Beer Review: Beachwood Brewing Mocha Machine
In the world of coffee beers, there is “infused,” and then there is Mocha Machine. This Imperial Porter (9.2% ABV) from Long Beach’s Beachwood Brewing is a perennial award-winner, including GABF gold, for a simple reason: it is arguably the most authentic expression of a “Mocha” in beer form ever put into a can.
Appearance
Mocha Machine pours like cold-brew coffee concentrate. It is a viscous, ink-black liquid that settles into the glass with a dense, mahogany-colored head. The retention is impressive for a beer with coffee oils, leaving a thick “crema” that clings to the sides of the glass.
The Experience
The Nose: The aromatics are high-definition. Thanks to the partnership with Portola Coffee Lab, the nose isn’t just “coffee-scented”; it smells like a high-end roastery. Intense notes of freshly pulled espresso and toasted nuts are followed by a deep, earthy scent of raw cacao. It is incredibly inviting and dangerously decadent.
The Palate: This is a heavy-hitter. The first sip is an explosion of Ecuadorian cacao, manifesting as rich fudge and dark chocolate ganache. As the beer moves across the palate, the coffee takes over, offering a bright, berry-like acidity and a roasted bitterness that cuts through the malt sweetness. It tastes “expensive”—thereis no artificial syrup flavor here.
Mouthfeel: Luxurious and “burly.” At 9.2%, it has the weight of an Imperial Stout but the slightly crisper finish of a Porter. It is silky on the tongue, with gentle carbonation that allows the chocolate flavors to coat the palate.
The Verdict
Mocha Machine is a masterclass in ingredient integration. Many breweries struggle to balance coffee’s bitterness with chocolate’s sweetness, but Beachwood has calibrated this “Machine” to perfection. It is rich without being cloying and potent without being boozy. It remains the gold standard against which all other coffee porters should be measured.
Ideal Pairing
From the Shop: This beer is a “Spirit Twin” to a rich, aged Añejo Tequila. The roasted coffee and chocolate notes in the beer perfectly complement the vanilla and oak-char of a well-aged agave spirit.
Local Eats: Sip this alongside a scoop of salted caramel ice cream or a plate of warm churros.