Uchu Milky Way is a 7% NE-IPA from Uchu Brewing, based in Hokuto city, in Yamanashi, Japan. It’s part of their semi-regular line up and can be found in both bottles and on tap across Kanto and in some other parts of Japan. Uchu Milky Way is brewed using imported Cashmere hops though it doesn’t contain any locally grown hops – perhaps a first for Uchu Brewing.
Uchu Milky Way Aroma and Taste
Uchu Milky Way was a gift from a friend who happened to be in Yamanashi while I was away – never turn down a free beer unless it’s made from garlic or from Virgo! Uchu Brewing have made a lot of NE-IPA since they started out so Uchu Milky Way was not going to be an exception. It poured out a dull hazy muddy brown colour, with a small amount of white head on top. It had a lemony, coconut aroma to it – not unpleasent but personally, coconut and IPA is not a common combination. I much prefer coconut in something creamier, such as weizen or a porter / stout. In an IPA it just tastes out of place really.
The coconut flavours, as well as aroma, were noticeable from the first sip, and only got stronger as Uchu Milky Way warmed up. If you like a bitter coconut flavour, then you’ll enjoy Uchu Milky Way but thankfully there was a faint hint of citrusness to it as well, else I would have stopped drinking it. The lingering coconut flavour was, unsurprisingly, present in the aftertaste though unlike in the body, it didn’t stay around for long.
Uchu Milky Way The Bottom Line
I like coconut flavour in my beer, just not in an IPA. Maybe you will but it would be nice for Uchu Brewing to try something different.
Where to Buy Uchu Milky Way
Uchu Milky Way can be bought online at the following places:
