Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. – After launching exclusively in its home state of Hawaii in August 2016, Kona Brewing Company is proud to introduce its newest year-round beer, Hanalei Island IPA, to the U.S. mainland starting today in California.
Hanalei Island IPA is a refreshing fruit-forward IPA created in honor of the lush Hawaiian Island of Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, and Hawaii’s beloved classic POG juice, a blend of passionfruit, orange and guava.
“Kauai is one of the most beautiful place 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 Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing Company’s brewery operations.
“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.”
Cindy Wang, Senior Brand Director, Kona Brewing Company, adds, “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.”
Kona Brewing Company began developing the recipe for Hanalei Island IPA in mid 2015, and the beer officially launched in Hanalei in August 2016. Brewmaster Ryan McVeigh worked tirelessly to ensure the right balance of all the attributes—soft bitterness, a sessionable ABV and balanced POG aroma and flavor that is present but not overpowering—resulting in the ultimate drinkable IPA.
Hanalei Island IPA is named after the historic town of Hanalei and world-famous Hanalei Bay, a magnificent crescent shaped bay tucked against lush green mountains streaked with waterfalls. Available year-round, Hanalei Island IPA is the perfect beer to enjoy in California’s warm coastal climate, and to accompany casual Californian fare such as seafood, tacos, pizza or pasta dishes.
Hanalei Island IPA will be available in six-packs at select retailers in California ahead of its wider U.S. mainland distribution in early 2017. It will also be available on draft at select California locations in late December.
For a list of where to purchase Hanalei Island IPA, please visit http://konabrewingco.com/find-beer/.
Kona Brewing Company Hanalei Island IPA:
- Original Extract: 11.0˚P
- Apparent Extract: 2.0˚P
- Alcohol by volume: 4.5%
- IBU: 40
- Color: 7˚L
- Malt: Pale 2 Row, C-120
- Hops: Millennium, Azacca, Galaxy
- Adjuncts: Passionfruit juice, orange juice, guava concentrate (POG)
For more information, visit KonaBrewingCo.com