1001 Beers

Beer No: 87
Page No: 582
Category: Blond

Woohoo, Day 9 of the World Cup.  A few interesting games today, but no downright good games.  It started with a tie between Ghana and Australia, a Japan loss to the Netherlands, and Denmark's comeback from 0-1 to beat Cameroon 2-1.  Tomorrow, for Father's Day, we have Slovakia vs. Paraguay (yawn), Italy vs. New Zealand (eh), and Brazil vs. Ivory Coast (Brazil dominates I will guess).  Tomorrow's beer will be coming from Italy, but today's comes from another losing team, making me 2-5-2, Japan.

The White Ale from Hitachino Nest is based on the popular Hoegaarden White, but the brewery also found that because it contains fruit and spices, it's also taxed at a lower rate than beer in Japan.  Finding the right formula was a pretty long experiment according to 1001 Beers.  But they finally settled on a wonderful mix of flaked barley, flaked wheat, and pilsner malt.  Then, for some added good measure, they toss in some coriander, nutmeg, orange peel, and a hint of orange juice.  It doesn't quite matter how it's made, this is a refreshing beer, but I thought it could use just a bit more carbonation.  Also, I thought the fruit flavors overwhelm the wheat and malts a bit.  Overall, an enjoyable beer though.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Hitachino Next White Ale by Kiuchi Brewery

Aroma: 6/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 8/10
Palate: 4/5
Overall: 12/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from 12oz. bottle from Hi Time Wines. Pours hazy yellow with very slight head that dissipates to nothingness. Carbonation is slight, but lasts throughout. Aroma is citrus, flowers, lemon, and grapefruit. Taste is a very nice white with orange, lemon, spices, and floral tastes. Finishes sweet with citrus lingering. A nice white that could maybe use a bit more carbonation, but overall easily drinkable and refreshing.