Review: Hitachino Nest (beer)

I am not quick to spend $12 on 2 bottles of beer. However, I had run into this brand of beer a few times and I finally decided to indulge.

I went to my local Japanese fish market and purchased one bottle of their Red Rice Ale and one of their True Ginger Brew Ales. Both beers were 7% alcohol. Both beers had a similar crisp carbonation with a light head that reminded me of a cider or a belgian lambic. I found the ginger brew to be really lacking in aroma and any hints of ginger were only found in the after-taste with a slight burn in the back of the throat. The Red Rice had a more rosy color and even rose colored head. It was more aromatic than the ginger but not anything too noticeable. Both had very mild bitterness and a slight hint of sake-like flavor.

Although both beers had a great color and consistency (if you like dryer drinks), I was disappointed by the lack of flavor and aroma. I am glad I finally tried these beers but next time I will be buying a six pack or getting my growler filled at a local brewery.

Ginger Brew: A nice color (brown with hints of red), very little head, no noticeable aroma, well balanced, crisp, very little noticable ginger. Only after completing each sip didn't i notice the burn of ginger in the back of my throat. A good beer with the consistency of a cider. Was expecting more ginger (both taste and aroma).

Equally crisp, rosey in color. Slight Sake taste