Yatsugatake Space Pilsner is a 5% Italian Pilsner from Yatsugatake Brewery, based in Hokuto, in Nagano, Japan. It’s part of their limited edition lineup and can be found in both bottles and on tap. Yatsugatake Space Pilsner is a collaboration between Yatsugatake Brewery and Uchu Brewing, and it’s unknown whether it’s a one-off or will be brewed again. Unlike other beers from Uchu Brewing, Yatsugatake Space Pilsner uses German hops instead of imported American ones.
Yatsugatake Space Pilsner Aroma and Taste
Not knowing what an Italian pilsner is, besides that random bottle with the guy on the front, some quick research was done. Yatsugatake Space Pilsner poured out a dark golden yellow colour with hints of amber to it, along with a thin amount of white head on top. There was a really strong potent butteriness to Yatsugatake Space Pilsner – not even a pleasant one at that too. Italian pilsners are supposed to be a light golden colour with a fluffy white head, not something that resembles a buttery mess of a beer. There was some light lemon dusting to it, but that buttery nose came from that fact that somehow, someone thought it would be a good idea to make a pilsner in less than a month!
The butteriness continued right through drinking too, but at least the light and dry body meant the flavour dissipated quickly to leave a slightly sour bitter twang on the palate, followed up by a dash of lemon. While some readers may want some punchy, potent American hops in their beers, Yatsugatake Space Pilsner does not do a good job in showing off what Europe has to offer and it was quickly drunk, and passed onto to someone more in need of a beer.
Yatsugatake Space Pilsner The Bottom Line
This is a great example of how not to show off some hops. Avoid.
Where to Buy Yatsugatake Space Pilsner
Yatsugatake Space Pilsner can be bought online at the following places:
