Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku is a 6.5% American IPA from Tamamura Honten, based in Yamanouchi, in Nagano, Japan. It’s part of their limited edition lineup and can be found in both bottles and on tap. Like the Shiga Kogen No. 10 Anniversary IPA, Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku is a special brew for Shiga Kogen’s 15th Anniversary. The name “Issai Kaiku” roughly translates too “Everyone’s Trouble” which stems from a Buddhist idea from the four noble truths of Buddhism.
Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku Aroma and Taste
Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku poured out a slightly hazy bright yellow colour with a small amount of thin white head on top. The head faded quite fast to a few bubbles around the outside of the glass and the beer had a distinctive salty, lemony aroma to it, with just some underlying hints of pineapple and grapefruit. There was no malt aroma coming off of Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku when it was either chilled or warmed up, but the saltiness did rise through a bit more when it had warmed up.
The initial bitterness to Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku was expected, with the lemon and grapefruit notes just doing enough to ensure it wasn’t a salty bomb of a beer. The body was also quite dry too – not as dry as a Brut IPA but it was enough to make the bitterness “pop” more than usual for a Shiga Kogen beer. There was no discernible malt character either – a shame as Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku could have done with some sweetness to balance out the dryness of the beer. It finished off with a lingering salty, lemon flavour and me wanting a glass of water.
Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku The Bottom Line
Perhaps a 15th anniversary isn’t as important as a 10th. Give me the No. 10 Anniversay IPA over this.
Where to Buy Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku
Shiga Kogen Issai Kaiku can be bought online at the following places:
