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Kirin 2011 Toretate Hoppu (とれたてホップ)

This year's Toretate Hop Kirin Ichiban Shibori lager. They bring one out each year brewed with fresh hops from the current years harvest.

This one is made with Tohoku hops - "Limited Ichiban from the 2011 hop harvest grown with pride in Tohoku" - as it says on the can.

Tohoku is obviously still recovering from the March Tsunami and the ongoing nuclear reactor crisis, with many people still living in shelters and unable to return home. So anything to help the area's businesses and economy recover is a good thing.

So is the beer any good this year? Well, after looking at my previous years reviews of the 2009 and 2010 editions, it seems they're improving year on year.

This pours a pale straw in the glass with a pure white head and a fresh hoppy nose.

On the palate it's light bodied and fresh with light hoppy flavours.

Slightly dry and bitter.

Overall a nice hoppy lager.

If you want to help Japan and the Tohoku area in any way, please click here to find out how.

11 Drinkers Online - Cheers!