     Sparkling Hop (Kirin Brewery)
Happoshu in the house! To all the beer style hunters out there, this is one that is rather elusive. Much like some of the harder to find sakes, happoshu is rarely seen outside its native Japan. In case you aren't familiar with this style, here is a bit of a background: Happoshu 101 - Japanese beer companies produce what is called "Happoshu," which literally means "sparkling spirit". Happoshu is a type of beer produced with less than 67% malt. Why 67%? Because the country classifies beers based on malt content and taxes them accordingly. Happoshu is produced for less money and is taxed less thus it is cheaper to buy than regular 100% malt beers hence its popularity in Japan. Sparkling Hop is one of the more reviewed versions of Happoshu that I could find online and it definitely has one of the cooler cans. Its actually textured with some nice little hops adorning the front logo. The can actually reads, "New Zealand Hop Included", I looked in the can but didn't see it. Oh well, maybe next time. Hahaha. On to the review. Sparkling Hop pours very much like a macro lager. Its light gold, its very carbonated and it produces a very loose, but thick, head. The aroma is hard to place, it certainly isn't a lot of hops that is for sure. Its more of a metallic, corn and lemony smell. Its not altogether bad but it does make me think that drinking directly from the can may give you better results. The taste is very light and dry. It almost disappears off my tongue like cotton candy. There are some subtle sweet fruit flavors, some more lemony citrus and maybe just maybe a squidge of those New Zealand hops (but maybe not). I'm not going to lie, Sparkling Hop is not an amazing beer. Sorry to offend any Happoshu lovers. I will say this about this beer, it is refreshing. Its light, crisp and easy drinking. Lots of beer karma goes out to Todd in California for sending me this can (and another Japanese can of beer) after a recent trip to Japan. Kampie!
Posted by Russ Labels: Happoshu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
