Westbrook Mexican Cake
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Tasting Notes
The aroma opens with dark chocolate, roasted malt, and a warm hit of cinnamon and ancho chile that lingers without being aggressive. On the palate, waves of bittersweet cocoa and vanilla bean play against the heat of whole habaneros, building slowly toward a dry, spicy finish. The body is full and chewy, with just enough carbonation to keep it from feeling syrupy. The chile heat arrives late and sticks around, making this one that rewards slow drinking.
About the Brewery
Westbrook Brewing is based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and has been operating since 2010. They built their reputation largely on Mexican Cake, which became a cult favorite in the limited-release stout world and helped put a Southern brewery on the national craft beer map. Beyond that flagship stout, they produce a well-regarded gose program and a range of styles that reflect both regional tastes and broader craft trends.
Food Pairings
Dark chocolate or mole-based dishes work naturally here because the beer's cocoa and chile notes mirror those same flavor layers. Smoked brisket holds up to the beer's roast intensity while the fat softens the chile heat. A wedge of aged cheddar offers enough sharpness to cut through the sweetness. Churros or a cinnamon-spiced dessert echo the warm spice profile without competing. For something unexpected, spicy mapo tofu matches the beer's capsaicin heat and lets the chocolate notes play a grounding role.
Style Guide
American Imperial Stouts are big, roast-forward ales built around dark malts that deliver flavors of chocolate, coffee, and sometimes molasses or dark fruit. The style originated as an American craft evolution of the English Imperial Stout tradition, pushing alcohol and intensity further — typically ranging from 8% to over 13% ABV. What separates the American version from its English or Russian Imperial cousins is a tendency toward hop assertiveness and, increasingly, adjunct additions like vanilla, chocolate, or peppers. The full body and low carbonation are defining characteristics across the category.