Kona Brewing Co. Fire Rock Pale Ale

What they say: It's signature copper color results from the unique blend of specialty roasted malts. The pronounced citrus-floral hop aroma comes from the liberal amount of Galena, Cascade and Mt. Hood hops added to each brew.

What we say: This A top grocery store find! Extremely flavorful and well crafted with an unusual recipe of hops and malts. Don't pass this one by. Be careful, you can go through a 6-pack of these without even trying.

Taste: The flavor is a delicious and balanced blend of hops and malts that is strong but not over powering. Where most pale ale's don't offer much in the way of hops or malts, think of this almost as a DPA. (Double Pale Ale) 

Appearance: Hazy amber. Filtered, but not to the point of being crystal clear, which to me shows off the ingredients in a beer. This is about as pretty as a beer can get. A nice moderate amount of biscuit colored head that disappears quickly. 

Cost: $6.99 - $8.79

Last Word: Get it! / Skip it / Wait for a sale.

Kona Brewing Co. Big Wave Golden Lager

What they say: Big Wave is a lighter bodied golden ale with a tropical hop aroma and flavor – a smooth, easy drinking refreshing ale. The use of caramel malt contributes to the golden hue of this beer and our special blend of hops provides bright quenching finish.

What we say: This beer is not accurately named or classified in my opinion. As for the "golden", try thinking of an original Coors in color and clarity. More yellow than gold. While Kona calls this an ale, you would think is was a lager. As for flavor, there is really not much to latch on to. 

Taste: Little to no reference to malts or hops or flavoring of any kind. Slightly sour. All the body of a typical American pilsner. 

Appearance: Weak, clear yellow hue.

Cost: $6.99-$7.99

Last Word: Get it! / Skip it / Wait for a sale.