With much of the U.S. still stinging after that arctic blast-freeze known as a Polar Vortex left a sizable chunk of the country, quite literally, on ice this week, The Drink Nation decided there’s no time like the present to take our readers on a sun- and surf-soaked sojourn to the tropical island shangri-la of Hawaii and its Maui Brewing Company.

All sorts of wonderful things come to mind when people talk about a visit to the Hawaiian island of Maui – beaches, hula girls, surfboarding, and pineapples. But as far as adult refreshment goes, the Valley Isle brewer offers some incredible beers. Since 2005 Maui Brewing has been making these fine ales and lagers, and in spite of their lore, they are not easily found on the mainland. That makes any trip to the island even more special.

Maui Brewing has an impressive lineup of brews, offering styles every beer lover will find pleasing. At the brewpub in Kahana we sampled a flight of four: Pau Hana Pilsner, Black Rock Lager, Mana Wheat and, a “‘tis the season” beer, Kula Harvest Pumpkin.

With its golden color reminiscent of Maui sunshine, the Pilsner had a bit of a tea leaf scent to it — English Breakfast to be exact. This beer is flavorful and floral with a hoppy bite on the finish. Named for a nearby diving spot, Black Rock is a dark and malty, yet easy-drinking lager and the Kula, which is also malty, had a wonderful scent of fall spice. Our bartender Molly told us Kula contains cinnamon, clove and nutmeg and if served at room temp would be similar to a cider. Our favorite and one of Maui Brewing’s flagship beers is the Mana Wheat. This citrusy, creamy beer is best enjoyed with slices of Maui pineapple and is also one of Maui Brewing’s most popular.

Maui Brewing’s beers can be found in establishments all over the island including flagship beers Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA, and Coconut Porter. These beers are also available in cans so people can take them to their favorite beach, which of course, we did. All of Maui Brewing beers are made and canned on the island.

To help quell your peckish needs, the brewpub serves up tasty pizza and sandwiches, like the gigantic Cuban with Kalua pork or the Black Rock Dip with locally raised grass-fed beef served on a beer grain bun. Be sure to order the Mac Salad for a side.

Don’t leave without a taste of Maui Brewing’s Island Root Beer made with Maui cane sugar, local honey and Hawaiian vanilla.

Sitting at the bar is a cool experience because the brewpub has an iced bar top that will keep your glass perfectly chilled in the warm Hawaiian air. The brewpub brews many of Maui Brewing’s specialty and small batch beers while the main brewery in Lahaina town pumps out the flagship beers. Driving through Lahaina on a brewing day is a beer-lovers delight with the scent of mash filling the air. The main brewery also offers tours for $10 and kegs are available for purchase.

Maui Brewing Company’s two locations are the main brewery and tasting room in Lahaina town and the brewpub in the Kahana Gateway Center. Both are located just off the Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui. The brewery is building a second production facility and brewpub in the town of Kihei, which is closer to Maui’s port of Kahului. Could Maui Brewing be heading toward more mainland destinations? We certainly hope so. For those who can’t make it the island, Maui Brewing's beers can be found at better beer stores in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. And where laws permit it, they can be shipped to your house. Find Maui Brewing beers online at Beverages for Less (ships to Canada). Brewforia, Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Holiday Wine Cellar and Vendome Wine & Spirits.

Mahalo!  

Photos: Carrie Dow; Maui Brewing Company