A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Billy Smith, the newish head brewer at the Kona Brewing Pub in Kailua Kona. Billy was on Oahu for the day training the staff at the Koko Marina Pub about a number of new specialty beers the pub was serving. Billy is … Continue reading
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to sit down with Dan Gordon, one of the founders of the Gordon Biersch brewing empire. I have to admit, it was a bit of a fanboy moment for me. Dan’s a legend in the brewing world and as a brewer, in my opinion, he’s up there … Continue reading
When I learned two breweries in Hawaii, on different islands, were both brewing a fresh hop beer I thought, “wouldn’t it be cool if they would swap kegs and serve each beer side by side?” Well after a couple emails, Kauai Beer Company head brewer Justin Guerber and Honolulu Beerworks brewer Geoff Seideman figured out … Continue reading
Waikiki, home of sun, surf, dream vacations and soon Oahu’s next brewery. Connected to a popular restaurant, Waikiki Brewing Company plans to brew classic American pub beers for both tourists and locals. The brewpub will feature a long bar that will allow visitors to view directly into the brewery and watch head brewer Joe Lorenzen. Along … Continue reading
UPDATE 11/29/14: Kickerstarter campaign has officially launched: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kailuabrewingcompany/kailua-brewing-company-startup Hawaii has a pretty sizable brewing scene that is actually a lot more active than most realize. There are dozens of aspiring brewers that have their dreams set on opening new breweries and providing the islands with great craft beer. Between the millions of visitors to the islands each year and … Continue reading
It’s been a little over a year since the groundbreaking of the new Maui Brewing Company production facility in Kihei, Maui. It’s amazing how quickly the massive new brewery and tasting room have come up. The 50 barrel brewery is slated to open this October along with full tasting room. The brewpub at the same … Continue reading
Where did you grow up? All over – Long Island, New York for the first 15 years, then 8 years in Knoxville Tennessee followed by another decade in Colorado. I have yet to actually grow up Do you remember the first craft beer that left an impression on you? Arrogant Bastard served at Barley’s Tap … Continue reading
Where did you grow up and how did you first get into craft beer? I grew up in San Diego. It was just starting to become the amazing beer scene that it is today when I left to go to college, I’m stoked that I get to visit so often and be a part … Continue reading
A little over a year ago, one of Hawaii’s few breweries was sold out of bankruptcy to a relatively unknown buyer. Long time Honolulu oncologist, Dr. Paul DeMare, beat out a slew of other bidders to purchase Hawaii Nui and Mehana Brewing Company based in Hilo. Many wondered, why a life long doctor, would purchase … Continue reading
Where did you grow up? I grew up in the Pacific NW, specifically Spokane and Portland. In fall 1996 I was managing an independent restaurant chain when Cameron Healy asked if I’d move from Portland to join Kona Brewing Company. They were looking to help grow craft beer awareness in the Islands as well as … Continue reading
Beer In Hawaii 