Kiuchi Brewery -- Hitachino Ginger Beer

Hitachino Real Ginger Brew is brewed with real ginger added in the brewkettle.

7.0% ABV

Review:

This hazy, toffee colored beer has little head and a very light carbonation. The aroma is slightly sweet with a spicy ginger aspect. Similarly, the taste is dominated by caramel malts and ginger flavors which combine to drown out the light grassy notes of the hops.

(Side Note: Hitachino lost quite a bit of their backstock in the big earthquake, but they have been brewing since, and the availability of their beers should be back to normal soon.)

Overall: 

This beer is quite nice, but I would only desire to drink one glass unless I was at an all- you-can-eat sushi dinner... then I could have a couple. If you are a big fan of Bundaberg ginger beer, you will probably like this. It is similar in a lot of ways, but has a little less bite. Personally, I would say that It is one of the best ginger beers I've ever tasted. It simply isn't as "beery" as I'd like, so I can't give it an A grade.

Grade: B

Barrel Man says,

"unique brew."

(Bottle Purchased at Liquor Collection)

Kona Brewing Co. Hawaii Kai

Kona Brewing Company, Hawaii Kai

Lets start by getting the record straight: this location is not the brewery, nor do they brew on the premises. As such, I will review this as a pub, not a brew pub, and not a brewery.

Now then, I had a hard time finding this place, it is hidden behind a shopping center. It was the middle of the week, in the middle of the afternoon, in the middle of a downpour of rain. This being the case, I was the only person at the bar. (Though I’m sure this place gets hopping when Led is at the guitar every Sunday.) The service was great and the kind-hearted bartender answered all of my questions. I learned a lot about the beers of Kona, and a little about the brewery.

If you are a beer lover, keep these things in mind:

1.) You must ask your waiter what brews are on tap. The 7 or so listed in the menu are only about half of what they have on tap. There are 24 tap handles with at least 16 beers (2 on nitro).  DO NOT believe the menu!!! 

2.) There is a beer of the week (or was it month…?) which is only $3.

3.) Budweiser is a part owner of this company through the Craft Brewer’s Alliance.

Highlights: Ginger beer, Sun Charged Golden Ale, Dry Side Stout on Nitro

Selection: B

Location: C

Price: B-

Friendliness: A

beer knowledge: B-

Overall Grade: B