I want to promote craft beer! I want people to know how delicious it is! While it may be pricier than regular beer, craft beer is worth every yen! As a dedicated craft beer lover, I’d like to introduce you to one of my top recommendations.
Today, I’m featuring "RED DRAGON IPA" from Echigo Beer, the first brewery in Japan to produce craft beer. With the Year of the Dragon upon us, now is the perfect time to enjoy this bold red beer.
Echigo Beer’s RED DRAGON IPA
In 1994, the liquor tax law was revised, allowing small-scale producers to brew beer. This marked the beginning of the local beer boom in Japan. At that time, Echigo Beer became the first brewery in the country to produce craft beer. The founder, Seiichiro Uehara, was the fifth-generation owner of a sake brewery and had a unique background, having studied theater in Europe. True to the phrase printed on the can, “Let’s be romantic, act on stage!” Echigo Beer has released many beers with a creative and artistic flair.
Echigo Beer is the pioneer of craft beer in Japan. Today, I’d like to introduce their “RED DRAGON IPA,” a limited-edition red ale released in December 2023.
A Must-Try for the Year of the Dragon: Limited Edition Red Ale
The can design of the "RED DRAGON IPA," featuring a dragon soaring through the clouds, immediately catches the eye. The dragon holding a beer is a clever touch.
Echigo Beer is also known for its popular "FLYING IPA," which features a dragon as well. This design was inspired by the legendary warrior Kenshin Uesugi, also known as the “Dragon of Echigo,” who hailed from the brewery’s home prefecture, Niigata. Like the RED DRAGON IPA, this design also features a dragon holding a beer.
Rich Red Color with a Gentle, Mellow Flavor
The RED DRAGON IPA has an alcohol content of 5.5% and an IBU (International Bitterness Unit) of 35, making it a relatively mild and easy-to-drink beer.
When poured into a glass, the deep red color is immediately noticeable, giving off a celebratory vibe perfect for the New Year season. The beer is brewed with aromatic hops like Cascade and Citra, which impart a fruity, citrusy aroma that adds a touch of elegance.
The taste is calm and soothing. The roasted malt used to create the red color gives the beer a caramel-like sweetness in the aftertaste.
A Perfect Pairing with Meat Dishes!
IPA beers, known for their strong aroma and bitterness, pair exceptionally well with meat dishes. The robust aroma of the RED DRAGON IPA makes it a great match for richly flavored meats. The beer’s subtle yet distinct flavor won’t be overpowered by bold meat dishes like spareribs or roasted meats. Pairing this beer with hearty, flavorful meat dishes will tie the whole meal together beautifully.
