送り犬 (Okuriinu)

1 keg max per venue

This release has been a long time in the making and part of the original concept of the Yosuzume collaboration brewed with our friends at Anglo Japan Brewing in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture. As you may recall, the Yosuzume (aka Night Sparrow) in Japanese folklore warned travellers on night-time paths of impending danger, specifically the attack of the Okuriinu. Said to be a wolf-like creature, this mythical beast would attack weary travellers who pushed ahead through the dark forest instead of stopping to rest for the night. To befit the legend, Okuriinu takes inspiration from Yosuzume but the body and flavour of the beer were turned up just a tad to make this a truly formidable brew. A huge amount of malt means a luscious, full mouthfeel, and our house Belgian yeast leaves a deceivingly drinkable apricot and ripe fruit character. A night-time sipper for sure!
As was also part of the original concept, a portion of Okuriinu will be aged in whiskey barrels before being released sometime in 2020. Beware the call of the Yosuzume, for it has brought forth the Okuriinu!

Naming: The Okuri-inu, directly translated as“sending-off dog” is a “yokai” known for haunting mountain passes and forested roads. Slowly following night travellers and lurking in the shadows nearby, the Okuri-inu is so ferocious that no other beast or wild creature will come close. Beware, however, as this vicious dog awaits the moment where the night traveller may stumble to attack. So considering this a warning for your walk home tonight. While you may have enjoyed the ease by which your evening has passed along thus far, the strength of this drinkable beast is not to be dismissed. For as you stroll casually towards the lights of home, you may find your footing to be less sure than it was before…