Preston IPA is a 6% English IPA from Preston Ale, based in Tochigi, Japan. It’s part of their autumn line up of craft beer, and can be found in both bottles and on tap when on sale. Preston IPA is brewed using imported English malts and hops though which ones are unknown as there is no ingredients list online at the time of writing. The beer also took home Asia’s Best IPA in 2012 World Beer Awards and silver at Japan’s World Beer Awards.
Most definitely not an American IPA.
Preston IPA Aroma and Taste
The first thing I noticed about Preston IPA when it poured out of the bottle is how much of a muddy hazy orange colour it had. There was next to no head on tap, besides some bubbles around the edge of the glass. It was as almost if the brewers had forgot to carbonate it or condition it – there were no visible bubbles rising up from the bottom of the glass either. It had a strong piney earthy smell, with a slight hint of bitterness to it, but the sweet Maris Otter malts couldn’t be missed at all.
The pine flavour was softer in the body than in the nose, and the bitterness, while present, was surprising smooth. However, the Maris Otter malts made sure that this is 100% an English IPA. The contrast of sweetness and bitterness, with both of them being smooth, worked well and neither outstayed their welcome. The resiny flavours lingered in the aftertaste but the lack of carbonation stopped the flavours really coming through further.
Preston IPA The Bottom Line
Preston IPA isn’t an exceptional IPA but it is a solid representation of an English IPA.
Where to Buy Preston IPA
Preston IPA can be bought online at the following places:
