Otama 999 Saison : Background
Otama 999 Saison is a 5% saison from Otama Brewing, based in Joetsu, Niigata. It’s part of their regular lineup and is available in both bottles and on draught. Like other beers from Otama Brewing, Otama 999 Saison uses “Niji no Kirameki” rice from Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture and also uses Citra and Mosaic hops. As for the name, 999 can also be read as three 9s which in Japanese is サンキュー, or “Thank You”. Finally, this beer was originally brewed in collaboration with Beer Bar Garrety for their ninth anniversary.
At A Glance
- ABV : 5%
- Style : Saison
- Hops : Citra and Mosaic
- Adjuncts : Niji no Kirameki rice
- IBU : 25
Sale Information
- Availability : Regular
- On Sale : From April 2024
- Size : 330 ml
Otama 999 Saison : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Otama 999 Saison poured out a light yellow straw colour with a thin amount of white head on top that dissipated fairly quickly to leave a small layer of bubbles on top.
The aroma from Otama 999 Saison was confusing – in a good way. It had your typical yeast phenols present, though just behind all of it was a hoppy aroma that I don’t associate with saisons. There was grapefruit, lemon, and orange present, with also a twinge of passion fruit and pineapple just lingering underneath it all. The aromas were blended nicely though in spite of this confusion.
Otama 999 Saison did have your standard saison body though, with it being a light and dry. However, it was the hoppy flavours that elevated this beer. As in the nose, lots of citrus and tropical notes were found to be present, yet as Otama 999 Saison warmed up, the hops began to dominate and take away from the saison flavours.
Otama 999 Saison : The Bottom Line
A solid beer though as it warms up, it’s less about the saison and more about the hops.
Otama 999 Saison : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
