Jul 19, 2011

Yoho Aooni IPA

Yoho Aooni IPA photoIt’s a happy little can

The artwork on this can of Yo-Ho Brewing’s Aooni IPA is what initially drew me to pick it up the other day. The opportunity to try an American-style IPA from Japan certainly didn’t hurt either. Beyond the 7% ABV, I know absolutely nothing else about this beer or the Nagano-based brewery that makes it, so let’s just jump right into the beer shall we.

Appearance

Pouring amber in color the beer was capped with a one finger white head that faded slowly to patchy lacing.

Aroma

Perhaps it was served too cold, but the beer really didn’t reveal much in the nose. Light wafts of grassy, citrus hops and toasted malt are in there, but nothing really overwhelming.

Taste

For as relatively subtle as the aroma was, the beer has much more to it. A solid malt backbone is the base for a light hop presence to build from. It’s not a strong hop component, but it does have a solid citrus character that leaves a lingering bitterness in the finish. It’s got a distinct flavor that’s a bit different from most IPAs, but it’s not something I can really pinpoint.

Overall

I really wasn’t expecting much from this beer to tell you the truth, but the Aooni turned out to be a fairly solid and balanced beer. It’s refreshing on the palate and has a decent flavor. I don’t recall how much I paid for the single can, but I wouldn’t rule out buying this beer again.

Rating: 3.5/5

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