Beer #66 - W/C 30 May 2016
BREWERY // Located on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui, the eponymous brewery is near the top of the list of breweries we'd like to visit. They are committed to making truly local beers with a commitment to the local economy and environment- all spent grain goes to local farmers for feed and compost and the lightweight cans are the most eco-friendly way of getting their beers to the masses. The solar energy program means that they are off the grid and Maui were recently voted Hawaiian Green Business of the Year. Their beers often include local produce such as mango, pineapple, guava, vanilla, mac nuts, Lilikoi, and various varieties of local honey. Maui beers are only currently available in 15 American states.
TASTING NOTES // We love a good American IPA; the off the wall, unbalanced, unashamedly BIG hops of this style is a kick in the pants. The good kind. Big Swell is a good example of the style with a citrusy, piney, resinous, light caramel, smooth malt taste. Some tasters have noted hints of pineapple but it’s possible they simply smashed down Big Swell as a chaser to Maui’s Mana Wheat and had that pineapple lingering on the tongue. Subtle malt backbone supports the strong hop character and provides some balance. Nice malt aroma with strong piny, floral notes from the American hops. Big Swell is dry hopped to give that burst of hop aroma. Pours light amber in colour with moderate head and retention. The perfect beer to take on your next surf trip, although, given this current weather that would be unlikely.
BREWERY // Maui Brewing Co.
BEER // Big Swell
STYLE // India Pale Ale
ORIGIN // Hawaii
ABV // 6.8%
HOPS // 4 different kinds of Northwestern Hops
TEMPERATURE // Cellar Temperature- 10-14C
FOOD MATCH // Madras curry, Pork Belly, Fajitas, Grilled steak, Apricot and mature Cheddar cheese board, salted nuts and carrot cake
GLASS // Nonic, Pint, Tulip
Beer Style Blog - Read more about different styles over on the BLOG.