Shiga Kogen Takassy : Background
Shiga Kogen Takassy is a 12.5% barrel aged imperial stout from Tamamura Honten based in Yamanouchi, Nagano. It’s part of their limited lineup, so it may be sold out at the time of writing; however, you might be lucky. And I hope you are, but more about that later. The brewery took their standard Takashi Imperial Stout and aged it for approximately 35 months in massive 350-liter Cognac barrels. The name “Takassy” is a playful nod to a world-famous Cognac brand (implied to be Hennessy) whose barrels were used for the aging.
At A Glance
- ABV : 12.5%
- Style : Barrel Aged
- Hops : –
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU : 79
Sale Information
- Availability : Limited
- On Sale : –
- Size : 350 ml
Shiga Kogen Takassy : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Shiga Kogen Takassy poured out a pitch black colour with a large frothy tan head, consisting of small to medium sized bubbles. Those bubbles popped away slowly, though the head did have some legs, leaving a thick ring around the edge of the glass throughout drinking.
Having had the Shiga Kogen Takashi Ichiro a few days before – these beers are designed to age and get better with time – the aroma of Shiga Kogen Takassy was definitely a lot more brandy-like than expected. Perhaps because I’ve drunk cognac twice in my life – those Christmas puddings being set on fire don’t count as more of the alcohol gets burned away by the time you get to eat the pudding. There was a stronger nose of chocolate and coffee on the nose than compared with the Takashi Ichiro version of the beer, with a touch of oak also present as the beer warms up.
At 12.5%, and a cognac background, I was expecting a big slap across the face in terms of flavour, yet while the flavours were bold, Shiga Kogen Takassy wasn’t potent. Sure, it might add a few hairs to your chest, regardless if you want them or not, but the flavours were well-balanced overall. The imperial stout base, with its soothing chocolate and coffee based, was again made stronger with a warming cognac flavour – some light nutty and wood notes being present. Throughout the drinking though, I was expecting more of a booziness to come through as Shiga Kogen Takassy warmed up, but it didn’t, instead just remaining smooth, and a touch dry, on the palate.
Shiga Kogen Takassy : The Bottom Line
Shiga Kogen Takassy is one for those cold winter nights, snuggled up on the sofa, with a burning fire in front of you. Get a couple bottles of this, store one, and drink it alongside its whiskey sibling to really appreciate the nuances.
Shiga Kogen Takassy : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
