54) Harumi

Last year Aoi Brewing produced its first Harumi craft beer, a fruit craft beer made with real mikan/mandarin oranges grown in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City called “harumi mikan”. Following its great success it will be brewed every year although the quantity is limited due to the restricted availability of the mandarins!

This year’s Harumi will actually be brewed into 3 different batches which are bound to taste differently according to the very difference between the harvested mikan.
The harumi used in this first batch were comparatively small with little juice.

Served on tap
Barley, Pilsner Malt, Maris Otter malt, Topaz hop, Sapphire hop, American Ale yeast
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 5.5 degrees
IBU: 17
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: longish head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white color
Color: orange
Aroma: dry and fruity. Discreet. Dry citruses
Taste: deep, dry and fruity attack with just a tinge of acidity.
Plenty of green mandarin oranges.
Drier than previous brewed in 2015.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on more if a bit drier mandarin oranges.
Mandarin oranges will surge even more strongly with further sips.
Changes little with food but for the appearance of more and more dry mandarin oranges.

Overall: very elegant fruit craft beer.
Simply extravagant, although one might think that the following batches will be even better!
Should please ladies and dry fruit beer lovers in particular.
A craft beer for all seasons.
Suggested pairings: vegetable salads, mixed nuts.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00, 17:00~26:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

Aoi Brewing Co.,Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyagasaki Chyo, 30
Tel.: 054-294-8911
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00 (Monday~Friday), 15:00~23:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
COD, Cash On Delivery only for all orders.
MAP
FACEBOOK

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK
FACEBOOK

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53) Belgian Subtle IPA (new version

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has just produced another Belgian Subtle IPA but it is different from the precedent one as no dry hopping was involved and a different yeast was used!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Munich malt, Dark Crystal malt, Topaz hop, Crystal hop, Sapphire hop, Tappiste yeast
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 6.3 degrees
IBU: 32
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white color
Color: dark orange
Aroma: light. Biscuits, oranges
Taste: deep, dry and fruity attack backed up with pleasant acidity.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on acid notes of oranges
Varies little with food.

Overall: Another very fine craft beer for all seasons!
A must taste not only for the sake of novelty but simply because it is a fine craft beer!
Should please any gender of any age!
Pairings: pork meats, pizza.
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52)Le Septieme Voyage

Aoi Brewing has been putting out limited craft beers this years to celebrate anniversaries of its various establishments!

This time they celebrated the seventh anniversary of Growstock, their pub restaurant in Shizuoka City with a Belgian wheat Ale type craft beer: “Le Septieme Voyage/the 7th Voyage”!
Accordingly seven “spices” were also used in its creation!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Pilsner Malt, Wheat malt, Topaz hop, Pearl hop,coriander, nutmeg, orange peels, lemon peels, cloves, papaya, mango, American Ale yeast
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 5.9 degrees
IBU: 25
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white color
Color: lemon/orange color
Aroma: dry and spicy. Citruses, herbs
Taste: dry, deep, spicy and fruity attack backed up with pleasant acidity.
Complex. Citruses, strong cloves, faint mango.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with more dry cloves.
Changes little with food but for more spices perking up.

Overall: very pleasant and intriguing craft beer.
Very spicy for a beer backed up with plenty of acidity.
Should please ladies in Particular.
Suggested pairings: fried potatoes, pork meats, BBQ
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51) Never Mind The Hops

Aoi Brewwing Co in Shizuoka City has just produced a once in a time craft beer to celebrate the first Anniversary of Beer Junkies Motel, their fourth establishment in the same town called “Never Mind The Hops!

Served on tap
Barley, Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Pilsner malt, Dark Crystal malt, Black malt, Roasted barley malt, Challenger hop (English), British ale yeats 2
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 4.5 degrees
IBU: 26
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, light brown color
Color: orange brown
Aroma: dry, discreet. Bread, biscuits, faint honey
Taste: sweeter attack than aroma but quickly turns to dry and deep with welcome acidity.
Complex: biscuits, dry honey
Lingers long enough for true tasting before taking a long time to depart on pleasantly acid biscuits and bread with hints of oranges and persimmon.
Changes little with food.
Will keep finishing on a dry note sip after sip.

Overall: Definitely an English dry ale-style craft beer!
A real pity it will be only a once in a lifetime (although I suspect its success will encourage the brew master to try again!)!
Complex and pleasantly changing on the palate.
Suggested pairings: fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, Steak and kidney pie, pork.
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50) Kuro Coco Stout Porter

For once, I tasted this very new craft beer by Aoi Brewing at Beer Junkies Motel in Shizuoka City!

Kuroi Coco!
Actually the real name is “Kuro Coco Stout Porter”!

Served on tap
Barley, Chocolate malt, Black malt, Munich malt, Dark Crystal malt Australian Galaxy hop, finely chopped dry coconuts chips, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 20
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. light brown color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: very dark brown
Aroma: dry. Coffee beans, dark chocolate
Taste:very dry, deep and fruity attack.
Complex.
Coffee beans, dark chocolate, dry biscuits, faint coconuts.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with more dark chocolate and more marked coconuts.
Varies little with food, but for more pronounced coconuts.

Overall: Intriguing craft beer!
Lighter than expected and very easy to drink.
Complex and eminently satisfying!
A craft beer for all seasons, genders and ages!
Suggested pairings: nuts, lamb chops, pork, cold meats.

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49) Kurotonbi Weissen

New craft beers are coming fast and furious at Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City!
Actually, there is a lot of experimenting going on as bottled beer is about to come out, too!

“Kuroi Tonbi/Black kite (the bird!)” Weissen!
Originally conceived as Brown Weissen TYpe!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Chocolate malt, Black malt, Munich malt, Dark crystal malt, Topaz hop, Tettnang hop, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 6.6%
IBU: 23
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. very light coffee color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark orange brown
Aroma: discreet and fresh. Biscuits, bread.
Taste: fresh, deep and fruity attack quickly turning to a pleasant acid note.
Bread, biscuits, deep body.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with hints of honey and acid oranges.
Alcohol will surge forward with rise in temperature.
Tends to turn sweet with food.

overall: A new type of craft beer for Aoi Brewing!
Planned originally as Brown Weissen type.
Very solid but easy to drink craft beer!
Suggested pairings; nuts, cheese, pork.
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49) Flemish Blanc

Aoi Brewing has just put out a Belgian Type of beer!
It is actually a new version of their belgian Wheat Craft Beer!

Flemish Blanc!
By the way, Aoi Brewing Co. will start bottling their beers next month!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Pilsner malt, Wheat malt, Topaz hop, Perle hop, Orange peels, Coriander, Nutmeg, Lemon peels, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5%
IBU: 28
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: lemon orange
Aroma: assertive, dry and fruity. Oranges, citruses, faint biscuits
Taste: dry and fruity attack with some acidity.
Light but satisfying.
Complex. Dry oranges and lemon.
Very easy to drink.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with more dry oranges and biscuits.
Stays faithfully dry all the way through.
Acidity tends to rise with following sips.

Overall: A craft beer for all seasons!
Dry, light, but reliable.
Recommended pairings: cold meats, Chinese Cuisine, sauerkraut, Thai and other spicy cuisines.
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47) Hollyhock Christmas Ale

Christmas is around the corner and Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has put out or the second year running a special craft beer to commemorate the event!

Hollyhock Christmas Ale!
“Hollyhock” means “Aoi” or “Tachi Aoi” in Japanese and is the symbol flower of Shizuoka City!
Actually I had suggested that name myself when Aoi Brewing was looking for names for its beers back last year in June!

The truth is that the secret name given to that Strong Belgian Type Ale is “Dozen Roses Ales” as it includes 12 different main ingredients!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Munich malt, Crystal malt dark, Chocolate malt, Australian Galaxy hop, Styrian Golding malt, Coriander, Orange peels, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Vanilla beans, Sugars, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 10%
IBU: 31
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Shortish head. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark amber
Aroma:Light, dry and fruity. Biscuits, citrus
Taste: Soft, deep and dry attack with only a little acidity.
Complex: oranges, citruses, honey, cinnamon, biscuits.
Big gap between aroma and actual taste due to high alcohol contents.
lingers long enough for true tasting before leaving on more dry honey, citruses and cinnamon.
Citruses and persimmons surging back with every sip.
becomes even more complex as its temperature rises.

Overall: generous and extravagant ale!
Very deep and complex craft beer.
Although tasted fist only slightly chilled, performs best at room temperature .
To be savored slowly!
Should please both genders of any age in spite of its alcohol contents!
Suggested pairings: pickles, salami, cheese.
To be expected every year before Christmas!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City
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46) Marika Ale

Decidedly you have to keep tour ears and eyes open as Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City puts out an average of two new craft beers every month.
And as most of them are limited you also have to hurry!

Marika Ale! The difference this time is that hops were used both whole and in pellets!

As Aoi Beer Stand in Miyuki-Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City was full we drank outside encouraging passersby to join us!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Dark Crystal Malt, Black malt, SIMCO hop (whole), Nugget hop (pellets), live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 19
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Shortish head. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: amber
Aroma: sweetish and fruity. Bread, biscuits, oranges
Taste: dry, very fruity and complex attack.
Oranges, biscuits, honey, faint persimmon.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a still constant dry but very fruity note with more honey.
The fruitiness faithfully continues all the way through.
Very, although shows practically no acidity.

Overall: an exceptional and intriguing amber ale!
Although very fruity, it stays dry but without any acidity.
A craft beer you drink slowly. No need of food to interfere with it although good pairings could be achieved with pork, sausages and cheese.
For ale lovers of all genders and ages!
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45) Kagyoku Shokuro Tea Ale

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka does often come with some unusual limited brews!
This time they produce another Tea Ale but with a twist!

It was actually brewed to commemorate the wedding of Kazumi San/和美さん, who is part of the staff at Beck Co., the umbrella owner of Aoi Brewing!
The name Kagyoku Shokuro/華玉燭霧 is related to the kinds of tea included in the brewing!

Served on tap
Barley, Pilsner malt, Munich Malt, Topaz hop, Styrian Golding hop, Gyokuro Tea 8250 g), Fukamushi Tea (4 kg), live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: light orange color
Aroma: sweetish green tea
Taste: dryish and flavorful attack.
Complex. Sweetish green tea, hints of oranges, apricots and dry pears.
Very tasty first impression with no aftertaste. Excellent and subtle balance.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on a sllghtly sweeter note than at the beginning with very pleasant matcha.

Overall: Lighter and more elegant approach than previous brews made with Shizuoka green Tea.
Almost no acidity. Very soft on the palate. Very unique craft beer!
Pity it is limited as this would easily become a must drink every day all year round!
Simply said: superb!
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44) Aoshima (Onshu) Mikan Ale (also called Tekka Slight Mikan Ale)

Once again Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has put out a fruit made with local products!

Aoishima (Onshu) Mikan Ale, that is a beer conceived with “Aoishima” mandarine oranges produced by farmers in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
This was the name announced in AOI BEER STAND in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, but Mr. Taka, the brewmaster, told me it should have been named “Tekka Slight Mikan Ale”!
“Tekka” means that the oranges used were the ones pruned off when still green to allow chosen fruit to fully ripen!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Munich Malt, Topaz hop, Czech Saaz hop, Aoishima mandarine oranges, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 21
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Longish head. Light orange color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: light orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. Dry mandarine oranges
Taste: very dry and fruity attack.
Dry oranges, citruses, hints of herbs.
Lingers long enough for true tasting with oranges staying true all the way and tending to depart on an even drier note with some welcome acidity.

Overall: a dry and fruity craft beer which will appeal to ladies in particular!
A craft beer for all seasons!
Very satisfying and a pleasure to sip. Dry but elegant!
Recommended pairings: pizza, potato salad, cold meats.
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43) Honnori Cha Ale (4th batch)

Aoi Beer Stand made a point to call me when Aoi brewing (Shizuoka City) had their latest craft beer served on tap there!

Now, what kind of craft could it be?

Honnori Cha Ale also called O Cha Ale!
This is the fourth batch and it is still different from the previous three!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Pilsner Malt, Topaz hop, Willamette hop, green tea (more than in previous batches!)
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Shortish head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange/apricot color
Aroma: assertive, dry. green tea, oranges
Taste: dry, soft and fruity attack.
Complex: tea, biscuits, hints of persimmon and oranges.
Almost sweetish at the beginning but turns dry at the end.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a very different and dry note.
Varies little with food.
Far more complex than previous batches but easier to drink.

Overall: A craft beer for all seasons.
Its complexity and comparative gentleness will appeal to ladies although gentlemen will particularly enjoy it with their food.
Suggested pairings: sweetish meat, pork, yakitori, hot sandwiches.
Many gentlemen agreed it became more complex with green tea surging through with rise in temperature!
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42) Rothenburg Weissen

Aoi Brewing is continuing experimenting with craft beers and the newest one take us to Germany!

Rothenburg Weissen!

Served on tap
Barley (50%), wheat (50%), Pilsner Malt (50%), wheat malt (50%), Australian Galaxy Hop, Tetnang hop,live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.9%
IBU: 29
Bubbles: long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, very light orange color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep orange
Aroma: discreet and fruity. Citruses, biscuits.
Taste: sweetish at first but soon turning to dry and fruity attack.
Complex: first a big surge of oranges immediately followed by dry bread and biscuits.
Some welcome acidity accompanies it along.
Lingers long enough for true tatsting before departing on a drier notes with citruses and bread and late surge of persimmon.
Varies little with food.

Overall: A craft beer of Dunkel Weissen type for all seasons.
Very easy to drink.
Will please both genders.
Complex craft beer which will continue to reveal new facets with further sips.
Suggested pairings: mixed nuts, cold meats.
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41 ALT (2015 Autumn Batch)

Some craft beers produced by Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City are obviously more in demand than others and new batches with slight differences and improvements come up regularly!

ALT, this time the 2015 Autumn batch/version!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Crystal malt, Munich malt, Black malt, Chocolate malt, Australian galaxy Hop, Sylva hop, Select hop,live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.3%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles Longish, white color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: very dark brown
Aroma: light and dry. Caramel.
Taste: dry and smooth attack with some pleasant acidity.
Caramel, biscuits.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a drier note with faint chocolate notes appearing late.
Full body. drinks very easily.
Stays true to first impression all the way through.

Overall: The kind of beer all genders will appreciate all year round.
Very soft for a brown beer.
Slightly softer than its predecessors.
Refreshing, complex enough and utterly satisfying.
Great on it own but would superbly marry with salty and fermented foods!

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40) IBUKI (2nd batch)

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has just put out a second batch of its IBUKI conceived by its second master brewer!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Maris Otter malt, Munich Malt, Caramel Malt, Wheat malt, Magnum hop, Sylva Hop, Summer hop, Topaz hop, Shizuoka Ama Natsu Oranges
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 6%
IBU: 29
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Longish head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange color
Aroma: light and dry. Citruses, biscuits.
Taste: Dry and acid attack (more acid than previous batch!)
Complex: oranges, biscuits, bread
Lingers long enough fro true tasting before departing on an even drier note with more oranges and lemon.
Varies little with food but for a further accent on its dryness.

Overall: A dry and acidic beer for all seasons!
Will marry beautifully with BBQ food and heavy food in particular!
A sure value!
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39) O Cha Ale

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has finally come up with what they consider their full O Cha Ale/Green Tea Ale after the two batches of Honnnori O-Cha Ale/A Little Green Tea Ale.

The ingredients are the same, but this is the real article now!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Pilsner Malt, Topaz hop, Willamette hop, green tea
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: light orange color
Aroma: assertive, dry. puissant green tea aroma.
Taste: Assertive and dry attack with plenty of green tea!
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on more dry green tea.
Tends to mellow down and show more fruitiness along although it will always depart on a strong green tea note.
Varies little with food but for a softer approach, but still with strong green tea.

Overall: A true Shizuoka green tea craft beer!
A real coming of age after the two precedent green tea ales experiments!
For lovers of very dry beers!
A beer with a big character to be enjoyed all year round although will dperform best on a hot afternoon!
Suggested pairings: BBQ food, stews, sausages.

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38) “Forgery Kölsch”

By pure chance I discovered this new but unannounced craft beer by Aoi Brewing at AOI BEER STAND in Shizuoka City!
I wasn’t supposed to suddenly have the time to visit the place but here I was staring at the blackboard!

“Forgery Kölsch”?
The reason for the “Forgery” naming is that it was not supposed to be brewed that way and I’m not at liberty to explain any further!

Served on tap
Barley, barley malt, hop, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.0%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Longish head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: lemon-orange color
Aroma: light and fruity. Citruses.
Taste: very light, dry, refreshing and fruity attack backed up with welcome acidity.
Citruses, lemon.
Lingers long enough on the palate for true tasting before departing on a drier note with more citruses.
varies little with food.

Overall: Very refreshing, light and satisfying craft beer.
Perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
Unfortunately it will be only one-off craft beer although there will enough to serve on tap for the next two weeks, but do hurry!

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37) “Holznotenschlüssel”

Aoi Brewing Co. in Shizuoka City has just launched two limited commemorative craft beers in collaboration with events in Shizuoka City!

The second one, “Holznotenschlüssel” was brewed to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Shizuoka Aoi Tower.
It was announced as a German Alt style craft beer!

Served on tap
Barley, barley malt, Haratau Nugget hop, German Select hop, German Hersbrucker hop, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.8%
IBU: 23
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Longish head. creamy, milk coffee color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep brown-orange color
Aroma: discreet. bread, apricot
Taste: soft, dry and fruity approach.
Very little acidity.
Bread, biscuits, dry apricot, oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with more dry oranges.

Overall: Light, soft, but very satisfying German Alt-style craft beer.
Should be drunk on its own.
A craft beer for all seasons.
Ladies would probably appreciate it more than gentlemen for its soft approach.
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36) “Geppakufuusei”

Aoi Brewing Co. in Shizuoka City has just launched two limited commemorative craft beers in collaboration with events in Shizuoka City!

The first one, “Geppakufuusei/月白風清” was brewed to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the Shizuoka City Art Museum.
It was announced as a stylish French Saison type craft beer brewed with 5 different hops and 5 different spices!

Served on tap
Barley, wheat, barley malt, wheat malt,Pearl hop, First Gold hop, Sapphire hop, Crystal hop, Opal hop, orange peels, lemon peels, coriander, nutmeg, lemon grass, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.3%
IBU: 20
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep lemon/light orange color
Aroma: dry and spicy but soft. Bread, faint citruses
Taste: very spicy and dry attack with satisfying acidity.
Citruses, orange peels, spices.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before disappearing with more dry spices.
Actually lingers on the palate longer than usual.
Drinks very slowly.

Overall: A beer which ought to be enjoyed on its own, although it will please gentlemen more than ladies.
If you must absolutely drink it with food, cheese and spicy meats would be best.
Strong and intriguing although standard as far as alcohol content is concerned.
A beer for tasting, especially on a hot afternoon!
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35) Honnori Ocha Ale/Honnori Green Tea Ale (2nd Batch)

One craft beer by Aoi Brewing is sure to find its way into the bottled brands to start next November, the on emade with green tea from Shizuoka Prefecture!

Honnori Ocha Ale/Honnori Green Tea Ale!
This is the second batch and it was an improvement on an already great brew!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Pilsner Malt, Topaz hop, Willamette hop, green tea
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep lemon/light orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. lemon, green tea
Taste: very refreshing, dry, acid, well-rounded attack. more well-rounded than the first batch.
Complex: green tea, with hints of citruses.. More complex than the first batch.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a softer note but with green tea still prominent.
Varies little with food but for a softer approach, but still with strong green tea.
Green tea making a strong comeback after every sip.

Overall: very refreshing with a strong acidic penchant.
For lovers of dry craft beers!
More well-rounded and complex than first batch.
Perfect on a late hot afternoon!