Self-serve craft beer can be quite graceful

A craft beer bar where you can serve yourself? OK, now that's intriguing. — A craft beer bar where you can serve yourself? OK, now that’s intriguing.

Have you ever wished you could choose your own size of a beer poured at a taproom? Maybe you don’t want a full pint, but you also don’t want just a sample. I recently visited a new place called Grace in Growlers in Kailua, on the east side of Oahu, that lets you do just that. The place gets the grace part of its name from the fact that they donate their proceeds to local charities. The day we were there was a fundraiser for a baby in need of heart surgery. The growler portion is coming soon as they are still awaiting that license. Sadly, we were not able to stay as long as we wanted to because we found out about the place just before closing time.

Here is how it works: You show your ID, sign in at the door, and start a tab. The staff member places an electronic bracelet on your wrist and explains the process to you. You are shown to a wall with different sizes of glasses. After you choose your glass, you proceed to the beer taps. All the beer taps were local, except for a hilarious Heineken tap that is labeled and pours H₂O. Turn the glass over and rinse your glass with a bar top rinser; yes, they have them to make pouring easier.

Behind the ubiquitous Giant Jenga, note those two watch-like devices on the wrists of the customers. That's what keeps track of your beer pours. — Behind the ubiquitous Giant Jenga, note those two watch-like devices on the wrists of the customers. That’s what keeps track of your beer pours.

Each tap has an electronic screen. Press the name of the beer on the screen and a description comes up, helping you decide if this beer is right for you. Hold your bracelet to the top of the screen, wait for the green light, and then open the tap and pour. You can pour a very small amount if you are still unsure about the beer, because you are charged by the ounce. When you shut off the tap, the screen displays how many ounces you poured. You are asked to use a new glass each time. When you are ready to leave, you go to the register, return your bracelet, and sign your receipt.

I was proud of myself because I chose small glasses to try several different beers, and the first couple of times I managed to hit exactly 4.0 ounces. But, the last time, I only got 3.9. So much for perfect pours. I suppose it could be that it gets a little more difficult after a few (motor skills and all).

Our group of travelers had a discussion about this concept, and if it could possibly ever work here in New Mexico. I would like to ask our readers that question. Let us know by posting your comments.

Aloha!

— AmyO