as good as it is. Rest assured, Oskar Blues Death by Coconut shouldn’t really kill you. But it is murder on your wallet.

Update 11/30/2017: But wait! How does this even happen? So, you know I think the price of Oskar Blues Death by Coconut is ridiculous in cans. Of course I do. But I still love the beer, and so when I saw it on tap at Taco Mac for $6.25 I ordered it up, expecting to receive an 11-ounce glass. Oh no! I got a full 23-ounce Chancellor mug instead! Makes no sense to me but I’m not complaining, mind you. That's 27 cents an ounce, 6 cents less than the beer sells for in cans.

Let's say, though, you're not a Chancellor and just a Bachelor here....

"You're not a Chancellor and just a Bachelor here!"

OK, we said it. Then you would get 20 ounces for $6.25. That's about 31 cents an ounce. Still cheaper than cans! And hey, even if you walk in off the street and have never been here before you can get a pint for 39 cents an ounce, which is only 6 cents more an ounce than cans.

On tap, the beer screams toasted coconut in the nose and in the palate. Smooth creamy chocolate, too. A liquid Mounds. I might not pay the canned price (that only encourages brewers to price gouge), but at this price on draft, you know I'll be back for more.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled, canned

(D)=Draft

 

 



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