A Restocked Beer


At Susukino Ale STAND, a beer pub on the B1F of the COCONO SUSUKINO commercial complex in Susukino, Sapporo, Hop Kotan Brewing's "AKIRA ACT" has been restocked. True to the shop's focus on craft beer from Hokkaido breweries, this time a Belgian tripel, a style prized for its balance of aroma and alcohol character, has returned.

"AKIRA ACT" stands out for using Cascade hops from Kamifurano, rather than the milder hops typically used in tripels. When poured into a glass, it brings out a refreshing citrus-like character, along with yeast-derived fruit notes reminiscent of pear and white grapes. It has a strong aroma, but the sweetness is restrained and the finish is dry.

The foam is fine and the mouthfeel is light. Because the high alcohol content is not especially pronounced, it is an easy pick even for people who like Belgian-style beers or wine-like aromas. The shop also recommends pairing it with slightly richer dishes such as cheese, roast chicken, and sausages. If you're looking for a drink to go with dinner around Susukino Station, this is one restock worth adding to your list of places to stop by.