Vacan Craft 01 : Background
Vacan Craft 01 is a 5.5% Japanese rice lager from Utsui Brewery, based in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi. It’s part of their regular lineup, and is available in both bottles and on draught. Vacan Craft 01 uses Nissan Koshihikari rice produced in Shimonoseki City; however, it’s unknown at the time of writing what hops went into the making of this beer.
At A Glance
- ABV : 5.5%
- Style : Japanese rice lager
- Hops : –
- Adjuncts : Nissan Koshihikari rice
- IBU : –
Sale Information
- Availability : Regular
- On Sale : From June 2023
- Size : 330 ml
Vacan Craft 01 : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Vacan Craft 01 poured out a slightly hazy golden honey colour with a thick white head on top that left some sticky rings around the inside of the glass.
Vacan Craft 01 had a balanced hoppy and malty aroma, with a floral note to the beer, and some light pilsner malt coming through. The rice was pretty light on the nose in comparison, with just a touch coming through as the beer warmed up some more.
The body began with a pleasant bitterness that was smooth on the palate and brought a subtle floral flavour along as well. The malts were sweet but not cloying, and the rice gave Vacan Craft 01 a crisp and light body, which made it rather easy drinking. At 5.5%, the alcohol was at the high end for a Japanese rice lager, but wasn’t detectable during drinking – rather dangerous if you ask me. The beer finished off with a lingering hoppy floral finish and some light sake notes.
Vacan Craft 01 : The Bottom Line
Crisp and light with the right amount of hops, just what I want from a Japanese rice lager.
Vacan Craft 01 : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
