Hinano, Tahiti’s national beer, was first created in 1955 and put into distribution in 1956. It’s now distributed internationally. Since it is the 50th anniversary of this beer, it seems fitting to review a beer with so much history and culture behind it.

Hinano has a slightly bitter taste. It’s a light, golden beer in color and brewed at 5.0 percent alcohol to give the drinker an extra kick once the brew hits your tongue. Hinano’s quality was recognized in the past with a gold medal at the Luxembourg International Beer Awards.

Hinano isn’t rich in taste. The experience is more described as appreciation after you have drunk the entire beer. Taking one or two sips won’t give Hinano it’s just due – drinking the entire beer and then reflecting on the taste is a much better way to get Hinano’s full effect.

Hinano has a bland, somewhat weak taste, but the cleanliness of the beer makes up for all of that. It goes down like water, and has a much better taste than the major domestics. Unlike the major domestic brewers, Hinano expands your taste buds. It definitely has a unique, sparkling taste.

Another drawback is that Hinano is a little expensive. A six-pack usually goes for upwards of seven dollars with tax.

The art on Hinano’s label was first designed and inspired by Pierre Heyman, a Swedish painter in 1953. The symbol was soon adapted and made into the first label by Pierre Pothier. It has changed 11 times since then, but has kept the same basic design. It was last updated this year.

Every year, Hinano will come out with a special label from June to July in honor of Heiva, a traditional Polynesian festival. According to the company’s website, the Hinano company believes it is important for the beer to pay homage to and embrace all aspects of Polynesian culture.

Hinano is brewed in Tahiti in the Punaruu valley at a high tech production site. There are Hinano distributors throughout the world, including Japan, France, The Cook Islands, Chile, California and Hawaii.

Hinano is a good clean beer for anyone, especially those who like beers like Bud Light or Coors Light. It has a crisper taste and is worth the extra money spent.

Hinano has a theme song by Alain Mottel originated in 1955: “Hinano, Hinano, it’s the beer we need!”