Coconut + Curry + Beer? WTF?
Writing reviews on Frosty Goodness doesn’t pay well. In fact, it doesn’t pay at all. And when Frosty is on my ass for not writing a post in like, forever, it is hard to get motivated. HOWEVER, a perk has begun to surface. It seems that there are some people who actually read Frosty Goodness. People who are not the same people who write it. We’re not talking thousands or even hundreds, but a couple people have tuned in now and then. These people have also started to BRING US BEER!!
This is incredible. I mean, they just drop beer by my desk! Sweet! I need to start reviewing video games, exotic cars, and HDTVs! Recently, my friend Ben brought his brother’s homebrew by my desk. I was surprised, and quite frankly a bit scared when I heard this was his brother’s attempt at a coconut curry beer. Yes, coconut curry. What in the hell? I agreed to drink and review the beer on the condition that he be prepared to have it totally lambasted.
That weekend I had my in-laws over for a BBQ and finally got the courage up to try it. I opened the bottle and took a whiff. Yup… definitely coconut. Definitely curry. He wasn’t joking. Still beer though. I closed my eyes, clenched my stomach and took a swig.
Hmm. Not too shabby! Although the flavors were unconventional, they blended together for a taste that seemed to fit. Unlike other flavored beers, like Old Market Pub’s Chili Pepper beer, it didn’t taste like some pilsner or IPA that someone haphazardly dumped some Mrs. Dash in to. It tasted complete. I gave my in-laws a sip.
Sideways glances and skeptically furrowed brows gave way to smiles. My father-in-law thought it would make a great marinade. My mother-in-law and I are big Indian and Thai snobs and both thought it would make a great addition to some Massuman Curry or Pad Prik. We both agreed that an entire 6 pack might be too much, but it would definitely make a great companion to good curry-based cuisine.
So, Ben’s Brother (sorry, I lost the mail with your name)… keep up the good work! You might even want to consider marketing this as an Indian beer. I would buy it at my favorite local Indian restaurant.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Hey, as a charter member poster, when does my six pack of that stuff show up?? That sounds awesomely drinkable for those of us who LOVE Thai food.
August 4th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Ben’s brother (and brewer) says “Thanks for the review!”
Yes, the beer is a bit startling to hear about, to taste for the first time, and even to finish. It was my first attempt at this recipe, taken from Papazians “Joy of Homebrewing”; I admit I have not tried to make it again since, but I am still working through drinking the first batch. Over a year later now, I have just a few left and the flavor is still mellowing out–if you can believe it. I may have used too much chili powder, but as a lover of Indian food, I don’t think that’s possible. Other ingredients included curry leaves, coconut oil (which coagulated on the surface during fermentation), cumin, and black peppercorns.
I will likely make another batch when I return home; we are now on vacation in India, ironically. I’ll send another bottle down Ben’s way when its fit to drink.