Big Wave

Tasting Notes

Typical of a session-strength golden ale leaning toward approachable hop character, Big Wave presents light tropical and floral aromas with a mild citrus edge. The body is lean and low in bitterness, with a soft malt backbone that keeps things easy without much structural weight. The finish is short and clean, with just enough hop presence to remind you it's there. Given the low ABV, this reflects more of a blonde ale or session ale profile than a conventional IPA.

About the Brewery

Kona Brewing Co. was founded in 1994 on the Big Island of Hawaii and has grown into one of the most widely distributed craft breweries in the United States. The brand trades heavily on Hawaiian imagery and relaxed coastal culture, with flagship beers like Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave driving most of its national volume. It operates under the Craft Brew Alliance umbrella, now absorbed into Heineken's portfolio, which has complicated its standing among craft beer purists.

Food Pairings

Big Wave pairs well with fish tacos because the light hop bitterness cuts through fried batter without overwhelming delicate white fish. Grilled shrimp skewers work well since the subtle tropical hop notes mirror the char and sweetness of shellfish. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette echoes the beer's mild citrus character without competition. Mild cheeses like fresh mozzarella or jack complement the low bitterness, and lighter chicken dishes — grilled or lemon-herb roasted — match the beer's restrained body without being drowned out.

Style Guide

Despite being labeled an IPA, Big Wave's 4.4% ABV and restrained bitterness place it closer to a session ale or golden ale by most style standards. Traditional IPAs run from roughly 5.5% to 7.5% ABV with assertive hop bitterness and pronounced aroma. Session IPAs do exist as a recognized category — defined by IPA hop character compressed into a lower-alcohol frame — though Big Wave sits at the milder end even of that range. The IPA label here is broadly applied, likely for marketing positioning rather than strict adherence to style guidelines.