Novel Craft Brewing offers hojicha Saison "Down Tempo"
Novel Craft Brewing in Suginami, Tokyo, is serving "Down Tempo," a saison brewed with hojicha. The beer is 5% ABV and was made with minimal hopping, late hojicha addition after boiling, and warm fermentation for a fruity, refreshing finish.
Hop BroThere’s a new one in Suginami. Novel Craft Brewing is pouring a hojicha saison called Down Tempo.
MugiWait, a hojicha saison!? Tea and beer are having a meeting in the same glass?
Hop BroThat’s the fun part. It’s a saison, fermented warm so the yeast throws off ester aromas.
MugiThere it is, the jargon attack! Ester aromas means tasty science, right?
Hop BroExactly. Think banana or pear-like fruity notes from the yeast, layered with that roasty hojicha character.
MugiWhoa! And they barely used hops, then added tea at post-boil lower temp? That is brewer wizardry.
Hop BroYep. That keeps the bitterness soft. At 5% ABV it lands as a clean easy drinker, which is smart design.
MugiNice, 5% sounds super approachable! And it’s already on tap, plus take-home bottles are coming soon?
Hop BroExactly. They even dropped new shirts, and the tap list is full of pedalboard-style names like Over Dub and Looper.
MugiWhat is this, a brewery or a guitar rig? Down Tempo already sounds like slow-groove beer and I’m into it.
Hop BroThat’s the whole vibe. It’s not just flavor, it’s concept too, and that now pouring today note is pushing me over the edge.
MugiThen it’s settled. We peek at the triangle-logo tee and start with a Down Tempo toast. I need that roasty tea aroma.
Tokyo's Novel Craft Brewing in Suginami is currently pouring Down Tempo, a saison brewed with hojicha. The brewery's post notes an 17:00 opening, and describes the beer as already on tap. Its alcohol content is 5% ABV.
According to the brewery, hops were used only sparingly. Instead, hojicha was added after the boil, once the wort had cooled slightly. Fermentation was carried out at a warmer temperature to let the yeast move freely, resulting in a beer that brings together fruity yeast-driven esters, hojicha aroma, and a gentle bitterness in the finish.
The post also says the beer is available again that day, and that take-home bottles are planned soon. A new T-shirt is also being released, featuring a large triangle logo and available in sizes M through XXL, with only a limited quantity on hand.
The tap list also includes beers with music-inspired names such as "Over Dub," "Looper," "Fuzz," "Wah," and "Sweep." Seen alongside those names, Down Tempo feels like another example of the brewery's clear concept-driven lineup, with flavor and naming working together.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroThere’s a new one in Suginami. Novel Craft Brewing is pouring a hojicha saison called Down Tempo.
MugiWait, a hojicha saison!? Tea and beer are having a meeting in the same glass?
Hop BroThat’s the fun part. It’s a saison, fermented warm so the yeast throws off ester aromas.
MugiThere it is, the jargon attack! Ester aromas means tasty science, right?
Hop BroExactly. Think banana or pear-like fruity notes from the yeast, layered with that roasty hojicha character.
MugiWhoa! And they barely used hops, then added tea at post-boil lower temp? That is brewer wizardry.
Hop BroYep. That keeps the bitterness soft. At 5% ABV it lands as a clean easy drinker, which is smart design.
MugiNice, 5% sounds super approachable! And it’s already on tap, plus take-home bottles are coming soon?
Hop BroExactly. They even dropped new shirts, and the tap list is full of pedalboard-style names like Over Dub and Looper.
MugiWhat is this, a brewery or a guitar rig? Down Tempo already sounds like slow-groove beer and I’m into it.
Hop BroThat’s the whole vibe. It’s not just flavor, it’s concept too, and that now pouring today note is pushing me over the edge.
MugiThen it’s settled. We peek at the triangle-logo tee and start with a Down Tempo toast. I need that roasty tea aroma.
