Shiga Kogen VSOW : Background
Shiga Kogen VSOW is a rare revival of a beer that Shiga Kogen first brewed in 2009, returning after a 17-year absence, and it can be found in bottles only at the time of writing. The name, which stands for Very Superior Old Wheat, is a playful reference to the VSOP classification used for cognac. It’s brewed with more than 50% wheat malt, and the beer comes in at a 12.5% ABV. After brewing, Shiga Kogen VSOW was aged for 19 months in a 450-litre cognac, assumed to be the same kind of barrel as Shiga Kogen Takassy used before being bottled. This 2026 release was limited to just 4,255 bottles, making it one of Shiga Kogen’s more unusual limited releases.
At A Glance
- ABV : 12.5%
- Style : Barrel Aged wheat wine
- Hops : –
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU : 71
Sale Information
- Availability : Limited
- On Sale : From June 2026
- Size : 330 ml
Shiga Kogen VSOW : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Shiga Kogen VSOW poured a deep ruby-red/brown colour with just a wee layer of white bubbles on top, though they didn’t stick around for long. They lasted long enough for a quick picture before disappearing down to a few bubbles around the edge of the glass. There was a touch of chill haze too, but that’s hardly surprising as I’d only just taken it out of the fridge. Some people might turn their noses up at that, but I let it warm up a few degrees before settling down to drink it properly.
Unsurprisingly, cognac was the first thing I picked up on the nose, with a thick, warming hit of spirit followed by some woody notes. As the beer warmed, things started getting a little more interesting, with light soy sauce and dark fruit aromas of raisins and dates coming through. There was also a gentle wheat graininess underneath it all, along with a touch of honey that gave the aroma a little sweetness.
The first sip brought a warming, slightly abrasive alcohol heat, although thankfully it faded from the palate fairly quickly. For a 12.5% beer, I found the body surprisingly light, with a low to medium sweetness that worked nicely with the dark fruit and cognac character. As the beer warmed up in the glass, the cognac and dark fruit became more noticeable, while the wheat graininess stayed quietly in the background. It’s definitely a beer that benefited from being given some time rather than being rushed straight from the fridge.
Shiga Kogen VSOW : The Bottom Line
Shiga Kogen VSOW isn’t a bad beer by any beers, but after drinking Shiga Kogen Takassy, I couldn’t help but feel a little let down by it. Would definitely be interested in trying it again though without the influence of the Takassy on my brain.
Shiga Kogen VSOW : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
