Mixed Up Mai Tai

Mixed Up Mai Tai is a beer from Massachusetts that borrows its name and concept from the tiki-bar classic. No ABV, IBU, or style designation is listed for it, so treat the following as what beers of this concept usually deliver rather than a measured profile. Mai Tai-themed beers are typically built on a lighter, fruit-forward base, with notes of orange, pineapple, or other tropical fruit, sometimes a nutty almond-like sweetness (the orgeat of the cocktail), and a restrained hop bitterness so the fruit stays in front. Expect a fuller aroma than flavor intensity, with a bright, juicy finish rather than a dry, bitter one. Serve it cold, around 38 to 45°F, so the fruit character stays crisp. Letting it warm a few degrees as you drink will bring out more sweetness and aroma. A tulip glass or a stemmed pint glass suits it best, since the narrowed rim holds the fruity aromatics; a standard shaker pint works fine too. For food, the usual tiki-style pairings apply: grilled pineapple pork, shrimp skewers, jerk chicken, fish tacos with mango salsa, or coconut-based curries. The beer's fruit and sweetness balance spicy or salty dishes well. It also works alongside lightly sweet desserts such as coconut cake or grilled stone fruit.