Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi is a 6.5% American IPA from Fujiyama Hunter’s Beer, based in Fujinomiya, in Shizuoka, Japan. It’s part of their all-year round range of beer and was first released in January 2019. Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi is brewed using locally sourced yuzu, known as Japanese citron, and utilises the peel rather than the juice of the fruit. It also uses Nelson Sauvin hops and locally sourced rice from the Shizuoka area.
Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi Aroma and Taste
First things first, I have to say I was disappointed by the colour of Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi. After seeing the PR post on the Fujiyama Hunter’s Beer Facebook page, I was saddened to see this dull orange-brown colour and fluffy white head. It looked nothing like the golden straw colour on that post above. (Seriously, go check it out before reading on!). Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi did have a sweet white wine nose to it, full of grapes, as well as some orange and lemon coming along too. The yuzu was light, much better than expected as some breweries tend to go all out with the yuzu and thus end up with a pithy, astringent nose to it, but Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi had none of that.
The body resembled something like a light version of Modern Times Orderville – no mean feat there. It had a smooth creamy body to it, with lashings of citrus fruits going on – orange, lemon, and yuzu were all noted. Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi had a light biscuit malt base to it but the hops and yuzu were the star of this beer. For an American IPA, it wasn’t as bitter as I expected, with a mellow bitterness to it that neither assaulted nor offended my taste buds. The lingering fruity flavours carried on well into the aftertaste.
Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi The Bottom Line
Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi reminded me of a lite version of Modern Times Orderville, one of my favourite IPAs. A good effort overall.
Where to Buy Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi
Fujiyama Hunter’s Natsumi can be bought online at the following places:
