Kobo Pale Ale is a 5% American pale ale from Kobo Brewery, based in Toyama, in Toyama, Japan. It’s part of their regular lineup and can be found both in bottles and on tap at various places across Japan. Kobo Pale Ale is brewed using Mosaic and Citra hops imported from the USA.
Kobo Pale Ale Aroma and Taste
Kobo Pale Ale poured out a hazy orange colour with a plump white head on top that collapsed in on itself fairly quickly. Despite apparently having Mosaic and Citra in the hop bill, you’d never have guess – or perhaps my nose has become dulled due to the huge hop additions that other brewers use in the pale ales and IPAs. Kobo Pale Ale smelt a little musty with some hints of orange going on, and a faint lemon and grapefruit nose to it. However, it was the slight butteriness in the aroma that really put a spanner in the works – was Kobo Pale Ale supposed to be an English pale ale under the guise of an American pale ale?
The body was more of the same as the nose; however, it was rather “soft” but not in a crisp sense. It felt a bit limp really with a slight bitterness that was fleeting. The hops again brought an orange and citrus flavour that was pleasant but really just wasn’t up to my level of expectation for a pale ale – either English or American. The butteriness, aka diacetyl, came screaming through once it had warmed up, and while not a drain pour, it wasn’t really a nice pale ale.
Kobo Pale Ale The Bottom Line
Kobo Pale Ale was disappointing from a brewery that makes great lagers.
Where to Buy Kobo Pale Ale
Kobo Pale Ale can be bought online at the following places: