Hakuba Pale Ale is a 5% American pale ale from Hakuba Brewing Company, based in Hakuba village, Nagano. The beer is one of two of their current lineup available in bottles, with it first came on sale in March 2016. It’s brewed using malt imported from the UK, hops from the US, and some of the purest water from Japan’s largest all-year round glacier in Hakuba. At the time of writing, Hakuba Pale Ale can be found in both bottles and on tap at the Hakuba Brewpub.
More American than British pale ale but it has hints of both.
Hakuba Pale Ale Aroma and Taste
Hakuba Pale Ale poured out a deep golden straw-like colour with a clean, frothy white head on top. The aromas coming off of it were mixed: hints of caramel from the malts gave it a British leaning but the citrus like punch and peppery spice gave it an American quality to it that won out in the end. It had a subtle sourness, in a good way, from the hops.
The body was far more American IPA than British IPA, with the hops definitely giving it a lemony punch, with hints of grapefruit and a slight floral profile too. That’s not to say the malts weren’t present, as the caramel smoothness was in the mix too throughout the drinking, if you concentrated on it. The carbonation was nigh spot on as it helped keep the dryness of the beer and lifted the bitterness a touch in the aftertaste. The citrus flavours lingered in the aftertaste, along with a faint bitterness.
Hakuba Pale Ale – The Bottom Line
Hakuba Pale Ale is a good attempt at a pale ale for a first batch and will be keeping my eyes out for future batches.
Where to Buy Hakuba Pale Ale
Hakuba Pale Ale can be bought at the following places online:
