The latest research trip took us to the Hawaiian Islands to sample some of the US microbreweries as influenced by the laid back island way of life. The two main breweries are Kona and Maui Brewing Companies, both of which produce a range of the usual suspects (Pale, Lager, Porter, IPA, Wheat, etc). Each are quite unique but are heavily influenced by the surfing culture, as reflected by some of the names - Long Board Island Lager, Bikini Blonde, Big Swell IPA, and Pipeline Porter to name a few. Given the tropical climate the beers are remarkably refreshing, possibly due to the inclusion of many local fruits (pineapple, passionfruit and banana flavours are some that spring to mind). This led to many a warm summer night sitting by the beach sampling the various brews on offer. The Yardhouse bar presented a main challenge. Touting itself as having the world largest selection of draft beers (135 taps hosting 110 different beers - you should have seen the lines in the keg room) it required many sittings and we still only got through a fraction of what they have to offer - maybe next time !!!
Whether it be the traditional surfer bars of the North shore where you could sit back and contemplate the waves (or lack thereof this time of the year) to the spring break type madness of Waikiki, the prevalence of quality local and mainland craft beer certainly made for some great (and thirsty) days and nights.
Aloha.
