Greenest draft
As fall approaches and islanders gather to enjoy time and food together, thoughts turn to local brews. The greenest way to enjoy our wonderful Hawaii-produced brews is to preorder a keg and take it away.
The freshest beer available on Oahu is from Sam Choy’s Big Aloha Brewing Company. This is one of the few beers actually brewed on Oahu now that Brew Moon is pau. Dave Campbell, whose more than 12 years of toil among the hops and malts in Iwilei may have earned him the status of one of the most senior brewmasters in Hawaii, routinely produces six beers–five regular and a surprise sixth choice. For Oktoberfest (which actually starts in late September–trust the Germans to get started a little early), look for a special Green Bottle lager.
Big Aloha requires a $50 deposit for keg and tap. Order a week in advance; 15.5 gallons, $120–$145; 5.1 gallons, $45–$55. If you have your own soda or cornelis kegs, Big Aloha will fill those for a mere $40; Sam Choy’s Big Aloha Brewing Company, 850 N. Nimitz Hwy., 545-7979
Neighbor island beers provide other options. The markets listed below carry kegs from Maui Brewing, Kona Brewing Co. and Hawaii Nui Brewery. Again, order about a week in advance. Ask about special seasonal beers. These markets charge slightly higher deposits: $30 for the keg and $60 for the tap. Kegs come in several sizes, and the largest keg will yield approximately 140 14-ounce servings. Prices range from $125–$165 per 15.5 gallon keg, $90–$120 per 7.75 gallon keg and about $55–$65 for a 5.1 gallon keg.
Malama Market, Haleiwa; Keg Liquors, Kalihi; Golden Mart, Mililani; Oneawa Market, Kailua; Fresh Catch, Kaneohe; Times Supermarkets, Tamura’s (all three locations).
