Longboard Island Lager | Kona Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
Kona Brewing Co.
Hawaii, United States
konabrewingco.com
Style: American Pale Lager
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.60%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
Longboard Island Lager is a smooth refreshing lager fermented and aged for five weeks at cold temperatures to yield its exceptionally smooth flavor. A delicate, slightly spicy hop aroma complements the malty body of this beer.
18 IBU
Added by Bierman9 on 08-07-2002
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 677 | Ratings: 2,639
3.52/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: crystal clear, lots of carbonation, fluffy white head
S: pretty non-descript, maybe some bread/crackers
T: pretty solid for the style, low hop characteristic, a little bit of spicy malt
F: Light body, some mouthfeel
O: Good representation of the style
★ 254 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: crystal clear, lots of carbonation, fluffy white head
S: pretty non-descript, maybe some bread/crackers
T: pretty solid for the style, low hop characteristic, a little bit of spicy malt
F: Light body, some mouthfeel
O: Good representation of the style
★ 254 characters
3.43/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
It was an ok beer, pours clear golden color and the taste is mildly hoppy, but not overpowering. There's a mild carbonation feel to it as it goes down, but overall it's smooth and clean. For a pale lager it's ok, not great, but not bad either. It's worth a try!
★ 261 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
It was an ok beer, pours clear golden color and the taste is mildly hoppy, but not overpowering. There's a mild carbonation feel to it as it goes down, but overall it's smooth and clean. For a pale lager it's ok, not great, but not bad either. It's worth a try!
★ 261 characters
3.7/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Had it on tap at Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth DE.
The color was an ultra clear straw yellow with a modest head.
Grassy and lemony aroma, neither faint nor powerful.
This drink was served cold and in a frosted glass; not my favorite practice. As a result, the initial taste was rather watery, but nevertheless refreshing considering if been out at the beach all day. As it warmed, some faint malt sweetness came out, as well as the lemongrass tones found in the aroma. I even detected some subtle spicy hops notes that were pleasant. The body was light and crisp.
I don't know much about this style, however, I wouldn't mind this one on a hot day as it is pleasantly thirst quenching. Also, unlike adjunct lagers, it has a decent malt and hops presence. Not bad at all.
★ 766 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Had it on tap at Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth DE.
The color was an ultra clear straw yellow with a modest head.
Grassy and lemony aroma, neither faint nor powerful.
This drink was served cold and in a frosted glass; not my favorite practice. As a result, the initial taste was rather watery, but nevertheless refreshing considering if been out at the beach all day. As it warmed, some faint malt sweetness came out, as well as the lemongrass tones found in the aroma. I even detected some subtle spicy hops notes that were pleasant. The body was light and crisp.
I don't know much about this style, however, I wouldn't mind this one on a hot day as it is pleasantly thirst quenching. Also, unlike adjunct lagers, it has a decent malt and hops presence. Not bad at all.
★ 766 characters
3.06/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
From bottle, pours a clear golden colour with a good white foamy head. Aroma citrus, lemon, grass, sweet malt. Taste lemon, grainey. Light and very easy to drink.
★ 162 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
From bottle, pours a clear golden colour with a good white foamy head. Aroma citrus, lemon, grass, sweet malt. Taste lemon, grainey. Light and very easy to drink.
★ 162 characters
3.69/5 rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Seving- bottle:
A) Nice white foamy head with fairly aggressive pour. Clear golden color. Medium carbination. Nice looking beer.
(S) Grass and mildly citrus.
(T) Clean lager like taste as it should be but with some creaminess. Mild hops. Nice malt character. Grain bill is medium-light. Good balance. N
(M) Medium head retention that lingers and helps overall body.
(O) Good. Expensive but worth the price if you compare this beer to watered down buds, coronas etc. Lagers and cream ales are my go to summer beers.
Serving - Keg: same as above but with a crisper and cleaner taste - as to be expected straight from a brite tank into a keg with cold transport/storage. ~+
★ 680 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Seving- bottle:
A) Nice white foamy head with fairly aggressive pour. Clear golden color. Medium carbination. Nice looking beer.
(S) Grass and mildly citrus.
(T) Clean lager like taste as it should be but with some creaminess. Mild hops. Nice malt character. Grain bill is medium-light. Good balance. N
(M) Medium head retention that lingers and helps overall body.
(O) Good. Expensive but worth the price if you compare this beer to watered down buds, coronas etc. Lagers and cream ales are my go to summer beers.
Serving - Keg: same as above but with a crisper and cleaner taste - as to be expected straight from a brite tank into a keg with cold transport/storage. ~+
★ 680 characters
3.54/5 rDev +5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: Pours a very clear pale yellow-gold with a minimal head and active carbonation.
S: Extremely dry cracker-like malt with some DMS notes. Mild lemon notes.
T: Clean and semi-dry with mild graininess, some vegetal character and some lemon notes. Really innocuous and easy-drinking.
F: Light-medium body with prickly carbonation.
Thoughts: As far as pale lagers go, this one is pretty good.
★ 393 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: Pours a very clear pale yellow-gold with a minimal head and active carbonation.
S: Extremely dry cracker-like malt with some DMS notes. Mild lemon notes.
T: Clean and semi-dry with mild graininess, some vegetal character and some lemon notes. Really innocuous and easy-drinking.
F: Light-medium body with prickly carbonation.
Thoughts: As far as pale lagers go, this one is pretty good.
★ 393 characters
3.25/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Part of a variety 12-pack $13.99 Longs Drugs
Clear golden color
Light mouthfeel
Medium carbonation
Light refreshing taste, slightly sweet from malts
Overall a good beer to drink on hot days, but nothing really stands out. Closer to a macro brew taste than a craft beer.
★ 270 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Part of a variety 12-pack $13.99 Longs Drugs
Clear golden color
Light mouthfeel
Medium carbonation
Light refreshing taste, slightly sweet from malts
Overall a good beer to drink on hot days, but nothing really stands out. Closer to a macro brew taste than a craft beer.
★ 270 characters
3.5/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
In appearance it’s indistinguishable from the Big Wave or Wailua Wheat. There isn’t much of a smell, maybe faint citrus, but that’s about it. The flavor is faintly citrusy, light to medium malt body, not much hops, and a very crisp finish. The aftertaste is almost akin to a pilsener. This is a nice easy beer to drink, very sessionable, but not a whole lot of complexity in stark contrast to the Fire Rock Pale Ale.
★ 423 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
In appearance it’s indistinguishable from the Big Wave or Wailua Wheat. There isn’t much of a smell, maybe faint citrus, but that’s about it. The flavor is faintly citrusy, light to medium malt body, not much hops, and a very crisp finish. The aftertaste is almost akin to a pilsener. This is a nice easy beer to drink, very sessionable, but not a whole lot of complexity in stark contrast to the Fire Rock Pale Ale.
★ 423 characters
3.37/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a crisp golden hue with a pillowy white head.
Smell has typical APL aromas with bread, malts, slight sweetness to the aroma with a hint of subtle hops.
Taste was straightforward with some bready malts, dough, slight sweetness, mild subtle floral hops notes also peak through. Its simple straightforward and actually pretty tasty.
Feel is light, crisp, clean and refreshing. Medium carbonation.
Overall a really nice APL. It tastes good, even if you somehow let it warm up. Not bad, not bad at all!
★ 512 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a crisp golden hue with a pillowy white head.
Smell has typical APL aromas with bread, malts, slight sweetness to the aroma with a hint of subtle hops.
Taste was straightforward with some bready malts, dough, slight sweetness, mild subtle floral hops notes also peak through. Its simple straightforward and actually pretty tasty.
Feel is light, crisp, clean and refreshing. Medium carbonation.
Overall a really nice APL. It tastes good, even if you somehow let it warm up. Not bad, not bad at all!
★ 512 characters
5/5 rDev +48.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Drink it with a lime! I drank this beer for a while and kept it stocked in my cooler along with Spotted Cow. One day I asked my wife to pick up some limes for me and when she got home she brought me a Longboard with a lime in it. I wanted the lime for my Gin and Tonic but wow did this improve the beer! Several friends have now tried it and they said it has replaced their Corona and Lime beer they would drink now and then.
★ 429 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Drink it with a lime! I drank this beer for a while and kept it stocked in my cooler along with Spotted Cow. One day I asked my wife to pick up some limes for me and when she got home she brought me a Longboard with a lime in it. I wanted the lime for my Gin and Tonic but wow did this improve the beer! Several friends have now tried it and they said it has replaced their Corona and Lime beer they would drink now and then.
★ 429 characters
2.81/5 rDev -16.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.75
First off, let me say that I am an ale-drinking woman, first and foremost, so my opinion here is that of a lager novice.
Look: Pale amber, one finger of quickly-fading foam. Carbonation bubbles persist for several minutes after pouring.
Smell: Sweet malty odor covered in yeasty estery overtones. Certainly nothing outstanding about the nose here.
Taste: Very light in the mouth, most of the flavors come through in the aftertaste, echoing the light esters from the smell.
Feel: Quite carbonated. Instantly foams on the tongue and remains frothy in mouth. Aftertaste is dry but not overpoweringly so, crisp finish.
Overall: It's a lager. It's a pretty run-of-the-mill lager, quite drinkable and incredibly refreshing, but nothing extraordinarily notable. Certainly a beer to consider keeping nearby on a sunny day, but don't expect a terribly memorable experience.
★ 869 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.75
First off, let me say that I am an ale-drinking woman, first and foremost, so my opinion here is that of a lager novice.
Look: Pale amber, one finger of quickly-fading foam. Carbonation bubbles persist for several minutes after pouring.
Smell: Sweet malty odor covered in yeasty estery overtones. Certainly nothing outstanding about the nose here.
Taste: Very light in the mouth, most of the flavors come through in the aftertaste, echoing the light esters from the smell.
Feel: Quite carbonated. Instantly foams on the tongue and remains frothy in mouth. Aftertaste is dry but not overpoweringly so, crisp finish.
Overall: It's a lager. It's a pretty run-of-the-mill lager, quite drinkable and incredibly refreshing, but nothing extraordinarily notable. Certainly a beer to consider keeping nearby on a sunny day, but don't expect a terribly memorable experience.
★ 869 characters
4.47/5 rDev +32.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Straw colored. Minimal white head. Not much lacing.
Lemon grass and even citrusy on the nose.
Taste is lemony/ bready and even the sweetness of honey
Medium bodied, medium/high carbonation.
A clean crisp tasting lager, perfect for the summer.
★ 245 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Straw colored. Minimal white head. Not much lacing.
Lemon grass and even citrusy on the nose.
Taste is lemony/ bready and even the sweetness of honey
Medium bodied, medium/high carbonation.
A clean crisp tasting lager, perfect for the summer.
★ 245 characters
2.83/5 rDev -16%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Slight cloudy straw color lacks smell altogether. About a finger of foam that disappears faster than my brother when the check arrives.Not a bad tasting beer just can't find anything that stands out. Smooth feel with a little carbonation.
★ 238 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Slight cloudy straw color lacks smell altogether. About a finger of foam that disappears faster than my brother when the check arrives.Not a bad tasting beer just can't find anything that stands out. Smooth feel with a little carbonation.
★ 238 characters
4.88/5 rDev +44.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On my last trip to Hawaii I discovered Kona Longboard and absolutely fell in love with it! I cannot find it here in Canada, but I signed up an account on Beer Advocate just so that I could find a beer similar to it. It tastes great and is the perfect accompaniment for a sunny day. Hoping to find something I love as much back home.
★ 332 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On my last trip to Hawaii I discovered Kona Longboard and absolutely fell in love with it! I cannot find it here in Canada, but I signed up an account on Beer Advocate just so that I could find a beer similar to it. It tastes great and is the perfect accompaniment for a sunny day. Hoping to find something I love as much back home.
★ 332 characters
3.24/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Poured into pint glass. Soft and clean lager smell. Bold yelowish lager color. Foam sits fast a couple of seconds after it is poured. It is certainly an unique lager. Light but has a nice and consistent body. Certainly tastes and feels a step above from your conventional lager beer. The label indicates a good scenario for this beer, which would be after a nice longboarding session at the beach!
★ 397 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Poured into pint glass. Soft and clean lager smell. Bold yelowish lager color. Foam sits fast a couple of seconds after it is poured. It is certainly an unique lager. Light but has a nice and consistent body. Certainly tastes and feels a step above from your conventional lager beer. The label indicates a good scenario for this beer, which would be after a nice longboarding session at the beach!
★ 397 characters
2.62/5 rDev -22.3%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Only started seeing these recently and picked one up at one of my local stores.
Looks light a typical lager, light in yellowish color. Not much of a foam head when poured.
Some malt smell, minor hop smell.
Moderate hop taste with a light feel of a lager style beer, thin in the body with a light carbonation.
Overall probably one of the better "Island Lagers" I've had which hasn't been much. Would be really good cold on a hot summer day.
★ 445 characters
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Only started seeing these recently and picked one up at one of my local stores.
Looks light a typical lager, light in yellowish color. Not much of a foam head when poured.
Some malt smell, minor hop smell.
Moderate hop taste with a light feel of a lager style beer, thin in the body with a light carbonation.
Overall probably one of the better "Island Lagers" I've had which hasn't been much. Would be really good cold on a hot summer day.
★ 445 characters
2.8/5 rDev -16.9%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
Clean golden blond. Quite fizzy. Evanescent foam.
Low tone nose. Some hint of malt, some hint of hop.
Nothing to remember in the taste, too. Not too interesting.
Relatively dry, some hop in the back.
Quite useless.
★ 214 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
Clean golden blond. Quite fizzy. Evanescent foam.
Low tone nose. Some hint of malt, some hint of hop.
Nothing to remember in the taste, too. Not too interesting.
Relatively dry, some hop in the back.
Quite useless.
★ 214 characters
3.28/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
on draft in a pilsner glass
clear, golden yellow in color, white foamy head. aroma is a bit of grain. mild. clean flavor, but not exciting. thin bodied as expected.
★ 169 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
on draft in a pilsner glass
clear, golden yellow in color, white foamy head. aroma is a bit of grain. mild. clean flavor, but not exciting. thin bodied as expected.
★ 169 characters
3.6/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Its a good beer. I wouldn't buy it on a regular basis but for special occasion, sure. I don't think $3 bucks +tax (Long Beach, CA. prices) is worth it.
★ 151 characters
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Its a good beer. I wouldn't buy it on a regular basis but for special occasion, sure. I don't think $3 bucks +tax (Long Beach, CA. prices) is worth it.
★ 151 characters
2.75/5 rDev -18.4%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Drinkable, wouldn't get again though. just not a good flavor to me. JUst seem like a cheap lager beer, maybe it was setting on shelve to long. kinda water also
★ 159 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Drinkable, wouldn't get again though. just not a good flavor to me. JUst seem like a cheap lager beer, maybe it was setting on shelve to long. kinda water also
★ 159 characters
3.27/5 rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Hearty yellow beer, 1/2" white head. Aroma was lager sweet and not much else.
Taste was just like a BMC lager with a bit more sweet edge and all/more barley used. Small hop bite to it, doesn't come off bitter because of that minor sweet stuff. Smooth easy drinker right here.
★ 279 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Hearty yellow beer, 1/2" white head. Aroma was lager sweet and not much else.
Taste was just like a BMC lager with a bit more sweet edge and all/more barley used. Small hop bite to it, doesn't come off bitter because of that minor sweet stuff. Smooth easy drinker right here.
★ 279 characters
3.28/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Surfs up, Dude.
Light color, light hops and malt, clean, crisp, refreshing, all the descriptive words for a nondescript beer. Ok, even good to some, certainly unremarkable.
Serve it at your next Luau.
★ 203 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Surfs up, Dude.
Light color, light hops and malt, clean, crisp, refreshing, all the descriptive words for a nondescript beer. Ok, even good to some, certainly unremarkable.
Serve it at your next Luau.
★ 203 characters
4.04/5 rDev +19.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear golden color with a finger of foamy and soapy white head.
Smell is of slightly sweet barley and fresh white bread.
The taste is a straight up punch of nice malts clean water and a small pop of hops.
The mouth feel is on the light side with a slightly wet finish.
For anyone tired of all of the additives in their beers this one is a real great buy. Nothing really jumping out and biting you in the butt. No great complex flavor profiles to pick through either. Just a clean and refreshing beer that is a very satisfying lager.
★ 544 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a clear golden color with a finger of foamy and soapy white head.
Smell is of slightly sweet barley and fresh white bread.
The taste is a straight up punch of nice malts clean water and a small pop of hops.
The mouth feel is on the light side with a slightly wet finish.
For anyone tired of all of the additives in their beers this one is a real great buy. Nothing really jumping out and biting you in the butt. No great complex flavor profiles to pick through either. Just a clean and refreshing beer that is a very satisfying lager.
★ 544 characters
3.51/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pale golden pour with quickly faded white foam. Aroma is somewhat dank and musty with some sweet breadyness barely detectable. Flavor is much better with notes of honey and biscuit balanced by a grassy hop presence. Finishes fairly clean. This is drinkable.
★ 257 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pale golden pour with quickly faded white foam. Aroma is somewhat dank and musty with some sweet breadyness barely detectable. Flavor is much better with notes of honey and biscuit balanced by a grassy hop presence. Finishes fairly clean. This is drinkable.
★ 257 characters
Longboard Island Lager from Kona Brewing Co.
3.37
out of 5
based on 2,639 ratings.
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12 oz bottle.
Pours with brilliant clarity. Straw colored with a thin cap of white foam that dies quickly. Slightly spicy hop aroma with a faint grainy malt presence. The taste is thin and uneventful. Balance is geared slightly towards the hops. Finishes clean but dull. A good summer quencher but not much going on in the flavor department.
★ 342 characters