Hawaiian Beer - Kona Brewing Company

Heading out to Honolulu in a week, I am diving into more beverages from Hawaii in preparation for a much-needed vaca. Last week, we looked into Hawaii cocktails and their culture. While traveling, I intend to try some Pineapple Wine. Today, we will take a look at Hawaiian beer, more specifically, the Kona Brewing Company.

Beginning brewing and packaging beer in February 1995, Kona Brewing Company has increased production every year after opening. With its growth, several tanks and other brewing equipment have been added through the years to enable increased production. Today, a staff of six pumps 310,000 gallons of beer to the US each year and filling 4,000 kegs in circulation throughout Hawaii.

Kona’s first two beers Pacific Golden Ale (now called Big Wave Golden Ale) and Fire Rock Pale Ale were introduced to the Big Island of Hawaii on February 14, 1995 and Longboard Island Lager came three years later. Today, there are approximately 10 other styles of beer brewed on a regular basis and served at Kona Brewing Company’s pubs with a select few being served at some finer restaurants and markets.

Fire Rock Pale Ale

This Pale Ale is called a “Hawaiian-style” pale ale, meaning it is simply made in Hawaii and possesses a slight hint of tropical fruit. The copper color of this Pale Ale results from a unique blend of specialty-roasted malts. The strong citrus-floral hop aroma comes from the liberal amounts of Galena, Cascade, and Mt. Hood hops added to each brew.

Pale ales are best known for pairing with fried or heavily spiced seafood. The bitterness of the ale will complement the heaviness of the spicy or fried seafood, but will not overwhelm it. They also work well with beef dishes such as pot roast, steak or beef wellington. Other popular dishes to serve with pale ales are blackened chicken, blackened catfish and other Cajun dishes. Buffalo wings also work well with ales. Fruity pair ales go very well with lamb, wild game and liver pate. Just remember, if you cook with pale ale, serve the same ale with the meal in order to keep the flavors consistent

Longboard Island Lager

This Island Lager is aged for five weeks at cold temperatures to yield its exceptionally smooth flavor. It possesses a delicate, slightly spicy hop aroma which complements the malty body of this beer. There is a simple golden color and not much head. There is sweetness from the malt, which is pleasant.

With its sweet and sour flavor profiles it would go well with Hawaiian food, especially pork. Remember When pairing food with lager beers, you'll need to pay attention to what kind of lager it is. Pale lagers go best with lighter foods such as crispy tortillas filled with spicy seafood or lighter cheeses. A cooking tip I just received suggests marinating ground beef in a lager and then grill it as burgers. Serve it with a bottle of the same lager beer and you'll be sure to have a great time.

Aloha!