Batch The Big Kahuna

Batch Big Kahuna is a coconut brown ale that has been a winter staple for a number of years.

Batch’s The Big Kahuna is long overdue a write up on this site. When winter rolls around, eyes turn expectantly to Batch Brewing Co., first for Elsie The Milk Stout and then for this delightful beer.

Aromatic Coconut

The Big Kahuna is packed with coconut aromas and flavours. It smells delicious. Fortunately it doesn’t come across as sun screen or Malibu-cocktail coconut but more desiccated or toasted coconut. It’s aromatic, not overly sweet or oily.

For a fairly light bodied brown ale it gives the impression of a far more luxuriant beer than the weight of the liquid initially suggests. While the mouthfeel isn’t quite thick like a stout, neither is it thin like a lighter ale.

It’s smooth and quaffable but satisfying to drink, particularly with the semi-sweetness the coconut presents.

Underneath the coconut is delicate toasted grain, a sprinkle of milk chocolate, and some subtle burnt toffee notes.

Aussie Brown Ale

Batch Brewing Co. was founded by Americans. American brown ales are typically quite hop-forward. Maybe it’s the huge coconut presence but this beer seems more like an English-style brown ale. It’s quite light in carbonation and low in bitterness compared to some US brown ales.

Since Batch started canning more of their limited run beers, The Big Kahuna has received a wider release. If you can’t find it in tinnies then Batch Brewing’s tap room in Marrickville is the place to sample it throughout the colder months.

While The Big Kahuna could be enjoyed all year round, it’s an excellent winter warmer that shows tropical coconut flavours aren’t only for the summer.

Do you look forward to the release of The Big Kahuna each year? Write a comment below and share what you think about this beer.