Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale Review

Japan celebrates the New Year like few other countries. Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale is a spiced wheat beer brewed to ring in the new year.

According to the brewery, Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale is brewed in the tradition of a true Eisbock where the brew is concentrated by freezing and removing some of the water, but not the alcohol, from the beer. It is made with five different malts, wheat, four types of hops, and five spices. It is then bottle conditioned for six months to knit the flavors together. 

I’m reviewing a vintage 2012 that has been cellared at the North Pole.

Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale pours golden honey with a frothy head of foam that dissipates quickly to a fine lace. The aroma is pear, vanilla, coriander, and wheat. It tastes of all the spices brewed in: coriander, orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla beans. Plus, there’s clove and white pepper. The 8% ABV alcohol heat the glass up. The hops and alcohol provide a bite to the finish.

Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki, Japan makes Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale. Close your eyes, and what you taste will be reminiscent of a Christmas spiced simmering stovetop potpourri.

Happy New Year!

Question: What beer is your favorite New Year’s beer? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Note: For another Eisbock, check out Samichlaus from Austria at 14% ABV.

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    While it's difficult to picture Santa as a young man, he was once. He met the future Mrs. Claus one snowy night when she offered him a winter ale that she brewed herself. It was love at first sight - for both the Mrs. and her winter ales. With Santa's growing fame, his favorite brews became named after his favorite day - Christmas. Santa now travels the world each year to spread the joy that began in a stable in Bethlehem two millennia ago.

    Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.