Hawaii Nui Brewing Makes a Big Splash

This has been an active summer for the Hawai‘i Nui Brewing Ohana.

Today we’re happy to announce a new product, Tsunami IPA.

We’ve won more awards.

We’ve got new offerings in the tasting room.

We have made it easier for you to find our hand-crafted ales and lagers in more bars and restaurants. And we have expanded our distribution with our valued partners at Paradise Beverages.

New Product, Tsunami IPA

Hawai‘i Nui Brewing Tsunami IPA is here! It is a big IPA. A very big IPA. One taste and we believe you’ll agree that Tsunami IPA is the biggest swell in the Hawaiian Islands.

The first kegs went out on August 15 to selected establishments.

On the Big Island of Hawai‘i, you will be able to sample Hawai‘i Nui Brewing Tsunami IPA on draught at Big Island Brewhaus & Tako Taco Taqueria in Waimea, at Café Pesto in Kawaihae and in Hilo, and at the Hilo Burger Joint.

On Oahu, Murphy’s Bar and Grill, Bar 35 and The Varsity Grill & Bar in Honolulu are expecting to tap in Tsunami IPA.

In early September we will have a limited quantity of Tsunami IPA on hand at the brewery and tasting room. Since these are the early days for Tsunami IPA, our emphasis will be on tasting.

More Awards for Hawai‘i Nui and Mehana

This past spring, we were stoked to announce that Hawai‘i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale was honored with a Silver Medal in the American Brown Ale category at the World Beer Cup 2010.

This summer, Hapa has gone on to win a national gold medal. Hawai‘i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale won the Gold Medal in the American Brown Ale category at the U.S. Beer Open.

And that’s not all on the award scene.

We’re very pleased to report that Mehana Brewing Mauna Kea Pale Ale has been honored with a Silver Medal in the American Pale Ale category at the U.S. Beer Open.

New in the Tasting Room

Come by our brewery and tasting room at 275 East Kawili Street in Hilo for a taste of Tsunami IPA and an opportunity to place an order.

We have some new merchandise for your consideration. The Hapa Brown Ale T-shirts have arrived. And we are now offering logo tasting glasses for $5.

New Outlets

We’ve added some wonderful new bars and restaurants to our line-up.

• Duke’s Restaurant and Barefoot Bar in Waikiki is serving Hawai‘i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale on draught
• The King’s Grill in the King’s Course Clubhouse at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort offers Sunset Amber Ale and Mehana Brewing Mauna Kea Pale Ale on draught
• Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill Restaurant on Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona has added Hawai’i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale on draught to its selection of Mehana draught brews
• The new Humpy’s Restaurant on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona has on tap almost all the Hawai‘i Nui and Mehana brews
• Murphy’s Bar and Grill in Honolulu offers Mehana Hawaiian Crow Porter on draught
• Jameson’s by the Sea in Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu is pouring Hawai‘i Nui Brewing Kaua‘i Golden Ale on draught

Expanded Agreement
with Paradise Beverages

We’re pleased to announce that Paradise Beverages is distributing all the Hawai‘i Nui Brewing and Mehana Brewing products on all of the Hawaiian Islands.

Malaho to the entire team for all the hard work!
-Keith Kinsey, President and CEO

Hawai’i Nui Brewing’s Hapa Brown Ale Wins Silver Medal in World Beer Cup

Hawai’i Nui Brewing recently claimed a silver medal in the Brewers Association (BA) World Beer Cup® 2010, a global beer competition that evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers being produced in the world today.

Gold, silver and bronze medals in the competition’s 90 beer-style categories were awarded April 10, 2010, during the World Beer Cup Gala Awards Dinner in Chicago.

Award winning Hawai'i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale -- bold, rich and inviting!

Hawai’i Nui Brewing was awarded a silver medal in the “American-Style Brown Ale” beer style category for its Hapa Brown Ale.

Hapa is an American Brown Ale, which originated in the British style of blending different beers to create a single unique brew. It is dark mahogany-colored, bold, and has a rich malty backbone with balanced hop bitterness. Hawai’i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale was one of 40 entries in the American-Style Brown Ale category.

The silver medal is testament to Hawai’i Nui Brewing’s commitment to brewing and bottling the finest hand-crafted ales and lagers in Hawai’i. Our staff is made up of beer enthusiasts who banded together to create an exquisite brown ale that complements the tropical lifestyle in Hawai’i.

World Beer Cup 2010 winners were selected by an international panel of 179 beer judges from 27 countries. An impressive field of 3,401 entries from 642 breweries in 44 countries made up the competition. More than 3,800 breweries in 100 countries were invited to compete.

The World Beer Cup has been held every other year since 1996 and is presented by the Brewers Association. Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 20,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association. Consumers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com. Visit WorldBeerCup.org for additional World Beer Cup information.

Congratulations to our team on a job well done. Mahalo to Brewers John Walsh and Kaiao Archer and production manager Chris Heit.

Hawai'i Nui Brewing's winning team: brewer and production manager Chris Heit; president Keith Kinsey; head brewer John Walsh; and brewer and filtration lead Kaiao Archer

Hawaii’s authentic local microbrewery announces a new brew, Southern Cross Winter Ale

Aloha, all! It has been an interesting year.

We have been brewing and bottling at full blast. In the process we have encountered some of the weaker parts of the physical plant. The equipment has needed a bit of attention over the last month or so. Rob, our lead wrench, has been putting in some hours keeping the brewery and bottling line equipment up and running well. I believe that we have put the pieces in place to meet demand for our growing product line.

The market is recognizing that Hawai’i Nui and Mehana are the only beers that are bottled in Hawai’i. The summer was busier than expected here in Hawai’i. By historic standards we’ve also been putting out quite a lot of beer to Japan and the mainland west coast. We trust that this bodes well for a very busy winter season.

Our newest bottled product, Hapa Brown Ale, has been greeted with resounding two thumbs up all over the state. When Andy and I are out and about we hear the familiar cry, “Where can I get that Hapa?”

If you have not yet had a chance to try our Hapa Brown Ale, ask your retailer for it! You can always get it from our tasting room and store if nowhere else. We have a new batch just out!

Before I close – wanted to take a quick moment to tell everyone that we have just finished our winter seasonal ale. Some of you may have tried the prototype in the tasting room. It is a fantastic beer and the first of many to come over the years.

We will have a winter seasonal every year starting this year. The beer will only be sold from Mid November thru January.

This year our “Southern Cross” seasonal ale it is a smoked double red or what some call an Imperial Amber Ale. We brew it with Belgian style yeast for a very authentic and phenomenal beer. If you would like to order a keg for your Holiday party, stop by and reserve your keg today!

Mahalo for all of your support and drop me a line anytime — keith @ hawaiinuibrewing.com. We love hearing from all of you!

Aloha, Keith Kinsey

A new batch of Hapa Brown Ale rolls off the production line in Hilo, Hawai'i

Hapa Brown Ale the latest to appear in Hawai’i Nui Brewing’s popular new packaging

Hawai'i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale -- first bottled in Hilo, Hawai'i on July 1, 2009

It’s been seven months since we rebranded and repackaged the Keoki beers as Hawai’i Nui Kaua’i Golden Ale and Hawai’i Nui Sunset Amber Ale. We’re pleased to report that the new look has been a great success in the market. Retail sales are ahead of 2008, especially in our core market of Kaua’i.

Bars and restaurants have begun the shift from Keoki to Hawai’i Nui, phasing in the new name as they reprint their menus.  Some have decided to continue with the Keoki name on their menus.

We have made significant investments in and adjustments to the production process at the Hilo brewery. On a peak day, our hard-working and dedicated team has topped the previous production record by a factor of eight. Mahalo to the team for a job well done. The result: the Hilo facility has been able to accommodate all production for all brands of authentic local beer.

Our newest product, Hawai’i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale, has been well reviewed and very successful on draught. Hapa is a full-bodied all-malt Brown Ale with an intriguing hop character balanced by a rich maltiness. Pure Hawaiian water is infused with bold flavors in this delicious brew. Hapa Brown Ale combines Island Style ease with the time honored tradition of blending beers in the classic British manner.

Based on its early success, we have made the decision to launch Hapa as a retail brand. The first cases of Hapa were bottled and packaged today.

You will be able to purchase Hawai’i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale in retail stores on the Big Island of Hawai’i soon, and on the other islands very shortly. If you don’t see it, please ask for it!

Aloha!

Keith Kinsey

A lot can happen in a few short months!

Here's to teamwork!

It’s been three months since Hawai’i Nui Brewing joined forces with Mehana Brewing.

We are exited to say that we’ve accomplished our major goal for the combination: 100% of our beer is now produced and packaged locally in Hawai’i.

Our combined team has pulled together and accomplished a tremendous amount since we came together on January 1, 2009.

In just 12 weeks we have:

• Introduced a well received new look for Hawai’i Nui Sunset Amber Ale and Kaua’i Golden Ale, and phased out the old Keoki Brewing packaging
• Expanded market support and distribution for the Mehana brands statewide, and for the Hawai’i Nui Brands on the Big Island of Hawai’i
• Brewed and kegged the Hawai’i Nui products in the Hilo facility, and resized the labels for the long-neck bottles we fill in Hilo
• Thrown a party to celebrate our newest product, Hawai’i Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale, available in draft at select establishments with bottles arriving shortly
• Teamed with local chefs and restaurants to host beer-food pairing events
• Supported the Big Island of Hawai’i as a beer tourism destination through our participation in the Kona Brewers Festival
• Brewed our first batch of Primo Island Lager Beer in Hilo and hosted our friends from Primo’s parent company. As you may know we brew the draught Primo product for the local market on behalf of our valued customer, Pabst Brewing and Malting.

More is brewing, of course, with news to be shared as our plans are realized.

Meanwhile, Mahalo to our customers for their patience with our progress as we implemented these important steps to localizing 100% of our production. And Mahalo to the entire team for a job well done.

Aloha, Keith Kinsey

Under the rainbow at the Kona Brewers Festival 2009 with customers, partners, team members and treasured friends

Hawai’i Nui Brewing Ships First Kegs from Hilo

We’re delighted to report that we have shipped the first Hawai’i Nui Sunset Amber Ale kegs from our Hilo facility today. Both Kauai Golden Ale and Hapa Brown Ale are in fermentation now and increased quantities will be available in the market shortly.

Bringing production online on the Big Island of Hawai’i is an important step to catching up with the growing demand statewide for our locally produced beer.

See you tomorrow at the Kona Brewers Festival! Stop by our stand and talk story. Or drop by the tasting room in Hilo next week.

Es gibt Bier auf Hawai’i — Come and see for yourselves!

Our Karneval mission: mountain-to-mountain Aloha!

Today is Fat Tuesday, the high point of Karneval, the German-speaking world’s Mardi Gras Celebration.

Germans call the pre-Lenten Carnival season die närrische Saison (“the foolish season”).

Except for Munich’s Oktoberfest, it is the one time of year when many normally staid Germans (and Austrians and Swiss) loosen up and go a little crazy.

Right this very minute, tens of thousands of German speakers — of all ages and musical tastes — are singing a popular drinking song that goes something like this:

Es gibt kein Bier auf Hawaii, es gibt kein Bier;
drum fahr’ ich nicht nach Hawaii, drum bleib’ ich hier.
Es ist so heiß auf Hawaii, kein kühler Fleck,
und nur vom Hula Hula geht der Durst nicht weg.

Roughly translated…

There’s no beer in Hawaii, you’ll find no beer,
so I won’t go to Hawaii, I’ll rather stay here.
It is so hot in Hawaii, no cool place to stay,
and just doing the hula won’t make the thirst go away.

If you’ve never heard the song, take your pick from these youTube links:

• A smoothly styled nighclub version that seems to be an hommage to Don Ho
• The inevitable Oom-pah-pah version
• A beach-vacation version sung by a tourist who accompanies himself with an ‘ukulele
• A head-banging heavy-metal version by the band, Sodom
• A heavy-metal crossover version by Onkel Tom Angelripper
• A disco version by the Frauenartz & Manny Marc
• A “you- had-to-be-there” version in a dimly lit beer cellar
• A roaring-drunk version
• And last but not least, we encourage you to watch THIS video — a 1964 cover by Paul Kuhn and his Javalins. This video is illustrated with vintage photos of our product labels at :54 and 1:19.

The pink-labeled beer shown in the video at 1:19 is an export product tailored for the tastes of Japan, one of our beloved outer islands.

The Keoki brand name shown at :54 has been changed to Hawai’i Nui Brewing.

We have improved the packaging of Sunset Amber Ale and Kaua’i Golden Ale to reflect the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. The labels shown at right are what you will find in stores now in Hawai’i.

The video also shows a mug for Primo Beer, which we produce in draught on Kaua’i on behalf of Primo Brewing and Malting Company.

We are sure you will get a laugh from some of these videos. It is all meant in good fun in the high spirits of Karneval.

But what is not so funny for us in Hawai’i is that so many Germans, Austrians and Swiss actually believe the song is true and that our beer is imaginary.

To help rectify the widespread misunderstanding that there is no beer in Hawai’i, we cordially and respectfully invite our German speaking friends to join us here in Hawai’i to see for yourselves: Es gibt Bier auf Hawai’i!

Our Ohana, or family of companies — Hawai’i Nui Brewing and Mehana Brewing — is serious about Island Style beer and committed to local production in Hawai’i.

You can find our Hawai’i-produced ales and lagers at the Kona Brewers Festival in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i coming up on March 14, 2009, and at any of the events listed on our site.

You are welcome to visit us at our tasting room in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i, where our brewing and bottling facility also awaits your inspection. Aloha!

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Economic Recovery House Meetings: Hawai’i Nui Brewing supports local thought leadership

President Obama has asked all of us to support our friends and neighbors this weekend by hosting or attending an Economic Recovery House Meeting.

If you did not receive the President’s email this morning, here is what he said:

“The economic crisis is growing more serious every day, and the time for action has come.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will jumpstart our economy and put more than 3 million people back to work.

I hope to sign the recovery plan into law in the next few weeks. But I need your help to spread the word and build support.

It’s not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives — they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability.

Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting.”

We at Hawai’i Nui Brewing want to see Hawai’i represented in the national discussion. We believe that our country can learn a lot from our unique values and perspective on taking care of business locally. We encourage you to participate by submitting your questions about the economic recovery plan.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/economicmeetings/

Hawai’i Nui Brewing also wants to support your efforts to attend or to host an Economic Recovery House Meeting.

A growler makes a perfect take-along for pot luck House Meetings–as welcome as it is economical. We invite you to come by our tasting room in Hilo to refill yours.

Hawai’i establishments planning to host a gathering, please contact Andy Baker (andy@hawaiinuibrewing.com) to find out how we can support your efforts to bring people together around this important issue.

Keith Kinsey

YouTube Link: Mahalo America: The Barak Obama Song

Check out your local store for Keoki’s new look

A New Look for Keoki Gold

Finally!

After a lot of hard work, the team at Hawai’i Nui Brewing is proud to introduce a new look for our popular ales.

From now on, Keoki products will be flying the Hawai’i Nui Brewing Flag.

Look in stores now for Hawai’i Nui Brewing Sunset Amber Ale and Kauai Golden Ale.

Some of you have wondered, why the change?

A New Look for Keoki Sunset

As local residents will remember, Keoki Brewing was founded by George “Keoki” Wells in 1998.

We bought Keoki Brewing because, like so many other local residents, we loved the great taste of Sunset Amber Ale and Kaua’i Golden Ale.

We have enjoyed every minute of owning Keoki and are proud of our products.

So proud, in fact that we felt compelled to enhance our look in the market.

There are several goals for the new look. We want to:

• Honor our inspiration, the natural beauty of Hawai’i
• Reinstate the name, Kaua’i Golden Ale, which had been lost along the way
• Let our beer to look as good as it tastes
• Clarify the difference between the two ales for our visitors

The Hawai’i Nui Brewing packaging brings you the same great taste inside a new look.

Aloha and Mahalo for enjoying our hand-crafted ales!

-Keith Kinsey, President, Hawaii Nu’i Brewing

Liquor Collection features Sunset in Holiday Package

You Got It?

Honolulu residents, are you looking for a great gift idea?

Stop by the Liquor Collection in the Ward Warehouse. George and Ming have put their annual sampler package of eight great beers from around the world.

Our Sunset Amber Ale is included this year. It makes a great pairing with holiday pupus.