Choryo NZ Pale Ale is a 6% New Zealand pale ale from Choryo Shuzo, based in Koryo town, in Nara, Japan. It’s part of their canned and draught lineup though its availability at the time of writing is unknown. Choryo NZ Pale Ale is brewed using imported Rakau and Motueka hops from New Zealand along with Pahto hops.
Choryo NZ Pale Ale : At A Glance
- Alcohol: 6%
- Style: NZ Pale Ale
- Hops: Motueka, Pahto, Rakau
- Adjuncts: Oats
- IBU: 14
Sale Information
- Availability: Unknown
- On Sale: From September 2022
- Size: 350 ml
- Price: From ¥ 600
Aroma & Taste
- Notable Aroma: Apricot and peach nose along with a citrus fragrance of lemon and lime with a light pilsner nose.
- Notable Taste: Low bitterness though body is fruity and light. Smooth hop flavour of stone fruit and citrus. Low sweetness from malts.
Choryo NZ Pale Ale : Aroma and Taste
Choryo NZ Pale Ale poured out a slightly hazy golden colour with a large amount of fluffy white head on top that left some streaks down the side of the glass. The aroma was quite different for a pale ale with an aroma of apricot and peach with some citrus notes of lemon and lime that came through. The fragrance from the beer was quite light compared to an American pale ale, and the malts brought a light sweetness; far light than an English pale ale. As Choryo NZ Pale Ale warmed up, the fruitiness obviously grew stronger, but thankfully, no off-flavours were perceived in the beer.
The body started off with pretty much negligible bitterness for a pale ale, with Choryo NZ Pale Ale perhaps being no more bitter than a regular pilsner beer. Quite a surprise considering in the past the number of pale ales we’ve had and their bitterness has been more pronounced. The hops continued with their fruity presence – some of the stone fruit and citrus notes made their way over to the body – and were balanced well against the low sweetness from the malt. At 6%, Choryo NZ Pale Ale is at the top end of the style, but the alcohol didn’t burn, nor did it detract from the flavours from the hops.
Choryo NZ Pale Ale : The Bottom Line
Choryo NZ Pale Ale is a really good beer that represents the style well it seems.
Choryo NZ Pale Ale : Where to Buy
Choryo NZ Pale Ale can be bought online at the following places: