I’m a big fan of the beers from Kona Brewing, and when I was offered a chance to try their Longboard Island Lager, I jumped at the opportunity. I prefer lagers during the warm summer months when their crispness and light body are the most refreshing.

Kona Brewing has been around since the mid-‘90s, and I discovered their beers in the late ‘90s in their home state of Hawaii. Now distributed to over half of the United States and Japan, Kona Brewing has quickly grown from a cult brewer to one of the larger craft brewers on the Pacific Rim—and their Longboard Lager will only add to this brewery’s acclaim.

Longboard Lager just won the highest prize in its category, a gold medal, at the North American Beer Awards in June of this year. Aged for five weeks at cold temperatures to ensure a smooth flavor, Longboard Lager is one of the best tasting lagers I’ve had, and it will be a household staple this summer.

At 4.6% ABV, Longboard Lager does have a bit of a punch to it, but the alcohol isn’t overpowering in this beer. Instead, some nice hop notes add a crispness that plays off of rich malt tones to create a well-balanced and easy drinking beer.

Even better, Longboard Lager is now being canned. Now that canning technology has improved so dramatically, you can enjoy your favorite craft beer in places that you wouldn’t want to bring a bottle of beer. Hiking, on the beach, or my personal favorite, going fishing are not activities that do well with glass bottles. However, a 6-pack, or even just a cold can or two, can make whatever outdoor activity you enjoy that much more enjoyable.

Kona Brewing’s Longboard Lager is out now; look for cans of it at your better beermonger. Give it a try if you enjoy a great crisp lager. I know it’s quickly become one of my favorite beers.