For the discerning craft beer lovers of Bernal Heights, who appreciate nuanced flavors and thoughtful brewing, Jester King’s “Nani?!” Japanese-Style Lager offers a unique and intriguing experience that sets it apart from your everyday crisp lager.
Jester King “Nani?!” Japanese-Style Lager: A Review for Bernal Heights Craft Beer Aficionados
Jester King, known for their innovative and often boundary-pushing farmhouse ales, brings a surprising yet welcome entry into the world of lagers with “Nani?!”. This isn’t your standard, mass-produced rice lager; it’s a craft interpretation that respects the style while infusing Jester King’s signature thoughtful approach.
The Style: Japanese-Style Lager
For those unfamiliar, Japanese-style lagers distinguish themselves with their emphasis on crispness, lightness, and a dry finish, often achieved through the incorporation of rice in the grist alongside traditional barley. This adjunct not only contributes to a pale, clear appearance but also helps create a remarkably clean palate, making them incredibly refreshing and highly versatile with food. While hop bitterness is generally subdued, some craft interpretations, like Nani!, might explore more aromatic hop varieties.
Nani?!’s Profile: What to Expect
“Nani!” (which translates to “What!” in Japanese, a playful nod to its unique character) is brewed with Weyermann Pilsner malt, puffed rice, and Sorachi Ace hops. The inclusion of Sorachi Ace is particularly noteworthy for craft beer enthusiasts, as this hop variety, originally developed in Japan, is known for its distinct and often polarizing characteristics – think lemongrass, dill, and even a hint of coconut or citrus.
When you pour “Nani?!”, expect a brilliant, clear, pale straw to golden color with a clean, effervescent head that may dissipate relatively quickly, typical of the style.
- On the nose, you’ll likely pick up soft aromatics of jasmine rice, subtle notes of fresh bread or crackers, and the unmistakable herbaceous, citrusy, and slightly minty or dill-like qualities from the Sorachi Ace hops. It’s an intriguing blend that sets it apart from more traditional lagers.
- The palate delivers on the promise of the aroma. It’s incredibly light-bodied and crisp, with a quenching dryness that makes it immensely drinkable. You’ll taste a delicate balance of grainy sweetness from the rice and pilsner malt, followed by the refreshing, almost green tea-like notes and faint herbal bitterness from the Sorachi Ace. Some might even detect nuances of a crackly baguette or subtle characteristics of white wine. The finish is exceptionally clean and snappy, inviting another sip.
For the Bernal Heights Palate
Bernal Heights’ craft beer scene, with its appreciation for diverse styles and quality ingredients (shout out to local gems like SF Beer Shop, Holy Water, and Barebottle Brewing Co. for curating excellent selections!), will likely find “Nani?!” a fascinating and enjoyable departure from the norm.
- If you appreciate subtle complexity: The delicate interplay of rice and the unique Sorachi Ace hops offers layers of flavor that reveal themselves with each sip. It’s not a hop bomb or a malt-forward behemoth, but rather a beer that rewards thoughtful consumption.
- If you’re looking for something refreshing yet distinctive: In a neighborhood known for its vibrant community and outdoor activities, “Nani!” hits the mark as a perfect warm-weather companion, offering supreme refreshment without sacrificing intriguing flavor.
- If you enjoy pairing beer with food: Its clean profile and subtle flavors make it an excellent partner for a wide range of cuisines, especially Asian dishes like sushi or lighter seafood, where its crispness can cut through richer flavors and its nuanced profile can complement delicate ones.
Potential Considerations
While generally well-regarded, some may find the Sorachi Ace hop character a bit unique if they’re not accustomed to it. The “dill” note, while often subtle, can be unexpected for those expecting a more straightforward lager. However, for true craft beer explorers in Bernal Heights, this is precisely what makes “Nani?!” so appealing.
Jester King “Nani?!” Japanese-Style Lager is a testament to the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. For Bernal Heights’ craft beer lovers, it’s a highly recommended pour that offers a refined, refreshing, and surprisingly complex take on a classic style. Seek it out and prepare to say “Nani!” (in the best way possible).