Yuzu, what even is that you ask? Yuzu is a citrus fruit that can commonly be found in East Asia and was believed to have originated in China. Recently, with the rise in popularity, yuzu has been cultivated in Australia, Spain, Italy and France as well. When you use this citrusy fruit it not only compliments the notes of the hops that you may use in your beer, but it also helps dampen off flavors or round out some of the body. Between the Kiuchi yuzu lager and the Odell yuzu double IPA the flavors are indeed different. Of course putting aside the difference of Lager to Double IPA the notes of citrus play vastly differently as well. The lager loses any of the typical corn notes (dimethyl sulfide) or sometimes butter (diacetyl) when the yuzu is added to it. Interestingly enough, I get a tea flavor from the yuzu, instead of a heavy citrus note. In contrast the Odell shows up with all citrus notes and more! Even though this is a double IPA it is mellowed out, in part I believe, from the yuzu. What I enjoy about Odell’s use of yuzu is that really get those lemon and grapefruit notes.
So the next time you see a beer with yuzu on it, don’t just dismiss it as another fruity adjunct, give it a shot! It not only adds layers of complexity to Lagers, but it also rounds out the body of IPA’s. So go on, give yuzu a whirl next time your wanting to expand your beer portfolio. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new go to.