There’s no denying the supreme drinkability of a cold, crisp rice beer, as industry stalwarts like macro Japanese breweries Sapporo and Asahi demonstrate. But smaller craft brewers are increasingly tinkering with the style, recognizing the mass appeal of a clean, crushable beer while still experimenting with their own interpretations. Whether using whole grain sushi rice or toying with unique hop profiles, these rice beers deliver on both drinkability and delight.
Crux Bochi Bochi Japanese Rice Lager
Ryan Atagi, Crux head brewer and fourth-generation Japanese American, created Bochi Bochi as a way to brew a Japanese rice lager that honored both his heritage and the classic rice beers he loved. Brewed with 40 percent whole grain Calrose rice and whole-leaf Tettnang hops, Bochi Bochi is supremely light and crisp, with an almost creamy mouthfeel and a subtle note of toasty rice on the finish. See cruxfermentation.com for distribution.
Japas Cervejaria Nama Biiru Japanese Rice Lager
Brewed by Japas Cervejaria in homage to the nama biru (fresh, unpasteurized beer) found on tap in the izakayas of Japan, Nama Biiru super dry rice lager was designed to be just as crushable. The Nipo-Brazilian, women-founded brewery based in São Paulo uses Sorachi Ace and Lemondrop hops, and the resulting brew is bright and crisp with a subtle note of clover honey. See japascervejaria.com for distribution.
Threes Brewing Gowanus Gold Rice Lager
Brooklyn-based Threes Brewing aims for a flavorful twist with their rice lager, utilizing the bolder Carolina Gold rice and German pilsner malt.
This Article was originally published on IMBIBE Magazine
