Stevens Point and Maui breweries collaborate on new IPA

STEVENS POINT, Wis. and LAHAINA, Maui (January 5, 2023) – Stevens Point Brewery and Kohola Brewery have joined forces to create a new beer: Hula Badger IPA. This unique brew combines the rich culture of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with the tropical vibes of Lahaina, Maui, to create a truly unique and memorable experience.

This Hula Badger IPA collaboration is part of the Connected Communities initiative, spearheaded by Sentry Insurance and announced by the mayors of Maui and Stevens Point in January 2022. As title sponsor of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Sentry has come to embrace the island of Maui as a Sentry community, just like Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where the company is headquartered. The Connected Communities initiative serves to build on the commonalities between these two communities by connecting similar organizations in areas such as community service, arts, culture, education, and agriculture and land use. Through this initiative, both Stevens Point and Maui can exchange ideas and share best practices for the mutual benefit of both communities.

Over the past four months, brew masters from both breweries have traveled back and forth to perfect and brew the Hula Badger IPA (6.8% ALC). The new brew boasts a clean and bright aroma, with tropical citrus and stone fruit notes. Upon tasting, drinkers will be treated to flavors of pineapple, guava, lime, white peach, and orange zest. This sensory experience is sure to transport drinkers to the sunny beaches of Maui, while also paying tribute to the natural outdoor beauty of both Stevens Point and the State of Wisconsin.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Stevens Point Brewery to bring the Hula Badger IPA to life,” said Mary Anderson, president and owner of Kohola Brewery. “This collaboration is a perfect representation of the Connected Communities initiative, and we hope it will bring a taste of Maui to the people of Stevens Point, and a taste of Wisconsin to the people of Maui.”

Stevens Point Brewery’s Marketing Director Julie Birrenkott, added, “We’re excited to be a part of this collaboration and bring a little bit of Maui to the people of Stevens Point. The Hula Badger IPA is a perfect combination of the two cultures, and we can’t wait for people to try it.”

The Hula Badger IPA is available now for a limited time on draft at Kohola Brewery and select bars and restaurants in the central Wisconsin area, including PJ’s at SentryWorld. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Hula Badger will go to the Maui United Way and the United way of Portage County.