Hop Kotan Nonno is a 5% American Pale Ale from Hop Kotan Brewing, based in Kamifurano, in Hokkaido, Japan. It’s part of their regular lineup, and can be found in both bottles and on tap across Japan. Hop Kotan Nonno takes its name from the local Ainu word “nonno” which translates into “flower” in English.
Hop Kotan Nonno Aroma and Taste
Hop Kotan Nonno poured out a darker than expected golden amber colour – much darker than I grown accustomed to from American pale ales – and it was topped off with a fluffy white head on top that clung to the side of the glass during drinking. Hop Kotan Nonno had a subtle lemony and grassy nose to it, with a faint hint of diacetyl / butter going on in the background. In terms of malt sweetness, the only noticeable one was of a light pilsner sweetness but it was faint and fleeting – I guess the brewers at Hop Kotan had taken the concept of a flower and its delicate aromas to heart.
For those wanting some bitterness in their life, Hop Kotan Nonno did start off with one, though it faded quite fast from the flavour profile, segueing into a lemon flavour with a tinge of dankness just lying in the background. The flavours didn’t develop after that – just some faint pilsner sweetness to kind of balance out the hops, though it was rather light. Hop Kotan Nonno finished off with the familiar lemon that I had grown to expect from this beer.
Hop Kotan Nonno The Bottom Line
Hop Kotan Nonno is an MOR beer – nothing special but nothing bad.
Where to Buy Hop Kotan Nonno
Hop Kotan Nonno can be bought online at the following places:
