Yuki-Onno
Brewery: Oddwood Ales
Style: Japanese Rice Lager (International Pale Lager 2A)
Package: 16oz Can
Purchased: Beer to Go!
Canned Date: April 1, 2020
Consumed Date: April 7, 2020
Details From the Brewer
ABV: 4.7%
We’re really happy with this batch because of the delicate interplay of the unique Callista and Saphir hops, the flaked rice and the round but crisp pilsner malt flavor. Pairs well with Zoom meeting chess matches, Animal Crossing island building and long form Tiger King essays.
Review
Aroma – 10/12
A whiff of sulfur and yeast hits the nose first, but quickly dissipates. Moderate biscuit and honey malt notes. This are quickly overcome by the hop bouquet: notes of green tea, floral, and lemon zest. Clean fermentation character with no alcohol present. As it warms, a touch of resin and pine hop smell come out as well.
Appearance – 3/3
Pours a light, straw yellow liquid with excellent clarity. Fine and small stark white bubbles make up a decent sized head that lasts with good retention. Some lacing as it’s drank.
Flavor – 17/20
The tangy biscuit and honey malt character at a medium level is the first thing tasted. This is quickly combined with a moderate lemon, stone fruit, and tea hop flavors. A medium high bitterness comes in in the midtaste. Very dry with hardly any perceived sweetness. Towards the end, more delicate strawberry/blackberry hop flavors appear. The finish is quick, with honey malt and hop flavors lingering.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
Medium bodied initially, lightening up a little through the taste. Moderate carbonation punctuates the bitter finish. Pretty soft an pillowy on the palate with no astringency or harshness.
Overall Impression – 8/10
A very easy drinking beer. It’s a well made lager, blending Asian rice lager with German pils styles. It does this with excellent results. The body is a bit bigger than the rice lager style would suggest, but it still finishes nice and dry. I actually wouldn’t mind if the malt flavor was a little less pronounced on this, but it’s crazy fresh, and should mellow a touch and be more in tune with the hops in the coming weeks. That said, it’s flavor and aroma is crazy bright, with no oxidation present.
Rating – 42/50
Oddwood continues to strengthen their beer offerings. In the past year, they’ve been putting out some great lagers. I’m a big fan or rice lagers overall, so it’s great to see a couple breweries in Austin making them now. I’m really craving an Oddwood’s bar-style pizza while drinking this. I’d pair this with most American pub foods.
