I’ve just discovered Japanese beer, I don’t mean Asahi, Sapphoro or any of those global brands, I’m talking about beer made use rice or oranges or things we wouldn’t normally associate with beer. I’ve discovered Japanese beer made using rice, or more specifically red rice. This week we’ll look at the Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale, made by the Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki Japan.
Wow! This was one of the most enjoyable beer experiences I have had for a long time. It was unlike anything I’ve tried before, maybe it was the 7% alcohol talking, but the strong red’ish/pink colour (which in itself makes the beer look exotic), sweat malt flavour and a hint of strawberry and sake made this beer a real treat. Whilst it’s not the cheapest of boutique beers, it is one that I would encourage everyone to try.
Overall a wonderful and complex beer, definitely one for special occasions or to impress friends!
Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale
Score: 9/10
ABV: 7%
Standard Drinks: 1.82
Style: Ale
Serving Temperature: 4 degrees
Country: Japan
Price: $65.28 x six 330ml bottles
Buy it here: Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale (330ml)