North Island "Glide Drive" Tapped at TAP&GROWLER Shimokitazawa
At TAP&GROWLER Shimokitazawa, North Island's limited beer "Glide Drive" was featured. It is characterized by aromas reminiscent of citrus and ripe fruit, a drinking profile built with four hop varieties, and a firm bitterness, and it can also be enjoyed through the shop's growler-fill service.
Hop BroToday it's about North Island's Glide Drive tapped at TAP&GROWLER in Shimokitazawa. The aroma alone is pretty vibrant.
MugiWhoa, North Island? Just the name already makes it sound delicious!
Hop BroExactly, and it uses four hop varieties, layering citrus and ripe-fruit aromas on top of each other.
MugiFour kinds? That sounds like way too much information. Are they adding hops over and over?
Hop BroGood question. Here, it's not about the number of additions, but about combining the character of the hops to design the aroma and bitterness.
MugiOhhh! So the aroma comes in softly first, and then the bitterness really kicks in? I might love that!
Hop BroThat's right. It has the clearly defined shape of a West Coast IPA, with smoothness up front and bitterness at the core.
MugiWow, being able to drink something that serious at a growler-fill specialty shop is pretty great, isn't it? And Shimokitazawa sounds easy to stop by during a walk!
Hop BroTAP&GROWLER Shimokitazawa is just 3 minutes from the station, and you can enjoy it either by the glass or as a takeout fill, so you can go with whatever mood you're in.
MugiI already want one! Tonight, I want to start my Shimokitazawa night with a hop-aromatic glass!
Tapping Info
In a post from TAP&GROWLER Shimokitazawa on May 14, 2026, North Island's Glide Drive was introduced. The post presents it as a beer with a citrus-like aroma, followed by a ripe, sweet fruitiness and layered floral aromas from four hop varieties.
What Kind of Beer Is It
This beer has a vivid aroma on the nose, while a firm bitterness supports the core as you keep drinking. It has smoothness with a crisp edge, so it is not too heavy, yet it still leaves a strong impression. From the wording of the post, its flavor profile reads as a clearly defined West Coast IPA.
About the Shop
TAP&GROWLER Shimokitazawa is a craft beer growler-fill specialty shop, just a 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station. According to the official website, it offers 18 domestic taps plus 1 overseas tap, and supports growler fills, in-store tasting by the glass, and takeout. With a small beer pub space of 10 seats indoors and 6 seats outside, it is easy to stop by for just one drink during a stroll.
Drinking Perspective
It suits both an evening drink to reset your mood and a moment when you want to carefully check out a particular label. Because the aroma is lively and the bitterness is easy to recognize, it is worth checking out if you want to enjoy hop character. As a growler specialty shop, part of the fun is choosing it alongside the day's tap lineup.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday it's about North Island's Glide Drive tapped at TAP&GROWLER in Shimokitazawa. The aroma alone is pretty vibrant.
MugiWhoa, North Island? Just the name already makes it sound delicious!
Hop BroExactly, and it uses four hop varieties, layering citrus and ripe-fruit aromas on top of each other.
MugiFour kinds? That sounds like way too much information. Are they adding hops over and over?
Hop BroGood question. Here, it's not about the number of additions, but about combining the character of the hops to design the aroma and bitterness.
MugiOhhh! So the aroma comes in softly first, and then the bitterness really kicks in? I might love that!
Hop BroThat's right. It has the clearly defined shape of a West Coast IPA, with smoothness up front and bitterness at the core.
MugiWow, being able to drink something that serious at a growler-fill specialty shop is pretty great, isn't it? And Shimokitazawa sounds easy to stop by during a walk!
Hop BroTAP&GROWLER Shimokitazawa is just 3 minutes from the station, and you can enjoy it either by the glass or as a takeout fill, so you can go with whatever mood you're in.
MugiI already want one! Tonight, I want to start my Shimokitazawa night with a hop-aromatic glass!
