Hitachino Nest Extra High (XH)
Kiuchi Brewery


Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Kiuchi Brewery
- Japan
- Style:
- Strong Ale - Belgian Dark
Ranked #142 - ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #21,107 - Avg:
- 3.79 | pDev: 12.14%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jan 30, 2022
- Added:
- Dec 29, 2002
- Wants:
- 37
- Gots:
- 74
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good


Notes:
From Japan's most prestigious brewery, Hitachino Nest XH (Extra High) is a strong Belgian Brown Ale, matured in shochu (distilled sake) barrels. Chinook & Styrian Goldings hops are use
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.18 by Nunya from Ohio on Jan 30, 2022
4 by -Andrew- from Michigan on Nov 09, 2021
3.75/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jkblr from Indiana
11.2oz bottle coded XH.17.07m poured into a tulip glass at fridge temp 8% ABV. The beer pours cloudy medium reddish brown with khaki colored head. The head recedes to an irregular ring and island of tiny bubbles. The aroma is mild and sweet with notes of dark fruit. The taste is slightly tart and sweet with cherry, sake and mild oak. Minimal bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium to thin bodied with average carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, good. I suspect the nature of this beer has changed in the three years since it was bottled. Enjoyable, but with little that would make one think of a BSDA.
Nov 20, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jkblr from Indiana
11.2oz bottle coded XH.17.07m poured into a tulip glass at fridge temp 8% ABV. The beer pours cloudy medium reddish brown with khaki colored head. The head recedes to an irregular ring and island of tiny bubbles. The aroma is mild and sweet with notes of dark fruit. The taste is slightly tart and sweet with cherry, sake and mild oak. Minimal bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium to thin bodied with average carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, good. I suspect the nature of this beer has changed in the three years since it was bottled. Enjoyable, but with little that would make one think of a BSDA.
Nov 20, 2020
3.92 by vrbulldog22 from Ohio on Jun 23, 2020
3.79/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by zeff80 from Missouri
11.2oz bottle. Poured out a clear, golden amber color with a small, off-white head of foam. It smelled of rice, caramel and spices. Malty taste with sake notes and a sharp bitter bite.
May 28, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by zeff80 from Missouri
11.2oz bottle. Poured out a clear, golden amber color with a small, off-white head of foam. It smelled of rice, caramel and spices. Malty taste with sake notes and a sharp bitter bite.
May 28, 2020
3.18/5 rDev -16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2
by Zorro from California
Hazy brown ale with a medium sized tan colored head.
Smells very sweet. Strong scent of ginger. No real hop scent.
Starts out sharply sour. Bit spicy. Taste of wood and Mushrooms.
Mouthfeel is OK.
Overall, Nope I didn't like it.
Mar 27, 2020
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2
by Zorro from California
Hazy brown ale with a medium sized tan colored head.
Smells very sweet. Strong scent of ginger. No real hop scent.
Starts out sharply sour. Bit spicy. Taste of wood and Mushrooms.
Mouthfeel is OK.
Overall, Nope I didn't like it.
Mar 27, 2020
3.84/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by stevoj from Idaho
Bottle from Brewer's Haven. Possibly the sake influence, but this borders on a sour. Amber brown in color. Interesting take on the style. Overall I was pleasantly surprised.
Jan 03, 2020
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by stevoj from Idaho
Bottle from Brewer's Haven. Possibly the sake influence, but this borders on a sour. Amber brown in color. Interesting take on the style. Overall I was pleasantly surprised.
Jan 03, 2020
4.1 by BKotch from Texas on Nov 03, 2019
3.81/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by BGDrock from Canada (ON)
Body is deep amber/caramel with a touch of creamsicle orange one the edges when held to the light. Forms a nice thick head at first, but that lasts only half a minute, sizzling out to a rim.
Aromas of light caramel and sawdust, raisins, dates. Dried fruit with a touch of...something...that's interesting. Like dried wood.
Candy sweet, with loads of raisin, dates, brown sugar, a touch of butterscotch. There's a hint of something a touch burnt, fresh dried wood again, and toffee. Kind of like a wee heavy, though not as syrupy feeling. Medium carbonation and warming alcohol burn provide some balance to the sweetness, though it would still be tough to drink more than one of these.
Some interesting flavours and aromas in this one, it has potential to be excellent if not for the over-riding sweetness.
Aug 31, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by BGDrock from Canada (ON)
Body is deep amber/caramel with a touch of creamsicle orange one the edges when held to the light. Forms a nice thick head at first, but that lasts only half a minute, sizzling out to a rim.
Aromas of light caramel and sawdust, raisins, dates. Dried fruit with a touch of...something...that's interesting. Like dried wood.
Candy sweet, with loads of raisin, dates, brown sugar, a touch of butterscotch. There's a hint of something a touch burnt, fresh dried wood again, and toffee. Kind of like a wee heavy, though not as syrupy feeling. Medium carbonation and warming alcohol burn provide some balance to the sweetness, though it would still be tough to drink more than one of these.
Some interesting flavours and aromas in this one, it has potential to be excellent if not for the over-riding sweetness.
Aug 31, 2019
4.03/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)
Not the freshest bottle but refrigerated over time.
Dark amber/tawny pour, slightly hazy; cream to caramel coloured head of about one finger - dense bubbles up side of glass.
Aroma of dark fruit, caramel malt, sweet bread, a bit of spice, fruit cake.
Taste bright spicy to tangy caramel malt, dark fruit, dates, brown sugar, sherry with some spicy tangy hops.
Smooth full bubbly mouthfeel - carbonation tingles the palate to a slightly hoppy tangy finish.
Jul 29, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)
Not the freshest bottle but refrigerated over time.
Dark amber/tawny pour, slightly hazy; cream to caramel coloured head of about one finger - dense bubbles up side of glass.
Aroma of dark fruit, caramel malt, sweet bread, a bit of spice, fruit cake.
Taste bright spicy to tangy caramel malt, dark fruit, dates, brown sugar, sherry with some spicy tangy hops.
Smooth full bubbly mouthfeel - carbonation tingles the palate to a slightly hoppy tangy finish.
Jul 29, 2019
4.24 by Thorfinn960 from Ohio on Jul 20, 2019
3.84/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by LiquidAmber from Washington
Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a lightly hazy, medium to dark reddish orange with a thin, off-white head that dissipates to patches with light lacing. Aroma of caramel malt, plums, raisins and a little light sake. Flavor is dry caramel malt with a little biscuit, dates, dried plums, dry sake; earthy and tart from the sake barrel. Woody, dry sake finish. Medium bodied with light creaminess. The Belgian ale character is detectable, but has been dried out and soured somewhat by the shochu barreling. I've had sake many times, but not sure I've tried shochu, although the sake flavor is clear hear and must stay strong during distilling. Although this is interesting and there is some nice wood and a unique flavor from the barrel, I'm not sure the sake tartness fits my palette. The earthy, woody finish is nice, but it's a bit to dry and tart for me.
Apr 21, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by LiquidAmber from Washington
Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a lightly hazy, medium to dark reddish orange with a thin, off-white head that dissipates to patches with light lacing. Aroma of caramel malt, plums, raisins and a little light sake. Flavor is dry caramel malt with a little biscuit, dates, dried plums, dry sake; earthy and tart from the sake barrel. Woody, dry sake finish. Medium bodied with light creaminess. The Belgian ale character is detectable, but has been dried out and soured somewhat by the shochu barreling. I've had sake many times, but not sure I've tried shochu, although the sake flavor is clear hear and must stay strong during distilling. Although this is interesting and there is some nice wood and a unique flavor from the barrel, I'm not sure the sake tartness fits my palette. The earthy, woody finish is nice, but it's a bit to dry and tart for me.
Apr 21, 2019
4.67/5 rDev +23.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
Murky, rich orange rust color.
White head; nice, if spotty, lacing.
Nose of strawberry, grass & muted caramel. Inviting.
Medium thick mouthfeel.
Sake cask asserts itself in the taste; I shit you not, it tastes like well preserved LP jackets from the late '60's/early '70's smell. Add the muted strawberries & light caramel (which is what I wish Barleywines' tasted like) plus a hop bite & you have a winner tailor made for, well, me.
I'd love to taste the fresh Belgian Brown without the cask aging; bet it's world class.
Apr 05, 2019
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
Murky, rich orange rust color.
White head; nice, if spotty, lacing.
Nose of strawberry, grass & muted caramel. Inviting.
Medium thick mouthfeel.
Sake cask asserts itself in the taste; I shit you not, it tastes like well preserved LP jackets from the late '60's/early '70's smell. Add the muted strawberries & light caramel (which is what I wish Barleywines' tasted like) plus a hop bite & you have a winner tailor made for, well, me.
I'd love to taste the fresh Belgian Brown without the cask aging; bet it's world class.
Apr 05, 2019
4.29/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Nass from Florida
Classy looking bottle label artwork. I do notice a month & year date on the back of the bottle label Belgian style beers are usually hit or miss with me so let's see how this one goes. On to the beer, the pour is dark copper / medium brown into the snifter & the aroma is of dark candied fruits. Oh wow, I must say that both the aroma & taste is reminiscent of Trappistes Rochefort 8. I'm getting sweet dark candied fruits in the taste, slight roasted malt, some black cherry, slight cocoa, some toffee, & slight coffee & earth spice to round out the finish. There is a little sour taste in this beer as well but nothing too off putting. The booze is well hidden for an %8 beer. This beer is reminiscent of Trappistes Rochefort 8 but it drinks smoother. This is very well made, I am impressed with this beer folks. Well, at least now I can say that I had a beer that was aged in sake barrels. cheers! A-
Mar 28, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Nass from Florida
Classy looking bottle label artwork. I do notice a month & year date on the back of the bottle label Belgian style beers are usually hit or miss with me so let's see how this one goes. On to the beer, the pour is dark copper / medium brown into the snifter & the aroma is of dark candied fruits. Oh wow, I must say that both the aroma & taste is reminiscent of Trappistes Rochefort 8. I'm getting sweet dark candied fruits in the taste, slight roasted malt, some black cherry, slight cocoa, some toffee, & slight coffee & earth spice to round out the finish. There is a little sour taste in this beer as well but nothing too off putting. The booze is well hidden for an %8 beer. This beer is reminiscent of Trappistes Rochefort 8 but it drinks smoother. This is very well made, I am impressed with this beer folks. Well, at least now I can say that I had a beer that was aged in sake barrels. cheers! A-
Mar 28, 2019
4.06 by g00ey from California on Mar 03, 2019
3.67/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by robotic_being from Florida
This beer pours a rusty brown color with a ½” white foam cap, mild retention. Aromas of caramel malt, toffee, sweet rice, hint of clove spice, mild tart cherry and floral note. The flavor profile is smooth, with dark fruits, Belgian yeast esters, sake, oak, and clove working to form a fantastic twist on a Belgian Strong Dark ale flavor profile. The mouthfeel is smooth, filling, with a medium to thin thickness. Overall, a great example of a unique twist on the Belgian Strong Dark ale.
Feb 12, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by robotic_being from Florida
This beer pours a rusty brown color with a ½” white foam cap, mild retention. Aromas of caramel malt, toffee, sweet rice, hint of clove spice, mild tart cherry and floral note. The flavor profile is smooth, with dark fruits, Belgian yeast esters, sake, oak, and clove working to form a fantastic twist on a Belgian Strong Dark ale flavor profile. The mouthfeel is smooth, filling, with a medium to thin thickness. Overall, a great example of a unique twist on the Belgian Strong Dark ale.
Feb 12, 2019
3.85 by dansushi from New York on Jan 19, 2019
4.33 by OregonGrown7 from Oregon on Jan 05, 2019
3.75 by jroof1 from Massachusetts on Nov 13, 2018
4.18 by gungjm from New York on Oct 08, 2018
3.85 by Dentist666 from Russian Federation on Aug 25, 2018
3.37/5 rDev -11.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by BeanBump from California
Strange beer. Cant say that Ive ever had anything quite like it. Its sort of sour and has a low key vinegar flavor going on. Not gross just....different. Maybe its just me but I kept getting an ketchup aftertaste.
Aug 20, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by BeanBump from California
Strange beer. Cant say that Ive ever had anything quite like it. Its sort of sour and has a low key vinegar flavor going on. Not gross just....different. Maybe its just me but I kept getting an ketchup aftertaste.
Aug 20, 2018
3.5 by DOCRW from Washington on Jul 21, 2018
3.99 by samEBC from Belgium on Jun 05, 2018
3.5 by Howlader from Canada (AB) on Jan 29, 2018
4.44/5 rDev +17.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by samparkique4 from England
Fruity and smooth
Roasted malt
Jan 20, 2018
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by samparkique4 from England
Fruity and smooth
Roasted malt
Jan 20, 2018
3.65 by TheCrowsEye from California on Dec 15, 2017
3.73/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by The_Kriek_Freak from Pennsylvania
It pours dark brown with virtually no head. The aroma is very suggestive of sake and it has a slightly boozy aspect to it. The taste however is taken over completely by Brett. This is a bottle that was aged for some time (perhaps too long one would say) so it may have allowed for the Brett to overexpress. Sweet finish with a fairly full mouthfeel.
Nov 23, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by The_Kriek_Freak from Pennsylvania
It pours dark brown with virtually no head. The aroma is very suggestive of sake and it has a slightly boozy aspect to it. The taste however is taken over completely by Brett. This is a bottle that was aged for some time (perhaps too long one would say) so it may have allowed for the Brett to overexpress. Sweet finish with a fairly full mouthfeel.
Nov 23, 2017
3.68 by AtaraxiaDnB from Australia on Oct 16, 2017
3.77 by Giggy from Michigan on Sep 11, 2017
3.77 by yaron73 from Israel on Sep 07, 2017
4.09 by HopBelT from Belgium on Aug 25, 2017
4.25 by tvenne from Minnesota on Jul 16, 2017
4.26/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Shanex from France
Poured the 33cl bottle into a mug, appearance is amber, dark. 8%abv.
This is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, slightly lighter than other in the style, yet very complex. I am reminded of many other Belgian in the same style or otherwise like dubble. Aromas of chocolate, citrus, some berries. Yes this is also reminding me of the legend Duchesse de Bourgogne and the store clerk did mention it too.
I am fairly impressed, I am aware that in this day and age, sure, everybody is capable of brewing great beers but props to the Japanese for this. I looked it up here, and rated it 12% above the BA average at 4,
Jun 25, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Shanex from France
Poured the 33cl bottle into a mug, appearance is amber, dark. 8%abv.
This is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, slightly lighter than other in the style, yet very complex. I am reminded of many other Belgian in the same style or otherwise like dubble. Aromas of chocolate, citrus, some berries. Yes this is also reminding me of the legend Duchesse de Bourgogne and the store clerk did mention it too.
I am fairly impressed, I am aware that in this day and age, sure, everybody is capable of brewing great beers but props to the Japanese for this. I looked it up here, and rated it 12% above the BA average at 4,
Jun 25, 2017
3.75 by paulish from New York on Jun 18, 2017
4.12 by BryantForestry from Texas on May 27, 2017
3.31 by mmmbeer89 from New Mexico on May 15, 2017
3.79/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Buck89 from Tennessee
Poured into a snifter. A rusty brown color with a modest white head. Caramel malt on the nose, with a tart cherry and floral aroma. The taste was not at all tart, thankfully, with a basic caramel malty flavor with toffee, some citrus, and a floral, fruity finish with definite sake notes. Slightly dry and boozy. Overall an interesting beer.
May 05, 2017
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Buck89 from Tennessee
Poured into a snifter. A rusty brown color with a modest white head. Caramel malt on the nose, with a tart cherry and floral aroma. The taste was not at all tart, thankfully, with a basic caramel malty flavor with toffee, some citrus, and a floral, fruity finish with definite sake notes. Slightly dry and boozy. Overall an interesting beer.
May 05, 2017
3.71 by Casey_L from Texas on May 03, 2017
3.75 by BalancingBrooms from Illinois on Apr 23, 2017
Hitachino Nest Extra High (XH) from Kiuchi Brewery
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
764 ratings