Echigo Session IPL 5% In Jaoanesectge beer seems to be called Citra, Strata, El Dorado IPL. Nice golden color with a wispy thin white topping of foam. The hop bouquet is fairly vibrant with candy citra notes then a touch of mint and a mild fruitiness. Light bodied, dry and crisp. While the pale ale was ok this is above average and pretty solid for Echigo. I’ve become a fan of IPLs, I think they’re my favorite of the styles thatve cropped up over the last few years. This isn’t the best but for the 3-400¥ price it’s a pretty damn good deal.

Great hoppy nose, citrus, tropical fruits, spicy. Light crackery malt. Pale gold, clear, wth a tall airy head. somewhat sweet and thin, a bit like hop tea. Nice hop flavor, but lot maltiness and a thing body. Drinks more like 4% than 5. Tasty, but it cannot live up to the nose. Body is a bit slick as well as thin. Crisp herbal bitterness in the finish. They keep coming out with interesting new beers, but they are all just a tad too simple and lacking in character-a bit too industrial.