Name: Nara Pitchoune Une
Brewer: Zakkokou Koubou (麦雑穀工房)
Style: Specialty Fruit Beer (Base Style: Saison)
ABV: 6%
Review Year: 2022
Presenting the third addition to Zakkokou Koubou’s NaRa series, Nara Pitchoune Une. Hailing from Saitama, Japan, this exquisite “farmhouse ale” has been meticulously crafted and conditioned on whole white Akatsuki peaches from Fukushima Prefecture.
Backlog review from January 2022.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Specialty Fruit Beer (29C) with Saison (25B) as the base style in the context of the 2021 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Aroma
As you bring the glass to your nose, enticing aromas of lime, fruit tartness, and a subtle lactic character greet your senses. The collective presence of oak, juicy peach, and pineapple adds depth and complexity to the aroma. A hint of barnyard funk was also noted.
Appearance
Pitchoune presents itself as a clear pale gold elixir, adorned with a pristine white head. Its visual appeal is marked by its clarity.
Flavor
Pineapple, oak, strawberry, and lime/lemon tartness take center stage, creating a vibrant and zesty taste experience. A subtle lactic and barnyard character adds a pleasant tanginess, while the overall impression remains semi-dry. A hint of floral adds a delicate touch. The bitterness is medium-low, ensuring a well-balanced and enjoyable taste. The finish leaves a lingering presence of oak, lemon zest, and a subtle barnyard funk.
Mouthfeel
With a light-medium body, Pitchoune Une delivers a delicate and refreshing mouthfeel. The carbonation level is notably high, contributing to a lively and effervescent sensation on the palate.
THE VERDICT
Overall, Pitchoune makes a very good impression of a fruit Saison. Its delicate and light character makes it a perfect choice for enjoying in the open fields during summer. Light barnyard funk adds a touch of intrigue, but this quality, we think, is more appropriate for its Brett cousins. (The translated beer description did not note any microbes related to sour beers.) This beer also maintains some dryness reminiscent of a traditional Saison, while the addition of wood imparts a rustic quality.
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