By Vanessa Wolf

Maui Brewing Company recently collaborated with Lost Abbey, a brewery located in San Marcos. California known for its Belgian-inspired beers.

Together they have incorporated local Maui-grown lemongrass to create Lemongrass Saison, a 5.5% ABV beer utilizing White Wheat, Oats, Pilsner malt, Lemongrass, Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops.

This first limited release of 2013 will be available this month in 12 oz. cans and draft.

In total, approximately 500 barrels will be produced. The company plans to can 400 barrels’ worth and make the rest available on draft.

“All market areas where Maui Brewing Company is distributed will receive product but specific allocations will be based on sales,” explained brewery founder Garrett Marrero.

Marrero continued, “We have always wanted to can a saison. Working with Lost Abbey really helped put us on the right path to build a great recipe for the style.”

Lemongrass is a popular spring seasoning and Marrero felt it would accentuate the traditional saison character. “The citrusy notes play well into the style.  We also wanted to find a locally raised ingredient to showcase.”

The lemongrass came from James Simpliciano’s farm in Ka’anapali. Simpliciano is a local farmer using traditional Polynesian permaculture farming methods to sustainably grow food on lands once depleted by pineapple plantations. A total of 150 pounds of lemongrass was used for the project

Marrero stated that the beer pairs well with “chilling outdoors with friends and is awesome with chevre and salads, and great with Thai foods.”

The Lemongrass Saison can’s artwork is a rendering of an old church in Kahakuloa on the northwest side of Maui.

Maui Brewing Company produces all of their beer in Hawaii. Cans are manufactured on Oahu and designed by local Maui artists. Plastic rings are dangerous to marine life and therefore, a unique, recyclable plastic carrying device is used to hold the cans. The spent grain from beer production is donated to local ranchers for cattle feed and composting.

The new beer, which looks a bit like pineapple juice, is currently available at the Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina.

Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story or topic? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. -Vanessa (@mauinow.com)