Hitachino Nest Extra High (XH)
Had on tap at the Uber the other day. The beer pours a beef bullion color with very good head retention and lacing. On the nose this beer is incredible - it's just wild stuff. I get aromas of tea, sake, sweet malt and cherry cola. Incredibly, the flavors on the palate generally replicate the nose; my only complaint is that it's a bit on the sweet side. The beer comes across as surprisingly light and drinkable (though I can't imagine drinking more then a single glass), with the abv. well disguised. One of the more interesting beers I've come across in some time. Very impressive. Note: Had occasion to revisit this beer again at Pizza Paradiso in DC the other day. While every bit as wonderful, the stuff I had in DC had an interesting sour, funky component that I don't recall this beer had when I had it in Seattle. Regardless. This is an exceptional beer, though my guess is there probably is some variation from keg to keg.