Lanahu Ales – A Hawaiian themed micro-brewery is set to open November 11th at 12 Kirby Ave in Mountain Top.
NEPA native and owner of Lanahu Ales, George Merenich aka Keoki (Hawaiian for George), recently retired from the Susquehanna nuclear power plant after 36 years.
What started as a small home-based retirement project soon expanded into a state-of-the-art brewhouse featuring a stacked roster of juicy IPAs.
Although their focus is on IPAs, there are plenty of other beers on tap including: a mango pilsner, a golden ale, a lager, a chocolate oatmeal stout, and a passionfruit seltzer.
Why the name Lanahu?
Keoki, his wife Amy and two daughters, Jessica and Christine, have been to Hawaii more than 35 times. “Lanahu” is the Hawaiian word for coal. The name of the brewery makes for the perfect blend of their love for the Hawaiian Islands and their hometown roots in the NEPA coal region.
As soon as I walked in the door, Keoki made me feel like Ohana (family). During a tour of the facility, I sipped on a few different IPAs, all of which I loved! Darren Elias (photographer) thoroughly enjoyed the mango infused pilsner.
“I just hope we do right by people – that’s all I’m after.” Keoki said.
The names of the beers pay homage to Hawaii and NEPA, with names like “8-oh-8” which refers to the Hawaiian 808 area code and “Hena Ono” which refers to the local slang, heyna or no.
Lanahu installed a next-generation “Pour My Beer” self-serve tap system that features 10 beers. Upon arrival, guests will be ID’d at a check-in window and will receive a wristband and RFID card. This card will be linked to a debit or credit card and pre-programmed for 2 pints of beer. Once the 2 pints are exhausted, you will need to see the staff to reload your card. They also plan to offer pre-filled crowlers and growlers to go.
There will be a self-serve food kiosk in the taproom, focusing on appetizers and small plates. They also plan to partner with local food trucks. Along with their delicious beer offerings, Lanahu will also sell wine from local favorite, Honey Hole Winery.
Please enjoy responsibly. HipaHipa! (Cheers)
Hours: Tue-Fri 4-9 • Sat 12-9 • Sun-Mon closed
Connect with Lanahu online:
Facebook | Instagram | Website
Questions? Comments? Email us at letstalk@onthestacks.com
All photos courtesy of Darren Elias
