Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale is a 4.5% wheat ale from Yo-Ho Brewing, based in Nagano. It follows on with their annual tradition of releasing different kinds of seasonal beers, following on from their 2014 edition of a British Pale Ale. Thankfully, this one was paid for and not part of a giveaway and was also well in date. The seasonal beers are available from spring onwards though they are available throughout the year once they have gone on sale, until the next iteration comes out. It’s available both in bottles and on tap at the Yona Yona Beer Kitchens in Tokyo.
A wheat ale but very similar to a kristalweizen.
Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale Aroma and Taste
Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale poured out a clear golden yellow colour with a fluffy voluminous head on top that lingered right until the end of drinking. The beer had a light wheaty aroma along with some hints of citrus fruits such as lemon and orange. It all seemed a bit delicate considering this is the same company that makes Aooni IPA.
The body was as light as the aroma but also crisp too. However, the carbonation was a touch too much for my liking as it caused some serious burping during drinking. The wheat flavours produced a wheat, biscuit taste to the beer with the citrus lemon flavours being only partially there. If anything, it reminded me of a lite-Suiyoubi no Neko beer, minus the coriander punch. Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale was light and refreshing in the aftertaste too, leaving only a slight malt aftertaste before fading quickly.
Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale One Line Review
Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale would be a nice summer beer to have when chilled but it’s nothing outstanding really.
Where to Buy Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale
Karuizawa Kogen 2015 Seasonal Wheat Ale can be bought online at the following places:
