Beer Review: Cellarmaker Super Hi Japanese-Style Lager
Brewery: Cellarmaker Brewing Co. (Oakland/SF, CA)
Style: Japanese-Style Rice Lager Rating: 4.5 / 5
“The Ultimate Minimalist Masterpiece”
Cellarmaker is world-renowned for its “dank” IPAs and rich stouts, but Super Hi proves that it is just as dangerous when they strip everything back to the basics. This is a beer that values precision over power, and the results are nothing short of elite.
The Pour: Super Hi lives up to its name with “Super” clarity. It pours a brilliant, translucent pale straw with a fine-bubbled, effervescent head that looks like liquid sunshine in a glass. It’s the kind of beer that looks as refreshing as it tastes.
The Nose: The aroma is delicate and sophisticated. There are no heavy malt smells here; instead, you’re greeted with a soft, floral perfume of white blossoms and a very clean, “steamed rice” sweetness. It’s light, airy, and incredibly inviting.
The Sip: The mouthfeel is the star of the show. Thanks to the light touch of rice in the grist, the body is nearly weightless. It drinks crisp and “snappy” from the very first sip. You get a gentle grain character—reminiscent of a fresh water cracker—and a subtle hint of herbal noble hops that provide just enough structure without any lingering bitterness.
This is a “Karaguchi” (dry) style lager done to perfection. While many craft lagers can feel a bit heavy-handed, Super Hi is remarkably disciplined. It captures the spirit of a classic Asahi or Sapporo but elevates it with the high-quality ingredients and brewing technicality we expect from Cellarmaker.
It is the perfect “reset” beer between heavy IPAs or the ideal companion for a plate of spicy sushi or salty ramen. If you’re a fan of “clear beer” and want something ultra-refreshing that doesn’t sacrifice soul, this is your new gold standard.
Kanpai!