Give a Hoot: Hitachino Nest Anbai Ale!

Last year, we were very sad to learn that Hitachino Nest Anbai Ale was only available to purchase on tap. We got a taste of this sour, fruity, and savory beer next door at The Trappist. We knew upon tasting it that we had to get bottles as soon as they were available. So, guess what? We got it! Hitachino Nest Anbai Ale is now at Umami Mart!

This plum wheat Gose is made using White Ale and adding unripe green Japanese plums (ume) to the recipe. Immature plums give this beer its sour flavor. The plums soak in the ale for two months, all the while producing wild yeast that also adds to its flavor. Japanese sea salt (moshio) is added, and the ale is aged for another month with more yeast.

This is a unique and refreshing beer. While Japanese craft brewers have yet to catch on to the sour beer trend, Hitachino Nest Anbai Ale is perhaps the closest brew we have to a sour beer on our shelves.