Shiga Kogen Salty Hop is a 4.5% saison from Tamamura Honten, based in Nagano, Japan. It’s part of their limited edition lineup and first came out in 2015. Since then, Shiga Kogen Salty Hop has made random appearances throughout the year, usually around summer time. It’s brewed using locally grown irises and peppers and also sea salt harvested from the Japan Sea to the north of Nagano.
Shiga Kogen Salty Hop Aroma and Taste
Shiga Kogen Salty Hop poured out a hazy light straw colour with a very thin white head on top that faded fast. It had a spicy, salty nose up-front with just an ever-so-subtle hint of lemon and yeast coming through as well. The malts had a slight biscuit aroma to them but the spices were the main aromas that were noticeable.
The body was dry and quite highly carbonated -Shiga Kogen Salty Hop had been stored in the beer fridge but still opened with a strong “pfft-bzzz-psst”. The body was quite thin but didn’t lack flavour. Shiga Kogen Salty Hop’s spiciness came through with the peppery notes trading off nicely against the distinct saltiness of the beer. The hops brought a light lemon flavour to the body and didn’t dominate over the other flavours. The salty aftertaste faded quickly, leaving a dry yeast flavour.
Shiga Kogen Salty Hop The Bottom Line
Shiga Kogen Salty Hop is a tasty little beer that was perfect for the hot summer day I drank it on.
Where to Buy Shiga Kogen Salty Hop
Shiga Kogen Salty Hop can be bought online at the following places:
