Name: Tomo (とも)
Brewer: Kyoto Brewing Company (Japan)
Style: Classic Style Smoked Beer (Base Style: Belgian Pale Ale)
ABV: 5.5%
Review Year: 2021
Tomo (とも) is a “Belgian Smoke Amber” ale made by Kyoto Brewing Company from Japan. This beer was inspired by tare, a sauce synonymous with BBQ in Japan. Tomo features a malt bill composed mainly of Munich malts (25%) with a touch of smoked malt (10%) for that smokiness. Hallertau Tradition and Aramis were the hops of choice, while Belgian Ale yeast was used to ferment this beer.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Classic Style Smoked Beer (32A) with the Belgian Pale Ale (24B) as the base style in the context of the 2015 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP).
TASTING NOTES
Clear deep amber; beige head with fair retention. Mild malty and some fruity-estery aromas on the nose: think of malty grain, honey, candied plums, and cherry. Light-medium-bodied, moderately low carbonation. The flavor mirrored the aroma with moderate impressions of fresh honey, candied plums, and cherry melding with grainy and caramelly qualities (medium-low intensity). Oak flavor was present (moderate), but the smoky/phenolic character and a piney hop note surfaced subtly. The residual sweetness was moderate while perceived bitterness was slightly lower; aftertaste lingered with the familiar honey and cherry tandem.
THE VERDICT
Tomo is an easy-drinking yet flavorful beer that highlighted mainly moderate grainy-honey maltiness, fruity esters, and a touch of oak and smoke.
Malt aroma and flavors were in harmony with the fruity esters. Smokiness was aided by the oak character and also complemented the other flavors; however, we think more explicit smokiness on the nose could elevate this beer further. Overall, excellent. Enjoy with BBQ.
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Kyoto Brewing Company
Craft Beer from Japan
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