Sunboy Coconut

Sunboy Coconut comes from Esplanda in Massachusetts and is packaged in a 19.2 oz format, which is a little over a pint and a half. That is roughly 1.6 times a standard 12 oz can, so it suits one generous pour or two small glasses shared. The name points to a coconut-flavored beer. The listing doesn't give the base style, ABV or IBU, so the notes below describe what coconut beers usually do rather than a measured profile. Expect coconut to lead the aroma, often reading as toasted or sweet shredded coconut, sitting over a light, clean malt base. Beers built this way tend to keep bitterness low so the coconut stays in front, and they usually finish soft and slightly dry rather than syrupy. If the base is a pale or lager-style beer, it will taste brighter and crisper. If it leans toward ale, expect a bit more bready malt behind the fruit. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F, which keeps the sweetness restrained and the carbonation lively. A pint glass or a tall pilsner glass works best for the larger can. It leaves room for the aroma to gather and holds the foam. For food, coconut beer pairs naturally with spicy dishes such as Thai or Caribbean curries, jerk chicken and fish tacos, where the sweetness cools heat. It also works with grilled shrimp, pineapple-topped pizza and salty fried snacks.