Koshihikari Echigo Rice Lager - Review by: @Robyn_Seto

Echigo Beer Co.,Ldt is Japan’s first craft brewery. In 1994 Japan relaxed its strict liquor laws by lowering the required volume of product for sale, and thus the local market opened to microbreweries of various types. In 1995, Echigo Beer Co. opened its doors. The founder is the son of sake brewers in Niigata, Japan. He spent time as a stage actor in Europe in the 1970’s through the 80’s. He visited a girlfriend in her hometown located in Germany where he absorbed the beer-loving culture. 

Today’s beer is Koshihikari Echigo Rice Lager. Koshihikari is a type of short-grain rice, and the rice used in this rice lager is grown in Niigata, where the brewer is from. The label features a beautiful landscape of farmers planting rice by Niigata native sumi-e painter Katsuyuki Fujii. Everything about this beer is a lovely tribute to the Niigata Prefecture. 

As far as rice lagers go, this one is delightfully refreshing. There is a subtle sweetness that comes from the rice. It has a nice round body but isn’t weighed down at all, however it does become heavier as it warms closer to room temperature. It is flavorful but doesn’t compete with food. The brewer’s website states that this beer goes very well with Japanese food, and I have to agree. I can imagine this pairing perfectly with toriyaki, sushi, donburi, and many other popular Japanese bar dishes. I think of it almost like a very gourmet version of Sapporo or Asahi.

5/5 Burps