行き合いの空 (Changing Skies)

While in Japan September 1 marks the official start of fall, one would be forgiven for thinking that summer has not quite ended yet, and everyone has their favourite ways of beating the daytime heat. This brew was crafted with two goals in mind: to be a bit of an oasis in a glass to escape the heat and to commemorate our first participation in the fall version of one of Japan’s largest beer festivals.

Considering the timing, we took the refreshing acidity of a kettle sour brew and accented it with the sweet flavour and aroma of Amarillo hops. The result is a dangerously drinkable Sour Saison that will surely get you through not only the daytime heat but also surely be your go-to beer at the Keyaki Beer Festival Autumn!

Naming: The Japanese name of this beer, “Yukiaizora”, is a somewhat rare term, specifically referring to the change in the skies as summer moves to autumn. We timed this beer to be ready for Saitama’s Keyaki Beer Festival Autumn, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Although it's a fall festival, it is still hot, so we thought a sharp Sour Saison with some fruity hop aromas would fit the bill very nicely. Here’s to that time when the calendar tells you it’s fall, but that dryness in your throat tells you it’s still summer. Kanpai!

Style: Sour Saison

Malt Bill:

Pilsner, Wheat

Hops:

Bittering: Merkur

Flavour/Aroma: Amarillo, Centennial

Yeast: Belle Saison

ABV: 6.0%

IBU: 25

Gas Volumes: 2.5