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Yona Yona Ale

Published May 2013, Volume 34, Number 2

Yo-Ho Brewing Co.

Nagano, Japan

[Imported by: Beverage Traders, Bellevue, WA]

Yona Yona (“Night after night” in Japanese) pale ale is a medium-bodied American pale ale with a generous amount of cascade hops. Citrus flavor from premium Cascade hops and well-balanced bitterness and sweetness are its main character.

ABV: 5.0

ABW: 3.9

COLOR: 10-11

BITTERNESS: 55-60

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1048

AVAILABLE: AK, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI

  • Charles Finkel

    A law protecting megabrewers in Japan ended more than a decade ago (1994), paving the way for a vigorous microbrewery movement. This micro in a can boasts a spun-gold robe, like a rising sun, with a luxurious thick ermine collar. Malt-intense nose, much like a German Malzbier.  The slightly sweet palate is balanced, breadlike and delicious, with a fresh lingering aftertaste. If sake goes with sushi and other Japanese fare, then Yona Yona is even better. Nice with miso soup and California rolls.

  • Charlie Papazian

    Caution: Open this beer near a sink, as half the contents gushed.  Amber ale with 100 percent chance of clouds.  Wonderful earthy, yeasty, malty aroma with a sweet malt balance in flavor.  Well-balanced flavors and bitterness of hops are not overwhelming and complement the malt character.  Stylistically uncertain but seems to express only a moderate amount of alcohol strength.  What was left in the can and glass is full-flavored and satisfying.

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