Kyoto Akane is an 11% Belgian Imperial red from Kyoto Brewing Company, based in Kyoto, Japan. It’s part of their canned and draught lineup, though it originally was sold in bottles for its initial sales period, and is part of the Kyoto Brewing Company’s Toppa series. Because of this, we’re unsure at the time of writing its availability but we’re going for an annual special release. Kyoto Akane takes its name from its colour with Akane being a specific shade of red.
Kyoto Akane : At A Glance
- Alcohol: 11%
- Style: Belgian Imperial red
- Hops: Simcoe
- Adjuncts: White sugar
- IBU: 48
Sale Information
- Availability: Annual special release
- On Sale: September 2022
- Size: 350 ml
- Price: From ¥750
Aroma & Taste
- Notable Aroma: Caramel and dried fruit with a warming alcohol nose, with pleasant estery yeast aroma.
- Notable Taste: Smooth with caramel and dried fruits with a touch of spice. Medium to full bodied with a warming alcohol heat and presence of yeast esters.
Kyoto Akane : Aroma & Taste
Kyoto Brewing Company were not lying when they said Kyoto Akane was red, albeit a very specific hue that no doubt I could not pick out of a lineup. The body was deep ruby red colour with a thick sticky head that left streaky lacing down the side of the glass. The aroma from Kyoto Akane started off with caramel with some presence of dried fruits – raisins and plums being the two main ones of note – along with an estery aroma from the yeast. The esters were pleasant on the nose, and with an alcohol heat coming through, surprisingly brought some edge and evolution to the aromas. As Kyoto Akane warmed up, the aroma shifted more towards the esters from the yeast, and away from the malt character present.
Kyoto Akane reminded me of Christmas in a way that it shouldn’t have done. There wasn’t any of the traditional spice associated with Christmas in Kyoto Akane, but perhaps the caramel and dried fruits flavours, with just a touch of peppery spiciness to it reminded me of the beers I drink at Christmas. It was definitely good that I opened Kyoto Akane on a cold day as the warming alcohol heat helped to elevate the beer’s flavours and also bring the yeast esters to the forefront. The lingering warming flavours stayed for a good while after drinking, leaving just a slight sticky sensation on the palate.
Kyoto Akane : The Bottom Line
I was surprised to see Kyoto Akane in a can but it’s one of the best best from Kyoto Brewing Company in my opinion.
Kyoto Akane : Where to Buy
Kyoto Akane can be bought online at the following places:
