Kiuchi Brewery's Hitachino Nest Non-Ale wins gold at World Beer Awards 2026
Kiuchi Brewery in Naka, Ibaraki, announced that Hitachino Nest Non-Ale won Gold and Japan Country Winner in the Low-Alcohol category at the World Beer Awards 2026. The beer was recognized for its craft-like flavor built from malt and hops.
Hop BroYou’ve got to hear this: Kiuchi Brewery’s Hitachino Nest Non Ale won gold at WBA 2026.
MugiWhat? That’s the owl beer brewery, right? A global beer award makes this sound instantly final-boss level!
Hop BroExactly, Kiuchi Brewery in Naka, Ibaraki. It took gold in the Low-Alcohol category and also won JAPAN COUNTRY WINNER.
MugiNo way! But with a name like Non Ale, does it really taste like craft beer ? Or is it just running on vibes?
Hop BroThat’s the interesting part. It’s made with just malt and hops , aiming for real aroma and solid drinkability without shortcuts.
MugiWhat is that! Here we go again with malt-derived body , one of your mysterious beer spells!
Hop BroNot a spell at all. Body basically means the fullness and satisfaction you feel in your mouth, so it doesn’t come off thin.
MugiOhh, I get it! So even with lower alcohol, it still has serious aroma and flavor instead of tasting all sad and tiny.
Hop BroAnd Kiuchi Brewery goes back to 1823, with Hitachino Nest beer brewing starting in 1996. That built-up brewing skill is what the world noticed.
MugiA brewery with history too? That’s unfairly cool. And if there’s a can version, I want one chilled right now.
Hop BroThis is the kind of beer news that makes you want to crack one open . Low alcohol, high conversation value.
MugiThen it’s settled. Let’s toast with Non Ale and act like international judges saying, “Now that’s impressive!”
Founded in 1823, Kiuchi Brewery started with sake under the Kikusakari brand and began brewing Hitachino Nest Beer in 1996. Based in Naka, Ibaraki, the brewery now makes beer, sake, whisky, and gin, while continuing to build a strong international reputation through brewing competitions.
The award-winning beer is Hitachino Nest Non-Ale. According to Kiuchi Brewery, it is brewed using carefully selected malt and hops only, with the goal of delivering the character of a full-flavored craft beer. Even as a low-alcohol beer, it is designed to offer aroma and drinking satisfaction, and a canned version is also available.
At the World Beer Awards 2026, the beer received Gold in the Low-Alcohol category and was also named Japan Country Winner. That result highlights both the brewery's technical skill and the strength of the Hitachino Nest brand on the international stage.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroYou’ve got to hear this: Kiuchi Brewery’s Hitachino Nest Non Ale won gold at WBA 2026.
MugiWhat? That’s the owl beer brewery, right? A global beer award makes this sound instantly final-boss level!
Hop BroExactly, Kiuchi Brewery in Naka, Ibaraki. It took gold in the Low-Alcohol category and also won JAPAN COUNTRY WINNER.
MugiNo way! But with a name like Non Ale, does it really taste like craft beer ? Or is it just running on vibes?
Hop BroThat’s the interesting part. It’s made with just malt and hops , aiming for real aroma and solid drinkability without shortcuts.
MugiWhat is that! Here we go again with malt-derived body , one of your mysterious beer spells!
Hop BroNot a spell at all. Body basically means the fullness and satisfaction you feel in your mouth, so it doesn’t come off thin.
MugiOhh, I get it! So even with lower alcohol, it still has serious aroma and flavor instead of tasting all sad and tiny.
Hop BroAnd Kiuchi Brewery goes back to 1823, with Hitachino Nest beer brewing starting in 1996. That built-up brewing skill is what the world noticed.
MugiA brewery with history too? That’s unfairly cool. And if there’s a can version, I want one chilled right now.
Hop BroThis is the kind of beer news that makes you want to crack one open . Low alcohol, high conversation value.
MugiThen it’s settled. Let’s toast with Non Ale and act like international judges saying, “Now that’s impressive!”
