Japas Cervejaria Artesanal - Ni Dois

The words “Ni” and “Dois” mean “Two” in Japanese and Portuguese, respectively, and the beer is the second in a series representing the fusion between Japanese and Brazilian cultures through the medium of craft beer. This Russian Imperial Stout brings together the best of both worlds with a unique blend of ingredients: Brazilian Cerrado vanilla and Japanese Ponkan tangerine. The beer is a tribute to the long history of Japanese immigration to Brazil, blending flavors that reflect both traditions.

The Japas Ni Dois pours deep black with a thick, tan-colored head. The head has good retention, leaving behind an intricate, church window-like lacing on the glass. Its opacity is almost impenetrable, reflecting the richness of a classic Russian Imperial Stout. The aroma is intense and layered. Upfront, there’s a strong presence of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and espresso, with a hint of char. The Brazilian Cerrado vanilla adds a rich, sweet aroma with hints of caramel and cream. The Ponkan tangerine introduces a subtle, zesty citrus undertone, giving the stout an intriguing contrast of bright and dark aromas. There’s also a touch of molasses and dried fruit, adding complexity.

The first sip is dominated by bold roasted malt, with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and a touch of smoke. This powerful bitterness is quickly softened by the smooth, creamy sweetness of the Brazilian vanilla, which brings a custard-like quality and rounds out the roasted elements.

As the stout develops on the palate, the Ponkan tangerine becomes more prominent, adding a bright citrus burst that cuts through the richness. The tangerine provides a unique contrast, offering notes of sweet, juicy orange and a slightly floral quality that works surprisingly well with the vanilla and dark malts. The balance between the bitter roast and the bright, sweet citrus creates a dynamic interplay of flavors and reminds us of a favorite beer we’ve featured in the past, the Blue Mountain Isabel Imperial Porter.

The finish of Japas Ni Dois is long and warming, with a lingering combination of dark chocolate bitterness, creamy vanilla sweetness, and a faint zest from the tangerine. The alcohol warmth of 10.7% is present but well-integrated, complementing the richness of the beer without overpowering the other flavors.

Full-bodied and velvety, the stout has a luxurious texture that isn’t cloying. The carbonation is moderate, giving just enough lift to the heavier stout body while allowing the creaminess from the vanilla to shine. Despite the richness, the Ponkan tangerine's bright acidity lightens the overall mouthfeel, making it more approachable than a typical stout of this strength.

The Japas Ni Dois Russian Imperial Stout is a complex, multi-layered brew that combines intense roasted malt and dark chocolate flavors with the luxurious creaminess of Brazilian Cerrado vanilla and the zesty brightness of Japanese Ponkan tangerine. It’s a bold beer with a surprising lightness from the citrus, making it both a rich and balanced drinking experience. As it is very limited in availability, we recommend stocking up on as much as possible.

The Japas Ni Dois comes packaged in 16 oz cans which eases storage and aging potential. We recommend drinking now to take advantage of the bright tangerine flavors, but we also suggest buying enough to mature a year or two. During that time the tangerine should take on a candied character with the vanilla being even more complementary.

For food pairing we suggest Brazilian-style bbq picanha, charcuterie with blue cheeses and dried fruits, and dark chocolate cake with citrus and vanilla glaze for dessert. Cheers!

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.