Try?
More than
likely, you’ve had Japanese beer. Kirin, Sapporo, Asahi, they’re pretty much
all the same with the exception of the occasional specialty right? Not
really. Because all though they’re a bit hard to find here in the United
States, there are some Japanese beers being brewed today that rival the best
microbrews America can dish out. These beers are as much a departure from an
Asahi Dry as a glass of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is from Budweiser, and as
such they’re very much worth seeking out.
One such beer is Hitachino Nest Weizen from the Kiuchi Brewery, a
small Japanese brewer specializing in classic European beer styles. Although
Kiuchi specializes in Sake (and has since 1823), they decided to add a few
malt-based beers to their lineup in 1996, and the results are impressive.
Sold in 11 ounce stubby bottles and larger, jug-shaped vessels, Hitachino
(which means “abundant forest”) Nest beers are imported into the United
States by Beverage United International of Chappaqua, New York. They’re an
interesting taste of the Japanese beer scene that are definitely worth
checking out.
I’m a regular viewer of Iron Chef, that wonderful Japanese television
show that you can see on Food Network. I haven’t seen any Hitachino Nest
Weizen featured on the program, but I’m sure it would make a great
compliment all the same to dishes like Yakitori Chicken or Soba noodles. To
be sure, you would recognize the bottle if you saw it. A bright red owl sits
in the hollow of a tree, seemingly staring at you as you drink. Perhaps he
wants a sip? Sorry, Mr. Owl, this beer is too good to share.
You can see a picture of the labels for the various Hitachino brews at the
Beverage United Website.
They also list several of the awards the wheat beer has won, including a
gold medal at a beer competition in Germany. Not too shabby.
Hitachino Nest Weizen pours to a cloudy yellow-gold color with a
light head formation and a sour apple nose. Lots of yeast sediment rested on
the bottom of the bottle, and of course, I swirled it around and poured it
into my glass. The palate is crackery and crisp, surprisingly full bodied
for a wheat beer and packed with notes of banana, vanilla, and clove. The
finish is slightly sour, very tart, and extremely refreshing. A classic
Bavarian Weiss bier. But wait! It’s Made in Japan.
I’m very impressed with this beer, and if you enjoy German wheats you will
too.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler
