Japas Cervejaria Artesanal - Black Miso

Japas Cervejaria’s Black Miso pours a deep, opaque black with a dense mocha-brown head that lingers and leaves elegant lacing with each swirl. The aroma is captivating—rich espresso and dark chocolate lead the way, soon joined by umami depth from the Japanese miso. Subtle notes of molasses, soy, black licorice, and roasted nuts mingle with hints of dried fig and caramelized sugar, creating a nose both indulgent and intriguing. The miso element lends a savory backbone that enhances rather than dominates, weaving seamlessly into the roasted malt complexity.

On the palate, Black Miso unfolds with full-bodied richness and velvety smoothness. Layers of dark chocolate, espresso, and toffee meet a faintly saline edge that heightens sweetness and adds extraordinary depth. The miso provides an umami warmth that lingers through the mid-palate, while roasted barley bitterness and 68 IBU of firm hop structure bring balance and lift. Despite its 11.5 % ABV, the alcohol integrates gracefully, leaving a warming impression without heat. The finish is long, bittersweet, and sophisticated—dark cocoa, soy glaze, and charred oak echoing well after the final sip. Black Miso is a daring yet elegant Russian Imperial Stout, where East-meets-West artistry is expressed through harmony of flavor and balance.

Black Miso is a beer built for contemplation and cellar aging. With its substantial body and 11.5 % ABV, it will evolve gracefully over 3–5 years, softening its roast character while amplifying sherry-like notes of dried fruit, soy, and chocolate fudge. When young, its intensity shines with umami-forward depth; with age, expect smoother sweetness and mellow warmth.

For pairings, lean into savory or richly sweet dishes that echo its complexity. Braised short ribs with miso glaze, soy-ginger duck, or grilled steak brushed with teriyaki butter all resonate beautifully with the beer’s roasted and salty-sweet tones. On the sweeter side, try dark chocolate mousse with sea salt, flourless chocolate cake, or caramelized banana bread pudding. As a nightcap, it stands powerfully on its own—an exceptional, contemplative stout that honors both Japanese culinary tradition and Brazilian brewing ingenuity.

This month we are happy to introduce a new brewery to the Rare Beer Club. Japas Cervejaria Artesanal is a unique union of four Brazilian “Sansei” (3rd generation Japanese who were born in a new country of residence). The rise of Japas Cervejaria, a brewery founded by this talented group of women in Brazil, is a testament to both their brewing expertise and their passion for showcasing Japanese culture through craft beer. Since launching their first beer, Wasabiru—an American Pale Ale infused with wasabi—in 2014, they have continued to craft beers that blend Japanese ingredients with traditional brewing techniques. Their innovative approach has introduced unique flavors to the Brazilian craft beer scene, such as yuzu, matcha, and sake yeast, making their beers both exotic and approachable.

What sets Japas apart is their dedication to using Japanese elements as inspiration for their brewing, which not only adds complexity to their beers but also celebrates their heritage. As pioneers in both representing women and Japanese culture in the craft beer world, they are carving a distinct path and gaining widespread recognition in the ever-changing global beer industry.

Their rapid ascent in Brazil's craft beer community reflects their ability to balance creativity and drinkability, and their beers have become symbols of innovation in craft brewing. To reach a wider audience, especially in North America, they have teamed up with the eclectic Against the Grain Brewery in Louisville, Kentucky to brew small batches of their different offerings with distribution, so far, limited to a handful of major US markets. We are happy to get our hands on a few cases of this very limited release to offer to our Rare Beer Club customers.