Nara Brewing publishes first-shipment store list for KUSANAGI Belgian wit
Nara Brewing has published the first-shipment store list for KUSANAGI, a Belgian wit brewed with Suruga Elegant, a citrus from Shizuoka, and Bulgarian coriander. The beer was made with two respected figures in Japanese brewing and is described as a refreshing, food-friendly release.
Hop BroI want to talk about Nara Brewing's KUSANAGI today. It is a Belgian wit made with Suruga Elegant citrus from Shizuoka, and the first shipment list just went public.
MugiWait, a first shipment list already? That sounds like a bottle hunt! And KUSANAGI sounds so powerful, like I need a side quest before I drink it.
Hop BroThe name is fierce, but the beer is really elegant. It is a Belgian wit with bright citrus from Suruga Elegant and Bulgarian coriander layered in.
MugiOkay, but what is Belgian wit exactly? Is it just a white beer, or does it arrive on a fluffy cloud of foam?
Hop BroBasically, it is a wheat-forward white beer style, so you get a smooth wheat body pretty naturally. KUSANAGI also brings soft banana notes on top of that gentle texture.
MugiBanana, coriander, and now an anise-like note too? That is a lot happening. Is my mouth about to host a full spice committee meeting?
Hop BroThat is the clever part. It stays balanced. With ABV 5.5%, IBU 14, it is not too heavy or too bitter, and the juicey acidity, peel bitterness, and Aramis hops keep the finish defined.
MugiThe second you say IBU, it turns into chemistry class, but you mean it is a food-friendly beer, right? A beer that can actually do teamwork with dinner deserves respect.
Hop BroExactly. And this batch had a beer science dream team behind it, with Kiyoshi Takoi and Katsuyuki Shiba from BET involved in the brew. The first release is liquor-store only, including places like Isetan Shinjuku, TAKAMURA, and Nobori Sake Shop.
MugiIf they even posted a nationwide map, then I want it right now. I will handle the citrus appreciation, and you can handle the science lecture while we shop.
Hop BroThat division of labor works for me. Once we check the Instagram notice and store timing, we have to drink this. A crisp, meal-friendly wit like this is impossible to ignore.
Nara Brewing Co. in Nara City shared the first-shipment store list for its Belgian wit, KUSANAGI, on June 6. The 2026 beer clocks in at 5.5% ABV and 14 IBU. It uses Aramis hops and a grist built around Pilsner Malt, Flaked Wheat, Flaked Oats, Suruga Elegant, and coriander.
The collaboration brought together Tetsuji Takoi, a leading figure in Japanese brewing science, and Yukiyuki Shiba, who serves as an advisor at BET, the company that supports breweries with full operational services. Nara Brewing has long been known for building beers around ingredient choice and fermentation design, and KUSANAGI follows that approach closely.
On the sensory side, the beer is described as layering a gentle banana note with the citrus character of Suruga Elegant and an anise-like nuance from Bulgarian coriander. A smooth wheat-derived mouthfeel is lifted by fresh acidity and peel bitterness, while hop bitterness keeps the finish firm and defined. The brewery says it is an easy beer to pair with food and a clean, refreshing pour.
The first-shipment outlets are liquor retailers only and span the country, including Tanabu Shuhan in Aomori, Caliquors Tokyo and Isetan Shinjuku in Tokyo, DIG THE LINE in Kyoto, TAKAMURA Wine & Coffee Roasters in Osaka, and several shops in Nara such as Kintetsu Department Store Nara, Daijiro, and Noborizaketen. Availability and arrival dates vary by store, so buyers are encouraged to check directly. The post also points readers to a map of places where Nara Brewing beers can be bought or enjoyed.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI want to talk about Nara Brewing's KUSANAGI today. It is a Belgian wit made with Suruga Elegant citrus from Shizuoka, and the first shipment list just went public.
MugiWait, a first shipment list already? That sounds like a bottle hunt! And KUSANAGI sounds so powerful, like I need a side quest before I drink it.
Hop BroThe name is fierce, but the beer is really elegant. It is a Belgian wit with bright citrus from Suruga Elegant and Bulgarian coriander layered in.
MugiOkay, but what is Belgian wit exactly? Is it just a white beer, or does it arrive on a fluffy cloud of foam?
Hop BroBasically, it is a wheat-forward white beer style, so you get a smooth wheat body pretty naturally. KUSANAGI also brings soft banana notes on top of that gentle texture.
MugiBanana, coriander, and now an anise-like note too? That is a lot happening. Is my mouth about to host a full spice committee meeting?
Hop BroThat is the clever part. It stays balanced. With ABV 5.5%, IBU 14, it is not too heavy or too bitter, and the juicey acidity, peel bitterness, and Aramis hops keep the finish defined.
MugiThe second you say IBU, it turns into chemistry class, but you mean it is a food-friendly beer, right? A beer that can actually do teamwork with dinner deserves respect.
Hop BroExactly. And this batch had a beer science dream team behind it, with Kiyoshi Takoi and Katsuyuki Shiba from BET involved in the brew. The first release is liquor-store only, including places like Isetan Shinjuku, TAKAMURA, and Nobori Sake Shop.
MugiIf they even posted a nationwide map, then I want it right now. I will handle the citrus appreciation, and you can handle the science lecture while we shop.
Hop BroThat division of labor works for me. Once we check the Instagram notice and store timing, we have to drink this. A crisp, meal-friendly wit like this is impossible to ignore.
