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Beer Talk

Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale

Kiuchi Brewery
Ibaraki, Japan
Imported by: B. United International
Place: Redding, CT

Available: n/a

This bottle-conditioned ale is matured in Japanse cedar casks which are commonly used in the brewing of traditional Japanese sake.

Alcohol (wt.): 5.8
Alcohol (vol.): 7
Color: 27 EBC, copper brown
Bitterness: 35
Gravity: 1070

• Charles Finkel

  I love sushi. Unfortunately, most Japanese restaurants offer only ordinary lagers that don't complement the flavor of raw fish. They would be wise to discover Hitachino, the finest Japanese beer I've tasted. Like head? This one's overwhelming—and long lasting. The turbid rising-sun color hints of no filtration. What a nose! Hoppy, with an added dimension—perhaps it's the cedar casks used for aging. The palate is complex and satisfying, a good balance of hops and malt with a long aftertaste.

• Charlie Papazian

  Wow! Now this is a memorable beer. Aged in cedar—reminiscent of a Japanese tradition of drinking sake out of wooden cedar boxes. But this is beer and the balance of cedar, hops, malt and alcohol is extraordinary and skillfully accomplished. Easy drinking. Refreshing. The woodiness is fruity-spicy-exotic but does not exalt. This beer is for dreaming. I will never forget how I’ve enjoyed this beer. Let me buy a case!

• Roger Protz

  This claims to be based on the recipes of IPAs sent to Japan in the 19th century, so here is a beer rich in history as well as taste. It’s bottle-conditioned and 7% by volume, which is spot on for the Burton IPAs of the time, and is matured in cedar casks. It has a hazy bronze color, and a vast, deep head of foam. The aroma has massive spices and pepper with powerful hints of toffeeish malt. The palate is full, with a fine balance of ripe malt and tart, bitter hops. The finish is dominated by spicy and peppery hops, balanced by a cookie-like note from the malt. Sayonara!