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COEDO Shikkoku

COEDO Shikkoku, COEDO Brewery
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
90
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Description 

Shikkoku is a Japanese word that evokes the jet-black color of onyx, perfect for this enchantingly dark, slow-aged brew marked by an elegant, mellow flavor profile. Enigmatic shadows contrast sharply with the brightness of its fine, tea-colored head, while the fragrance of aromatic hops delights the nose. Two types of black malt join six other malt varieties for a black lager that is smooth, light, and balanced—never cloying. Japan proudly offers this dark jewel to stand among the best dark beers in the world.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Hops: 
Aurora
Malts: 
Pilsner, Munich, Wheat, Dunkel, Cara-Dunkel, Sour, German Roast, Carafa Special Type-2
Judges Review 
Michael Heniff's picture
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

COEDO Shikkoku by COEDO Brewery is a black lager and is being evaluated as an International Dark Lager (category 2C in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). International Dark Lager is a catch-all category for moderately strong, dark-colored lagers that do not fit well into other styles such as Munich Dunkel or Schwarzbier. International Dark Lagers are typically restrained in roast and caramel malt character, have a low hop level and exhibit a clean lager fermentation. “Shikkoku” is one of the many Japanese words to describe the color black, typically referring to ‘jet black’.

Shikkoku pours black in color, is almost opaque, and sports a small, fading, light brown head. The aroma is moderate roasted malt with a hint of smokiness; no hops or esters are present. The flavor is similarly roasty with light chocolate and a hint of caramel malts with just a slight sweetness. The beer finishes with a moderately light bitterness and a lingering light roasted malt.

Shikkoku has more roasted malt character than typical International Dark Lagers (but as this is a catch-all category we do not see a need to penalize the beer for this feature). The flavor has a little depth to the maltiness but not so much that it becomes a thick and chewy beer. This is a well-brewed, easy-to-drink dark lager. Kanpai!

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