The World Craft Beer Tasting was held in Nakazakicho, Osaka
on September 22nd and 23rd. Sponsored and organized by Osaka’s Craft Beer Base and Ajen
Birmingham together with the Japan Craft Beer Association, it was definitely
one of the better-managed beer festivals I’ve been to.
In addition to the tidy outdoor area for beer and food
stalls, there were two indoor spaces: one featuring a variety of live music
throughout the day, and the other a play area for children. For me, at least,
it was great to have the loud music in a space away from the main tasting area
-- so as not distract from the beer tasting and the conversation.
The beer lineup was limited but sufficient and also very
well selected. Several of the best-known Japanese breweries were on hand, including
Shiga Kogen, Daisen G Beer, Ise Kadoya, Fujizakura, Minoh, Shimane, and North
Island. They shared space with beer stalls operated by three prominent
importing companies: Nagano Trading, Ezo Beer, and AQ Bevolution., who offered
a first-rate group of beers from the USA, Belgium, and Norway.
The commemorative glass was larger than usual, and typical
serving were around a US half pint size, rather than the 100 ml. or so offered
at most beer events.
Here are a few of the standout brews of the day.
Epic Lager
Really heavy grassy aroma with some good hops, too. Very
pale straw with a pretty and very creamy head. Striking bitter initial; and
then the hops bite a bit more in mid palate; mild grassy finish. Crisp and very
refreshing, with a punch. Good body, lots of hopping.
Minoh Bloom
Very complex floral and yeasty aroma. Bright but cloudy
apple juice color. Sharp tartness in initial; mid had a punch of grapefruit;
finish has a nice big hit of hoppiness. The brewer said it is a Golden Ale, and
that it has some wheat and Belgian yeast. Very interesting stuff
Tripel Karmeliet
Concentrated sweetness hits the nose; a honey bomb.
Brilliant, glowing straw color. Very sweet initial; in mid palate, the
sweetness is extended and the balances a bit with the hopping; final is a
continuation of that sweet malt, and it tapers off very slowly. Medium body.
Sweet but not at all cloying.
Haandbryggeriet Dark Force
Sweet coffee and a load of chocolate in the nose. Black as
can be, with a smooth tan head. Initial is silky, with good sharp chocolate
notes and a sweet, roast malt character; mid palate bring even more rising
sweetness; hops and chocolate coat the tongue in the finish. Very creamy, thick
body. A great imperial stout.
I wish I could have attended both days. The organizers held
back about half of the listed beers for the second day, and there were several
that I wanted to try. In any event, hats off to them. They created a fun,
manageable, and memorable event.