Aperitif De La Nuit Blanche - by Niigata

Niigata - Aperitif De La Nuit Blanche - Niigata Prefecture - 4.5% - 350 ml bottle:
Taste: This is a sharp somewhat acidic beer, notes of banana, peach, vanilla, malt, and not really hoppy at all.
Smell: Aroma of banana, faintly fruity in general.
Look: A semi-opaque yellow, poured with a nice head, nicely carbonated, no lace.
Verdict: Well this is definitely different, its almost in-between a lager and a weizen. But it's a rather mild, weak bodied beer - there is definitely "something" missing... hops for starters, but ultimately other things as well. Calling this one a dud.

Single Malt Du Soleil Couchant - by Niigata

Niigata - Single Malt Du Soleil Couchant (Belgian Strong Ale) - Niigata Prefecture - 7% - 350 ml bottle:
Taste: Sweet roasted malts, chocolate, sour cherry, raisins, vinous, and also some brandy or cognac character, complex to say the least; full bodied with a dry finish.
Smell: Sweet & sour scents.
Look: An unclear dark red-brown, pouring with a stained head, no lacing.
Verdict: While this started off a little too tangy for me at first, it began to grow on me as I took more sips. Of interesting note is that Niigata recommends aging this beer up to 2 years, stating that after a 6 month period the hops will become more defined, while waiting an additional 6 months more will balance the malts to the hops. Unfortunately for me I drank this beer only a month or so after it was born.

Ikinama - by Echigo

Echigo - Ikinama (Super Premium / All Malt Beer) - Niigata Prefecture - 5% - 350 ml can:
Taste: Malt is dominate and provides a nice earthy taste, hops are blended-in giving way to some bitterness, there is some resemblance to apple juice here, carbonation produces the fizziness associated with this style, refreshing.
Smell: A balanced malt and hop aroma.
Look: Very clear, light golden, a nice looking Pilsner, poured with a small head which settled quickly.Verdict: Nothing too special here, but do feel this is slightly better than similar class-lagers most macros producing.

Espresso De La Nuit Norie - by Niigata Beer

Niigata Beer - Espresso De La Nuit Noire - Niigata Prefecture - 7% - 350 ml bottle:
Taste: Variety of flavors here: espresso coffee, chocolate, nuts, very sweet, bitter aftertaste, hits of vanilla extract, heavy/syrupy texture, Guinness-like but more intense, not hoppy- but has a bite similar to bitter-chocolate.
Smell: Potent chocolate & coffee, whiffs of vanilla extract, alcohol and sweetness.
Look: Black- can't see through this beer, small but beautiful brown stained head which dissipated in about 2 minuets, just a little lacing lingers; looks like black coffee, noticed some shades of brown around the rim of the glass.
Verdict: Yeah I like this; guess I like most stouts then, but this one hides its high ABV reasonably well with its complex flavor. This a better than average stout but far from the best; I just really like to root for the little guys. The bottle is simple yet mysteriously attractively- it's what caught my attention in the first place. I drank this on Christmas Eve alone- so it holds a special place in my heart now ;-)

Gallowsgate IPA - by Swan Lake

Swan Lake - Gallowsgate IPA - Niigata Prefecture - 5.5% - UK Pint @ The Aldgate:
Taste: A strong hoppy nicely balanced bitter taste, malt is detectable but stay in the background, hints of citrus, grapefruit, caramel, has a subtle sweetness to it.
Smell: Citrus, floral, hoppy aroma.
Look: Opaque golden orange, reminiscent to a cloudy honey, nice head with good lace as shown in the picture.Verdict: This is a great take on a US West Coast IPA; big & hoppy! This would play its part perfectly at any serious beer bar and I have no doubt would make a devoted following even if priced a little higher than a US domestic micro.

90 Days Stout - by Echigo

Echigo - 90 Days Stout - Niigata Prefecture - 7% - 330 ml bottle @ La-Cachette bar:
Taste: Light roasted malts; hints of bitters (chocolate & coffee), caramel, and smoke; nothing is overwhelming here.
Smell: Roasted malt aroma, nothing else really makes its presence known.
Look: Medium body for a stout (dark brown), wimpy head & lace.
Verdict: This is what you call a light stout- this is not a bad thing actually, as it would go great with raw fish or fresh vegetables. I've had better stouts out here, namely the Tokyo Black and Harvestmoon Double Stout, but as mentioned this could play an important pairing role.

Harry Porter - by Swan Lake

Swan Lake - Harry Porter (an Aldgate original) - Niigata Prefecture - ? ABV - UK Pint @ The Aldgate pub:
Taste: As a good porter should be this is a smoky and complex beer, malt steps up here while the hops settle in.
Smell: Smokey, roasted malt aroma.
Looks: Near black- but a deep brown from certain angles, head dissipated fast but strong lace is left behind.Verdict: Although porters are not my most favorite of styles (I like stouts more), this was delicious indeed. To me the importance lies in getting a smokey flavor, but one that does not overpower the taste; this is a great example of balancing roasted smoked malts to an enjoyable drinking experience.

Swan Lake - IPA

Swan Lake - IPA - Niigata Prefecture - 6% - UK Pint @ The Aldgate pub:
Taste: Hops have a nice bite, bitterness of pine, but balanced with raisin, orange peels and butter that lingers.
Looks: Orange/red medium body- though leans closer to orange, creamy head, lace is thick & holds.
Smell: I get citrus- orange in particular, hops, malt, and some sweetness.Verdict: Since I've only had this beer once and the Gallowsgate version once- I can't really compare the differences too much. What I can say is that like the Gallowsgate, this is another excellent Left Coast IPA and highly recommended!

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.