Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale by Kiuchi Brewery

Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale is not a Japanese ale; however, it is an English style 7% IPA beer brewed using English hops from a recipe that the British first brought to Japan at the turn of the 19th century. The resultant brew is then matured in cedar casks, which are leftover from the sake brewing that Kiuchi is famous for.

It’s a classic alright.

Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale Aroma and Taste

Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale pours a dark golden, verging on brown, colour with a thin head that dissipates to a thin surface layer on top. Hitachino Nest Classic Ale has a caramel and yeast aroma to it that betrays its IPA supposed leaning. The cedar casks also impart a woody nose to it as well. Slightly sweet-smelling as well, it does not look or smell like your typical American IPA.

And it does not taste like your typical American IPA either. As mentioned, Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale is brewed to a traditional English IPA recipe so the hops are more subtle and easier on the palate than modern American IPAs. It is maltier than expected and it is balanced with an unusual sweetness to it that does not overpower but does seem to be lost in it. The bitter aftertaste is also more subtle than most American IPAs so you won’t be left looking like you are sucking on a lemon as you drink it.

Hitachino Japanese Nest Classic Ale One-line review.

Hitachino Japanese Nest Classic Ale is a good introduction to the world of IPAs for new drinkers but if you like big, bold, brash IPAs then this is not for you.

Where to Buy Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale

Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale can be bought online at the following places:

• Kiuchi Brewery Online Store
• Kiuchi Brewery Online Stroe at Rakuten
• Sakaya Okadaya
• Maruho Saketen
• Craftbeers
• Goodbeer