Brew Review: Big Swell IPA

Big Swell IPA (Maui Brewing Co.)
Appearance (0 to 4 stars): 4.0
Aroma: 3.5
Flavor: 3.5
Texture: 3.5
Drinkability: 3.5

Overall score: 18.0 / 20.0

Cost: $2, 12 oz. can, Liquor Collection.
On the label: See photos.
Summary: I am not a fan of pale ales. Not a hater, but my preference is for malts, porters and stouts. Yet, this brew blew me away. It looks amber, but the flavor is one of a kind. Not sour, not bitter, but definitely strong and smooth. No weird aftertaste. It's a flavor that I can't identify, and it won me over. Quite a kick at first with the carbonation, and it goes down smooth, with just a bit of fizzle.

On the whole, these three brews from Maui Brewing Co. are outstanding, distinct and wonderful. I was not a believer in canned beer until this week. Everything MBC said about cans and what they do today (as opposed to the stereotype of the past) is true. They work. They keep the brews very fresh. And though they are recyclable, I'm saving my as souvenirs.

Can't wait until MBC turns out more of their award-winning brews for me to taste.

Reviewed on Sept. 19, 2007.

Brew Review: Coconut Porter

Coconut Porter (Maui Brewing Co.)
Appearance (0 to 4 stars): 4.0
Aroma: 4.0
Flavor: 4.0
Texture: 3.5
Drinkability: 4.0

Overall score: 19.5 / 20.0

Cost: $2, 12 oz. can, Liquor Collection.
On the label: See below.
Summary: Careful on the open. The can had been moving around, from the fridge to my living room, then sat for a good 5 minutes. Still, when I pulled the tab, a good explosion let out a tablespoon or two. Rather combustible, right? The aroma of coffee, not coconut, is what permeated the room. And with my first sip from the mug, it was sweet, rich and tasted completely like coffee. Is the coconut mixed with coffee? According to MBC's website, where they show step-by-step photos of the process, there is no coffee. Whatever the case, it's an aromatic, rich flavor with a good amount of kick. I really could have scored this a 20 out of 20. It almost tastes as if it belongs in a coffee cake or some sort of coffee pastry, or it could be an ingredient in a coffee glaze or syrup to go over ice cream.

This brew needs no complementary dish. It's rich enough by itself. This brew has won an award in the World Beer competition, and I understand why.

Reviewed on Sept. 17, 2007.

Brew Review: Bikini Blonde Lager

The search for more locally-made (Hawaii) brews slowed recently until I made a long-anticipated visit to Liquor Collection in Ward Warehouse. I found beers made by Maui Brewing Co. there. Never heard of MBC, and the fact that they can their brews was a bit perplexing. Nevertheless, they had an attractive boxed pack, a la Samuel Adams' "Mix Pack" of three different beers. I decided to save a few bucks and buy singles of MBC's brews. Mahalo to Jay of Liquor Collection for his astute recommendation.

Bikini Blonde Lager (Maui Brewing Co.)
Appearance (0 to 4 stars): 3.5
Aroma: 3.5
Flavor: 3.0
Texture: 3.5
Drinkability: 3.5

Overall score: 17.0/20.0

Cost: $2, Liquor Collection, 12 oz. can.
On the label: See photos below.
Summary: I was repelled at the thought of a canned beer, but the manager at Liquor Collection assured me that the freshness of the brew was only the best. He was right. Out of the can, there is no weird, funky aftertaste. BBL is simply a strong lager with a nice fizz and kick, which then goes down smoothly and leaves the palate rather neutral until the next sip. This went well with spaghetti. It would also go great with chips and salsa. Mexican food. Korean food. Anything spicy.

MBC has brewed many different beverages, but only three are on the market: Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA and Coconut Porter. I'll try the latter two in the coming week.

See more at Maui Brewing Co.

Reviewed on Sept. 16, 2007.