Hikari
Wild Frontier Beer Project

this might well be the best beer these folks have made so far, its beautiful, rice forward and light, flavorful and springy, really well lagered, and so refreshing and crushable, i was stoked on this one, would go back to the taproom just for it, and i think right away its maybe the best one of these going in the local market right now, so well done, especially for being so new, this is the star of their current lineup for me, without question. as blonde and light and minimalist looking as i want this style to be, so delicate and approachable in the glass, the lightest yellow, fizzy under a short bubbly white head, pretty good clarity. aroma is somewhat subtle, white florals from the rice, a little dry earthiness, herbal hops, some mellow but appreciable lager yeast doing a doughy bready still proofing thing that adds unique freshness, and i get subtle white wine, even champagne notes as well, springy and pretty. the flavor is awesome, floral also but not in the perfume range, delicate and feminine in a way, and i can both taste and feel the rice in here, jasmine and elderflower character, just a bit of starch but very light overall, cool fruitiness too from green table grape to lychee, crisp and dry and refreshing, quick without being hurried to me, great carbonation, fully thirst quenching. i could drink a dozen pints of this, its modern and classic at the same time, the subtle hops are excellent, the rice is the star, and the overall execution is first rate. the have a winner with this one!

edit: just six weeks later or so, hitting this one again, much flatter and less excited from the tap, still tastes amazing, but seems like a carbonation issue this time. love the flavor and the texture it has, outstanding lager really, but way underdone on the bubbles this time, or this pour, or whatever, knocking back the mouthfeel score just slightly until i can have it again at effervescence. especially important to get this part right in this style!