Hinomaru Pepper Ale
Hitachino (Kiuchi) Brewery

an incredible beer here, these guys never seem to get enough credit for the unique and beautiful beers they build. this is next level, brewed with sansho pepper and some sort of bitter orange, its highly floral, slightly spicy (not hot), and highly floral and fragrant, but also very delicate. the beer is deep brassy in color with a lush white head and a nose of cut flowers, pink peppercorns, bright citrus, and minerals. there is a lot going on here, tea-like earthiness, and a ton of depth from the barley malt. the flavor is a lot like the nose, with more of a hop profile, lemony, which brings out the citrus in it, as well as a bitterness i really like in the finish. the sansho pepper, whatever that is, has a fresh botanical floral taste, bright and distinctive, and really makes this memorable for me. hoppy finish, very fresh, lots of body, and a common ale yeast strain cleaning it up. some minerals left on the tongue, and a delicate flowery aspect, just really interesting beer. it feels very springtime to me, blossoming and sunny, easy drinking for having a little more body, and just full of unique flavors. special beer, wheres the love?!