Mehana’s Special Brew Celebrates March Madness

Mehana Brewing Company is featuring a new one-time brew, “JP’s Roundball Ale.” The limited edition product is named after Pacific Media Group’s ESPN Radio personality Josh Pacheco.

A variation of Mehana’s Southern Cross Double Belgian Red Ale, the beverage is being offered in-house at the Brewery Tasting Room as a seasonal product. The ale is also being served at the Hilo Town Tavern on tap, in addition to Mehana’s Hawaiian Crown Porter.

Mehana Vice President of Sales and Operations, Deron Akiona, told Big Island Now that the brew is already popular among customers who have provided favorable reviews during taste testing. In addition, customers, according to Akiona, can’t wait to fill their growlers with the one-of-a-kind ale.

With eight percent alcohol by volume, the brew has best been described as a “sweet, strong beer, great at night and best consumed in small slow sips.”

The ale-naming concept originated from the celebration of March Madness. Mehana is partnering with Hilo Town Tavern and ESPN Radio to host a live remote broadcast during the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship at the tavern.

In discussing the company’s decision to go with Pacheco as the face of the product, Akiona attributed the host’s sports perspective and the fact that Pacheco is from Hilo as contribution to the naming.

“We take great pride in calling Hilo our hometown, and Josh is a Hilo boy,” Akiona explained.

During the Monday, April 6 event, customers can get their own taste of JP’s Roundball Ale with Mehana beer specials. ESPN Radio’s Pacheco will be at the event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. giving away prizes from both ESPN Radio and Mehana through trivia and other games.

As the company’s first “one-time” private label, Akiona hopes it’s the first of many. “Mehana/Hawai’i Nui Brewery has always intended to create private label, one-time brews for special events. This is our first “one-time” private label offering. There will be more in the future.”

If you can’t wait until Monday, don’t fret, JP’s Roundball Ale is already being served. Akiona says the limited batch is in fact just that, limited, adding that the only venue serving the brew is Hilo Town Tavern.

Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.

Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.

Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.

Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.