Nara Dream of Two Cities : Background
Nara Dream of Two Cities is an 8% imperial milk stout, from Kyoto Brewing Company, based in Kyoto. It can be found in cans and on draft, though availability is limited at the time of writing. Moreover, it’s part of their collaborative line, with it brewed in conjunction with Nara Brewing Company. The beer is part of the “nakama” series from Kyoto Brewing Company, where ex-employees come back to brew a beer with them. Namioka-san, head brewer of Nara Brewing, was at KBC from almost the beginning before venturing out to launch his own company.
The name has two meanings. The first is due to the fact that Kyoto and Nara are two cities in Japan. However, the second has not been released and is to remain a secret – until we meet the head brewer from Nara Brewing Company. Finally, this beer contains Flex and Willamette hops. Alongside this are adjuncts such as coffee, flaked oats, flaked wheat, vanilla, and coconut
At A Glance
- ABV : 8%
- Style : Imperial milk stout
- Hops : Flex and Willamette
- Adjuncts : Lactose, LME Sinamar, Coffee, flaked oats, flaked wheat, vanilla, coconut
- IBU : 16
Sale Information
- Availability : Limited
- On Sale : From November 2024
- Size : 350 ml
Nara Dream of Two Cities : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
The beer poured out a dark brownish black colour, though it did appear lighter in the light. The head was a frothy, off-white tan colour. Furthermore, it stayed around, clinging to the side of the glass during drinking.
The best way to describe the aroma of this beer would be saying it’s like a melted Bounty / Mound bar. If you’re British, then Bounty bar. It had a big nose of chocolate to start with, alongside some coffee notes. However, the coconut aroma came through quickly afterwards, alongside some creaminess. There was a lot going on in the beer, yet all of it was great. Especially as the beer warmed up and the aromas intermingled with one another.
Finally, the drinking. I was fortunate enough to have tried a Bounty hot chocolate in the UK, and this beer reminded me of that. Just absolutely delicious with a decadent, yet light, taste to it. The coffee and coconut flavours supported the chocolate and creaminess. If I really have to complain about this beer, then I’d say the alcohol could have come through a bit more to provide some warming. But, that is a minor quibble
The Bottom Line
Wonderfully decadent and delicious. More of this please.
Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
