Starting off with my first review on this site is one from my home town brewery. I live 12 miles North of Hilo Hawaii and Mehana Brewery is my local craft beer maker. This is a turn around story after the new owner purchased it out of bankruptcy in 2013. Not so many breweries in Hawaii and I for one am very glad to have a quality producer of fine craft beers in my home town. The new owner seems to have one vision for the time being, don’t go bankrupt again. I am all for that! I have jumped on the band wagon and really enjoy the line up and fresh new look with all cans.
Now to the review: This is a very light, smooth Porter. So light in fact, I believe that those who really don’t care much for dark beer may actually appreciate this one. If you like Guinness, this may not have the under tones you are used to. At first pour, I was hit with the substantial tan head. The beer itself has a nice dark color and super mild coffee and milk chocolate flavor. Nothing bitter about this brew and that may work in its favor with the general public.
Porter is not something you usually would think of to bring to a beach party to pass around. This one I think could be that sort of “party beer” because it is so unassuming, as Porters go. It doesn’t leave a heavy after taste in the throat as so many of the stronger darks do. This dark is pretty light on carbonation and body. If you want something to “sting” your buds and keep that sensation going, my next review of the Volcano Red Ale would be more to your liking.
I have been reviewing very expensive premium Japanese imports on my beerjapan.com site. I usually leave off by asking myself if this brew is worth seeking out, versus the coin involved. Usually the answer has been yes. The quality is so high and the tastes so interesting on these premiums that I am usually very impressed. That usually goes for a bottle or two because anything more, could break the bank. When it comes to Mehana brews, the cost is a bit higher than some of the more mass produced newcomers on the market, but I believe it’s worth it also. A six-pack of Mehana at my local grocery store is a bit over $10. I gladly pay a couple bucks over some competitors to support my local brewery. This Porter is so smooth and easy on the palate, I will be quaffing this crow for the foreseeable future. If you get a chance to find this one, do yourself a favor and pick up six of these silver cans.
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