In general terms and under most circumstances, I have zero interest in anything that Evil Twin does (this is the first beer I have ever reviewed from them). Silly, hyped, canned beer, in ‘styles’ that usually hold no interest for me, they are not a brewery that I have any affinity for.

However, these are not normal circumstances. Here’s a beer that is referencing Westbrook’s Mexican Cake, and has that bottle and label displayed prominently on the label of this beer. I have no knowledge of the background, or relationship, or if the association and reference is in conjunction with or with the knowledge of Westbrook, but either way I am inclined to investigate.

A very deliberately aggressive pour yields the head that you see pictured. This fades quickly (not too concerned about that given the ABV) to yield some watery lace, and a thin film on the surface of the beer. Thin becomes a watchword here. Jet black body with some very fine bubbles on swirling.

Nose gives up  a little solvent alcohol but if I’m honest not much else. Initial tastes are mid-sweetness, some extremely light heat, and some of the cinnamon that is mentioned on the label. The heat builds s little, and halfway down the can is a more significant factor than it was at the beginning of the 16 oz. It definitely seems sweeter than Westbrook’s, and it definitely does not feel as hot, it’s definitely thinner (It doesn’t produce a pitted, deep Mocha head that hangs around), and its a bit flabby.

Smooth in the mouth, with the carbonation dying over time. Quite silky, not viscous. The warmth could actually be the cinanamom rather than the peppers, and the more I get Into the beer the more I feel that’s the case. This beer feels less bulky than Westbrook’s Mexican Cake, but unless I was doing a direct side-by-side who knows. What I currently don’t know is the relationship between Westbrook’s version and this one. Research to do. What I do know is that I like this version a lot less.