Kona Brewing, the malt beverage pride of Hawaii’s Big Island and the mainland’s most widely distributed Hawaiian- brewed beer, is ready to expand availability of one of its newest year- round brews. The Kona newcomer is Hanalei Island IPA, a beer just introduced to Hawaii in August of last year.
Hanalei Island IPA is a fruity IPA brewed in honor of Kauai, one of Hawaii’s western islands and one known for its tropical fruits. Hawaiians are known to love POG juice, which is a blend of passionfruit, orange, and guava and this beer’s fruit- focused hops are meant to reflect the POG flavor that natives have grown to love, as noted by Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing’s brewery operations.
“Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and as we’ve done with our other beers, we wanted to create a distinctive IPA that reflected the spirit and flavors of the islands, which are our home,” said Shriver. “POG was the first drink I encountered when I moved to Hawaii and was something I had never heard of on the mainland. I remember being struck by the amazing fragrance of the passionfruit, orange and guava and how beautifully they came together – it was like smelling Hawaii in a glass”, Shriver added.
Cindy Wang, Senior Brand Director for Kona Brewing, says this new beer will compete with thousands of other IPA, but it will distinguish itself from others due to its Hawaiian personality.
“With the massive growth of IPAs in the craft beer category, where one in four craft beers sold being an IPA, we think Hanalei Island IPA will stand out as a truly special beer that combines the floral hop aroma of a traditional IPA with a uniquely bright and tropical Hawaiian twist,” said Wang.
Hanalei Island IPA was first developed in 2015 and was initially launched in its namesake city, Hanalei, an historic town located on the island of Kauai. The city is small, with fewer than 1,000 permanent residents. But it makes a lasting impression on those who visit due in no small part to its lush, green, tropical surroundings.
Hanalei Island IPA is brewed as a session beer, with only 4.5 percent alcohol by volume and 40 IBU of bitterness. It is available throughout Kona Brewing’s distribution footprint in six packs and on draft, so look for it immediately in retail outlets near you.
For more information about this or other Kona Brewing beers, visit KonaBrewingCo.com
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