Lahaina’s Kohola Brewery took home six medals, including Silver for Best Brewery, at the 2019 Hawaii Craft Beer Awards competition. Pictured (from left) are Kohola Co-Founder Ian Elumba, Head Brewer Raiman Johnson and Co-Founder Christine Elumba.

KAHULUI – Maui County’s largest products show, the annual Made In Maui County Festival (MIMCF), returns on Nov. 1-2, 2019 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Now in its sixth year, this popular event features over 140 vendors offering a wide variety of products made in Maui County, including foods, art, crafts, jewelry, fashion, furniture, gifts, collectibles and more.

MIMCF, the most sought-after products show, has become a springboard for local companies to take their business to the next level. While attracting thousands of visitors and residents, vendors are able to unveil new products, meet with prospective wholesalers and connect with new customers. The festival represents the diversity of Maui County’s manufacturing industry, showcasing the island’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Ian Elumba, Kohola Brewery co-founder and owner, said, “The MIMCF provides Kohola with the opportunity to meet additional customers and prospective wholesalers. Last year the MIMCF helped launch two of our beers, Red Sand Amber Ale and Talk Story Pale Ale in 12-ounce cans. This year it will help launch two other beers, WaterMan IPA and Lahaina Haze IPA. We are thankful to the MIMCF for giving us the opportunity to promote our products.”

Opening for business in December 2016, the Kohola Brewery moved into a warehouse in the heart of Lahaina, where Maui Brewing Company got its start before transferring production to Kihei. Kohola, a local independent craft brewery known for producing clean, easy drinking and balanced lagers and ales, is sold at over 200 locations on Maui and statewide in 12-ounce cans and on draft.

“The warehouse is part brewhouse and part brewpub,’ said Elumba. “It is up close and personal. We focus on making the best beer right now in a small, intimate setting. When you come inside, you have this awesome feeling; you see the brewery and you see the production performed. Plus, the founders and owners are here working it.”

Just recently, Kohola Brewery took home six medals at the 2019 Hawaii Craft Beer Awards competition. Presented by the Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild, a brewing organization dedicated to craft beer brewed 100 percent in Hawaii, the competition included 13 categories such as Brewery of the Year, New Brewery of the Year, Best Single Package Design, as well as Best IPA, Best Lager/Pilsner, and Best Stout/Porter. The awards were presented on Aug. 31, 2019 at the Tap And Barrel by Lanikai Brewing Company in Kailua, Oahu.

Kohola Brewery won Gold for Best IPA for Lahaina Haze IPA, Gold for Best Collaboration for Owyhee-New England IPA with Revision Brewing Company, a Silver Medal for Best Pilsner/Lager for Lokahi Pilsner, Silver Medal for Best Stout/Porter for Molokai Stout, a Bronze Medal for Best Single Package Design for Lahaina Haze IPA, and Silver for “Brewery of the Year.”

“We believe that good beer makes everything else better,” said Elumba. “Beer is one of those special things in life that brings people together. We pour (no pun intended!) our hearts and passion into a pint and share our craft with those who enjoy our extraordinary brews.”

Elumba noted, “This is and always has been a team award. We are proud of our brews and our staff for their dedication and hard work. It is no secret that the success of making good beer relies on our people. Our team of passionate brewers, creative designers, beertenders, sales and marketing team are the secret to our success.”

In addition to all the crafts, delicious foods and sweets at the MIMCF, there are beverage booths offering Maui-made coffees, teas, kombucha and distilled spirits and treats. Be sure to stop by Kohola Brewery, congratulate them on their recent awards, and have a beer!