From the Road: Matt and Alesong go to Hawaii

Aloha! Matt here…. Checking in after Alesong’s recent trip to Hawaii!

Since the fall of 2022, we have been fortunate to sell beer on the Hawaiian Island of O’ahu. Full disclosure, my son Nick decided to study Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Due to that, I figured we might as well sell some barrel-aged beer in Hawaii!

As it turns out, I befriended a fellow brewery owner on island who shared several mutual friends. Steve, of Lanikai Brewing, was instrumental in helping me find an account and distributor on island who could sell and promote Alesong. In addition, we had a great person, now friend, who has recently moved to mainland Eugene, who was instrumental in the initial promotion and push of Alesong on the island. The ultimate plan was quickly taking shape.

Long story short, Village Bottle Shop on O’ahu is the sole seller of Alesong in Hawaii. Tim, the owner of Village, has recently opened a second location in Kapolei, that also has a full restaurant. Thus, there are now two bottleshops on O’ahu that sell our beer! Should you be on island and feeling thirsty, check out Village Bottle Shop.

In January, we sent over a fresh shipment and set up a tasting at Village Bottle Shop’s Kaka'ako location. Alesong Blender's Circle members Brent and Ginnie Johnson were on island, and also my wife, our son and his college friends, and some friends from San Francisco were all able to attend the tasting. The event felt both familiar and new. But why O’ahu? Well, we have a great following from the locals in Honolulu and all around O’ahu, but also provide a treat for tourists, and can even offer Oregonians a taste of home. Oh, and flying to Hawaii to 'work' is not a bad deal either!

Alas, my son graduates this May. However, he may stick around for another year, which is great news for both the Van Wyks and Alesong. As long as we have the ability to get beer to our fans in Hawaii, we will get it done.

Cheers and Mahalo!

Matt