Inspired by Slow Rise’s signature pandan coconut donut, Boulevard Brewing Company created the Pandan Coconut Doughnut Ale.
This addition to Boulevard Brewing Company’s Brewhouse One Series was officially created in collaboration with Slow Rise Doughnuts—and used 500 Slow Rise donuts in the mash for the ale. Additionally, the ale used fresh pandan leaves and toasted coconut to authentically recreate the full flavor of the wildly popular donut.
Taste-wise, the ale is said to be reminiscent of vanilla cereal. But before its sweet, balanced flavors and floral, nutty aroma can be appreciated, its natural green hue makes the first impression. “It’s definitely a dessert beer, so it would pair beautifully with something tart or tropical–passionfruit sorbet, calamansi, lychee,” recommended Boulevard Innovation brewer Greg Garrity, “Even a watermelon and goat cheese salad with balsamic vinaigrette could create an amazing contrast.”
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Dessert-inspired Beverages
- Developing ale from popular desserts like donuts offers an innovative twist, combining culinary arts with brewing for a novel taste experience.
- Exotic Flavor Infusion
- Integrating unique ingredients such as pandan and coconut into beverages taps into consumer curiosity for global tastes and exotic flavor profiles.
- Collaborative Brewing Ventures
- Collaborations between breweries and other culinary creators can result in distinctive products that merge different food and beverage sectors.
Where This Applies
- Craft Brewing
- The craft brewing industry can capitalize on dessert and exotic flavors to appeal to adventurous consumers seeking out-of-the-ordinary drinking experiences.
- Artisan Desserts
- The artisan dessert sector provides opportunities for branding partnerships with beverage producers, bringing unique flavor combinations to wider audiences.
- Gourmet Food Pairing
- Gourmet food pairing introduces possibilities for niche market growth by suggesting complementary food and beverage pairings that enhance culinary enjoyment.
