Hitachino Nest | Owl Beer

Fact: Purchasing anything associated with an owl is one of the better choices you could make in life.  

Chuck Klosterman knew this when he authored Downtown Owl: A Novel.  Maybe Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs would have sold better if it were retitled Sexy Owls, Owls, and Cocoa Owls.  Here are some reasons why owls are better than your pet:

1. Owls possess keen intellect.  Need I remind you of that old-school Tootsie Pop commercial?

Boy:  Mr. Owl, how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?

Mr. Owl:  A good question.  Let's find out.  A one... A two-HOO... A three...

(crunch sound effect)

Mr Owl:  A three!

Boy:  If there's anything I can't stand, it's a smart owl.

Better not sass that owl, boy.

2. Owls are environmentally friendly. We all remember Woodsy Owl and his motto, "Give a hoot, don't pollute," right?  Woodsy was ready to cut someone if he saw some pollution going down.  That owl didn't take no mess!

3. Hitachino Nest Beer.  Hitachino Nest is quality not because they utilize an owl logo, but because owls happen to endorse pretty good beer.  Also, because Hitachino Nest is toasting the current Japanese beer market with flavorful brews.

4. It would be remiss if I failed to mention the obvious influence that owls had on the band Owls, comprised of brothers Tim and Mike Kinsella (Chicago legends in their own right (not to be confused with The Owls, and definitely not Owl City <--weak sauce)).

5. Hitachino Nest Beer. Again.

 When one thinks of Japanese beers, brands like Asahi, Sapporo, and Kirin may come to mind.  While these brands have one or two exceptions, the majority of their product lines leave much to be desired in the flavor department.  Despite these mega-brewers, a small craft movement has been sprouting up in Japan over the past 15 (roughly) years.  Out of this movement stems Kiuchi Brewery, located in the Japanese town of Ibaraki.

Kiuchi Brewery boasts a flavorful portfolio of ales under the Hitachino Nest moniker.  Styles such as their White Ale, Pale Ale, Weizen, and Sweet Stout contribute some much-needed diversity among the Japanese imports at the liquor store.  Fortunately, Hitachino Nest has experienced enough success in the United States that an assortment of their 720 ml or 11.2 oz (mini owl) bottles can be found at said liquor store...if you live in/near Chicago...or Bloomington-Normal.  Do not fret, if you are a Rockford resident, there is one store that stocks one of the owl beers (you will find out later, it's the only way you will consider reading beyond this point).


White Ale | 5% abv | 11.2 oz. stubby bottle

An excellent example of a Belgian-style Witbier (white beer, white ale, Belgian wheat beer - they're all the same).  Pours a hazy golden-orange color with wispy foam.  Wheat beers tend to have a great deal of foam, while this one is a bit lacking, it is made up for in flavor.  Being bottle-conditioned and unfiltered, a cloudy appearance is normal for white ales.  Traditionally brewed with coriander and orange peel, Kiuchi interprets this style with the addition of nutmeg and orange juice, adding an underlying complexity to this owl beer.

In the glass, spice and peppery notes hit the nose with fresh citrus zest balancing out the overall aroma.  Bright orange and lemon zest strike the palate first, mixing with subtle hop flavor in the middle, then ending with an underlying wheat flavor and a pronounced spiciness from the coriander and nutmeg.  The addition of orange juice creates an exaggerated orange essence, compared to that of a traditional Belgian Wit, lingering well after the glass is empty.

One of my favorites. Seriously, I carved a Hitachino Nest O'Lantern last Halloween because of this beer.

 Artale Wine Co. in Rockford currently stocks this White Ale (in the mini bottle) along with other fine beers (and wines).  Another great example of a Belgian-style Witbier from a non-Belgian brewer: Allagash White - also only available at Artale Wine Co.

Sweet Stout | 4% abv | 11.2 oz. stubby bottle

Sweet stouts may also be labeled milk stouts, or cream stouts.  This British style gets its name from the addition of lactose to the brew, producing a creamier texture and sweeter flavor.  In this case, lactose makes up 10% of the beer's grain bill.

Pours jet black with a medium, tan head.  True opaqueness of color can be determined by holding the beer-filled glass up to a light source.  Most dark-colored beers will show some degree of ruby-colored hue around the glasses edges. This is one dark beer - absolutely zero ruby presence.

In the glass, medium-roast coffee aromas mixed with faint hops and raisins fill the nose.  Aromas or flavors of raisin are good indications that the beer was brewed using a portion of crystal malt.  Taste some raw crystal malt sometime - it is like eating crunchy raisins.

Unlike most sweet stouts, this owl beer has a lighter body than expected.  Sharp citrus, almost a sour-like sensation on the sides of the tongue, wakes up the palate - again, unexpected.  Medium hop flavor is detected in the middle along with sweet raisins.  The sweet stout finishes with a mix of coffee and chocolate while the milk sugar helps to counteract the bitterness.

Based on this experience, I had a difficult time agreeing that the liquid inside the glass was the style advertised on the label.  It was interesting, though, nonetheless.

Interested in trying some other sweet stouts?  I would highly recommend Dark Horse Too Cream Stout and Left Hand Milk Stout.


Brief notes on other Hitachino Nest beers

Weizen - The name refers to the German wheat beer style known for its banana and clove flavor produced from the yeast.  Hitachino Nest Weizen has a far less-pronounced banana/clove profile than the traditional, however, lemon/orange zest notes contribute a satisfying 'bright' quality to the beer.

Espresso Stout -  Not for the faint of heart.  Extremely assertive with harsh espresso flavor.  Probably made with real owls.  When life hands you Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout, you might be better off just eating the lemons.

Celebration Ale - Coriander, Orange Peel, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Vanilla Beans.  Haven't tried it yet.  Looks better than Espresso Stout tastes.




In Conclusion...

Told you.


me drink beer.