Sansho Showdown

◎ Appearance

Pale golden hue with excellent clarity and a bright, persistent white head that clings to the glass with fine retention. The carbonation is lively and well-integrated, creating a steady stream of fine bubbles that underpin the visual freshness characteristic of the style.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright citrus—predominantly lemon and grapefruit notes—layered with the distinctive tingling quality of Sansho pepper that evokes Sichuan pepper without the heat. A delicate herbal undercurrent of lemon verbena emerges beneath, adding complexity and tea-like freshness to the aromatic profile.

◐ Taste

The palate is bone-dry with a crisp entry that immediately showcases the citrusy character. Mid-palate brings the characteristic Sansho tingle—a peppery spice that coats the tongue without bite—while the lemon verbena tea note provides a cooling, herbal counterbalance. Restrained noble hop bitterness (28 IBU) supports the dry framework without dominating, allowing the spice and citrus to remain foreground.

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and lingering, with the Sansho pepper spice persisting as a gentle prickling sensation on the tongue. The citrus fades gradually, leaving behind a pleasantly dry, refreshing aftertaste with subtle herbal echoes.