Fire Rock Pale Ale

Image courtesy of http://www.totalwine.com

I like everything about Fire Rock Pale Ale from Kona Brewing Company, Kona, HI (or Portland OR or Woodinville WA or Portsmouth NH).  The unique bottle shape is appealing to my design sense, as is the label, which has enough of a Hawaiian vibe without being like the old, fat white guy’s bad Hawaiian-print shirt you see far too often.  Fire Rock pours honey gold with a modest cream-colored head that leaves lacing reminiscent of the rutty side of Mauna Loa.  The caramel malt bouquet is mild and pleasant, and the hop essence is not dominating.  The texture is smooth and the hop bite is mild and seems like an afterthought, which is refreshing in the age of over-the-top hops.  Worth your time!

83/100 Pale Ale