What does “Japanese beer” make you think of? A light Pilsner? A big name like Sapporo or Kirin?

What about a velvety dark brew swimming with caramel, cocoa, and chestnut? Probably not. But that’s exactly what you’ll get with today’s Kuri Kuro Dark Chestnut Ale from the South Japan craft masters at Miyazaki Hideji Beer Brewery!

Japan is home to a growing, vibrant craft brewing scene with adventurous beers like this one, but these brews very rarely make their way stateside. 

One sip of this rich and nutty brew is enough to make you actually want to hop on the next 10+ hour flight to Tokyo, then travel 16 hours southwest to the mountain-nestled Miyazaki Hideji brewery.

Okay, yeah, that sounds exhausting — which is why we’re bringing Kuri Kuro straight to your doorstep! Thanks to modern technology, you can up your international craft cred and skip the jet-lag in just one click! Hooray!

Now, it’ll be tempting to drink this nutty Dark Ale right away, but it’s also worth saving to show off. Miyazaki Hideji has won two World Beer Awards Gold medals and oodles of other awards — a bottle of Kuri Kuro is bound to whip some heads among your craft-nerd friends.

This brew’s deep brown molasses pour with a slight head and immediate roasted chestnut aromas are bound to make mouths water as well. Decadent nutty flavors wash over the palate with ribbons of caramel and chocolate ganache in each sip, whispers of hazelnut and vanilla bean wafting in on the finish. 

Yeah, we can’t blame you if you end up wanting to keep it all to yourself. 

Clocking in at 9% ABV, this Chestnut Ale sure is a relaxer. But before you get too comfortable, raise your glass in tribute to Miyazaki Hideji and count yourself among the exclusive group of American craft connoisseurs who get to taste true Japanese craft beer. 

Cheers! Or as they say in Japan, Kanpai!

Rated 4.15 on Untappd and 4.13 on Beeradvocate!