In an Instagram post published at 6:28 p.m. on March 11, Sakazuki Brewing announced the day's tap list and information about its new beer. The highlight this time was the new Imperial IPA "hangover!", which appeared as number 7 among the 16 lines. The post described it as "Fumi's graduation beer," making clear that it is a commemorative beer tied to a milestone for a staff member who had worked at the brewery for many years.

Features of the New "hangover!"


According to the post, the style is Imperial IPA. The design intent was to balance "fruity aroma" with "firm bitterness," aiming for a flavor profile that layers tropical notes with dank nuances while clearly emphasizing bitterness. Even among the lineup of established and semi-regular beers, it was introduced as a new tap release that puts hop character front and center.

Pairing Is "Rich Orange Chocolate Terrine"


The pairing menu for the day was a dessert called "Rich Orange Chocolate Terrine," matched with the IPA. The idea was explained as using orange peel as a bridging element between the beer's bitterness and the chocolate's bittersweetness and sweetness, creating a design that connects the hop-derived aroma with the dessert's flavor. For an IPA, a style often suggested primarily as a beer for food, it is also interesting that the brewery is directly proposing a dessert pairing.

Brewery Context


Sakazuki Brewing is based in Kitasenju, Tokyo, and is a brewery that combines brewing facilities with a restaurant and taproom. A defining feature of its operation is the simultaneous rollout of a wide variety of styles, and the taps on this day ranged broadly from pilsner, pale ale, and hazy IPA to brown ale, sour, and imperial stout. The brewery also announced plans to tap an anniversary beer and a cherry blossom ale after March 20, as well as plans to hold a 10th anniversary event, making it clear that a wave of new releases is building toward the busy spring season.