Press Release: – Tropical island ingredients, craft beer wizardry and a distinctive blend of flavors is casting a spell over pubs throughout California and Florida with Kona Brewing Co.’s crisp, refreshing Magic Sands Saison – now available to enjoy. The saison is named after one of Hawaii Island’s most intriguing stretches of sand known as Magic Sands (also called Laʻaloa). During the winter, the beach often “disappears” when the waves wash over the small white-sand parcel. Like the beach, Magic Sands Saison is equally popular but only for those lucky enough to enjoy this enchanting craft beer while it lasts.

Kona Brewing Co. is sending Magic Sands (ABV 5.5%, 18 IBU) to the Golden and Sunshine States because of their penchant for a laid-back approach to life and affinity for well-made beer. The beer is reaching the shores just as the weather warms and beer drinkers seek an easy-drinking brew that goes down as delightfully as the setting sun. That’s because whichever state they happen to find themselves in, this beer miraculously transports them to Hawaii – not the place, but the state of mind. Where cruising is elevated to an art form and relaxing is a well-deserved reward. When you order a Magic Sands Saison, you’re
saying, “I’m ready to slow down and savor this moment.”

For this special release, Kona’s traditional farmhouse style ale with Keitt mangoes and French Saison yeast conjures a uniquely Hawaiian twist of citrus and spice flavors with a touch of tartness. Made with Millennium, Hallertauer, and Citra hops, Magic Sands Saison pairs powerfully well with fresh fish and light meats, like chicken, and its crisp finish presents a bewitching compliment to a strawberry spinach salad.

“Fruit-forward brews are a big hit here in the Islands, so we thought beer lovers on opposite coasts would enjoy them just as much,” said Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing Co.’s brewery operations. “This beer’s distinctive mango flavor and citrusy aroma have a magical effect after a long day at the beach, on the water or anywhere you’re kicking back to unwind.”

Magic Sands is the latest beer in Kona Brewing’s Lanai Series – a collection of island-inspired small batch beers released for a limited time in draft only on the Mainland. Each specialty beer was handpicked by the Kona Brewing team to showcase the unique flavors of Hawaii and to share the brews that locals reach for when they kick back and relax.

Magic Sands replaces the previous Lanai Series beer, Da Grind Buzz Coffee Stout (ABV 8.3%, 51 IBU). Da Grind Buzz is made with 100 percent Kona Coffee grown on Hawaii Island’s Cornwell Estate. The stout is bold in flavor and alcohol content and features a deep black color. The brew’s assertive maltiness is balanced by liberal amounts of hops (Apollo, Centennial, Northern Brewer, Cascade) added throughout the brewing process.

Milestones/Stewardship
In 2014, the company achieved a milestone in its home state, selling more than 1 million cases in the Islands for the first time in its history. Kona Brewing has become one of the top craft beer brands in the world, while remaining steadfastly committed to its home market through a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and community outreach.

In early 2016, Kona Brewing broke ground on its new $20 million brewing and canning facility in Kailua-Kona that will be capable of producing 100,000 barrels (BBLs) annually. The brewery will feature a state-of-the-art water recycling system with the ability to generate 50 percent of its own energy. The new brewery is scheduled to open in 2018.

About Kona Brewing Co.
Kona Brewing Company was started in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island in the spring of 1994 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa, who had a dream to create fresh, local island brews made with spirit, passion and quality. Today, Kona is Hawaii’s largest and favorite craft brewery, known for top-selling flagship beers Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale and award-winning innovative small-batch beers available across the Islands.

The Hawaii born and Hawaii-based craft brewery prides itself on brewing the freshest beer of exceptional quality, closest to market. This helps to minimize its carbon footprint by reducing shipping of raw materials, finished beer and packaging materials.