Ok, this is more like it when it comes to ales from Hawaii. Wasn’t too kind with the Golden Ale but this IPA is better. Still not tickled pink, as an old expression goes, but the added hoppiness takes me out of dullsville. Boy, you don’t know how it pains me to have to be critical of home town brewers but hey, like I said, the bottled Kona stuff comes from Portland or one of their other brew sites in the mainland.
Pours a light amber color with a medium white head. Nose is fruity with some caramel sweetness, nothing special pops out though. Body is medium, good carbonation. This is a much more drinkable option to the Golden Ale. That said, I find nothing special or particularly drinkable in this batch. I really will go over this again with a fresh, local and on tap version just as soon as I make the 2 hour drive to Kona. So, for now: This is not a stand out IPA by any means. It is nice, drinkable but nothing really noteworthy to toss accolades at.
If I were reaching for an IPA, this would not be the one. On the other hand, I have to be more kind with this than a few of the other offerings since it adheres, albeit nonchalantly, to the IPA family in a well mannered sort of way. There were a lot of 3.5 level ratings on Rate Beer and I would have to concur. Give this a try, see if you agree. Don’t go out of your way though and wait for the Koko Brown to come back into season for a real, rich beer experience from Kona.
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