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Beer Review: Okami Kasu Japanese Ale

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By: Anthony Page

 Second-year Brewmaster Student


I found myself in the nearest specialty liquor supplier, scavenging for the newest, most hop intense, bittersweet and fruity thing I could possibly find when I saw it sitting there.  This was not the style I usually go for, but something about it drew me in.  As I usually go about on my Saturday afternoons in Calgary, I like to grab some beer prior to my once a week family dinner.  My brother in law will be there, and my father will crack a brew with us.  It’s always been a bit of a mission to broaden their horizons with new and interesting ales and lagers. 

Of course, I have embarked on studying the art of brewing beer, so I should at least justify my path in schooling by wowing them with something remarkable.  There on the shelf were two six packs of beer I had heard about but had never strongly considered purchasing.  The brewery was fairly new in town, the previous style I had tried from them I vaguely remembered.  However, I had heard earlier from a friend that this brewery had added a bizarre ingredient to this beer:  spent rice from sake production.  This strange adjunct intrigued me- usually I pass over the lager or super pale ale styles of beer.  They lack flavor, they lack mouthfeel, they lack complexity, and they lack strength.  Hell, I don’t even like sake.  To me it tastes of watered down, spoiled milk.

Expectations were low.  But out of sheer curiosity I bought the twelve cans sitting there anyways and boy, did this one put the ass in well, you know.  Before dinner was even served my twelve cans had dwindled to two.  My brother in law had asked me for the third time where I had found such glorious golden nectar, whilst my dad twisted my arm to grab him another from the fridge.  It was awesome.  Life sure isn’t shy about letting you know you’ve found something special.


Ol’ Beautiful Brewing

 Okami Kasu Japanese Ale

5.7% ABV

Appearance:  Pours straw gold, some chill haze, one finger of white head that quickly dissipates.

Aroma:  Morning dew, wet hay, subtle hints of lime citrus and lemongrass, a bit of mustiness.

Flavor:  More lemon-lime citrus, musty, sour grain.  Very clean and crisp on the finish.

Mouthfeel:  Surprisingly silky and medium bodied.  Thicker and more coating than most super pale ales or lagers.

Overall Impression:  Once again, this beer shocked me in all the right ways.  It more than exceeded the expectations of the style and has become a staple.  A stronger than average 5.7% ABV yet ridiculously drinkable.  The citrus and lemongrass notes complement any curry or fish dish, especially sushi.  Next time you’re thinking of pairing one of these dishes with a dangerously drinkable beer that can be enjoyed by even an occasional beer drinkers palate, or simply want to enjoy a cold, easy going beer on a hot day, one could do far worse.

Score:  89/100

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