Death by Mexican Cake

People often ask me “What’s my favorite beer?” This is likely the question I get the most, beer-related or other. And, it’s somewhat impossible to answer. Much like favorite songs, bands, foods and such, the options and diversity of possible answers tends to overwhelm the ability to settle on a definitive selection.
Had you asked me this question circa 1997-1999, I would have answered swiftly Bass Ale, but in the years since, I do not believe a response had ever been settled on; even today I would be hard pressed to give an answer. However, in the last few years, under duress, I have given a response to this age-old question.
The only beer I can recall saying was my favorite at any time in recent memory is Westbrook’s Mexican Cake. OK, I do get that a beer this rare and sought after is a bit too easy a choice, but it really was an overwhelming experience on first taste of a fresh batch. The beer was unique, tremendous to the taste buds, and in a word – amazing! A dreamy and luscious Russian Imperial Stout, on which rested notes of cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon and a burning finish of habanero peppers!
It would be no surprise then that I would make my way to Charleston on a Wednesday for the Westbrook Mexican Cake Fiesta at Edmund’s Oast. 10 varietals of Mexican Cake on draft just were not to be missed. What follows is a short review of the different versions of a very special brew.
1. Cherry – a dark cherry smell, slightly sweet in flavor. Subtle fruit tastes, less of a dessert beer and more of an easy, balanced cherry stout.
2. Chocolate & Raspberry – this was high-end chocolate covered raspberry, none of that cheap jelly crap. Smells and tastes of dark chocolate first, hint of juicy raspberry, tangy not spicy. Totally a dessert option.
3. Chipotle – a bit of smoke, somewhat meaty, nicely balanced, but just didn’t really stand out compared with the other, more enjoyable options.
4. Churros – a quick poll showed this version to be a crowd favorite. It was bready, lots of cinnamon sugar in the nose and mouth. I liked it, but it had a hint of pre-packaged treat to me.
5. Coconut – this form was the most obvious “Mexican Cake base beer + extra ingredient” of the bunch. Highly pleasing and tasty, but not complex.
6. Coffee – an early favorite for me and one I sampled a few times. Silky smooth, chocolate and espresso abound. Robust. Sweet iced coffee. Lovely.
7. Tequila Barrel – a recent trend in craft brew, this one had a sweet herbal tequila, smell and taste.  Mildly sweet cocoa and tequila in the best possible way. Not my favorite but didn’t hate it; by itself, would likely have been incredible.
8. Mexican Cake, 2015 – ah yes, that fantastic ‘favorite’ beer I remember, but even hotter, and more spicy compared to years past. Just incredible really as a beer, rich, sweet, fiery, with cinnamon and vanilla holding it all together.
9. Mexican Cake, 2014 – a more subtle, gentle example of the fresh version. Pepper flavors are almost gone, which allowed the stout and sweet elements to stand out.
10. Mexican Cake, 2012 – all ‘addition’ flavors have disappeared, leaving a big, sweet, enjoyable Russian Imperial Stout behind.
All in all, a delight for the gustatory senses, but in the end, my favorite beer was this year’s version of Mexican Cake. There’s a reason the beer is so coveted, that it flies off shelves, and is loved by folks from all over. Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
Gene’s Haufbrau has more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.