Luau Krunkles is an American IPA brewed by Terrapin Beer Co., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a 12 oz. can.
Packaging art for the Luau Krunkles by Terrapin Beer Co.
What You Need to Know
Terrapin refers to the Luau Krunkles as a Hawaiian IPA and the brew gets its tropical fruit flavor and aroma from a generous dry-hopping of Amarillo, Citra, Galaxy, and Simcoe hops. A backbone from a quintet of malts lend balance. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The ale pours a mostly-clear marigold and is topped by a towering stack of puffy off-white foam. The head shows excellent retention and leaves behind a smattering of sticky lace.
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Aroma
The aroma has a sweet scent of orange, guava, and other tropical fruits.
Flavor
The palate is led by a taste of cracker malt that sweetens with a juicy blend of tropical fruits. A mild bite of floral hops and grapefruit follows and then the tasting finishes with a sweet orange juice and honey.
Label art for the Luau Krunkles by Terrapin Beer Co.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel has a medium body with moderate carbonation and finishes dryly.
The Story Behind the Name
Have you heard of Krunkles? There’s a story behind every beer in the series. He’s a legendary brewer that Terrapin Beer Co. has chased all over the globe — from Belgium to India to New Zealand. A clue led them from New Zealand to Hawaii, where they found evidence that Krunkles had been there. This is the IPA he had left behind.
Overall
Luau Krunkles doesn’t have as much bite as some IPAs but what it lacks in bitterness it makes up with a superb blend of fruit flavors. It’s just so easy to tilt this one back. Unfortunately, it’s only available as part of Terrapin’s IPA Survival Kit, but should you get one, you’ll find that it’s superb in every way.
Recommended Pairings
The brewery recommends the following foods pairings with this IPA: cheeses of white cheddar and gouda or a blacked Mahi-Mahi filet over coconut rice and an arugula salad.
