Echigo - Red Ale

Echigo - Red Ale - Niigata Prefecture - 5% - 350 ml can:
Taste: Hops are present as is malt; bitter (sour) cherries; other fruits too; not overly sweet; smooth yet has a bite; really a big complex taste here.
Smell: Apricot possibly; sour fruity whiffs; and yes hops & malt.
Look: Absolutely f'n beautiful; crimson (deep) red w/ a tint of orange; head & lacing in attendance.Verdict: Echigo is a pioneer out here, proclaimed as Japan's first microbrewery; and their beers are good to boot! But what do I think about this particular beer? Love it! Too often Red Ales don't pack the bite I'm looking for, but the hops are here and the bitterness is balanced to perfection!Pairing Notes: A perfect snack locally bought in Kyodo: Echigo was selling for a short sweet minuet at the Sunkus on Nodai street; the taiyaki came from the bakery Kanbou on Suzuran street.