Uchu Dragon is a 4.5% blonde ale from Uchu Brewing, based in Yamanashi, Japan. It’s part of their regular lineup and can be found in both bottles and on tap in a limited amount. Uchu Dragon is brewed using solely imported Citra hops from the USA to give it an IBU of 20.
Uchu Dragon Aroma and Taste
When is a blonde ale not a blonde ale? When it’s made by Uchu Brewing it seems. Calling Uchu Dragon a blonde is pretty much similar to me taking a stout and labelling it a dark lager. Yeah, sure it’s close but there are some big differences between the two. First of all, Uchu Dragon poured out a very cloudy dark golden straw colour with a plump white head on top that clung to the side of the glass. The aroma was all citra – lots of grapefruit and pineapple coming through. The blonde aspect of the beer? Not at all – this might as well have been called a session IPA or a pale ale for what the nose was worth.
There was no bitterness to Uchu Dragon at all – not at the start when chilled, and not anything more developed when the beer had warmed up either. The same Citra flavours were overpowering in the body as well – at least if you’re going to make a beer in the supposed style, make sure it has the base down and then tweak it a bit. If you like Citra hops and all that they bring, then you’ll like them in Uchu Dragon. It’s not a drain pour by any means – it is a least drinkable, but those Citra hops just really give too much in the beer to make it even close to a blonde ale.
Uchu Dragon The Bottom Line
Another strike out for Uchu and their efforts at making a different style that is either not hazy nor IPA.
Where to Buy Uchu Dragon
Uchu Dragon can be bought online at the following places:
