Hitachino Nest New Year Celebration Ale

Brewed by Kiuchi Brewery
Style: Spice/Herb/Vegetable
Ibaraki, Japan

bottle, 2004. Large cappuccino colored head. Once it settles( and it took a while) the beer looks like brownish apple cider. Definently some nutmeg cinnamoness going on in the nose. With a tart caramel flavor that goes across the whole palate. Definently a little bit spicy, but not overwhelming at all. I can also tell that this is 9%. I don’t want to say that the alcohol flavor is in the forefront of this beer, but it definently isn’t the undercurrent.

2004 bottle. Poured a chunky, murky reddish-brown with an explosive creamy beige head... stuck around for quite some time. The nose was rich and slightly sour with coriander and nutmeg spiciness... bready and toffee malts.. and some gentle herbs. Flavor was a tad sharp and sour... bready, dark fruity, and caramel malts for an almost syrupy backbone and bunches of spices (coriander, white pepper, and mild vanilla bean come to mind).. lemon zest toward the finish for a sweet and tangy finish. This improved quite a bit as it approached room temp.

Bottle. 2005. Hazy brown-orange with specks of yeast and a medium white creamy head. The aroma is quite nice - lots of spices, pumpkin, caramel dustiness, cherries, and alcohol. Woody backbone with alcohol warmth and flavours of caramel, dark sugar fruit, and balanced by flavourful spices. I didn’t really get the vanilla that was suggested by the label. Unique and tasty overall.

(Bottle dated 2005) Poured a hazy amber orange with a thick foamy off white head. Smells of mild sour apples slight warm woodiness and a hint of spice. Pleasantly warm flavor starting off with lots of orange and fading into a nice bleand of apples, spice and a lingering hint of vanilla. Nice creamy smooth medium body with a slightly dry finish.

2006 vintage. 11.2 oz bottle purchased for ~$5 @ Knightly Spirits in Orlando. Poured a cloudy orange-red color with light, persistent head that reacts to swirling. The aroma is hoppy, and the sweeter spices come through as well as a little bit of a pit-fruity smell, but none of these overpower one another. The spices and pit fruit aroma get stronger as the beer warms. The mouthfeel is not too thick, and the carbonation is well-balanced, and does not weigh down the beer. The hops and spices complement each other very well, and neither is intense. The alcohol is well-hidden and the finish is dry. Let this one sit out for a while before consuming.

Muddy mahogany appearance with a large, thick, tan head. Interesting aroma; from the sweet malts with notes of molassas, toffee and caramel to the underlining spices contributing coriander and cinnamon to the mix. Sweet, spicy, malty, wheaty taste along with ripe dark fruit. Medium-to-full bodied, well carbonated (maybe too much so) mouthfeel with a long lasting finish and an alcohol presence that kicks in after a few sips. 2004 vintage.

2006 bottle. The bottle was a bit of a gusher, but I won’t hold that against the beer. Pours a hazy orange brown with a decent white head, thinning quickly. The nose has signficant malt with orange/tangerine, vanilla, and christmas spices as well. This brew feels particularly creamy on the tongue with subtle carbonation and an oily viscosity that I enjoy. The flavors are even more pronounced than the aroma. Big sweet well rounded caramel malt with a definite vanilla feel balanced by a careful combination of considerable floral/grapefruit hops, orange zest, gentle spices, and a touch of alcohol. The bitterness lingers with holiday spices, floral hops, and a touch of alcohol in a most delightful way. I can’t say I’ve ever been so struck by a spice/herb brew before. Really great stuff.

Cloudy pale orange color with a big white head. Smells like carrots, citrus, general spice, and vanilla. Tastes similar but more creamy vanilla, peppery spice and wheat. The finish is bitter/spicy/celery. Definitely a unique aroma/flavor, but nothing is really out of place.