Longboard Island Lager – Kona Brewing Co.

From The Bottle: Since 1994, Kona Brewing Co.  Has been committed to making handcrafted ales and lagers of uncompromised quality.  We invite you to visit our brewery and pubs whenever you visit Hawaii. Mahalo!

Wakiki beach in Honolulu is the birth place of longboard surfing.  Kona brewing pays tribute to this iconic place with our own longboard island lager.  A spirited, crisp and refershing brew.  Longboard is a smooth ride all the way in. Thirsts up!

4.60% ABV

Appearance: White foam that died down pretty quickly - very little lacing. Beer was a golden yellow with hints of orange.

Smell: Some earthy hops with hints of hay and a hint of malt. Rather mild.

Taste: Well balanced - nothing very strong. Reminded me of a Red Stripe in it's flavor (some earthiness towards the end of the sip). Malt is not too sweet, nor are the hops too bitter.

Mouthfeel: Nothing special. Some carbonation on the tongue and not too watery. Went down easy.

Drinkability: Went very well with crabcakes for dinner. Had two and could have had another.

Serving type: Bottle

Overall Rating: This beer is Okay.  Much better than lagers in it's class, I would have to say, but Lagers in general leave me wanting a bit more.  This one had a subtle aftertaste, that I can only describe as sandy.  Makes me feel like I am sitting on the beach.  I would definately have to have this beer again, if offered.  I would not pick it off the shelf myself however, as there are much better beers available, Overall, I would have to give this beer a 5/10, right down the middle, comparing this beer to other lagers however, brings the score up to a 7/10.