Hitachino Nest Beers

Each week, this column tries to offer you a consideration for something you may or may not know about. Often, it has been yet another double IPA or, in the past, an imperial stout. Week after week, I try to give you a beverage to ponder.
“Now for something completely different…” again quoting a famous opening line to a skit by the Monty Python comedy group. So, it seems fitting to note that I happened upon a brewery far, far away who makes amazing beer and wanted to share with you their story and a few of their over 50 different beers. I present to you from Japan, Hitachino Nest Beer produced by their parent company, Kiuchi Brewery in Chiyoda City, a suburb of Tokyo.
Kiuchi Brewery started in 1823 as a sake producer. It wasn’t until 1994 that the eighth generation of the Kiuchi family got interested in ales and lagering beer for the masses. Interestingly, the resulting beers were so well received that they were encouraged to enter many of their various beer styles into competitions around Japan and Europe. Finally after much effort and testing, submissions were given high marks from Japanese and European brewing championships and then ultimately the International Beer Competition. Built on success, Hitachino Nest grew their brewing capacity and in 2008 opened a new brew house in nearby Nukada. I liked how they went into great detail online about each of their many beers. Look over their expansive website at hitachino.cc

Five beers were investigated from Hitachino for this review; each unique in its flavor profile. Looking from left to right, Anbai Ale (salty plum) starts with their signature White Ale wheat beer and is infused with locally-sourced green sour plum and Japanese sea salt. The resulting sour and bitterness balance against this 7% wheat precociously.
Next is DaiDai IPA, reaching an 83 of 100 rating from BeerAdvocate. DaiDai is a deeper golden 6.2% ale concentrating on citrusy notes and mild hop goodness. Paired with Chinese takeout of Orange Chicken, DaiDai IPA would go amazingly well.
Their 7% Espresso Stout is a deep, dark liquid employing roasted coffee beans. A thick mocha head covers the lusciousness of this cold weather drink. Based on a Russian Imperial Stout recipe, dark beer lovers will find this one very attractive.

XH stands for Extra High and is based on a Belgian Strong Ale style. The medium ruby hue and off-white head are indicative of this popular variety. At 8%, this mature brew will have you singing its praises.
Lastly, Yuzu Lager is very light and refreshing, is well balanced but with a slight hop-forward character. This 5.5% lager received an 81 out of 100 at BeerAdvocate which isn’t bad for a beer just emerging into the international beer scene. You can find this one in uniquely designed 4 pk cans.
Not shown here but by far their highest scoring beer is 5.5% White Ale (Witbier) earning an amazing 91 out of 100 and the Outstanding badge!
You can pick up all of these wonderful creations at Case-n-Keg, 5 Mill St, Meredith. Hitachino Nest is making an international success out of their love for beer!