Hitachino Nest Celebration Ale
Deep amber with crispy, honeywhite-colored foam on top. Deep, malty, sweetly spicy aromas conjure images of palm, chicken broth, vanilla and cake. The attack is jarring : unpeeled, raw bitterness introduces flavors of caramelized tropical fruits and woody resins. Burned toast, butterscotch and roasted fibers ornament a surging, alcoholic mass. Woody, vegetal tannins occupy one side of a clash with sticky, candied caramel alcohol. With time in the bottle this could prove to be a treat. Now, it is a challenge.