HONOLULU — Hana Koa Brewing Company, based in Honolulu, has earned international acclaim at the 2024 World Beer Cup, often dubbed the “Olympics of beer,” distinguishing itself among hundreds of global entries.
The brewery’s Rice Breaker, an international-style lager, secured third place in its category, while How to Make Friends, a hazy India pale ale, claimed second in the competition’s largest and most competitive category.
Founder and brewing operations manager Josh Kopp, who has been in the industry since 2014, described the recognition as a long-sought milestone for the team. “It’s more about the pride we feel as brewers,” Kopp said. “This kind of acknowledgment is something we’ve worked toward for a long time.”
The brewery’s success is rooted in a meticulous approach to ingredients and process. Rice Breaker is brewed using Weyermann Pilsner malt from Bamberg, Germany, combined with German and New Zealand hops. The production cycle for the lager spans six weeks. Despite the availability of domestic alternatives, Kopp continues to favor the imported malt for its distinct quality.
Hana Koa’s brewing infrastructure features components sourced from around the globe, including Germany, Belgium, California, and China. One of the technologies used is Meura, a Belgian mash-filtration system known for enhancing brewing efficiency and quality.
However, international accolades come amid growing concerns about rising costs. Global supply chain disruptions and tariffs — particularly on aluminum from Canada and European goods like Weyermann malt — have forced the brewery to reconsider its pricing and sourcing strategies.
Kopp emphasized the importance of keeping beer affordable, especially in Hawaiʻi’s high-cost living environment. “The last thing I want to do is be a part of the pricing people out of paradise,” he said, noting that while ingredient costs are climbing, there is a threshold at which substitutions must be made to maintain affordability.
Despite the financial pressures, Kopp remains committed to crafting high-quality beer without placing additional burdens on consumers. “If I can’t afford it, neither can everybody else,” he added, pointing to the delicate balance between sustaining quality and maintaining accessibility.
Hana Koa Brewing Company’s recent accolades highlight both its craftsmanship and the broader economic pressures confronting small breweries in today’s global market.
You Might Be Interested In:
