The season for enjoying a refreshing beer has arrived! After a long, sweaty day, nothing beats quenching your thirst with a special beer.
As a devoted craft beer lover, I’m excited to introduce you to one of my top recommendations: 'Fugaku Beer' India Pale Lager, a beer known for its bold and bitter flavor.
'Fugaku Beer' India Pale Lager
Craft beers are celebrated for their uniqueness, from packaging design to ingredients, brewing methods, and even their names. Among the many distinctive options out there, 'Fugaku Beer' stands out not only for its taste but also for the unique location where it’s brewed.
This beer is produced at the Fuji Kaguya Distillery, located within the expansive sports complex "s_pl@tt FUJISPARK" in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The facility, operated by Tokinosumika Fuji Co., Ltd., includes various sports arenas for soccer, athletics, and more, along with an on-site hotel. Originally a university campus, the complex is nestled in a lush, nature-rich area with views of Mount Fuji.
While breweries are often found in restaurants or city buildings, it’s quite rare to find one inside a sports facility. This unique setting adds to the individuality of 'Fugaku Beer,' particularly its India Pale Lager.
Bold, Bitter, and Refreshing
'Fugaku Beer' is a 5% ABV India Pale Lager (IPL), a beer style that's somewhat less common than its cousin, the India Pale Ale (IPA).
Even I, a seasoned beer enthusiast, haven’t had much experience with IPLs.
The key difference between an IPA and an IPL lies in the fermentation process. IPAs are ales, meaning they undergo top fermentation at warmer temperatures for a shorter period, resulting in a richly aromatic and complex flavor profile. IPLs, on the other hand, are lagers, brewed with bottom fermentation at cooler temperatures over a longer period, yielding a crisp and clean finish.
What sets IPLs apart is the heavy use of hops, which creates a concentrated bitterness while maintaining the refreshing qualities of a lager. The result is a beer that lives up to its tagline: "Bold, Bitter, and Refreshing."
Brewed with Pure Mount Fuji Spring Water
True to its name, 'Fugaku Beer' is made with pure spring water sourced from Mount Fuji. The beer has a sharp, crisp initial taste with a pronounced bitter finish, yet it doesn’t feel heavy, making it a great choice for a celebratory toast. The packaging, featuring a ukiyo-e-inspired design by Utagawa Kunisada, adds an extra touch of flair and is sure to be a conversation starter.
If you’re looking for a bold, bitter beer with a refreshing finish, 'Fugaku Beer' India Pale Lager is a must-try. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer drinker or new to the world of IPLs, this beer is sure to impress.
