DD4D x 2nd Story Ale Works German Cold IPA Review

Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%)

This article is based on a past tasting experience, updated in June 2025.

DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) Here’s my review! A collaboration between two beloved Shikoku (四国) breweries — I just had to try it!

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About This Beer

Characteristics

A collaboration between DD4D from Ehime (愛媛) and 2nd Story Ale Works from Tokushima (徳島). The “German” angle really piqued my curiosity.

Availability

Released around April-May 2022.

Where to Buy

I bought it at Tanakaya in Mejiro (目白). Available at domestic craft beer bottle shops.

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I wrote an article rounding up craft beer furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) options — check it out!

クラフトビールのふるさと納税完全ガイド

ふるさと納税で手に入るクラフトビールをブルワリー別にまとめました。納税先を検討中の方は参考にしてください。

rihobeer.com

2024.07.05

Beer Review

Appearance

Haze reminiscent of a sour beer. A whitish, translucent white.

Aroma

Orthonasal Aroma

Moderate dry hop presence? No grassiness, so perhaps restrained? The yeast stands out (perhaps from unexpected chemical reactions?). A strongly acidic aroma. Reminiscent of lambic — like Caesar dressing. Luxurious.

Retronasal Flavor

Retronasally, the moment it hits the palate, noble German hop character unfolds with a subtle lambic-like depth of acidity, and an elegant lager-like aroma rushes in. Within the German character, there are clear nuances of melon and ripe orange.

Taste

Mouthfeel

Gentle. Clearly beer — not wheat or oats — yet still gentle. Water chemistry perhaps? Not cloying at all. The hop presence isn’t aggressive either.

Body and Texture

Even on the tongue it’s not aggressive, but gradually the elegance of noble hops spreads across the palate. A slight acidity that might be lambic-like? Some aged hops mixed in? Or heavy on yeast? Seems quite green for that.

The Swallow

Acidity and bitterness combine with melon-like notes for a luxurious finish. It doesn’t have 2nd SAW’s typical citrus-forward profile, but that’s the nature of a collab (a bit sad as a 2nd SAW fan).

Aftertaste

You’d think the bittering is mild, but the aftertaste carries a solid, persistent green apple-like bitterness that never becomes overbearing.

Dregs

Acidity and a living yeast character. The yeast seems quite vigorous — an aroma like freshly activated yeast.

Overall Impression

A Cold IPA that deeply respects German brewing tradition. The yeast and malt are well-controlled, with noble hop elegance present alongside beautifully expressed fruity notes with a slight American twist. This Cold IPA powerfully delivers the message of what German hops can be! Absolutely outstanding! I hope more Cold IPAs like this appear so we can appreciate hops from many perspectives! DD4D Brewing x 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — end of review!

2ndSAW — See All Our Reviews

2ndSAW アーカイブ - りほのビール旅行記 - アメリカと日本のブルワリー訪問

「2ndSAW」の記事一覧です。

rihobeer.com

Overall Rating

Where to Purchase

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Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — FAQ

Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — What does it taste like?

Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) is a Cold IPA style beer. Please see the full article for a detailed review of the taste, aroma, and appearance.

Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — Where can I buy it?

It may be available at specialty craft beer shops or online stores. If hard to find, check out Recommended Craft Beers for other great options.

Cold IPAのAre there other recommended options?

We review many Cold IPA on this site. Complete Guide to Dank IPAやDDH/TDH Beer Explained for more.

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