On Mikkeller Single Hop Sorachi Ace

Next up in my Mikkeller Single Hop Series tastings is Sorachi Ace. This is my second exposure to Sorachi Ace; the first being with Brooklyn Brewing's Sorachi Ace. Common to saisons and IPAs, this relatively new hop from Japan is probably known most for its intense lemony aromas. With alpha acids over 10% it can easily be over bitter, but I think Mikkeller has done a good job to keep it in check. 

 The beer pours a cloudy, burnt orange color beneath a shallow carpet of white foam. Lemon and honey infiltrate the nose with a bit of warm biscuits. Not unlike a crumpet with lemon curd. 

Alcohol gives way to flavors of lemon and a bit of grass. Strangely, malt flavors are more apparent in the aroma than the flavor. Hints of grapefruit linger in the finish. This beer is medium bodied and exhibits lively carbonation with generally good balance that tilts to the malt side for an IPA. 

Lingering sweetness borders on cloying but doesn’t quite cross that line. This is my second exposure to Sorachi Ace hops, and the flavor is growing on me. I see this beer pairing well with whitefish or sushi.

Single hop series reviews:

Nelson Sauvin
Simcoe

On Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

I've wanted to try this beer - and this hop variety - since it first came out on draft only in late 2009.  Unfortunately, I do not live in New York, so when Brooklyn Brewery came out with their Sorachi Ace in large format champagne bottles 6 months later, I was already watering at the mouth.  Alas, I resisted the urge to buy a full case off the bat.

The truth is, the elegance of the bottle scared me.  Designed by renowned graphic designer Milton Glaser, the simple lines and playful label design combined with the sexy curves of the neck and raised logo told me I was in for something more like a 1920s champagne bar than a tall boy at the tailgate party.  How could I possibly appreciate this beer to it's full potential?  Or, what if the beverage inside is overshadowed by the bottle?

But nothing lasts forever and the beer in this beautiful bottle does nobody any good if it stays there so I popped the cork.  The aroma hits fast and furious with citrus peel, candied ginger, and grass that completely fills my nose.  An ever so slightly cloudy appearance.  Straw gold (my picture makes it look darker than in reality) with a bright white head that lingers.  Tiny bubbles slowly migrate to the top of the glass much like champagne.  Tastes like lemons.  Lots of lemons.  Very unique.  Some grassy notes as well.  There is a slight metallic character that comes in far behind the citrus.  The label states, "it tastes like sunshine in a glass", and I couldn't agree more.  Amazingly light for such a strong brew.  Very well attenuated and dry without being thin.  The carbonation is reminiscent of champagne.  This is a good toasting beer as elegant as the label.  Crisis averted.