Beer Lab HI (University Avenue)

Beer Lab HI has two locations on Oahu. This blog post covers the spot on University Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii.

This local craft brewery and tasting room is minutes from the University of Hawaii's Manoa campus. The area has transformed so much since my college days; a wider array of eateries and drinking spots now to keep up with the changing landscape.

Beer Lab HI has a constant rotation of taps, usually eight or so of their own brews. Various styles from sours to IPAs to stouts.

Sizes can range from a 4 oz taster to a 16 oz pint, although the higher ABV beers may top out at 10 or 12 oz pours. You can get as many 4 oz tasters as you want; but a flight of four tasters fits perfectly in their taster tray. I got a flight of four because science.

• Kurage ($3 taster): 6.3% ABV and 25 IBU. This was my favorite NE-style IPA. Contains Nelson Sauvin and Galaxy hops. It has a hazy pineapple juice color, with lots of tropical citrus and stone fruit. It was the most traditional NE-style IPA of the three.
• Le'Ahi ($3 taster): This NE-style IPA has Amarillo, Chinook, and Cascade hops. 6.2% ABV with no listed IBU. It smelled and tasted more like a Belgian IPA, though (yeasty with a hint of tropical). It was OK, but I usually don't prefer those types of IPAs.
• Alohomora ($2 taster): A hazy session IPA, only clocking in at 4.9% ABV and 12 IBU. More pilsner-like in flavor and a lighter body. Again, just OK for me, but otherwise a well-made beer.
• Faixa Preta ($3 taster): My favorite of all four tasters. A 14% barrel-aged imperial stout that had Ko Hana Rum in the barrels. Also a 70 IBU beer. The rum barrel flavors worked well with the coffee and chocolate. Roasted malt backbone. Highly recommended.

(L to R): Kurage IPA; Le'Ahi IPA; Alohomora IPA; Faixa Preta Imperial Stout

It's also a perfect place to watch your favorite sports game. There are several TVs throughout the building.

There is parking in the adjacent parking lot, but otherwise you'd have to find a spot on the street. For those wondering, Beer Lab's second location is in Waipahu, towards the west side of the island.

If you want to try some good beers, head to Beer Lab HI! 8.5/10