Whiskey Review: Beach Whiskey Island Coconut

Introduction

We’re taking a break from our usual straight whiskey reviews to try something a little different: Beach Whiskey Island Coconut. The label on the bottle technically refers to the brand as “American Beach,” but the brand refers to itself simply as “Beach Whiskey.” This is a 52-proof coconut-flavored whiskey liqueur made from white dog as its base spirit.

Normally, you’d expect coconut flavor in a rum or vodka-based liqueur, but here they’re using whiskey, and we think that’s a brilliant idea. With whiskey production at an all-time high and demand starting to cool off, why not experiment? Coconut whiskey is a new angle in the flavored spirits market, and we’re curious to see how it stacks up, especially at just $20 a bottle.

They also make a cinnamon version, but today we’re focusing on the Island Coconut. While we won’t be giving full category scores for this one (since it’s not a traditional whiskey), we’ll share our honest impressions.

Nose

Brad: Nosing-wise, it has what you want from a coconut liqueur. It’s nice, refreshing, sugary. There’s a bit of a simple syrup vibe, and overall it’s really refreshing. I think that’s the key thing—this is a very refreshing experience.

Bob: I agree. It’s got that candy-sweet coconut scent that lets you know it’s meant for mixing, not sipping neat. I’m already thinking of ways to put this in a tropical cocktail.

Taste

Bob: The coconut flavor here is definitely a little more artificial, but I don’t mind that at all, it’s like candy sweet. You get more body than something like Malibu, which is lower proof. At 52 proof, you’ve got a bit more heft to work with, which I think would stand up nicely in a mixed drink.

Brad: Yeah, you’re not going to be drinking this neat unless you’re reviewing it like we are. But as a mixer? Absolutely. This is the perfect addition to your bar cart if you want to flex your whiskey muscles and make a tiki drink with whiskey instead of rum. 

Finish

Bob: This isn’t really designed for a finish like a bourbon or rye would be. It’s meant to be sweet and accessible. Still, even neat, you get a lingering coconut candy note that hangs around longer than you’d expect.

Brad: Agreed—it doesn’t fade immediately, which is nice for a liqueur. You’ll definitely still be tasting coconut when you go back for another sip.

Balance

Brad: In terms of balance, it’s exactly what it promises: coconut-forward, sugary, and refreshing. You’re not looking for complexity here, you’re looking for something that blends into a drink and brings that tropical flavor.

Bob: Yeah, it’s not trying to be a naturally-flavored craft whiskey. It’s a mixer, and it nails that purpose.

Value

Bob: At $20 for a 750ml, I think this is a steal if you’re into tiki-style cocktails or even just coconut highballs. I could easily replace Malibu with this and get a little more proof and body in my drinks.

Brad: For $20, you really can’t go wrong. It’s a fun, affordable way to add variety to your home bar.

Final Thoughts

Bob: For me, this is a thumbs up. It’s a $20 mixer liqueur that’s beach-ready, bar-cart-ready, and fun to experiment with.

Brad: Absolutely delicious. Well done, American Beach—keep it up.

If you’re a coconut fan or looking for a whiskey-based alternative to rum in your tropical cocktails, Beach Whiskey Island Coconut is worth grabbing. It’s not going to compete with your favorite bourbon, but that’s not the point. It’s sweet, refreshing, and made for mixing: exactly what it says on the bottle.