Hop On Hop Off

O’Hara’s ‘Sorachi Ace’ from the ‘Hop Adventure’ series takes tastes buds on a worldwide trip.

O’Hara’s® Irish Craft Beers has launched ‘SORACHI ACE’ single hop IPA, and the first of the ‘Hop Adventure Series’, developed to showcase the most interesting hops from around the world, with Japan as the first stop.

The beer was brewed to allow the hops to display their full flavour and aroma. The style is a single hop India Pale Ale, meaning one hop was used for bittering, aroma and several doses of dry-hopping*.

 

The Hop:

The Sorachi Ace hop has origins in Hokkaido, Japan and is one of the most unique hops available. It gained increased notoriety and usage during 2008 hop shortages in the Western world.

The brewing process:

The master brewer reduced the amount of speciality malt typically used in a standard India Pale Ale as the hops take the driving seat in this beer, and display their full aroma and flavour.

The look:

A light golden colour with white head.

The smell:
In terms of aroma, this is the beer that keeps on giving, with the hop aroma continuing to develop even after it has been served. Initially there is intense lemongrass with notes of coconut. After a few minutes the coconut becomes more pronounced, as well as some pickled dill, white flower and a touch of wood.

The taste:

The flavor develops as you drink, with each sip offering something new to discover. Zesty and bright lemongrass is the most prominent at the beginning with coconut getting stronger. More herbal notes develop as well as some coriander and a hint of wood again. It is a light bodied beer with good levels of bitterness and a dry finish.

The Menu Combo:

Pair this light bodied beer with delicate meats like lemon chicken, salmon, or shrimp. The levels of bitterness make it a perfect beer to enjoy with salads, and its bright citrus notes go great with tangy key lime pie.