Nara Woodstock is a 7.5% Extra Foreign Stout from Nara Brewing Company, based in Nara, Japan. It’s part of their draught and bottled lineup, though its availability at the time of writing is unknown. Nara Woodstock is brewed using Maris Otter, carared, caraaroma, carafa, and roasted barley malts with adjuncts including sugar, lactose, flaked oats, maple sugar, and woodchips. Woodchips were used, rather than barrels, as extra foreign stouts tended to be stored in wood barrels before being transported around the world.
Nara Woodstock Aroma and Taste
Nara Woodstock poured out a thick, gloopy pitch black colour with a large amount of sticky tan coloured head, which stuck to the side of the glass throughout drinking, as can be seen in the picture above. The aroma was strong and plentiful – a deep, oaky aroma cut through a creamy, burnt sugar aroma of maple syrup, and was combined with a rich, thick chocolate and coffee aroma to boot. The chocolate had a milky creaminess to it that, when warmed up, combined with a light, roasted black malt acridity that cut through the chocolate and maple syrup aromas. Lots going on, and that was just the aroma.
The body belies the strength of Nara Woodstock. At 7.5%, Nara Woodstock honestly tasted like it was much stronger, but that was down to the boldness of the flavours in the body. Like in the nose, a rich plethora of flavours were present, with the burnt sugar flavour of maple syrup coming along with the woody flavours from the woodchips. The body had a thick chocolate and coffee flavour, and as Nara Woodstock warmed up, the maple syrup came through a bit stronger – more than noticeable on the palate. The black malts brought an acridity to the beer that cut through the sweetness of the beer, though only partially. The lingering flavours in the aftertaste of sweet sugar and chocolate left a sticky sensation on the palate.
Nara Woodstock The Bottom
Nara Woodstock is a complex beer, that deserves to be shared.
Where to Buy Nara Woodstock
Nara Woodstock can be bought online at the following places:
