Kona Castaway IPA Review

Name: Kona Castaway IPA
Style: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6%
IBUs: 50

It's been awhile since I've reviewed anything from Kona Brewing, over 2 years to be precise. Then again, what do you expect since the brewery itself isn't exactly known for releasing new beers seeing as how their lineup has changed little these past couple of years.

Well, today I've got their newest beer, which is their Castaway IPA. Keeping in spirit with the other beers in their lineup, the label let's everyone know that this is made in Hawaii, this time around with a guy in an Outrigger Canoe paddling along the Hawaiian coast.

Appearance - Hazy yellow color with some mild visible carbonation. The head is very thin and almost completely translucent, though the lacing is rather plentiful.

Aroma - Citrus & piney/dank hops upfront, followed by some caramel & pale malts along with some light yeast notes.

Taste - Bitter & citrus hops, followed by some light pale maltiness upfront. Back end of the palate is fairly dry, with some more light citrus hops and biscuit notes. Needless to say, the aftertaste is also very dry, save for some light bitterness which only lingers for a couple of seconds.

I find it hard to believe that this is 6% ABV on account of the lack of flavor, as in I expect the flavor to be spread more instead of being focused in just the front. I've had session IPAs that have literally more robust flavor profiles than this. In short, this beer is uneventful at best. It's not terrible or offensive but it's not worthy of your time.

Kona Castaway IPA - 6/10