I feel I have to say something at the start of this review. I like Kona Brewing Co. a lot. I live on the other side of the island, so it is somewhat of a hometown brewer for me. That said, this is not my favorite in their line up. In fact, as soon as I can get over to that side and get more Koko Brown, which IS my favorite, I’ll be able to give a glowing review. On this lager, sadly I cannot.
This is a disappointing lager for me. I really want to like it and have tried. There is a sweet and strong “dough” component that leaves an after taste that is not pleasant. Color is nice, head is fine. All the components for a good lager base are there. Just that one over taste does it in for me. Kinda like that extra in Becks that stays with you. The under license Becks now in the US lacks that over tone. I kinda like it but the purest in me thinks that like all under license beers, it misses the original by some margin.
This is an easy drinking lager and the hoppiness is light and kinda floral sweet. I really can’t recommend Long Board Lager and that is really sad for me.
Brewed by:
Kona Brewing Co.
Hawaii, United States
Style – ABV
American Pale Lager – 4.60% ABV
Availability: Year Round
Notes/Commercial Description:
Longboard Island Lager is a smooth refreshing lager fermented and aged for five weeks at cold temperatures to yield its exceptionally smooth flavor. A delicate, slightly spicy hop aroma complements the malty body of this beer.
Translucent light golden yellow color; Three- quarter finger head and crumpety white foam which fades in 40 seconds; Excellent sticky lacing with notable small carbonation; Aroma of moderate full malt, with honey, very light floral, strong bread and dough, strong yeast, light lemon and very light grass; Close to light sweet taste of light malt, with slight chalk, fairly light molasses, strong bread, strong dough, yeast, faint lemon and faint bitter grassy hops; Light body, dry and slight slick palate; Mouth feel is wheat lager without wheat.
Second Review
My second review of this beer went a little better. Different brewery, different set of circumstances, hard to say, but click to read more about Longboard Beer.
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