Uchu Sun is a 7% West Coast IPA from Uchu Brewing, based in Hokuto, in Yamanashi, Japan. It’s part of their regular lineup and can be found in both cans and on tap. Uchu Sun used imported Citra hops but that is about it. And for some reason, it is named after the biggest object in the solar system – compensating much?
Uchu Sun : At A Glance
- Alcohol : 7%
- Style : West Coast IPA
- IBU : Unknown
- Hops : US Citra
- Availability : All Year Round
- Size : 350 ml cans
- Price : From 650 yen
- On Sale : All Year Round
- Notable Aromas : Lemon and grapefruit with a dusting of pale ale.
Uchu Sun : Aroma and Taste
Uchu Sun poured out a bright yellow colour with a think amount of fluffy white head on top that clung to the side of the glass, leaving bubbles as the beer went down. In terms of colour, then I guess naming this beer after the Sun was appropriate but in terms of aroma, it was pretty straight forward – lemon and grapefruit with those being the only two coming through from the hops. From the malt, it was just a straight forward light dusting of light pale ale sweetness but it just barely cut through the hops.
The body was a bit bolder than the nose, with an initial bitter bite that segued into some typical citrus lemon and grapefruit – and that’s how Uchu Sun continued through into the aftertaste. It floundered on, leaving a residual citrus bitterness on the tongue that was more bitter than expected.
Uchu Sun : The Bottom Line
Naming your beer after something as big and bright as the sun is a bold move, but Uchu Sun is neither big nor bold. A shame really as it’s just a bog standard IPA – not even close to being a West Coast IPA at that either.
Uchu Sun : Where to Buy It
Uchu Sun can be bought online at the following places:
