If pressed to name a few Japanese beers, you’d likely list adjunct lagers that you only drink at a sushi bar. It’s time to get acquainted with the best craft beer from the Land of the Rising Sun: Hitachino Nest Beer by Kiuchi Brewery. This microbrewery creates innovative beers like Hitachino Nest White Ale, a beautiful Belgian-inspired witbier; Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale, a pink-colored ale that holds slightly fruity, sake-like flavors and is dangerously drinkable; and my favorite, Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout, a Russian Imperial stout packed with coffee notes.
This article appears in May 2015.