USA, HI: Maui Brewing Company and Lost Abbey release collaborative beer

Maui Brewing Company recently collaborated with Lost Abbey, a brewery located in San Marcos, California known for its Belgian-inspired beers, mauinow.com reported on April, 15.

Together they have incorporated local Maui-grown lemongrass to create Lemongrass Saison, a 5.5% ABV beer.

This first limited release of 2013 will be available this month in 12 oz. cans and draft.

In total, approximately 500 barrels will be produced. The company plans to can 400 barrels’ worth and make the rest available on draft.

“All market areas where Maui Brewing Company is distributed will receive product but specific allocations will be based on sales,” explained brewery founder Garrett Marrero.

“We have always wanted to can a saison. Working with Lost Abbey really helped put us on the right path to build a great recipe for the style.”

Lemongrass is a popular spring seasoning and Marrero felt it would accentuate the traditional saison character. “The citrusy notes play well into the style. We also wanted to find a locally raised ingredient to showcase.”

The lemongrass came from a local farmer using traditional Polynesian permaculture farming methods to sustainably grow food on lands once depleted by pineapple plantations. A total of 150 pounds of lemongrass was used for the project.

The Lemongrass Saison can’s artwork is a rendering of an old church in Kahakuloa on the northwest side of Maui.

The new beer, which looks a bit like pineapple juice, is currently available at the Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina.

17 April, 2013