As summer’s blazing sun takes its toll, there’s nothing better than ending the day with a cold beer!
A dedicated craft beer lover, I’m here to introduce a perfect summer pick: Kizakura Brewery’s LUCKY DRAGON, a limited-edition pale ale made for the Year of the Dragon.
Kizakura Brewery – LUCKY DRAGON
Part of Kizakura Brewery’s LUCKY BREW series, LUCKY DRAGON is the newest addition to their lineup of unique, flavorful beers.
The series features standout brews such as the spicy LUCKY CAT, made with yuzu and Japanese pepper; the fruity session IPA LUCKY DOG; and the tropical IPA LUCKY CHICKEN. Every beer in the lineup is a creative, delicious experience.
LUCKY DRAGON, the seventh release in the series, was crafted as a special Year of the Dragon edition. Its smooth, balanced taste might just bring some extra luck to your summer evenings!
A Beer to Bring Good Fortune
The LUCKY BREW series celebrates each year’s zodiac animal with a new beer. Starting with LUCKY DOG in the Year of the Dog, the series has now reached its seventh release with LUCKY DRAGON.
Although it’s ideal to enjoy these beers at the start of their corresponding zodiac year, they can be challenging to find due to limited production. After searching high and low, I finally got my hands on a can—making this discovery even sweeter.
The can’s design features a playful dragon illustration on a clean white background with muted pastel accents. Stylish yet fun, it’s a visual treat that elevates any table setting.
As a design enthusiast, I can’t help but love the unique fonts used for the labels, too!
LUCKY DRAGON is an American Pale Ale with an alcohol content of 5.0%. Its bitterness level, measured by IBU (International Bitterness Units), is 40, which leans toward the bitter side. However, the caramel-like bitterness offers a touch of sweetness, creating a rich, almost roasted onion-like depth.
Adding to its charm, the beer features an aromatic profile reminiscent of white wine. Its fruity, floral notes are quintessentially American Pale Ale, but with a Japanese twist: the inclusion of rice traditionally used for sake brewing.
The Subtle Magic of Rice
The use of sake rice imparts a rounded, mellow flavor to the beer, softening any harsh edges. In my experience, beers brewed with rice often have a smooth, approachable quality, making them easy to drink—even for those hesitant about stronger craft brews.
Perhaps it’s the Japanese palate’s natural affinity for rice, but there’s an undeniable familiarity and comfort in the flavor profile. While savoring LUCKY DRAGON, I found myself imagining how deeply ingrained rice’s umami might be in our taste memories.
Looking Ahead: The Year of the Snake
Next year’s zodiac animal is the snake, and I can’t wait to see what Kizakura Brewery creates for 2025! Personally, I’m especially excited about the can design. I’ll be sure to grab one early and share my thoughts with you all when it’s released.
Cheers to craft beer and the little joys of life! 🍺
