Shiga Kogen Beer (Tamamura Honten) has released a limited new beer, "Sono Sen 330ml". As the name suggests, it is positioned as a "supercharged" version of the brewery's perennial favorite, "Sono Ju," and the concept is very straightforward. Like 1t IPA, it is brewed on a scale that uses 1 ton (1,000 kg) of malt and sake rice.

The beer style is Imperial IPA. Its specs are ABV 8.5% / IBU 90, which is quite high, but the description says it still has a "dry finish," aiming for a crisp landing rather than simple heaviness. It pours a slightly hazy, bright blonde. The aroma centers on citrus notes reminiscent of grapefruit and hassaku, with a design that lets you feel both fleshy juiciness and a thin-pith bitterness at the same time. A subtle tropical character is also noted.

What stands out is the ingredient use that is typical of Shiga Kogen Beer. By using homegrown sake rice "Kinmonnishiki", the beer gains a rounded sweetness while still achieving a solid balance of bitterness and dryness. In addition, more than 60 days of conditioning after brewing helps soften the edges of the alcohol, creating a beer that is both hoppy and mellow.

The food-pairing suggestions are practical as well. It is said to pair well with dishes that include citrus, acidity, or salt, such as seafood salad, pickles, grilled or fried white fish, salt-seasoned yakitori, and tempura. Even though it is a high-ABV IPA, the fact that it is discussed in relation to Japanese cuisine feels very much like the perspective of Tamamura Honten in Nagano, which also produces sake.

It is sold in 330 ml bottles for 605 yen (tax included), with 5,248 bottles available in total. For anyone who wants to experience both the amount of hops and the drinkability at the table that define Shiga Kogen Beer, this is one bottle worth trying first.