Kona Brewing

Kona Big Wave launched in 12 packs

Kona Big Wave, the brewery’s golden ale, is launching nationally in 12-packs.

This is the first time the brewery has released this beer in the 12-pack format, targeted for summer drinkers headed to pools, and outdoor activities.

Kona Big Wave is one Continue Reading →

Kona Brewing Makana Series returns in 2016

Kona Brewing will revive their Makana Series once again in 2016. The Hawaii exclusive releases feature beers inspired by four natural elements.

In 2015, the Makana Series raised $57,662 for Hawaii nonprofit organizations. (Makana means “to give”.)

“The Makana Series was a Continue Reading →

Kona Aina Brown Ale Kicks Off New Series

Kona Brewing will kick off their new Hawaii only Makana Series with Aina Brown Ale. The four offerings throughout 2015 celebrates the earth’s four elements – Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.

Aina (Land) is a brown ale bread with Kalo or taro Continue Reading →

Kona Launches Hawaii Only Makana Series

Kona Brewing Company (Kailua-Kona, HI) will launch a new series in January for their home state of Hawaii. The Kona Makana Series will feature four different offerings representing nature’s four elements – Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire.

First up in the Continue Reading →

Kona Brewing Tacks on Three States

Kona Brewing Company (Hawaii) will be shipping to three new states in 2014 – Kentucky,  Michigan and Wisconsin.

Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale will be available year round in those states in bottles and draft. Robert Rentsch, Sr. Director Continue Reading →

Kona Debuts New Embossed Bottles

Liquid Aloha indeed. Kona Brewing is updating their labels and designs and along with it the look of their bottles. Look for the new embossed 12 oz bottles with the Hawaiian chain of islands and the words ‘Liquid Aloha’ on Continue Reading →

Posted in Kona Brewing, New Releases

Kona Big Wave launched in 12 packs

Kona Big Wave, the brewery’s golden ale, is launching nationally in 12-packs.

This is the first time the brewery has released this beer in the 12-pack format, targeted for summer drinkers headed to pools, and outdoor activities.

Kona Big Wave is one of the brewery’s most popular offerings.

“We’re really excited to share the ‘Liquid Aloha’ lifestyle of slowing down and focusing on what matters with even more people as they pick up a 12 pack of Big Wave in cans and head into summer,” – Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing Co.’s brewery operations.

Kona Big Wave Golden Ale is a year-round offering.

Style: Blonde Ale
Hops: Galaxy, Citra, Millennium
Malts: 2 Row, Caramel 20

Availability: Year-Round

4.4% ABV, 21 IBUs

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Kona Brewing, New Releases

Kona Brewing Magic Sands taps in Hawaii & Cali

Kona Brewing Magic Sands, a new saison, is hitting taps in California and the brewery’s home state of Hawaii.

Using Kona’s farmhouse style ale, the brewery enhanced the flavor with Keitt mangoes.

“Fruit-forward brews are a big hit here in the Islands, so we thought beer lovers on opposite coasts would enjoy them just as much,” said Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing Co.’s brewery operations. “This beer’s distinctive mango flavor and citrusy aroma have a magical effect after a long day at the beach, on the water or anywhere you’re kicking back to unwind.”

Kona Brewing Magic Sands is available on tap in just two states for a limited time.

Style: Saison (w/ Mangos)
Hops: Millennium, Hallertauer, and Citra
Availability: Draft Only

Release: May 2016

5.5% ABV, 18 IBUs

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Kona Brewing, New Releases

Kona Brewing Makana Series returns in 2016

Kona Brewing will revive their Makana Series once again in 2016. The Hawaii exclusive releases feature beers inspired by four natural elements.

In 2015, the Makana Series raised $57,662 for Hawaii nonprofit organizations. (Makana means “to give”.)

“The Makana Series was a wonderful way to honor and help protect our aina, raise funds locally and treat customers to one-of-a-kind craft beers available nowhere else but in Hawaii. We’re thrilled to be bringing it back,” said Sandi Shriver, head of brewing operations for Kona Brewing Company.

The series was developed around ingredients representing the natural forces (earth/aina, wind/makani, fire/wela and water/kai) that make Hawaii so beautiful. The 2016 lineup includes: 

  • Aina Brown Ale, a beer inspired by the land and brewed with kalo (taro) helped support Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, which cares for Hawaii’s coastlines.
  • Wela Red Ale, inspired by fire and made with cold-smoked Kiawe wood, helped support Malama Maunalua, which is committed to conserving and restoring Oahu’s Maunalua Bay.
  • Kai Golden Ale, made with deep-sea ocean water sourced off the Kona coast, helped bring to life the mission of Surfrider Foundation Hawaii, which is dedicated to the keeping oceans safe, clean and accessible.
  • Makani Wheat Ale, inspired by wind and made with honey collected from bees that pollinate the flowers of koa trees, contributed to the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, dedicated to planting Koa Legacy Trees and other threatened native saplings and shrubs across the Hawaiian Islands.

Each beer will be available for around 3 months each.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Kona Brewing

Kona Aina Brown Ale Kicks Off New Series

Kona Brewing will kick off their new Hawaii only Makana Series with Aina Brown Ale. The four offerings throughout 2015 celebrates the earth’s four elements – Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.

Aina (Land) is a brown ale bread with Kalo or taro root. The root is an essential part of Hawaiian food and history. Kalo is believed to carry the spirit of Haloa, the first Hawaiian.

We’re paying tribute to the beautiful land of Hawaii with our limited edition Makana Series Aina Brown Ale. With kalo added to the mash, you’ll taste its earthy flavor which balances the caramel complexity of this unique brew. Take a sip, close your eyes, and let the spirit of Haloa give you appreciation for the paradise beneath your feet.

The Makana Series Aina Brown Ale launches in January, 2015.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Sustainable Coastlines.

Style: Brown Ale (w/ Taro Root)
Hops: Millennium, Cascade, Mt Hood, Centennial
Malt: Premium 2 Row, Caramel, Munich, Chocolate, Carapils

Availability: Draft only. Hawaii Only.
Arrival: January, 2015

6% ABV, 29 IBUs

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, Kona Brewing

Kona Launches Hawaii Only Makana Series

Kona Brewing Company (Kailua-Kona, HI) will launch a new series in January for their home state of Hawaii. The Kona Makana Series will feature four different offerings representing nature’s four elements – Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire.

First up in the series is Earth, or Aina Brown Ale starting in January. Wela, Kai, and Makani will follow throughout 2015.  Sales of each of the elemental offerings will benefit non-profits that help sustain Hawaii’s beautiful wonders. Foundations include: Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Malama Maunalua, Surfrider Foundation Hawaii and Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.

Each offering will be brewed at Kailua Kona Brewery and available draft only for around three months each.

Kona Brewing Company was founded in 1994.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Distribution Expansion, Kona Brewing

Kona Brewing Tacks on Three States

Kona Brewing Company (Hawaii) will be shipping to three new states in 2014 – Kentucky,  Michigan and Wisconsin.

Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale will be available year round in those states in bottles and draft. Robert Rentsch, Sr. Director of Brand Marketing said:

“We’re thrilled to be expanding Kona Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale to Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin. Last year at this time when we started our expansion in the Midwest, consumers were excited to enjoy a Kona brew and the Liquid Aloha spirit. We’re looking forward to brightening up this winter and bringing some Liquid Aloha to consumers in our three newest states.”

Kona Brewing Company, turns 20 years old this year. It was founded in the spring of 1994 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Kona Brewing

Kona Debuts New Embossed Bottles

Liquid Aloha indeed. Kona Brewing is updating their labels and designs and along with it the look of their bottles. Look for the new embossed 12 oz bottles with the Hawaiian chain of islands and the words ‘Liquid Aloha’ on the neck and newly hand-illustrated die cut art on the bottle. The bottles themselves are slimmer and more sleek allowing for lighter packaging and reducing their carbon footprint.

“While most brewers use the same mold for their bottles, Kona Brewing is taking a giant leap to have a custom one built. The new labels really mimic the vivid hues I’m lucky enough to see everyday in Hawaii. My favorite design element is the embossed island chain with Liquid Aloha on the shoulder of the bottle–it makes for a more tactile experience because you can literally feel Hawaii as you drink a Kona brew” Kona Brewing company president Mattson Davis.

by Reid Ramsay