Kona Brewing Co. releases small-batch series

Craft brewer will host launch parties to raise funds for Hawaii nonprofits

In celebration of its 21^st anniversary, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii-based Kona Brewing Co. created a special series of small-batch beers that will be available only throughout Hawaii.

Titled the Makana Series, which means “to give,” the beers also will complement Kona Brewing’s full-year campaign to raise money for nonprofit organizations that have dedicated themselves to restoring and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources.

“We are so proud that we can bring together the two things Kona Brewing Co. does best, making great beer and giving back to the community,” said Kona Brewing’s Brand Manager Aaron Marion in a statement. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 21^st birthday than to say ‘mahalo’ to those that work toward the greater good of our island home.”

Inspired by the four elements of nature — earth, fire, water and wind — the Makana Series pays homage to the forces that helped shape Hawaii into what it is today, the company says. Each of the four beers in the series also incorporates local Hawaiian ingredients derived from the elements themselves.

The first release in the series, Aina Brown Ale, pays tribute to the earth by incorporating Kalo (taro root) into the brewing process. The beer’s nonprofit partner is Sustainable Coastlines, which will receive a portion of the proceeds raised from the sale of this limited-edition beer.

Aina Brown Ale will make its official debut Jan. 24 at the Kona Brewhouse Oasis with a concert featuring The Green, an Oahu-based reggae band, and Gomega, a Maui-based band. One hundred percent of the profits from admission tickets and merchandise sold at the event will be donated to Sustainable Coastlines. In addition, Makana Series beer and merchandise sold at the two Kona Brewing pubs between January and April 2015 also will generate donations for Sustainable Coastlines. In total, Kona Brewing Co. has a goal to raise at least $50,000 for Sustainable Coastlines in the first three months of 2015.

Each of Kona Brewing Co.’s four new Makana Series beers will be available for approximately three months (or until supply runs out) and will only be available on draft. Aina Brown Ale will be available to bars, restaurants and Kona Brewing Co.’s Koko Marina pub beginning Jan. 26. Distribution of each beer will be limited to the two Kona Brewing pubs and approximately 50 other bars and restaurants throughout Hawaii. Because of limited supply, the series will not be available at the growler station or for dock sales at the Kona brewery or Koko Marina pub.

Each of the four nonprofits will receive a $10,000 donation from Kona Brewing as a way to say “mahalo” for their contributions to Hawaii, the company says. The craft brewers also say it plans to do more to generate donations for its nonprofit partners. Beyond the January launch party, Kona Brewing will host additional Makana Series launch parties throughout the year in April, July and October in the effort to raise donation funds. These dates have yet to be determined.

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