Shiga Kogen IBA is a 7% black IPA that has been wet hopped with Williamete and Centinnial hops. First brewed in 2012, it has become part of the Shiga Kogen seasonal range and is the fourth different IPA produced by Tamamura Honten. Shiga Kogen IBA has an IBU of 75 units, putting it at the upper end of the bitterness scale.
Shiga Kogen IBA Aroma and Taste
Shiga Kogen IBA had an almost black appearance but in the right light it could be a dark brown. The head was an off-white colour, frothy and lingered in the glass for a couple of minutes before fading away. Shiga Kogen IBA had a weird concoction of aromas coming of it. It looks like a schwarz beer but smells like an IPA crossed with a porter. Hops and chocolate with a fair lacing of coffee all combine together and ends up with a roasted malt end. Talk about value for money with three different kinds of styles here.
My taste buds didn’t know what to expect after such an assault on the nose and for good reason. Shiga Kogen IBA is perhaps best summarised by Schrödinger, it exists as an IPA and a porter until you try it. It is has equal amounts of hoppiness to the front that is balanced with a roasted coffee chocolate taste. The aftertaste finishes off leaning towards the malt tones but they are not as forward-coming as the hops and chocolate.
Shiga Kogen IBA One Line Review
Shiga Kogen IBA will confuse you and tease your senses but is a great beer worth finding.
Where to Buy Shiga Kogen IBA
Shiga Kogen IBA can be bought online at:
