Beer Is Good – Hokkaido Beer Pirkawakka Pilsner Jibiiru

This Pils from Hokkaido Beer Pirkawakka brewery in Chitose, South of Sapporo, has the distinct bitter flavor common to the variety. The aroma is richly malty. There is a mild flowery aroma from the hopping, but no sweet taste. If you enjoy a good bitter Pils, then you will like this one. It is the most bitter Japanese jibiiru I have tasted to date. The color is a medium amber. The initial flavor is clean and malty, and the finish crisp. The malt and bitter both fade evenly in the aftertaste. The carbonation is moderate. Although richly flavored, this is an easily drinkable, refreshing Pils. This is the best Pils from Japan that I have tried! It is not unlike a Lowenbrau or Wernesgruner with more flavor. If you like your Pils a little less bitter, try the Otaru Beer Pilsner jibiiru.

5% ABV

Not available outside the JDM

Highly recommended

Four out of four drunken monkeys

Oh, and if the brewery name is giving you trouble, it’s an Ainu word for “clear waters” phonetically broken down as “pir-ka-wak-ka” (it is Romanized as “pirkawakka”, but the Katakana sounds out “pirikawakka”).  The manufacturer is identified as “Kabushikigaisha (joint-stock corporation) Koujinsha” on the information panel.  Previously, the Pirkawakka brand was owned and produced by “Chitose Craft Beer”, which is now apparently defunct, as their website is broken.