Portland beer brand Pono Brewing is tapping into their island themes again but this time as a tribute to a New Zealand born Portlander and well known craft beer advocate John Lovegrove. John the Kiwi Blone Ale is brewed in partnership with Market of Choice, and cans of the beer will be available exclusively at Market of Choice locations in Oregon but draft available around town. Later this year Pono Brewing is opening their own brewpub where specialty beers like this will be readily available.

“Since the first days of us canning our beers we’ve had an amazing relationship with MOC,” says Pono Brewing sales manager Erick Russ. “We went from working with a couple of their stores to working with every single one in the beautiful state of Oregon. We couldn’t be more thankful for all the support and representation they’ve given us over the last couple years and are honored to have been selected to make this collaboration with them.”

MOC wanted to brew a beer that complemented the transition of spring into summer. In short time Pono came up with the idea to make a new recipe that fans of their Pineapple Express Kolsch would also love, and it’s number one fan may well be born and bred kiwi John Lovegrove.

“The man’s beer exploits are legendary, having visited 77 Portland are breweries in a 24-hour period. A feat that would be a Guinness record if they allowed “alcohol based” records. He was been a huge fan and great friend to us over the years, so when we landed on kiwi as the fruit the name started to form,” says Russ. “We even turned the lion logo on the label into a kiwi bird for this beer.”

John the Kiwi Blonde Ale

Brewed with the base of a classic American Blonde Ale, then brightened up with real kiwi fruit puree sourced from New Zealand, provided by local Oregon Fruit Products. Malt:  Great Western Oregon Select Pilsner, Maris Otter, Great Western White Wheat. Hops: Herkules. Yeast: Dieter. ABV: 5%. IBU: 20

There will be a release party at Erick Russ’ beer bar The Golden Cat Beer Venue this Thursday, May 19th from 6-9pm with John the Kiwi himself in attendance.

All canned versions of the beer hit Market of Choice shelves this Friday, May 20th with draft tapping around town around the same trimeframe.