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【Limited 4,425 bottles】Shiga Kogen Beer Takashi in Paris Complete Review – Exquisite Imperial Stout Aged in Cognac Barrels for 15 Months
Shiga Kogen Beer’s special limited brew “Takashi in Paris / Imperial Stout aged in Cognac Barrels” is the ultimate Imperial Stout aged for 15 months in high-quality French cognac barrels. With impressive specs of 10.5% ABV and 28 IBU, this beer features a surprisingly dry finish thanks to saison yeast fermentation. It’s an artistic masterpiece characterized by complex aromas of blackcurrant, prune, and raisins, with rich flavors reminiscent of rum raisin.
What you’ll learn from this article
- The special brewing method and aging process of “Takashi in Paris”
- Complex flavor characteristics brought by cognac barrel aging
- Basic knowledge of Belgian Imperial Stout
- Rare value and enjoyment of limited brewing beer
“Takashi in Paris” is such an interesting name! How is it different from the regular “Takashi”?
According to the official explanation, the concept is “Takashi who dressed up a bit to go to France.” It’s a special version created specifically for cognac barrel aging, with a revamped malt blend, different hop varieties, and finished as a Belgian Imperial Stout using saison yeast.
Takashi in Paris Basic Information
| Beer Style | Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (Belgian) |
|---|---|
| ABV (Alcohol Content) | 10.5% |
| IBU (Bitterness) | 28 |
| SRM (Color Intensity) | Black (40+ SRM) |
| Limited Bottles | 4,425 bottles |
| Aging Period | 15 months |
| Aging Barrel | French Cognac Barrels |
| Yeast | Saison Yeast |
| Label Design | Brewer’s daughter (one of the twins) |
Brewer’s Comment
As the name suggests, this is an Imperial Stout aged for 15 months in barrels from a famous French cognac house. While our signature Imperial Stout is the Takashi Imperial Stout, this is a special version created from scratch specifically for cognac aging.
We revised the malt blend, changed the hop varieties to highlight the barrel aromas, and significantly reduced the hop quantities. Furthermore, we used saison yeast for fermentation, making this essentially a Belgian Imperial Stout.
It features complex aromas derived from cognac barrels, with nuances of blackcurrant and prune, plus the characteristic raisin-like impression typical of cognac. It has a smooth mouthfeel with subtle acidity and gentle sweetness. Despite its intimidating specs, it’s surprisingly dry and clean in impression.
Source: Tamamura Honten Official Website (Confirmed: July 1, 2025)
【Beginner’s Guide: Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout】
Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout is a beer style where high-alcohol Imperial Stout (8%+) is aged in barrels, hop! By using barrels that previously held whiskey, brandy, wine, or other spirits, complex flavors like vanilla, oak, and tannins are added, hop! The aging period ranges from several months to years, and over time the flavors become mellow and the alcohol bite softens, hop!
Tasting Review
👁️ Appearance
Deep black color. So dense that no light passes through even when held up to light. Cream-colored foam with good retention, forming beautiful lacing around the glass rim.
👃 Aroma
Aroma (Orthonasal): Sweet malt aroma like brown sugar, anmitsu, and somewhat caramel. Hop aroma is restrained but provides a refreshing sensation. Belgian yeast-derived phenols are present, sharing common aromas with abbey beers. The moment you bring it to your mouth, a strong soy sauce impression emerges. It’s like cold soy sauce that would pair well with sea bream.
Flavor (Retronasal): Rum raisin-like freshness and acidity. Moderate hop bitterness. A touch of citrus as accompaniment. Liquid infused with cognac barrel aromas. Refreshing sensation passing through the nose after drinking. There’s also a toasted cookie-like malt impression.
👅 Taste & Mouthfeel
Mouthfeel: Restrained carbonation hits the mouth gently. Whiskey-like mouthfeel.
Body & Texture: Rather than sweet chocolate, it’s like bitter chocolate with high cacao content plus citrus peel. The liquid is dry rather than rich. Despite restrained carbonation, the acidic impression is strong. There’s also a somewhat nutty, protein-like impression. Slightly oily sensation, and the alcohol-derived coolness feels very pleasant.
Finish & Aftertaste
Swallowing moment: Dry.
Aftertaste: Beyond rum raisin, the aroma of dried grapes lingers long. Would pair well with sweets, makes you want cake.
Bottom of bottle: Concentrated rum raisin juice. Some hop persistence too. Alcohol impression also comes through as coolness. Delicious.
An Imperial Stout using saison yeast is quite unusual! What kind of characteristics does it have?
Using saison yeast in Imperial Stout results in higher attenuation than regular stouts, creating a dry finish, hop! It also adds phenolic aromas (spicy scents), creating a more complex flavor profile, hop! In this beer’s case, it manifests as transparent aromas like abbey beers and a surprisingly clean drinking experience, hop!
Overall Impression
You can fully enjoy the fascinating aspects of cognac barrels. Not only can you appreciate the barrel-derived infused aromas, but the liquid itself is very dry and would pair well with various dishes. I especially think the compatibility with ice cream would be outstanding.
Recommended Pairings
Based on the brewer’s recommendations and personal impressions, the following combinations are recommended:
- Official recommendation: Cheesecake with nuts, dried fruits, and berry sauce
- Personal recommendation: Vanilla ice cream, chocolate desserts
- Japanese cuisine: Sashimi (especially sea bream), soy sauce-based simmered dishes
- Cheese: Blue cheese, aged cheddar
🛒 Check Related Products
For those interested in barrel-aged beers and Imperial Stouts, I’ll introduce some recommended products, hop!
🍺 The World of Shiga Kogen Beer
Shiga Kogen Beer Imperial Stout Takashi
The standard Imperial Stout that serves as the base for Takashi in Paris. Enjoy complex flavors.
Shiga Kogen Beer Furusato Nozei Set
Furusato Nozei return gift set featuring representative Shiga Kogen beers.
Imperial Stout Specialty Glass
Snifter glass designed for high-alcohol beers. Concentrates aromas for better enjoyment.
🥃 The World of Barrel-Aged Beers
Sankt Gallen Imperial Chocolate Stout
Representative Imperial Stout from Japan. Enjoy chocolate flavors.
‘Barrel-Aged Beer Textbook’
Specialized book detailing the history, production methods, and tasting of barrel-aged beers.
I recommend starting with the standard Shiga Kogen Beer “Takashi” and gradually getting accustomed to the world of barrel-aged beers. Having a specialty glass will enhance your aroma experience!
📚 Reference Information
Reliable sources used for fact-checking in this article:
- Tamamura Honten Official Website – Product Details Page (Confirmed: July 1, 2025)
- Shiga Kogen Beer Official Instagram – @egobrewer post (Confirmed: July 1, 2025)
- Shiga Kogen Beer Official Website – https://shigakogen-beer.com/ (Confirmed: July 1, 2025)
※Information may change without notice. Please check official websites for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the limited 4,425 bottles sold out?
A: This is a limited brew released in July 2023 with high rarity. Stock availability varies by retailer, so please check Tamamura Honten and Shiga Kogen Beer official websites for latest information.
Q: What are the characteristics of cognac barrel aging?
A: Cognac barrels impart complex fruit aromas like raisins, blackcurrant, and prunes, along with oak flavors. The 15-month extended aging softens alcohol bite and creates a smooth mouthfeel.
Q: Why use saison yeast?
A: Saison yeast provides high attenuation, creating a dry finish for Imperial Stouts that tend to be heavy. It also adds complex Belgian phenolic aromas, creating a more refined flavor profile.
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