World of Beer Brewed Here in Hawai‘i: Blonde Ales
Learn about different beer styles and where to get them on O‘ahu. First up: easy-drinking blonde ales that are perfect for summer.
The world of beer is diverse and exciting. Far beyond just fizzy bitter liquid, there is a wide range of tastes, colors and ingredients. Unique beer styles developed due to geographic limitations, water chemistry, and availability of grain and hops. The remoteness of Hawai‘i poses extra challenges for brewers in added shipping costs and freshness of ingredients that cannot be grown locally. This article series is an introduction to the rainbow of flavors out there and where you can buy local examples to enjoy.
Hākea Bohemian Blonde Ale Beer Lab Hawai‘i
Photos: Alexander B. Gates
Each beer style has its ideal time and place. And with Hawai‘i’s lazy days of summer best spent outdoors with family and friends at barbecues, picnics and the beach, there is nothing better than a crisp, refreshing beer. The true American beer of summer is the blonde ale—also known as golden ale—that imparts the image of a glistening glass of bubbling gold.
The Beer Judge Certification Program describes the style as an “easy-drinking, approachable, malt-oriented American craft beer. Well balanced and clean, [it] is a refreshing pint without aggressive flavors.” Blonde ales are between 3.8% and 5.5% ABV, meaning even the stronger examples are light. Bitterness is also low at 15–28 IBU (International Bitterness Units), which is helpful for drinkers who think all beer is impossibly bitter, like popular IPAs. A blonde ale is considered an easy entry for people looking to get into craft beer without knowing where to start.
For many styles, there is no definitive history due to a dearth of formal record keeping. Blonde ales probably began more than a century ago as an intermediate between the light Kölsch style from Germany and the more hop bitter assertive pale ale, which led to a sparkling ale. While the style is brewed all over the world, American blonde ales are a product of the brewpub culture of the past few decades. Popular macro lagers like Heineken are brewed with cold bottom-fermenting yeast, which can take weeks to months to mature. Many small breweries simply do not have the space and time to devote to these styles despite their popularity with modern drinkers. Blonde ales have similar characteristics but are made with a warm top-fermenting yeast, which is ready to drink in a few days. Blonde ales are so clean and crisp—they have nothing to hide. You can tell if you’re in a good quality brewery by testing its light beers; if the blonde is delicious, it is a good bet the brewery’s other selections are too.
SEE ALSO: Here’s What It’s Like Grabbing a Beer at Waikīkī Brewing Co. in Kaka‘ako During Quarantine
Simply put, if you love Heineken but want to support local Hawai‘i breweries, give these beers a try:
Aloha Spirit Blonde Ale
Waikīkī Brewing Co.
ABV 4.6%, IBU 18
This light, refreshing blonde ale is made with a selection of American hop varieties that impart light floral and citrusy notes. It is available on draft at both brewery locations and bars around the Islands. It is also easy to find in newly redesigned six-pack cans ($12) at grocery and convenience stores throughout the state and on Guam.
Waikīkī Brew Pub, 945 Kalākaua Ave. Kaka‘ako Brew Pub, 831 Queen St. waikikibrewing.com
Hākea Bohemian Blonde Ale
Beer Lab Hawai‘i
ABV 5.0%, IBU 22
Beer Lab classifies its blonde ale as bohemian style, with flavors of lighter beers from Czechia. It has become a regular beer on draft at all three locations and is available for 32-ounce crowler ($13) and 64-ounce growler ($18) fills.
Beer Lab HI University, 1010 University Ave. Beer Lab HI Waipi‘o, 94-515 Ukeʻe St., #310, Waipahu. Pearlridge Center Mauka Center Court, 98-1005 Moanalua Road, ‘Aiea.
Aloha Blonde
Aloha Beer Co.
ABV 4.8%, IBU 20
Aloha Beer Co. describes its Aloha Blonde as an infinitely refreshing beer with a light crisp malt backbone and a delicate hop finish. It is available on draft at the brewery and available to-go in 25.4-ounce cans ($7.50).
700 Queen St., alohabeer.com
SEE ALSO: First Look: Hana Koa Brewing Co.: Kaka‘ako’s Newest Brewery and Largest Taproom
Breaktime Blonde
Hana Koa Brewing Co.
ABV 4.2%
Hana Koa brews its blonde with German pilsner malt and hops. “The smell of ocean breeze and fresh cut flowers are complemented [by] a clean and crisp flavor,” its menu says. It is available on draft at the brewery and to-go in 25-ounce crowlers ($9.50) and 40-ounce growlers ($9).
962 Kawaiaha‘o St., hanakoabrewing.com
As this is not an exhaustive list of blonde ales brewed in Hawai‘i, look for the style name on your next brewery visit or beer purchase.
