Yona Yona Ale : Background
Yona Yona Ale is a 5.5% American pale ale from Yo-Ho Brewing Company based in Saku, Nagano. It’s part of their regular lineup and is available in both cans and on draught. In 2017, they updated this beer, and it now uses only Cascade hops in the making of it. Finally, the beer takes its name from Japanese phrase meaning “night after night” or “every night,” reflecting the desire for people to enjoy the ale throughout the entire night.
At A Glance
- ABV : 5.5%
- Style : American pale ale
- Hops : Cascade
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU : –
Sale Information
- Availability : Regular
- On Sale : From 1997
- Size : 350 ml
Yona Yona Ale : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Yona Yona Ale pours a deep golden to amber colour, with a slight orange hue that reflects its malt base. It typically forms a medium, off-white head that lingers briefly before settling into a thin cap.
The aroma is where Yona Yona Ale really shines. It offers a bright, citrus-forward nose, from the Cascade hops. Expect notes of grapefruit, orange peel, and lemon zest, layered with subtle floral undertones. Behind the hops, there’s a mild biscuity malt sweetness, which gives balance and prevents the aroma from being one-dimensional.
The first impression is citrusy bitterness with grapefruit and orange followed by a gentle sweetness from the malt, with hints of caramel and biscuit. Unlike hoppier American pale ales, the bitterness here is restrained, offering a smoother drinking experience. The finish is clean and slightly dry, encouraging sip after sip.
Yona Yona Ale : The Bottom Line
Though there was no need for another hoppier beer in the Yo-Ho Brewing line-up, it’s a solid, if uninspiring, beer.
Yona Yona Ale : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
2 comments
I had a can on Friday, and it was not was I expected. As you write, the hop is now the dominant taste, and not the malt anymore. Malty-fruity beers are rare in Japan, so I deplore the taste change. A bit too bitter now.
Thanks for your comment! Yeah, it’s a shame that they’ve gone that way. Fortunately I was wrong about the hoppy amber- that’s all tropical fruit hops instead of bitter grassy ones. Have you tried it?