Christmas Beer, Taro Buns & Brewery #1: Honolulu Beerworks

It took an entire month but I finally got out to brewery #1. Honolulu Beerworks is situated in the ultra hip Kakaako district which, luckily for me, is a quick bike ride from where I work.

I almost didn't make it into the actual brewery. Riding through Kakaako's gorgeous and varied murals it's easy to get sidetracked and distracted by all the amazing work. I didn't snap any pictures because I have my priorities in order, beer was waiting. I'll probably do a separate post on Kakaako itself though. It's like The Pearl and Southtown had a baby. A super cool baby that's really into food trucks, walkability, street art and craft drinks.

But I digress. I am SO thankful that there is a healthy craft beer scene here on Oahu. I'm not a complete beer snob but I would be measurably less excited about this move if I had to switch from Freetail, Lorelei Brewing, Busted Sandal, Ranger Creek and so many other great local brewers to ....Coronas. So shouts out to HNL Beerworks for existing. I appreciate you.

I especially appreciate your Christmas beer. A nod to the only Christmas movie that has ever mattered, Honolulu Beerworks' FRA-GEE-LAY Espresso Milk Stout is a winner. Their description of the beer reads.. "Too many of these and you'll shoot your eye out" and they're not joking. At 7% ABV and 10 IBU this boozy stout isn't one you're going to be drinking all night. But I would totally drink it every day. Unfortunately you can't get a growler of this holiday brew. Earlier in the month HNL Beerworks had a bottle release party where a lot of their limited supply was all snatched up, so now you can only get it on tap at the brewery. But it's so so worth the trip. This beer is silky smooth and rich with little hints of vanilla. Another thing I liked -this batch used coffee from Koko Crater Coffee Company. Keep. It. Local.

I grabbed a quick meal there as well, the menu looks amazing you guys. I would make the trip just for food. I ordered a Pacific Salmon Salad Sandwich and have never been so happy with my decision. Does an espresso milk stout pair well with salmon? Who cares. Beer pairings aren't important to me and I drink/eat whatever I'm in the mood for. I couldn't NOT order a salmon sandwich with taro bun and soy wasabi aioli. I just couldn't. You shouldn't either. Hannah, I'm ordering this for you when we go. The chips that accompanied the sammie weren't my favorite but whatever, the sandwich was the bomb.com you guys. Hearty enough but not overly filling (gotta leave room for the important things i.e. beer), sweet and so full of flavor and the taro bun was working overtime as aesthetically pleasing, sturdy enough to hold everything together and SO much more flavorful than a typical brioche bun.

Staff at the bar was great and I love the space. The actual brew pub is sandwiched in between two of these gorgeous beer gardens. The one on the opposite end has more seating and no games. It's a small space but it's cozy. You can purchase cans, grab a growler and pick up some HNL Beerworks gear too. (I almost broke down and bought a "BEER>I" shirt)

PS remind me to buy a pint glass from here soon.

Brewery Count: 1
(Finally!)

Thanks for stoppin' by.

-Chrissy