Kona Brewing Returns With Pipeline Porter and Koko Brown Ale as Big Wave Golden Ale Cans Hit the Market

Now hitting the mainland with some broader distribution are a couple of Kona Brewing’s crowd favorites that are not widely available here, Pipeline Porter brewed with 100% Kona Coffee and Koko Brown that offers up the pleasant coconut flavors. Also debuting are 12 oz cans of Kona’s Big Wave Golden Ale. Pipeline Porter and Koko Brown are limited releases and are not expected to stay on shelves or taps long while Big Wave Golden Ale will be more widely distributed across the mainland United States.

“Our customers on the mainland have been begging us to bring back Pipeline Porter and Koko Brown Ale, and we’re happy to oblige,” said Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing Co.’s brewery operations. “Pipeline Porter and Koko Brown Ale are bold, distinctive brews that are perfect for the winter season. And with flavors like Kona coffee and toasted coconut, they add a tropical twist to holiday celebrations.”

Pipeline Porter (5.3% ABV, 23 IBU) is currently available on draft and in bottles in most states across the continental U.S. The beer is made with premium malted barley and freshly-roasted 100% Kona coffee grown on the Cornwell Estate, located just a few miles from Kona’s home brewery in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island. Pipeline Porter has an inviting aroma and earthy complexity that pairs well with soups, stews, roast beef sandwiches, pot roasts and mashed potatoes as well as desserts. The porter is made with Pale 2 Row Premium, Victory and Caramel 120, and Chocolate malts. Hops include millennium and Willamette.

Then in January, fan favorite Koko Brown Ale (5.6% ABV, 45 IBU) will be available through March or until supplies last. The beer is made with toasted coconut that imparts a smooth nutty, toffee flavor. The ale pairs well with Thai curries, barbeque and grilled meats. The ale is made with Pale 2 Row Premium, Victory, Carapils, Munich 30 and Chocolate malt that contributes to its smooth flavor and nutty aroma. Hops include Alchemy, Cascade and Willamette.

Also hitting store shelves for the first time is Big Wave Golden Ale (4.4% ABV, 21 IBU) but this time this its being packaged in 12 oz aluminum cans, perfect for any outdoor activity. Big Wave Golden Ale offers a tropical aroma and flavor. Its caramel malt and special blend of hops provides a quenching finish. Big Wave’s lighter body is ideal to enjoy with seafood, poultry, salads and light pasta dishes. The ale is made with Pale 2 Row Premium and Caramel 20. Hops include Millennium, Galaxy and Citra.

This past October Big Wave Golden Ale won 1st Place in the Light Ale-Golden Category at the 19th Annual Great International Beer & Cider Competition Awards. Also at the same awards fellow canned beer, Longboard Island Lager won second place in the Lager-Helles Category. Longboard also took home the silver medal in the “Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest” category during the 2015 Great American Beer Festival.

“Living the ‘Liquid Aloha’ lifestyle at the beach or just hanging out with friends may be a little easier now since the cans are lighter to carry and don’t break,” said Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing Co.’s brewery operations. “In addition, we always strive to be as sustainable as possible so for our 6-pack can holders we used 96 percent recycled plastic.”

Pipeline Porter is available in 6-pack, 12 oz bottles and on draft through the end of the year or until supplies run out. The craft beer is available in Hawaii year-round. Koko Brown Ale will be available in 6-pack, 12 oz bottles and on draft in January. Big Wave Golden Ale will make its debut in 6-pack and 12-pack, 12 oz aluminum cans.