Longboard Lager

Sam: The general take with breweries is, specialize in ales or lagers, but not both. Usually a brewery is really good at one and not so much with the other. Seems true for Kona as well. While I was really impressed with their pale ale, the lager didn't knock my socks off. Don't get me wrong; the lager's very drinkable, just not overly impressive. I'd say a good comparison would be Yeungling. This lager is an honest, no-frills beer. You won't be swept off your feet if you drink this, but you'll probably buy it more for the label than for the beer itself. (8/27/2005)


Steve: If I had to classify this, I would file it under "session lager," although at its price I don't think too many people would want to drink this by the half-case. It's a very drinkable lager, with quite a bit more flavor and not the nastiness of adjuncts of the mass light lagers. It's definitely heavy on the malt, not much noticeable in the way of hops, so in that regard it's not that close to the good Central European lagers. We were lucky enough to get a free sample, which I certainly appreciate. If asked to change one thing, I'd suggest getting this beer a little hoppier, but I might not be their target audience. (8/2/2009)


Kris: I thought this was very good. I still haven't written enough reviews to think of a beer like this as average. Give me enough time and I might. But not yet. This was a great addition to my standing around watching meat grill. Beautiful evening, great steak. How could I not like this? This was a freebie, so I don't know how expensive it is. Give it a look if you can get it where you live. (11/8/2009)

All reviewed beers from Kona Brewing Co:

Fire Rock Pale Ale
Longboard Lager
Wailua Wheat Ale