Is Kona Brewing really Hawaiian? This question has sparked quite a controversy in the brewing community. On the surface, Kona Brewing may seem like a quintessentially Hawaiian beer brand, with its tropical branding and references to the Hawaiian islands. However, a closer look reveals that not all of their beer is actually brewed in Hawaii.
It is true that Kona Brewing does have a brewery located in Kona, Hawaii, where they produce their beer for the local market. This brewery, known as the Kona Brewing Company, is situated on the Big Island and is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts visiting Hawaii. The beer brewed at this location truly embodies the spirit and flavors of the Hawaiian islands.
However, the controversy arises when we consider the fact that Kona Brewing also produces beer at facilities located outside of Hawaii. Specifically, their beer is brewed at Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) facilities in New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington. This means that the Kona beers available outside of Hawaii are not actually brewed in the state that they are associated with.
From a branding perspective, this can be seen as misleading. Kona Brewing has built its image around the idea of being a Hawaiian beer brand, representing the laid-back, tropical lifestyle of the islands. By brewing their beer outside of Hawaii, they are essentially disconnecting themselves from the authenticity and uniqueness that comes with being a truly Hawaiian beer.
However, it is important to consider the practicalities and logistics of brewing beer on a larger scale. Brewing beer requires specialized equipment and infrastructure, and it may not be feasible for Kona Brewing to produce all of their beer in Hawaii alone. The Craft Brew Alliance facilities provide the necessary brewing capabilities to meet the demand for Kona beer in other parts of the country.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the recipes and brewing methods used for Kona beers are consistent across all locations. The brewers at the Craft Brew Alliance facilities work closely with the team in Hawaii to ensure that the beers maintain their intended flavors and quality. While the physical location of the brewery may differ, the essence of the beer remains true to its Hawaiian roots.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have found that the location where a beer is brewed does play a role in its character and terroir. Local water sources, climate, and ingredients can all influence the flavors and aromas of a beer. Therefore, it is understandable why some beer enthusiasts may feel disappointed that the Kona beers they are enjoying outside of Hawaii are not truly representative of the Hawaiian brewing tradition.
While Kona Brewing does have a brewery in Hawaii and produces beer that truly embodies the Hawaiian spirit, it is important to recognize that not all of their beer is brewed in Hawaii. The majority of their beers are produced at Craft Brew Alliance facilities located in other states. This raises questions about the authenticity and connection to the Hawaiian brewing tradition. However, it is worth considering the practicalities and logistics of brewing beer on a larger scale, as well as the efforts made to maintain the integrity of the beer across all locations. Ultimately, whether Kona Brewing is truly Hawaiian is a matter of perspective and personal interpretation.