Hitachino Nipponia - Kiuchi Brewery

soulgrowl

United Kingdom (England)

4.15/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is a Belgian pale ale... for why now? Odd classification, I think.

You could almost trick someone into thinking this is a standard Japanese lager. Almost. It's pale golden with a frothy white head, but a faint haze betrays its unfiltered character. Smell-wise, it's light but intriguing, with unpredictable Sorachi Ace hops lending its typically bizarre, nuanced and complex aromas, though this time they seem more herbal than usual. Parsley, lavender, and guava with hints of chamomile, lemon, and Neopolitan ice cream. The malts are basically a nonentity – another way in which this resembles a Japanese lager.

The hops also dominate the taste, with a lip-smacking, crunchy bitterness and a thunderclap of floral flavor. Loads of chamomile and vanilla, some hawthorn and honey, lavender and lemon pith. Light, fresh grain notes from the malts and solid carbonation leading into a dry but juicy finish make this really mouthwatering and refreshing – the kind of beer that's hard to put down. It just cries out to be quaffed, which is a little dangerous considering its strength.

Another lovely beer from my favorite brewery. Really very lovely.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2012 18:08:29 | More by soulgrowl

smakawhat

Maryland

3.54/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Poured from the 11.2 fl oz bottle into a pilsner style glass.

Out of the bottle, Nipponia pours fairly yellow gold but hits the glass giving a somewhat hazy orange brassy color. Lots of stuck cola bubbles to the sides of the glass, with much fast rising carbonation of the same size from the body. Head only manages two fingers tall and leaves a soapy puck.

Mild hints of grassy lemon, and some malt sweetness getting into borderline boozy character. Mostly pretty close, but harmless and inoffensive.

Palate fills with a slightly boozy malt, and crisp pilsner backbone. Slick body and a hint of diacetyl oil character and taste to match but just a little bit. Mellow lemon and mild sweetness match on the aftertaste, giving some good depth to this amped up pilsner. Chewy texture to match with some of the lingering grassy hop qualities also.

This is a decent brew, but I am not sure I am also drinking this at its prime either. I'd have this again sometime.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 00:24:30 | More by smakawhat

Jason1337

Pennsylvania

4.75/5  rDev +20.9%

04-27-2013 16:25:24 | More by Jason1337

deapokid

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -10.9%

03-23-2013 19:37:22 | More by deapokid

JDavidRice

Connecticut

3.75/5  rDev -4.6%

03-11-2013 20:34:40 | More by JDavidRice

bigred89

Maryland

4/5  rDev +1.8%

02-18-2013 11:02:51 | More by bigred89

jsanford

Georgia

3/5  rDev -23.7%

02-04-2013 00:08:11 | More by jsanford

nikbullet

4/5  rDev +1.8%

02-03-2013 17:00:04 | More by nikbullet

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.93/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A: Pours a cloudy dark straw yellow in color with some moderate golden yellow and lemon yellow highlights along with some light amounts of visible carbonation and moderate to heavy amounts of visible yeast sediment in suspension (both light and dark particles). The beer has a two finger tall dense foamy white head that slowly reduces to a thin film that covers about 95% of the surface of the beer and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Light to moderate aromas of lemon citrus with some much lighter aromas of hay/grassy and pale malts.

T: Upfront there is a moderate amount of hay-like or grassy malts with a touch of pale malts. Then there are light to moderate amounts of lemon citrus and a touch of spicy Belgian yeast. A very light amount of spicy hops that contribute some light bitterness which lingers. There is a light amount of oak and vanilla as if the beer spent some time aging in a barrel.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth with a light amount of dryness towards the finish.

O: This is a very interesting beer with an interesting story behind it (how the owner brought back the historical barley from 16 seeds). Enjoyable but more of a sipping beer than an easy drinker. I think this is probably more of a Belgian Pale or Strong Pale Ale rather than a American Double/Imperial Pilsner but I have nothing definitive to have the style changed.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 21:06:38 | More by dbrauneis

metter98

New York

3.98/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: The beer is cloudy dark yellow in color and has some yeast particles visible near the bottom of the glass. It poured with a finger high white head that died down but consistently left a thin layer of bubbles covering the surface.
S: There are light to moderate aromas of lemon citrus in the nose.
T: The taste has flavors of hay and straw like malts along with a bit of lemon citrus. Hints of oaky vanilla and a very faint amount of sourness are also present.
M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This is a very interesting and enjoyable beer that has unique flavors from the malts and hops.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 20:55:32 | More by metter98

sendbeer

Georgia

1.75/5  rDev -55.5%

11-10-2012 21:36:51 | More by sendbeer

GennyCreamAle

New York

4.5/5  rDev +14.5%

10-31-2012 02:03:22 | More by GennyCreamAle

YobroitsJoe

Maryland

4.25/5  rDev +8.1%

09-24-2012 19:06:06 | More by YobroitsJoe

beerkim

3.8/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A- This ale has a thick pale golden brown colour with a medium haziness to it. The head pours out creamy but light like a Japanese lager. The appearance is pretty solid for my liking.

S- It may not seem like it at first, but there is an tangy orange-pear aroma over the yeast scent that is common to most Belgian style ales. It is very balanced and doesn't take away from the rest of the ale's characteristics.

T- There is a light spice that goes into the citrus taste of this guy but smooths out without any after taste. I've never had a Belgian style quite like this one.

F: This beer goes in smooth with a light spiciness and ends dry. I think it would pair really well with textured foods like sushi or grilled veggies because it doesn't fully stick in your mouth.

O – You will pay a pretty penny to enjoy a Hitachino Nest brew especially in America, but you have to try all of these award winning brews at least once in your life time. This beer is very easy and light to drink. It reminds me of a Belgian dubbel because of the yeast tangy taste that you get after the spice bites and light carbonation. I can tell the brewer paid close attention to detail in designing and brewing this beer because though it is a Belgian style, he made it his own with a good balance in all the characteristics of the beer from appearance to even the feel of it in your mouth. I am satisfied with my purchase and would drink this again.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2012 03:03:54 | More by beerkim

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.63/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Medium golden coloured with long lasting head. Sorashi can be a powerful hop less diluted, this one tastes rather orange than lemony. Kind of like a pomelo is to a grapefruit. Neutral aroma.Decent drinkability and complex, though what's actually in here is a secret.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2012 02:39:47 | More by northyorksammy

graz34

4.25/5  rDev +8.1%

08-03-2012 03:23:13 | More by graz34

Jadjunk

Georgia

3.53/5  rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served on tap at the Brick Store Pub June 21, 2012. Reviewed from notes.

(Appearance) Pours a thick creamy white head that retains above average. Lacing is thin but nearly solid. Body color is a pale golden yellow with a medium haze. A nice looking beer. 4

(Smell) Heavy pleasing pear fruit aroma over a subtle malt base. Mild yeast aromatics accentuate the fruity tones in this Belgian Pale. Aroma is mild but pleasing. 4

(Taste) Very mild pear tinged pale malt blend with some lingering tartness on the dry finish. Really pleasing flavors, although some simplicity makes me with there was more diversity to the flavors in the brew. 3.5

(Mouthfeel) Creamy smoothness with a touch of sweet yeasty cracker on the finish. Alcohol presence is low and body is light. Pleasing pair. 3.5

(Overall) Leave it to a Japanese craft brewery to put out a nice Belgian Pale ale. I really enjoyed the pear flavor in this beer although it finished a bit too dry and the flavor profile was enjoyable but very simple. It was a nice beer however. 3.5

Kiuchi Brewery's
Hitachino Nest Nipponia
3.53/5.00

Serving type: on-tap

07-14-2012 20:03:51 | More by Jadjunk

Mebuzzard

Colorado

4.3/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Not sure why this is a BPA, but I guess it really doesn't fit well any where else either. Maybe more American...maybe not

Light golden color pour. 1 finger head, great lacing. Looks like a lighter beer.

The nose betrays the simplistic, but very nice, appearance. Hops and tight biscuit. Some spice and florals from the Sorachi Ace and a bit of earthiness as well.

Flavor is very good. Smooth and clean. The malt is unique, to me anyway. Soft and sturdy. Semi sweet and consistent. Really goes well with the hop choices. Hops are green, flowery, and open. Grounded.

Nice dry bite, nothing fancy. The sweetness and yeastiness of a BPA just aren't there. And that's good. Would ruin it.

Great beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2012 03:05:08 | More by Mebuzzard

QuentinCall

Georgia

5/5  rDev +27.2%

06-21-2012 04:09:55 | More by QuentinCall

Halcyondays

California

3.95/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Beachwood BBQ,

A: Pours a mostly clear orange with a creamy soft white head, leaves good lace.

S: Flowery and peppery notes, lemongrass, definite yeast character.

T: Yeasty spice with pear and lemongrass. Nice citric quality to this. Some pineapple as well. Good flavours and well attenuated.

M: Crisp carbonation, very clean for the style, refreshing. Just the slightest hint of booze.

O: I've been wanting to try this for a while, and it is quite good. Just wish it wasn't so pricey. Nevertheless these guys know what they're doing.

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2012 22:22:28 | More by Halcyondays

CloudStrife

New York

4.05/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

18.6oz bottle poured intoa snifter. 10.08 stamped by the barcode.

A: Pours a golden straw color with a 1 finger white head. Some flecks floating in stasis in the body. Not too much visible carbonation. Head froths ups nicely when swirled. Mild lacing on the glass.

S: Can get some of the sorachi ace hops in the nose. Lemon and chamomile as well. Sweetness comes through as a little carmely.

T: Smooth hop taste that has lemon grass and chamomile. Quite balanced and not overpowering. Hop flavor is throughout but not too intense. Has a sweetness too it as well, cane sugar?

M: Light on the palate, nice crisp carbonation. Goes down smoothly with how well its balanced. Hops dont dry out your tongue but linger nicely.

Overall not the intense flavor I was hoping for but a smooth and delicious beer. Would get it again if the price was less.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2012 21:01:13 | More by CloudStrife

drpimento

Wisconsin

3.68/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had much higher hopes for this; especially given the cost. Poured at a good temperature, fairly aggressive with a small to medium size head that soon settled and some lace. Color is a clear amber with lots of bubble trails. Aroma is nice - malt, yeast, hop, funk, ginger, bread dough. Flavor's similar to nose, but not quite as an appealing mix that is fairly dry, astringent, hop and yeast bitter, some malt, carbonic tang. Body is there, but not very balanced and harsh with carbonation at the verge of being ambivelant. Finish is like flavor, astringency lasting a long time. Not a fav.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2012 04:00:56 | More by drpimento

champ103

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a cloudy/hazed golden orange color. At first a large white head rises to over two fingers, but gently recedes to a ring. Light lace is left behind.
S: Musky basement like funky with some peppery spice. Fruity esters of pears and bananas. Really enjoyable.
T: Follows the nose, and similarly really enjoyable. Funky yeast, peppery spice, and esters all from the yeast. Fruity esters of bananas and pears. Tart lemon grass comes through, I assume from the Sorachi Ace hop. Even some light sweetness. Toasted bread, caramelized sugar. Finishes with a crisp dry, slightly bitter bite. I love it.
M/D: A medium body and high carbonation. Crisp, effervescent and dry. So easy and enjoyable to drink. I need to pick up more bottles when I see this again.

This is really well made, and blows Brooklyn Sorachi Ace out of the water (which is the only thing I can compare it to). Something I would highly recommend.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 01:08:56 | More by champ103

MaineMike

Maine

4/5  rDev +1.8%

03-21-2012 05:15:13 | More by MaineMike

distortion67

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +8.1%

03-13-2012 10:49:13 | More by distortion67