The hot summer is here, and the only way to survive is with a cold beer! As a die-hard craft beer lover, I’m excited to introduce you to the perfect craft beer for this season.
Today’s spotlight is on "Umibe no Ale" from one of Japan’s leading beer manufacturers, Suntory. This limited-edition ale offers a light and refreshing aroma, making it an ideal beer for summer.
SUNTORY Umibe no Ale
If there’s one beer that makes you happy just by being in your fridge, it’s The Premium Malts. From its name alone, it feels premium and special, and of course, the taste is luxurious too.
That sense of exclusivity and dedication to quality is something it shares with craft beers. In fact, I’ve noticed that many craft beer fans also love Premium Malts (according to my own research).
Even when there’s no craft beer available, if Premium Malts is on the menu, it’s enough to satisfy that craving for a good beer.
So, today I’m introducing "Umibe no Ale," a limited-edition release under the Premium Malts brand, trusted by craft beer lovers.
Aromatic Ale – Savor the Scent!
This ale is part of a different line from the standard pilsner-type Premium Malts. It’s part of the Kaoru Ale series, created with the goal of being "an ale loved by Japanese beer fans."
Thanks to the craft beer boom, ales have gained recognition in Japan, but just a few years ago, they were almost unheard of.
Ales tend to be more distinctive, with bold and complex flavors, which took time to be embraced by Japanese palates, used to the crisp, clean taste of lagers.
That’s why it’s particularly moving for a craft beer lover like myself to see a major player like Suntory include an ale as part of its regular lineup.
"Umibe no Ale" is even more refreshing than the original Kaoru Ale. With an alcohol content of 6%, the IBU (bitterness index) isn’t disclosed, but the bitterness is very mild, and it even has the clean finish of a pilsner.
The color is light, and there’s none of the strong fermentation aroma or yeastiness typical of many ales. Instead, you get to fully enjoy its wonderful fragrance.
A Delicate 'Japanese Ale' Experience
When you think of ales, you often imagine bold, wild, and powerful flavors. Many imported ales pack such a punch that they can surprise you from the very first sip. While they can be described as unique, sometimes they can also come across as a bit rough around the edges.
However, both the Kaoru Ale series and this Umibe no Ale offer incredibly delicate flavors. You can tell with just one sip how meticulously crafted they are.
In terms of being a uniquely Japanese ale, I believe it doesn’t get any better than this. It’s a beer that encapsulates the high quality and attention to detail that Japan is known for.
