Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black is Karuizawa Brewery’s attempt at a 5% schwarzbier, or a black lager. Brewed using rice and corn starch, as well as traditional hops, it is very much a Japanese take on a German classic. Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black is available in can form as of writing.
It’s black. But it’s really brown. Seriously. Take a closer look at the bottom.
Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black Aroma and Taste
Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black pours out black, but when it is held up to the light, it is more dark brown than black. The head came out white with a mild brown tinge to it but didn’t stick around long enough to give you a dab on the nose when you try to smell it. It had a faint aroma of heavily watered down coffee and malt, but I like my dark lagers to smell like a Sunday morning; nice thick coffee permeating through the house.
Drinking Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black isn’t much better than smelling it either. The body came across limp and lifeless even with the notes of coffee, chocolate and a slight woodiness to it. The aftertaste was again subtle with a slight bitter twang to it that was nice but did not overstay its welcome.
Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black One-Line Review
Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black isn’t going to win any awards, but it is the best of the Karuizawa bunch and worth trying if you like your black lagers.
Where to Buy Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black
Karuizawa Asama Kougen Black can be bought online at:
