Pukana La Golden Ale - Maui Brewing Co. (Brewpub)

Phelps

Arizona

3.83/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a shaker pint at Papago’s Maui release party. Pukana La (Hawaiian for “sunrise”) is brewed with local honey and 200 pounds of flaked oats.

Perfectly clear and shining like a gold brick. One finger of fuzzy off white foam pops and crackles away quickly, leaving a silky top layer but not much lace.

The nose is absolutely packed with clove spice, which the brewers say comes from the honey. White pepper, pear, banana and toasted biscuit also make appearances. There seems to be some style confusion here; the name says golden ale, but this nose is unmistakably Belgian. I’m labeling it a blonde for clarity's sake.

More pronounced breadiness and toasty biscuits in the flavor. Belgiany clove, sweet pear syrup, wheat, black pepper, maybe even some hints of pineapple? Sweet and spicy, with a slightly drying finish.

The smooth medium body is almost creamy. High, prickly carbonation erupts into fizz as it moves.

Pretty tasty stuff, though it might be a touch sweet and too heavy on the palate.

Serving type: on-tap

06-28-2011 22:09:54 | More by Phelps