Kyoto Haru No Kimagure is a 6% American pale ale from Kyoto Brewing Company, based in Kyoto, in Kyoto prefecture, in Japan. It’s part of their spring lineup and can be found in both bottles and on tap at various places across Japan. Kyoto Haru No Kimagure rough translates to “Whims of Spring” – perhaps referring to the sudden desire to have a light beer as the seasons change? This 2020 edition of the beer includs Merkur hops for bittering and a variety of imported hops in the guise of Cascade, Chinook, Centennial, Cascade Cryo, and Centennial Cryo – all used for flavour and aroma.
Kyoto Haru No Kimagure Aroma and Taste
Kyoto Haru No Kimagure poured out a light hazy golden yellow colour with a plump white head on top that faded to a few light bubbles around the side of the glass. Despite expecting a prototypical American pale ale nose, it was more citrusy than expected – perhaps the use of cryo hops – a more concentrated form of hop pellets becoming more popular with brewers – had led the beer to be this citrusy. A big change in direction from beers I’ve had from Kyoto Brewing Company in the past. The lemon and grapefruit nose was smooth yet punchy, with hints of orange too once it had warmed up.
Despite the use of some big C-hops, Kyoto Haru No Kimagure wasn’t overtly bitter during drinking. For sure, some people may think it packs a punch, but it was a well-rounded bitterness that was noticeable but not overpowering. Once Kyoto Haru No Kimagure had warmed up, there was also a light dusting of pine in the body – have KBC taken a new direction in their beers and gone all American on us? The merging of the citrusy and pine was good, and like the bitterness, were soft on the palate and didn’t linger for too long. During the aftertaste, there was a faint malt sweetness too, but it was more of a fleeting flavour than a cloying one.
Kyoto Haru No Kimagure The Bottom Line
KBC have taken traditional C hops that are bold, but made them softer and flavourful.
Where to Buy Kyoto Haru No Kimagure
Kyoto Haru No Kimagure can be bought online at the following places: