Every year, during the Winter Solstice, the Japanese bathe in yuzu baths. The oil and juice of the yuzu fruit is said to warm the body and relax the mind.

So when Bright Brewery head brewer Reid Stratton walked into the Brewhouse with 36kg of freshly-picked and locally-grown yuzu from Eurobin’s Mountain Yuzu, we were a little concerned…

But Stratton had other plans for the yuzu – an oddly-shaped, lemon-like citrus that originated in China but is now mostly grown in Japan. Instead of bathing in it, he packed it all into a brand new brew – Sayonara Yuzu Sour (4.3% ABV).

The result is a seductively sour ale with a zesty yuzu aroma, a tantalisingly tart citrus flavour and a dry finish, which follows on from Bright Brewery’s hugely successful Sweetart Raspberry Sour earlier this year.

While winter is in full swing in Bright Brewery’s High Country home and darks, stouts and porters are the more common tipples, Stratton said Sayonara Yuzu Sour would sit apart, in a refreshing contrast to the heavier dark beers filling our taps and fridges.

“It’s the perfect season to harvest and use our fresh local yuzu, and it’s ideal for those drinkers who are after a lighter beer this winter,” he said.

Sayonara Yuzu Sour is available on tap and in 330ml bottles from Bright Brewery and selected retailers, as well as online in our Shop.