Waimea Brewing Company - Waimea Bay Pale Ale

Reflecting its tropical origins, this beer pours a pineapple yellow hue with a glint of copper, capped by a creamy off-white head. Now we're not sure how they do it, but the nose lends particularly juicy notes, with scents of passion fruit (much like guava) and pineapple, along with a subtle creaminess and lightly toasted malts. It's like there's a little bit of Hawaii in every bottle! The flavor leaves similar notes on the palate, with a gentle pepperiness coming from the hops. Expect the fruity notes to blend wonderfully with the malty sweetness, which fades as an orange-peel-like hoppy bitterness rounds out the finish. Also in line with its Hawaiian heritage, there's a very subtle floral quality quite like hibiscus that lingers in the finish. Overall, a beer that blends complexity with superb drinkability. We found it went exceptionally well with braised pork chops served with stewed pineapple chunks (though honey-glazed ham would also work well).

"Go West Young Man..." (or woman). There's some real merit to this old saying, and we've got the proof! Head about as far west as you can get to The Waimea Brewing Company (or as we like to call it "paradise found"). Known as the world's westernmost brewpub, this wonderful little island microbrewer is set in one of the most idyllic landscapes of any beer-making facility in the world. On the west side of the isle of Kauai you'll find the small town of Waimea, located at the mouth of the Waimea River (aka Waimea Bay). On your way west across the island, you'll be in close proximity to Waimea Canyon (described by Mark Twain as "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), Kokee State Park—a great place for island hiking, and Polihale State Beach—the longest white sands beach in all the Hawaiian islands. Aahhhhh... We're relaxed just picturing it! Their 125 seat brewpub is located in a 100 year old coconut grove where the ancient trade winds continue to sweep through the treetops today just as they did when first planted by Waimea Sugar Mill owner Hans Peter Fayè. OK, we're no longer just relaxed picturing the place, we're downright jealous! Their location is ideal for a brewpub—situated on the sunny side of Kauai where the average annual rainfall is a mere 25 inches compared to Mt. Wai'ale'ale (pronounced 'why-ah-lee-ah-lee') where the average rainfall is an astonishing 460 inches per year! Known as "the wettest spot on Earth", this overabundant rainfall provides ample pure island water for the production of their local brews. Given the aesthetic appeal of Kauai, it's no wonder Captain Cook chose to land here in 1786 during his explorations of the Pacific Ocean (rumor has it he brought his own IPA along with him on his journey—the inspiration for Waimea B.C.'s own interpretation of the style). It's also not surprising that Hans Peter Fayè, or "H.P." as he was known to his closest associates, chose to settle here. H.P. was integral to the economic drive-train—sugar plantations and sugar production—that helped create what Waimea is today. His legacy lives on in another sweet creation harvested from the island: microbrew! In fact, his great-great-grandson, Robert Fayè, is the CEO of Waimea Brewing Company. With the help of founding brewer and president Bret Larson, the company has grown to see distribution beyond the Hawaiian islands. Mostly available only on the western coast of the mainland, we're happy to be bringing their brews to beer fans throughout the country! It's just our way of saying "Mahalo." For more information about the brewery or brewpub, call (808) 338-9733, or visit their website at www.waimeabrewing.com.