2008 Woodie Awards
The Finer Brews in Life
C.W. Tompkins
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
For some reason, microbreweries were illegal in Japan until 1994. Strange, I know. The Macro has been in business since the 19th century on everyone's favorite Pacific island but the small businessman couldn't profit from his genius until the Clinton administration. No matter, it seems that the folks over at Kiuchi Brewery have been plotting and scheming for decades waiting to jump at the opportunity to release the perfect concoction.
Kiuchi has been producing quality Sake since before Japan even had beer (We're talking Edo period here people), and since the toleration of the microbrew Kiuchi has perfected the white ale, combining Eastern and Western brewing techniques with a dash of some interesting ingredients.
If you liked Hoegaarden you will love this strangely spiced Japanese hybrid. Hitachino White Ale actually beat out Sam Adams Chocolate Bock (which isn't even that good) for best herbs and spices beer in the 2004 World Beer Cup. As you pour the ale it appears as a pale hazy yellow with a small amount of head that fades away fast. In its facade it is actually very similar to the standard Belgian white, but that's about all they have in common. The smell is an overwhelming combination of citrus and spices. Those visionary chemists over at Kiuchi thought it would be a good idea to throw some cilantro and nutmeg in the mix and it makes for an interesting experience. There are also muted hints of wheat.
Once you get the brew down the first thing that hits you is, "Wow for a reasonably light beer this has a lot of flavor." It is well carbonated, perhaps only slightly less so than champagne and the citrus and nutmeg play off each other very well.
This beer would go really well with a vegetable dinner, perhaps couscous, or for the meat lover, a good grilled chicken burrito. I might even go so far as to say it would go well with a balanced breakfast. Hitachino Nest brand beers come in these cool looking 350 or 750 mL bottles so a sixer will last you an entire sumo match.
Kiuchi has been producing quality Sake since before Japan even had beer (We're talking Edo period here people), and since the toleration of the microbrew Kiuchi has perfected the white ale, combining Eastern and Western brewing techniques with a dash of some interesting ingredients.
If you liked Hoegaarden you will love this strangely spiced Japanese hybrid. Hitachino White Ale actually beat out Sam Adams Chocolate Bock (which isn't even that good) for best herbs and spices beer in the 2004 World Beer Cup. As you pour the ale it appears as a pale hazy yellow with a small amount of head that fades away fast. In its facade it is actually very similar to the standard Belgian white, but that's about all they have in common. The smell is an overwhelming combination of citrus and spices. Those visionary chemists over at Kiuchi thought it would be a good idea to throw some cilantro and nutmeg in the mix and it makes for an interesting experience. There are also muted hints of wheat.
Once you get the brew down the first thing that hits you is, "Wow for a reasonably light beer this has a lot of flavor." It is well carbonated, perhaps only slightly less so than champagne and the citrus and nutmeg play off each other very well.
This beer would go really well with a vegetable dinner, perhaps couscous, or for the meat lover, a good grilled chicken burrito. I might even go so far as to say it would go well with a balanced breakfast. Hitachino Nest brand beers come in these cool looking 350 or 750 mL bottles so a sixer will last you an entire sumo match.
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