Happy International Beer Day - Hitachino Nest Real Ginger Brew

Happy International Beer Day!  Yeah, I just heard about this myself.  Some guys in San Francisco decided back in 2007 that August 5th is the day to celebrate the makers, servers, and drinkers of beer.  So far it seems the majority of the celebrations are still centered around San Francisco, with small pockets spread out thanks to the internet.  The founders state that the purpose of IBD is:

1) To gather with friends and enjoy the deliciousness that is beer.
2) To celebrate the dedicated men and women who brew and serve our beer.
3) To bring the world together under the united banner of beer by celebrating the beers of all nations and cultures together on this one remarkable day.

How can you argue with that?

To do my part in Missouri I thought I would go out of the ordinary.  We have lots of European beers available to us.  Plenty of English, Irish, Scottish, German, Belgian beers, as well as some French, Italian, Dutch offerings.  I think we can get something from every member of the European Union, so that's almost too easy.  Instead I'm turning Japanese.

We don't hear much about it, but there is a very active craft brew scene in Japan right now.  Oddly enough, the only Japanese craft beer I can find is Hitachino Nest offerings from Kiuchi Brewery.  Kiuchi uses some sake brewing methods in making their beers.  It's a nice signature touch.

With summer going full blazes, I thought the Hitachino Nest Real Ginger Brew would hit the spot.  12 oz bottle poured into a Dogfish Head narrow pint glass. A light colored head gives about a half inch. The head is light and airy, quickly recedes to the surface. No lacing on the glass. Body color is a hazy reddish brown. It is dense through the center with no clarity.

Smell is a tart raw ginger. The malt comes off as a little spicy with hints of cinnamon. No hops presence here. Taste is a puckering tart raw ginger. It's tart but has a spicy bite. The malt flavor gives off an amber ale quality. Slightly sweet but not too heavy.

Mouthfeel is a light/medium body that finishes clean. The tartness makes this a refreshing summer beer, even at 7% ABV.  I must seek more out from this brewery, and would like to see more Japanese craft beer in Missouri.