So my bro Andrew stopped off in Hawaii for a week on his way to Toronto from New Zealand. Jealous as I was at his good fortune, he did have the decency to bring me a pair of beers called Bikini Blonde Lager, from the Maui Brewing Co. I know nothing about the beer or the brewer, but what I glean from the can I like. For one, they explain the environmental benefits of cans over bottles. If you’re not familiar, I will let you look into yourself, but suffice to say, cans are *way* better then bottles in an environmental context. Heaps of US micros are moving to cans, and a few Canucks are too. Next tidbit of info from the can: The beer won Silver in 2008 at the World Beer Cup in the Cellar or Unfiltered category. Oh hell yes. Speaking of which, it’s a Helles style lager. I don’t know if it could get any better. Time to find out.
Bikini Blonde Lager - Maui Brewing Co.
From a 355ml can with a freshness date stamped on it, the beer pours a nice golden yellow. Good head dissipates to thin film that leaves a light lacing. Aroma is of grains and yeast, with hints of a hop; something almost spicy. Taste is actually a little warming, with a big lovely malty graininess. There’s a nice dose of yeast, which gives it an almost wheat beer coriander and bubblegum like taste, but it’s subtle. There is some balance from the hop, a touch of tannin almost, but the finish is lovely and sweet, with a delicious grain on the end, all of which nicely fades out like any good lager. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a nice low carbonation, yet somehow it it feels light in your mouth. This is a really really good beer! Very sessionable, yet complicated enough that one could suffice. Still I wish I had a case of these beauties. Definitely a “top-pick”. Mahalo to Andrew, and the good folks at Maui Brewing Co. Aloha and Cheers.
I regularly describe myself as an "ardent supporter of beer", which pretty well sums it up. While I'm not working or busy being a husband and dad (okay, honestly, sometimes while I'm doing those things), I am drinking beer, attending events, visiting pubs, and thinking about beer. I work at Castro's Lounge, my local bar in the Beach, where I host beer events and take part in most things beer-related.
