Gangi Brewing Releases Second Batch of Session IPA "ZESTER"
Niigata craft brewery Gangi Brewing has released the second batch of its Session IPA "ZESTER." Built around a light 4.0% ABV design, it updates the flavor from the previous release through a revised malt bill and added dry hopping.
Hop BroFrom Niigata's Gangi Brewing, the second batch of ZESTER is out, and there are some pretty interesting updates this time!
MugiWhoa! That Zester evolved!? When I hear a new release in a limited series, I suddenly want to chase it!
Hop BroIt's a Session IPA, and even with an ABV 4.0% design, it still really lets the aroma stand out.
MugiHuh~! But I'm getting lost in all the numbers... what does IBU 20 mean? Isn't it too bitter?
Hop BroIBU 20 leans toward moderate bitterness, so it's easy to keep drinking. In other words, it's a Session IPA that's light yet aromatic.
MugiI see! Then one more thing, what's the meaning of EBC 4.8? It sounds like a spell, but cute!
Hop BroEBC is a color indicator, and 4.8 means it's quite pale. And since it comes in 15L kegs and 330ml bottles, you can enjoy it both at bars and at home.
MugiWhat! You said it changed from last time, but how does adding dry hops change it?
Hop BroFor the second batch, they revised the malt bill and added Nelson Sauvin. Centered on Southern Cross, they also combined Mosaic, Citra, and Motueka to build layers of aroma.
MugiThat's a lot of information! And it says 'diesel-like,' so I briefly wondered if it had a gas station aroma!?
Hop BroDon't worry, it's not like drinking gasoline! It's a hop-driven nuance that wraps up the pink grapefruit-like aroma and citrus peel bitterness with a sharp finish.
MugiAll right, I'm in. If you drank the first batch, compare it; if you're new, jump in with me! Let's toast ZESTER tonight, hop bro!
Gangi Brewing, based in Niigata, announced the second batch of its limited series "ZESTER" in a post dated March 23, 2026. The style is Session IPA, characterized by a design that balances drinkability and prominent aroma.
Release Overview
- Name: ZESTER
- Series: Limited
- Batch: 2
- Style: Session IPA
- ABV: 4.0%
- IBU: 20
- EBC: 4.8
- Packaging: 15L keg, 330ml bottle
Main Changes from the 1st Batch
According to the brewery, the malt composition was partially adjusted in the second batch. Nelson Sauvin was also added to the dry hop, making the differences from the previous release clearer. The hop bill centers on Freestyle Southern Cross, combined with Mosaic, Citra, Nelson Sauvin, and Motueka.
Tasting Direction
The post points to citrus aromas reminiscent of pink grapefruit, a gentle bitterness derived from citrus peel, and a sharp finish. Based on a light body, it also suggests a slight diesel-like note that adds depth, making this look like a well-defined beer despite its low alcohol level.
The move by a small, locally rooted brewery to refine the same beer batch by batch is part of what makes craft beer fun. Anyone who drank the previous ZESTER will likely find it worthwhile to compare the points of change in this second batch.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroFrom Niigata's Gangi Brewing, the second batch of ZESTER is out, and there are some pretty interesting updates this time!
MugiWhoa! That Zester evolved!? When I hear a new release in a limited series, I suddenly want to chase it!
Hop BroIt's a Session IPA, and even with an ABV 4.0% design, it still really lets the aroma stand out.
MugiHuh~! But I'm getting lost in all the numbers... what does IBU 20 mean? Isn't it too bitter?
Hop BroIBU 20 leans toward moderate bitterness, so it's easy to keep drinking. In other words, it's a Session IPA that's light yet aromatic.
MugiI see! Then one more thing, what's the meaning of EBC 4.8? It sounds like a spell, but cute!
Hop BroEBC is a color indicator, and 4.8 means it's quite pale. And since it comes in 15L kegs and 330ml bottles, you can enjoy it both at bars and at home.
MugiWhat! You said it changed from last time, but how does adding dry hops change it?
Hop BroFor the second batch, they revised the malt bill and added Nelson Sauvin. Centered on Southern Cross, they also combined Mosaic, Citra, and Motueka to build layers of aroma.
MugiThat's a lot of information! And it says 'diesel-like,' so I briefly wondered if it had a gas station aroma!?
Hop BroDon't worry, it's not like drinking gasoline! It's a hop-driven nuance that wraps up the pink grapefruit-like aroma and citrus peel bitterness with a sharp finish.
MugiAll right, I'm in. If you drank the first batch, compare it; if you're new, jump in with me! Let's toast ZESTER tonight, hop bro!
