MAUI - One of the fastest growing trends in the U.S. food and beverage culture in recent years has been that of the microbrewery. These small institutions began emerging in the early 1980’s and have been rapidly increasing in numbers to over 1600 in the U.S. today. The growth of this industry in the U.S., led by breweries such as Anchor Steam and Sierra Nevada, has sparked a revolution in the beer market worldwide.

Though the U.S. has led the way in the microbrewery revolution, the Hawaiian Islands have been slow to accept this trend. The islands of Oahu and Hawaii have, in recent years, began to jump on the brew-pub band wagon with companies such as Honolulu Brewing Co., Kona Brewing Co. and the Gordon Biersch chain setting up shop, but for those beer fanatics planning a visit to Maui there is only one name you need to know, Maui Brewing Co.

Since 2005, Maui Brewing Co., led by its founders Garrett and Melanie Marrero, has been producing some of the finest ales and lagers in the country, all while staying true to the commitment of operating sustainable, environmentally responsible facilities. MBC’s “green” philosophy includes all aspects of their operation from the construction of the commercial brewery and brew pub through to the responsible disposal of waste. Both the brew-pub and commercial production facility make use of solar power and many recycled materials in their construction. Whenever possible, MBC uses locally produced sustainable ingredients such as Surfing Goat cheeses, Maui Cattle Co. beef, and greens procured from the Wapoli hydroponic farm. Waste is always an issue when running any business and MBC finds creative solutions to these issues as well. All cans and bottles from the brew-pub are recycled and the proceeds donated to the Maui Humane Society, used fryer grease is converted to bio-diesel to run the beer delivery trucks, and the spent grains from beer production are donated to local farmers (including the a fore mentioned Maui Cattle Co.) for feed and fertilizer.

Don’t think for a moment that all this focus on the environment has led to compromises in the quality of the beer. Maui Brewing Co. beers are some of the best in the country, collecting awards at numerous national and international beer competitions. MBC is always pushing the envelope using unique island ingredients such as lilikoi, molasses, and coconut to create one of a kind brews with a character that is pure Maui. MBC also exports their 3 main brews, the wonderfully hoppy Big Swell IPA, the crisp refreshing Bikini Blonde, and the absolutely sublime Coconut Porter, with a fourth beer, the lilikoi infused Mana Wheat being added to the export list in the upcoming months. The menu is an equally inspired fusion of island flavors combined with brewpub beers, featuring signature dishes such as Coconut Porter beef stew, beer battered Maui Onion rings, 3 Beer Chili and the Wild Hog pizza topped with kalua pork and pineapple. Preparations are fresh and well thought out allowing the quality and flavor of the local ingredients to take center stage. Those of you with special culinary needs are taken care of as well with delicious vegan and gluten free menu items always available.

So, for all those who crave a frosty pint of ale and some tasty pub fare on the island of Maui, head to Kahana for a visit to Maui Brewing Co. brewpub or Lahaina to check out the tasting room and main production facility. MBC's dedication to the art of beer making coupled with an environmentally conscious perspective makes them one of the premier brewpubs in the country and a must visit for anyone serious about beer. Maui Brewing Co. is the source for “handcrafted ales and lagers brewed with Aloha”