Hitachino Beer: Japan's Craft Brewing Icon at Izakaya Juraku

Hitachino Nest is one of the most recognizable names in Japanese craft beer. It's brewed by Kiuchi Brewery, a historic brewery with roots dating back to 1823, and it's become an international name through its balance of tradition, innovation, and unusual flavors.

The History of Hitachino Nest Beer

Hitachino Nest Beer is produced by Kiuchi Brewery, originally founded as a sake brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture nearly 200 years ago. With centuries of brewing expertise behind them, Kiuchi Brewery expanded into craft beer in 1996, launching the Hitachino Nest brand. The brewery quickly gained international recognition for its use of Japanese ingredients and careful brewing techniques, earning multiple awards worldwide.

Hitachino Beer's Brewing Process and Unique Ingredients

Hitachino Nest Beer is built on pure water from Ibaraki Prefecture, premium malts and hops, and distinctly Japanese ingredients like yuzu, sansho pepper, and red rice. The brewery combines traditional European brewing methods with a Japanese approach to fermentation and aging, resulting in richly layered, complex flavors.

Hitachino Nest Beers Available at Izakaya Juraku

• Hitachino Nest White Ale: a Belgian-style wheat beer with a Japanese twist, brewed with coriander, nutmeg, and orange peel for a bright, citrusy aroma
• Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale: brewed with ancient Japanese red rice (akamai), giving it a unique, slightly sweet malt profile with subtle sake-like umami and a reddish-pink hue
• Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager: a citrus-forward lager infused with Japanese yuzu, light and refreshing with a zesty, crisp finish
• Hitachino Nest Pirka: a refreshing, herbaceous ale with light bitterness and citrus undertones
• Hitachino Nest Nipponia: a golden ale brewed with Kaneko Golden Malt and Sorachi Ace hops, both originating in Japan, with a floral, slightly spicy aroma
• Hitachino Nest None Ale: a non-alcoholic beer that still captures the depth and character of Hitachino brews
• Hitachino Nest Sweet Stout: rich and creamy, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel
• Hitachino Nest Sakura Stout: a seasonal stout brewed with cherry blossoms, offering floral undertones over deep, roasted malt
• Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout: a bold, coffee-infused stout made with premium espresso beans
• Hitachino Nest Anbai Ale: brewed with plums and sea salt, giving it a tart, slightly salty character
• Hitachino Nest Dai Dai IPA: a Japanese-style IPA brewed with mandarin oranges (dai dai fruit), citrusy hop bitterness balanced by fruity sweetness

How to Enjoy Hitachino Beer at Izakaya Juraku

• Chilled in a glass, to enjoy the full aroma and complexity of each Hitachino beer
• Paired with food, perfect with grilled skewers, tempura, and seafood

Try Hitachino Nest Beer at Izakaya Juraku (121 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002), with eleven styles on our list, there's a good chance one of them is exactly what you're in the mood for.

Kanpai!