Even if you love wine,"Come on, at least let me have a beer for the first drink"many people must feel this way.
First, quench your thirst and calm your mind with a beer, then enjoy a delicious wine...
Just like the order in which you eat sushi, there's no reason to be told by others how to drink your alcohol.
That said, when you're about to drink a special wine you care about, it would be somewhat sad if your first drink isa third-category beer.
"I want a delicious beer that makes me want to drink wine as my second drink..."
For those who feel this way, we recommendbeers made with "Nelson Sauvin" hopsor"Citra" hops.
These are unique hops that wine lovers absolutely must try, so please check them out.
Could it really beSauvignon Blanc?
"Nelson Sauvin" hops are relatively new hops, registered as a variety in New Zealand in 2000.
New Zealand is famous as a major production region for the white grape variety Sauvignon Blanc, and "Nelson Sauvin"seems to be related to this Sauvignon Blanc.
Nelson itself is a famous wine region in New Zealand, but it is actually also the country's only hop-growing region.
When the hop breeders in Nelson drank beer made with these hops,"These hops smell like Nelson Sauvignon Blanc!"and so...
It is said that the name "Nelson Sauvin" was given. (It sounds like a joke, butit's not a lie)
Scientifically Sauvignon Blanc as well
"These hops kind of smell like...○○".
While hops are often described in such nuanced ways, the aroma of "Nelson Sauvin" hops has actually been studied in detail.
First, the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc include...
- Citrus aromas like grapefruit
- Herbal aromas
- Tropical fruit-like aromas
among others. (Volatile thiols are said to be key.)
Amazingly, research into the aroma compounds of "Nelson Sauvin" hops revealed that they contain
- 4MSP (boxwood, gorse bud, etc.)
- 3SH (grapefruit)
and moreover,
when brewed as beer...
- 3S4MP (grapefruit, rhubarb, etc.)
was found to be abundantly present.
While not exactly identical to Sauvignon Blanc, the aroma structure is quite similar.
"Nelson Sauvin" isprecisely the hop that creates beer that wine lovers should drink.
Citra is also white wine-like?
Next, we introduce"Citra" hops.
Registered as a variety in 2007 by an American hop breeding organization, these are also said to produce beer reminiscent of white wine.
As the name suggests, "Citra" isa play on "citrus (sharp citrus aroma)"and appears to be used in numerous beers.
While "Nelson Sauvin" hops and "Citra" hops give similar impressions, their aroma compounds differ, so combining the two is said tocreate very complex citrus aromas.
Since Nelson Sauvin is quite a rare hop, for everyday use, beers made with Citra might be more accessible.
Which beers use them?
"Nelson Sauvin, Citra. I understand, but which beers use them?"some may ask.
First, as mentioned earlier, Nelson Sauvin is highly valuable and rare, so it's often found in limited-edition beers.
For example, a collaboration between Fukuoka's BEERSONIC and Far Yeast Brewing,"Far Yeast WESTBOUND Session IPA"made headlines, and at convenience stores, a Sapporo Beer subsidiary produced"Nelson Sauvin no Shinsui (The Essence of Nelson Sauvin)"which was sold.
However, for something you can purchase anywhere right now..."Grand Kirin IPA"or"Grand Kirin WHITE ALE"might be your best bet.
"Grand Kirin IPA" doesn't announce it prominently, but it's written in small text on the top edge of the can "Rare Hops Used!" which apparently refers to these hops.
Also, "Grand Kirin WHITE ALE" uses wheat malt, making it more refreshing with a gentler mouthfeel, perfect for a first drink.
As for Citra.
Readily available options include Suntory's"TOKYO CRAFT"and"Tainai Kogen Beer Citra Weizen","Ginga Kogen Extra Pale Ale"among others.
Also, if you like craft beer, the classic "Duvel" has "Duvel Tripel Hop Citra" which might be easier to find.
Incidentally, Sapporo Beer's annual late-year release"Yebisu with Joël Robuchon"apparently uses Nelson Sauvin, Citra, and hops called "Hallertau Blanc" meaning white wine, among others. (Plus Champagne-region malt)
Although Joël Robuchon passed away in 2019, let's look forward to the 2020 version.
Let's be particular about that first beer too!
If it's a day when you're drinking wine, wouldn't it be interesting to align your first beer toward wine as well?
This time we introduced white wine-style hops like Nelson Sauvin, but there are also many beers reminiscent of red wine.
You've fallen in love with wine.
Why not delve into beer with a wine-like perspective as well?