Na Pali Pale Ale
Waimea Brewing Company

This beer, named for the mind-bendingly beautiful coastline just around the corner from Waimea, pours a gorgeous golden amber with a tight, white head that dissipates to some generous lacing. This pint didn't start out throwing much of a nose, but it could have been that my own faculties are still packed with red Waimea Canyon dirt.

Upon first sip, the NaPali's dry hopping really pays off with a really strong hop profile (48 IBUs) for a pale ale. I sense a distinct toffee note mingling at the hop party and a nice malt backbone holding the whole thing together. As the pint warms, the sweet toffee loosens up and helps produce an enticing bouquet.

If I lived here on the southern end of Kaua'i, this would be an excellent session beer.

Sampled on tap at the brewpub in early June.

Beer was golden orange with little to no head. Nose had hints of west coast hops. Taste was refreshing and light, fairly well balanced on the interplay between the malts and hops. Mouthfeel was light to medium bodied, no outstanding characteristics. Drinkability was average, it was a refreshing light APA that is worth a shot if you are visiting paradise!

Appearance – Arrived light, clear amber. Moderate lacing, no head to speak of.

Smell – Hops and citrus out in front with some deeper, non-citrus fruit overtones. I would say pineapple for sure if I weren't in a Hawaiian bar; perhaps I imagine.

Taste – Light malt flavors, strong hops. The hops in this one are so pronounced, I would swear it's an IPA. I actually considered asking the server if he hadn't mistakenly brought me an IPA. If this is the Pale Ale from this brewery, I can scarcely imagine how hoppy the IPA is. Nothing impressive here. Solid beer, perhaps hoppier than an APA fan would enjoy.

Mouthfeel – Sharp hops and a medium mouthfeel culminate in a long crisp hop finish

Drinkability – A trustworthy beer.

Enjoyed on tap at the Waimea Brewing Company in Kaua’i.
Aroma: A perfumed hop smell with the same distracting smell that the Wai'ale'ale Ale has. It isn’t unpleasant, it just smells like a river, or maybe rain water.
Appearance: A hazy amber glass with no head.
Flavor: This is different. A slightly licorice and whiskey note fades into a light mango finish. There is a gentle metallic edge at the end as well. Hops are pretty low for an APA.
Mouthfeel: Good carbonation level and a clean finish
Overall Impression: This one is off style, and I don’t care. It’s a good beer. Very complex, very innovative, different and tasty. I don’t think they should call it an APA, but I guess you have to call it something. Enjoyed this one.