Holy Hinano!

Even though it has been more than a year since our trip to French Polynesia... we still can't let go of anything that reminds us of that dream vacation.

One the great things about that trip was the total absence of "world" brands... okay, there was one exception... even McDonalds has managed to infiltrate the Tahiti Faa'a International Airport in Papeete.  But once getting through the quaint airport, there was nary a Starbucks or Budweiser or other fast food chain in sight.

The one brand that did show up over and over again was Hinano -- Tahiti's local beer. When one tired of tropical concoctions (or should I say paying for them at $US 20 a pop!), a Hinano beer was always a nice alternative.  And as a reminder of our trip -- we each picked up Hinano t-shirts and a set of beer glasses!

We got even smarter when we hopped over to Bora Bora.  There was a grocery store within walking distance of our resort.  We happily picked up six-pack Hinano along with a quart of the devilishly delicious Tahiti Drink (another local product... a mix of fruit juices mixed with some undetermined alcohol) and saved ourselves from the resort pricing.

We wondered about the availability of both these products back in the States.  Tahiti Drink would prove to be a challenge... in its cardboard, milk-carton container and its need to be refrigerated it appeared that this was not exported.  Not the same restriction on Hinano, but after some research it appeared to be only available in Hawaii. 

So when we went to Hawaii in May, we kept an eye out for it.  We had no luck at the ubiquitous ABC Stores... and then we found it... of all places in a Safeway supermarket (the very grocery chain we shop at here in AZ) on Maui.  But our discovery was a bit too late.  It was our next to last night of our vacation... and it seemed a bit silly to get a six-pack of beer with so little time left... plus the availability of free alcohol at our hotel (ah "complimentary happy hour" ... three words that still warm my heart!).

Fast forward to a month ago and the opening of BevMo! -- a liquor superstore chain that was opening its first store outside of California... and, most conveniently, just a half mile down the road from us.  The buzz is high ... with the promise that this is the next big California import since In-N-Out Burger.  The opening crowd is impressive to this 12,000 sq. foot store that promises a selection of 3,000 wines... 1,500 spirits... and 800 beers.  Ok, 800 beers... so would it have our Hinano!?!

Well, I am sure my sharp-as-a-tack W&C readers have figured out by now that the answer is "yes!"  (I'm guessing that above picture was probably your first clue).  We swooped up a six-pack like it was the hottest holiday gift of the season.

Now, the funniest part of all this goose chase... is that there is absolutely nothing terribly special about Hinano... it's a bottle of beer and, at least for this beer non-connoisseur, nothing particularly distinguishable from any other domestic or imported brand of beer.  But it has that intangible... very pleasant memories of a very extraordinary place... and for that it's worth it.

For those who may be searching for it as well, here's the BevMo! Hinano product page... not sure if there are any restrictions with alcohol crossing state lines (is that just wine?)... and, as of this writing, it's even on sale this week.

Oh, it's also the beer preferred by 4 out of 5 felines!

Needless to say, when I got the beer and camera out... the cats were immediately drawn to it like a magnet.  Lola was nice enough to strike this pose for me. 

tags:  hinano

Comments

[Gail]

Alas, they do not appear to carry my favourite "vacation memory" beers. I guess we'll have to go back.

[Chris]

We went to Tahiti a couple years back and Hinano was instantly my favorite beer. It thought i would have to leave my likings for the beer in Tahiti until I stumbled upon it at Bev Mo as well. It quickly became a Friday after work stop for me. I would pick up a six pack for the week to put in the fridge. A few weeks ago I was absolutely stunned to find out that my local Bev Mo decided not to stock the bottle six packs any longer. Only the 6 pack cans and large bottles, which are not the same. I was crushed and still am. What a poor decision on the side of Bev Mo. Glad to see that there is another person who enjoys this beer. Although, I have to disagree with you that this beer has no distinction and is simply like any other beer, other than the Tahitian memory. It has a distinct taste, and I am far from a beer snob.