Open Air Forest Flight : Background
Open Air Forest Flight is a 6% saison from Open Air Brewing based in Kobe, Japan. It’s part of their canned and draught lineup, though its availability is unknown at the time of writing. Open Air Forest Flight uses Crystal hops, though it’s more interesting to note that Open Air Brewing used Kuromoji, also known as Japanese spicebush, from the laurel family, and juniper berries as an adjunct.
At A Glance
- ABV : 6%
- Style : Saison
- Hops : Crystal
- Adjuncts : Juniper berries and kuromoji
- IBU : –
Sale Information
- Availability : –
- On Sale : From May 2025
- Size : 350 ml
Open Air Forest Flight : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Open Air Forest Flight poured out a slightly hazy but vibrant golden yellow colour with a thick white head on top that began to leave streaks down the side of the glass immediately after being poured out. The head left some thick legs during drinking and that was indicative of the body later on.
Starting off with the kuromoji, it was inviting and interesting, yet also peculiar. I’ve not knowingly smelt kuromoji before, but it was an immediately woody and citrus aroma. There was a touch of spiciness present in the nose, with some typical gin-like notes from the juniper berries coming through. As the beer warmed up, some of the expected yeast funky notes came through, with a light touch of peachy phenols being present.
I was perplexed with Open Air Forest Flight during drinking. It was all over the place in terms of flavour – yet it was all good. A woody, citrus flavour continued on from start to finish, with more of that gin-like quality note from the juniper berries. There was a slight medicinal taste to the beer as it warmed up, which came from the yeast used in the beer. Most surprisingly though for a saison, this beer was full bodied with thick sweetness coming from the malts, though it wasn’t cloying.
Open Air Forest Flight : The Bottom Line
I’m in two minds about this beer – I liked it a lot and the interesting flavours going on. But one is enough due to the full bodied nature of it.
Open Air Forest Flight : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
