Kiuchi Brewery's Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale

Kiuchi Brewery
Hitachino Nest Beer
Japanese Classic Ale
Japan
7.00% ABV
24.3 oz. Bottle
Premier Gourmet
$12.00







Posted by NickleCitySmoker
The Hitachino Nest Beer Japanese Classic Ale opens with an overwhelming amount of carbonation as the first pour was almost all head. The foam continued to flow out of the bottle for minutes afterwords, which at $12 for the single 24 ounce bottle (Premier Gourmet), was slightly disconcerting. However, when the head finally did settled down, it exhibited a rich, amber ale with a hint of haze. The JCA ended up being finely carbonated, which I assumed to be a product of the live yeast haze, and topped by a solid head.

The Kiuchi brewery describes the JCA as:

"Brewed following the original India Pale Ale brought to Japan in the 19th century. It is slowly matured in Japanese cedar casks which are commonly used in the brewing of traditional sake."

The nose and taste of the JCA do not reveal the hops one normally expects from an IPA, but I'm willing to overlook that. When I think of Japanese beers, my experience begins and ends with Kirin, Sapporo, and Asahi, so when I read "Japanese Classic Ale" those were what came to mind (despite those three are most likely all lagers). Kiuchi has got those three easily beat. Sure, the JCA lacks a strong hops note - but its dry, malty and complex. I found grain notes similar to rye ales, and a sourness similar to whiskey. The cedar wasn't perceptible as a distinct flavor, but added to the overall flavor in a way that's hard to describe.

When I come across a beer like this that's unique, complex, and balanced it has to be celebrated. If you are a fan of Belgian beers, or rye ales,  the JCA is worth a taste. We paired it with teriyaki hanger steak (and a few other Japanese favorites) and it certainly held its own. Buy a bottle, make some maki and enjoy.