|
|
|
|
|
|
Tour Stop 154 - Kauai Island Brewing Company, - 2/7/2025
Kauai Island Brewing Company, 4350 Waialo Road, Port Allen, HI 96705 (808) 335-0006
Experience before you go . . .  "World's Westernmost Brewery". I don't have a globe to spin further west, looking for another brewery so I could verify that claim, and where exactly does the west end anyways?, besides it says so right on the coasters so I'll take their word for it. We had spent the day whale watching off the Kauai coast and as it happened, the brewery was right across the street from the dock. I always wanted to see the world's westernmost brewery so off the boat and into the brewery we went. As it turned out, it seemed a popular choice for many of the newly disembarked whale watchers. We had seen whales and they were cool, but now we've got some beer to drink.
 The Kauai Island Brewing Company was already busy before we all invaded it. Lots of people eating and drinking beer. We grabbed a table so the four of us could get some food as well. The front porch we walked through is open to the warm Hawaiian air and some local talent was providing wonderful island music. The inside has tall ceilings with lots of signage and lights. I went up to the bar and flashed the official HBT card and started talking with a man at the bar who told me the bartender was too busy to talk. He said the brewery was owned by Dave and I don't know if he was Dave, or if he was a different owner or partner, or perhaps my new friend is someone in operations that helps out or maybe he just comes in all the time and kind of directs traffic from his spot. Their own version of Norm. But he was very nice, he listened to what I had to say and answered my questions. He said I could take pictures and walk around a bit.
  So with a steady floor under me I walked around snapping photos. There were sports teams' banners hanging from above, nice artwork on the walls, and a stairways up to the second level. Meanwhile, back at the table, our server Makaana arrived so I scooted back quickly. I ordered a flight of some IPAs, as I often do. It was a great selection after our boat ride, and then somebody ordered Nachos! Their food all looked great and the Nachos were terrific. My companions all had a pint of their choice, with the ladies going for a nice Pils and Steve joining me with a pint of Ale. We went through the Nachos in short order and I wanted to talk with my new friend at the bar a little more.
I learned a few more things about the brewery. They started here in 2012, have earned several awards, and they are so successful they are looking to move to a new area since they can't keep up. I hope they don't move east of any other brewery or they'll need to get new coasters. Head brewer Dave Curry and brewer Zach Lynch usually have about 13 or 14 beers ready. In their list of awards they've earned is included an award for their "Pastry Style" beer. They distribute their beer to eight or nine local restaurants. With their Stout, they use local coffee, and I was told they use Koloa barrels.
Kauai Island Brewing is known for "Cold beer, good food and hospitality".
If you ever get the pleasure of spending some time in Kauai, head on over to the Kauai Island Brewing Company. Maybe go watch some whales first and then wash down the sea mist with some good beer!
Until the next stop . . . Mahalo!
|
