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【Green Citrus Saison】Yorocco / Harvest Saison 2023 Complete Review – Fresh Local Ingredients Create Autumn Flavors
From Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yorocco Beer’s popular limited brew “Harvest Saison 2023” is a special specialty saison released annually to coincide with the November harvest festival. Using hand-squeezed Kamakura-grown green citrus, this ABV 5.0% beer features a perfect harmony of spicy aromas created by saison yeast and the refreshing acidity of green citrus. The vibrant label design by local artist “Kazama Naomi” adds to the appeal of this exceptional brew.
What You’ll Learn From This Article
- Yorocco Beer’s characteristics and brewing philosophy
- Flavor profile of special brew beer using green citrus
- Basic knowledge of saison style and its variations
- Food pairings and enjoyment suggestions for this beer
It’s that time of year again, woof! Yorocco’s Harvest Saison! I’ve been looking forward to this, but what special characteristics does it have?
It’s a seasonal limited beer that makes use of local ingredients. This special saison has been brewed annually around November 3rd to coincide with Yorocco Beer’s “Harvest Festival,” and it uses hand-squeezed fresh green citrus from Kamakura. The refreshing acidity is its signature characteristic.
- Harvest Saison 2023 Basic Information
- Yorocco Beer Basic Information
- Tasting Review
- Flavor Profile
- Tasting Notes Rating
- Overall Impression and Recommended Scenarios
- 🛒 Check Out Related Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📚 Reference Information
- Other Yorocco Beer Reviews
- Japanese Craft Beer Report
- International Craft Beer Information
Harvest Saison 2023 Basic Information
| Beer Style | Farmhouse Ale with Ao-Mikan (Green Citrus Farmhouse Ale) |
|---|---|
| ABV (Alcohol by Volume) | 5.0% |
| Special Ingredients | Kamakura-grown green citrus (hand-squeezed) |
| Release | November 2023 (Annual Limited) |
| Label Design | Kazama Naomi (Local Artist) |
| Event | Yorocco Beer “Harvest Festival” Limited |
| Purchase Location | The Slop Shop |
| Purchase Date | November 2023 |
Brewer’s Comment
This is a green citrus saison that we brew and release annually to coincide with the “Harvest Festival” hosted by Yorocco Beer every November 3rd. The base beer is a simple and rustic saison/farmhouse ale typical of Yorocco. We harvest fresh green citrus from “Mocchan’s” field in Kamakura, where our brewery is always taken care of, hand-squeeze it into juice, and add it to the beer’s fermentation tank. The result is a perfect autumn drink with refreshing acidity and green citrus aroma that tickles the nose.
Source: The Slop Shop (Verified: July 1, 2025)
Yorocco Beer Basic Information
| Brewery Name | ヨロッコビール |
| Location | Hisaki, Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Established | 2012 |
| Official Website | Yorocco Beer Official Site |
| Official SNS | |
| Signature Beers | Peninsula Saison, Amber Saved My Life, Bright Moments, Dry Hop Farmhouse Ale, Stammtisch Helles |
Brewery Characteristics and Brewing Philosophy
Yorocco Beer began sales in November 2012. The brand name origin is simply “a play on ‘joy beer,'” they laugh, but it embodies the wish for “beer that expands joy, energizes during sad times, and provides relaxation during difficult times.” It coincidentally connects to ‘Your Local Beer’ as well.
Using local water, British and German malts, and American hops, they brew diverse recipes incorporating local fruits and spices. Their specialty is unfiltered, unpasteurized beer with living yeast. Under the “Drink Local” concept, they actively participate in local events and commission local artists for label designs, nurturing a community-focused craft beer culture.
Source: Japan Beer Times (Verified: July 1, 2025)
The name Yorocco has meaning, woof! What kinds of beers are popular?
Yorocco is particularly well-regarded for their saison styles. As a style, they incorporate American tastes while showing respect for Belgian beers, giving the impression of a brewery that values the balance between tradition and innovation.
【Beginner’s Guide: Saison/Farmhouse Ale】
Saison is a traditional beer style that Belgian farmers brewed for agricultural workers during the summer harvest season (saison = season), hop! It’s characterized by a light, spicy flavor and refreshing drinkability, with alcohol content of 5.0-6.8% and IBU of 20-38 for moderate bitterness, hop! The phenolic aroma (clove-like spicy aroma) produced by saison yeast is distinctive, and nowadays it’s common to add fruits or spices, hop!
Tasting Review
👁️ Appearance
Pale golden color with slight haze (approximately SRM 4-5). Natural haze characteristic of unfiltered beer is present. Foam formation is moderate with medium persistence. When poured into a glass, sediment (yeast deposit) is clearly visible, evidence of living yeast.
👃 Aroma
Aroma (nasal sensation): Barley tea-like sweetness and black tea-like aroma are initially perceived. The overall impression is tea-like, with hop aromas being subdued. The characteristic aroma of green citrus peel is distinctive – not sweet ripe citrus, but fresh and youthful green citrus flavor.
Flavor (mouth aroma): Complex aromas of citrus and saison yeast spread throughout the mouth. A slight honey-like sweet aroma can also be detected, rich in natural flavors.
👅 Taste
- 🍯 Mouthfeel: Natural, rustic beer-like mouthfeel with slight sweetness. Honey-like smoothness
- 💪 Body: Medium body with perfect balance – neither too heavy nor too light
- 🍋 Acidity: Refreshing acidity from green citrus. Sudachi-like freshness
- ✨ Finish: Refreshingly smooth passage through the throat with green citrus aroma spreading in the nasal cavity
What’s “phenolic aroma”? That’s a difficult term, woof…
Phenolic aroma is a type of aroma produced by specific yeasts. It’s characterized by spicy aromas like clove or pepper, commonly found in Belgian-style beers and saisons. It’s sometimes described as “spicy without adding spices” and is considered one of the charms of the saison style.
Bottom of Bottle (Sediment-containing portion)
In the bottom portion of the bottle containing sediment (yeast deposit), the acidity and citrus flavors become more pronounced. Orange peel-like aroma is emphasized, and yeast-derived milkiness can also be detected. The green citrus flavor and yeast taste intertwine in complex ways, creating a more wild impression.
Is it okay to drink the sediment? That’s scary for beginners, woof…
Sediment is generally considered safe to drink. In unfiltered, unpasteurized craft beers, it’s considered one of the elements for enjoying yeast-derived flavors. Mixing it in or drinking it separately for comparison are both enjoyable ways to experience it. Many small-scale breweries consider this sediment a characteristic of “living beer.”
Flavor Profile
| Flavor Element | Intensity (1-5) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bitterness | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) | Moderate yet pleasant refreshing bitterness from green citrus |
| Sweetness | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) | Natural malt-derived sweetness without being overpowering |
| Acidity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Distinctive refreshing acidity from green citrus |
| Body | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) | Medium body, easy to drink, perfect for summer-to-autumn transition |
| Aroma Intensity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Complex citrus and black tea-like aromas that tickle the nostrils |
Tasting Notes Rating
| Aroma (10 points) | 10 points | Malt(3/3), Hops(3/3), Other(4/4) – Excellent moderate citrus acidity |
| Appearance (6 points) | 3 points | Color(2/2), Clarity(1/2), Head retention(0/2) – Slightly excessive haze |
| Flavor (19 points) | 18 points | Malt(3/3), Hops(3/3), Condition(2/2), Aftertaste(3/3), Balance(3/4), Other(4/4) – Citrus is somewhat dominant but within acceptable range |
| Body (5 points) | 5 points | Ideal balance of lightness and richness |
| Overall Impression (10 points) | 7 points | High completion as a saison style with good seasonal character |
| Total Score (50 points) | 43 points | Excellent Specialty Saison |
Overall Impression and Recommended Scenarios
As a personal evaluation, I felt this was a well-crafted specialty saison. The compatibility between green citrus acidity and saison yeast phenolics (spicy aromas) is excellent, expressing autumn flavors beautifully. This type of beer would be enjoyable in the following scenarios:
- As an aperitif during autumn evenings
- Excellent pairing with Japanese cuisine, especially dishes featuring citrus flavors
- Perfect match with light fish dishes or salt-grilled chicken
- Complementary to fresh herb salads
What kind of food would be good to eat with this beer, woof?
Considering this beer’s refreshing green citrus acidity, pairing it with Japanese cuisine would be ideal. For example, salt-grilled white fish, chicken dishes with yuzu kosho, or light tempura would work well. Personally, I’d recommend pairing it with refreshing dishes that allow you to enjoy this beer’s delicate flavors, rather than rich sauces or spicy foods.
🛒 Check Out Related Products
Here are recommended products for those interested in saison beer or farmhouse ales, hop!
🍻 The World of Saison Beer
Dupont Saison
The representative of Belgian saisons. An authentic saison with complex, spicy flavors to enjoy.
Boku Beer, Kimi Beer. Ryusei Radio
Yaho Brewing’s Japanese saison. Fruity and approachable, perfect for saison beginners.
Saison Beer Specialty Glass
Tulip-shaped glass that maximizes the enjoyment of saison aromas and foam.
🍊 The World of Fruit Beers
Hitachino Nest Beer Yuzu Ale
Japanese-style fruit beer using Ibaraki Prefecture yuzu. Recommended for those who enjoy citrus refreshingness.
“The Saison Beer Textbook”
Specialized book detailing saison history, brewing, and tasting.
I recommend starting with the approachable Boku Beer Kimi Beer and gradually challenging yourself with more authentic saisons. Having a specialty glass really enhances the aroma experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this beer released every year?
A: In the past, it has been released as a limited edition around November 3rd to coincide with Yorocco Beer’s “Harvest Festival.” Please check official information for future releases. Additionally, the flavor may vary depending on the year’s green citrus harvest quality.
Q: Is it safe to drink the sediment (yeast settled at the bottom)?
A: It’s completely safe. In fact, for saison styles, we recommend enjoying this sediment as part of the experience. You can enjoy more complex yeast-derived flavors.
Q: What characteristics does this have compared to other saisons?
A: Compared to typical saisons, this features distinctive refreshing acidity and citrus aroma from green citrus. It’s more fruity than general saisons and has uniqueness that allows you to feel Japan’s four seasons.
📚 Reference Information
Reliable sources used for fact-checking in this article:
- Yorocco Beer Official Website – https://yorocco-beer.com (Verified: July 1, 2025)
- Yorocco Beer Instagram – @yorocco_beer (Verified: July 1, 2025)
- The Slop Shop Product Page – Product Details (Verified: July 1, 2025)
- Japan Beer Times – Yorocco Beer Article (Verified: July 1, 2025)
※Information is subject to change without notice. Please check official websites for the latest information.
Other Yorocco Beer Reviews
Japanese Craft Beer Report
We publish articles about craft beer scenes from all over Japan. From Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, we introduce unique brewery information from across Japan. From tap rooms operated directly by breweries to local beer pubs rooted in their communities, we share reports on Japan’s craft beer culture. You can view content that deeply explores the charm of Japanese craft beer, including seasonal limited brews and unique beer information utilizing local ingredients, on this tag page.
International Craft Beer Information
We publish articles about overseas craft beer scenes, primarily focusing on North America. From popular breweries in the United States to unique tap rooms in Canada, we introduce overseas brewery information. You can view content that deeply explores overseas beer culture, including limited beers that can only be tasted locally and interviews with brewers, on this category page.
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