Beer Review – ELK Brewing – Caleb’s Coconut Craze

Mother Nature is still rearing her ugly head of winter in Michigan today by blanketing most of the state in snow. I have been craving warmer temperatures since the last beer review that mentioned winter at the end of last month. ELK Brewing‘s Caleb’s Coconut Craze hit the spot this evening that I was happy to have a few on hand to enjoy.

The Untappd description told me that Caleb’s Coconut Craze would “transport me to an island oasis” and that is exactly what I needed as I looked out the window and muttered expletives at the falling snow. The can read “This Oatmeal Cream Stout is packed full of Chocolate and Coconut and is sure to drive you ‘crazy’ for more.”

The head of the beer after being poured into a pint glass was very prominent and took a little bit of time to settle down. The nose was full of chocolate and coconut. One thing I appreciated about this Cream Stout was the coconut was present, but it wasn’t in your face. Coconut can be a polarizing flavor in practically anything, especially in beer. I loved the roasty chocolate notes that took over throughout each sip. The mouthfeel was extremely smooth, too.

Caleb’s Coconut Craze was a tribute beer to ELK Brewing’s former sales manager’s son, Caleb. It was brewed for his first birthday in a small batch and was originally called Caleb’s First Coconut. According to ELK, the recipe was modified into a larger recipe for taproom consumption. The beer became so popular that they put it into distribution as a member of the Herd Series, a small yet special limited run. The ever growing ELK Brewing distribution footprint was able to enjoy it across the state.

This beer review was bittersweet as ELK Brewing announced today, Monday, April 18, 2022 that they are closing their Wealthy Street Taproom on Sunday, May 15, 2022. The final celebration rightly called the “Extinction of ELK” will be on Saturday, May 14 that will serve as the brewery’s way to say “thank you” to the Grand Rapids and Michigan beer communities.

The brewery cited “circumstances” that will no longer allow them to serve the community in their posts. When we reached out for comment, the brewery’s social media confirmed that all brewery operations will cease and directed further comment to ownership.

We at Better on Draft are sad to see them close their doors. We hope the PB and J’ale’Y recipe is in good hands!

Cheers!

Disclaimer: Ed purchased cans of Caleb’s Coconut Craze for this review.

Better on Draft Coverage of ELK Brewing:

• Beerfest at the Ballpark Review (2017)
  • PB and J’Ale’Y was featured as a top beer
• The List – 20 Beers You Want to Try at the Michigan UP Beer Festival (2017)
  • Watermelon Cucumber Gose was named #13 beer to try
• The List – 6 Winners of the Michigan Summer Beer Festival
  • Mango Summer Wheat was featured as a top beer
• Better on Draft 195 – ELK Brewing
• The List – Fall Clean 15 Festival of Beers Preview (2020)
  • Northbound was highlighted
• The List – Michigan Production Numbers 2020
  • ELK Brewing was noted by the Brewers Association for brewing 930 barrels of beer in 2020.
  • Other breweries within 100 barrels of production in 2020 were Unruly Brewing Co (Muskegon) with 900, Grand River Brewery (Jackson) with 895, Tapistry Brewing Company (Bridgman) and Beards Brewery (Petoskey) with 850, and Rockford Brewing Company (Rockford) with 840.
• The List – 616 Day Celebration! (2021)
• The List – 20 Breweries You Want to Check Out at Burning Foot Beer Festival (2021)