CRAFT BANK, based in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, has released a new beer called "LAB COAT." The beer comes in a 350 ml can, is priced at JPY 700, and sits at 4.5% ABV. It is labeled as a Shaded Tea Grisette, with Pilsner malt, spelt malt, kabusecha, and Saaz hops listed among the ingredients.

The key story here is that this is CRAFT BANK's first collaboration with KYOTO BEER LAB. The name "LAB COAT" refers to a white lab coat, and in this case it reflects brewer Kato's background: he is CRAFT BANK's new brewer and also a psychiatrist who learned brewing at KYOTO BEER LAB. That connection gives the beer a clear sense of place and process.

The flavor center is Kyoto's Wazuka kabusecha, the same tea used in KYOTO BEER LAB's regular beer. According to the product description, Belle Saison yeast and the lower alcohol level create a dry, brisk entry, followed by the soft umami and green character of the tea. The beer is described as leaving a finish reminiscent of cold tea, which makes it especially fitting for the long Japanese summer.

CRAFT BANK is presented on its official site as a brewery in a former bank building in Kyoto, with a brewery, brewpub, and coworking space. That backdrop makes LAB COAT feel less like a one-off novelty and more like a beer built from local ingredients, shared learning, and a very specific Kyoto context.