Hitachino Nest "XH"

From Ibaraki Prefecture's Kiuchi Brewery, which is more historically known for brewing the Kikusakari line of sake. The XH (Extra High) is described as a "Strong Belgian Brown Ale" that has been aged for three months in shochu casks, presumably distilled from sake (as opposed to other choices.) 8% abv, OG 1.078, 44 IBU. Pours an orange-y copper with a pronounced and persistent cream-coloured head. Holiday-ish, fruit-cake, with plenty of wood and shochu minerality. Malty but dry, very clean, definitely not what I'd describe as funky or sour, though for me, the woodiness is a bit strong. Slightly a novelty act, but reasonably tasty and packing a decent wallop. A sort of anticipatory draught at the tail end of Summer.