Yokohama Hamakuro : Background
Yokohama Hamakuro is a 4.5% black IPA from Yokohama Beer based in Kanagawa, Japan. It’s part of their canned and draught lineup, and is available all year round. The beer was first released in conjunction with a beer event held annually at the Yokohama Akarenga Soko, aka Red Brick Warehouse and saw it being packaged into cans in the middle of 2022.
At A Glance
- ABV : 4.5%
- Style : Black IPA
- Hops : –
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU : 34
Sale Information
- Availability : Regular
- On Sale : From March 2022
- Size : 350 ml
Yokohama Hamakuro : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Yokohama Hamakuro, unsurprisingly, poured out a pitch black colour with a thick, ever-so-slightly off white head which consisted of some large bubbles on top. The head dissiapted down to about 1/4 the amount, and left some thick rings around the edge of the glass.
The aroma from this beer began with a citrus note of grapefruit and lemon – it was hoppy for sure. Along with those citrus notes came a light roasted black malt aroma that was soft and warming throughout drinking. There was a touch of acridity to the malt as the beer warmed up, but not enough to detract from the hoppiness.
Likewise, the hops were the main flavour to come through during drinking. Yokohama Hamakuro began with a smooth balanced bitterness, with some citrus notes in the same vein as the aroma : grapefruit and lemon. Once again, the black malt flavour sneaked through, with a touch of acridity being present; however, like in the aroma, it wasn’t enough to dominate or become off putting.
With the hops lingering throughout drinking, it wasn’t a surprise that the aftertaste was more of the same, with a subtle bitterness of citrus notes being noted at the end. Alongside this was a light sweetness from the malt that balanced out against the black malts.
Yokohama Hamakuro : The Bottom Line
Black IPAs are a touchy subject in the beer world, but Yokohama Hamakuro is a tasty beer and worth trying.
Yokohama Hamakuro : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
