だるま (Daruma)

Since starting Kyoto Brewing Co., one area in which we have experimented a great deal and are just now seeing the fruits of that labour is using heavily kilned crystal malts.

Around the beginning of 2017, we were introduced to crystal malts from Simpsons Malt, an independent and family owned business based in the UK, and we finally found a flavour profile that excited us. These malts not only meant that beers of a darker hue made it into the brewing lineup more often, but that the quality of flavour of beers using these ingredients improved dramatically.

With our latest release and one of our most unique products to date, we opted to let the malt be the focus and combined both the Medium and Extra Dark Crystal malts from the Simpsons catalog, creating a luscious candy raisin like background with hints of toffee and roast character. A low fermentation temperature meant that our house Belgian ale yeast left plenty of fruity flavours and mouthfeel behind for the pungent character of Enigma, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops to wrap around. The unique interplay of malt, yeast, and hops quickly became a favorite during tastings by the brewteam, and we look forward to hearing your reaction to this unique brew!

Naming: We’ve made amber ales on quite a number of occasions and feel we have learned something each time that we can take to our next interpretation of the style.

The Daruma is a round Japanese traditional doll that is a symbol of perseverance and determination. The Daruma has a severe expression and is usually painted in an intense, bright and polished red colour. While we feel this beer is perhaps in some ways the most perfected Amber Ale we have made to date, and a culmination of our efforts so far, the further polishing of this style at KBC will no doubt continue, just like our friend, old Daruma-san.