Hideji Beer to Release OHRAI OLD ALE with Noriyoshi Ohrai Label on Nov. 5
Miyazaki-based Hideji Beer will release “OHRAI OLD ALE,” the fourth collaboration beer featuring artwork by Noriyoshi Ohrai, on November 5, 2026. The beer adopts the traditional English old ale style, known for its rich malt character and complex, mature flavors.
Hop BroHideji Beer in Nobeoka, Miyazaki is releasing OHRAI OLD ALE on November 5, 2026! It’s the fourth collaboration with artist Noriyoshi Ohrai.
MugiWhat! Ohrai is famous for Godzilla posters, right? That has to make for an amazing beer label!
Hop BroExactly. Hideji Beer is sharing the work of an artist who had an atelier in Miyazaki. This time, the spotlight is on a traditional English old ale.
Mugi“Old ale” sounds incredibly veteran-like! Is it actually old beer?
Hop BroNo worries—it isn’t forgotten leftover beer! It’s a traditional style with rich malt body, sweetness, and caramel- and spirits-like aromas: a style made for aging.
MugiMalt means malted barley, right? So that caramel-like sweetness doesn’t necessarily mean they add sugar?
Hop BroGreat question! It can come from the malt kilning, plus impressions created through fermentation and aging. The flavor softens over time—that’s the joy of flavor changing with age.
MugiWow! You can admire the label before opening it, then wait for the beer to evolve after. That’s twice the enjoyment! Though I might open mine immediately!
Hop BroThe series previously included OHRAI LAGER, BARLEY WINE, and Belgian Tripel. The first two are discontinued, and the third is nearly gone, so this fourth release matters.
MugiThen on November 5, I’m checking Hideji Beer’s online shop and local retailers! I want to savor this rich, art-filled old ale nice and slowly!
Hideji Beer, based in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, will release “OHRAI OLD ALE” on November 5, 2026, as the fourth entry in its collaboration series with illustrator Noriyoshi Ohrai.
Ohrai was known for his striking artwork for film posters, including Godzilla and Star Wars. He also maintained a studio in Miyazaki, where he created many of his celebrated works. Hideji Beer’s collaboration series connects his artistic legacy and the pride of the region with craft beer, presenting each release with a label featuring his work.
A mature old ale for the fourth release
“OHRAI OLD ALE” is brewed in the old ale style, a traditional English beer style. Old ales are characterized by rich malt depth and sweetness, along with complex aromas reminiscent of caramel and spirits. Extended maturation can add roundness and depth, while allowing the beer’s character to evolve over time.
The previous releases in the series were “OHRAI LAGER,” “OHRAI BARLEY WINE,” and “OHRAI Belgian Tripel.” The first two are now discontinued, while the third is available in limited remaining quantities. The new old ale adds a mature, malt-forward expression to the lineup.
The beer will be available through Hideji Beer’s online shop and is expected to reach retailers across Japan progressively. Yahoo! Shopping will offer packs of eight and twelve bottles, while Rakuten will list a three-bottle gift box as well as eight- and twelve-bottle packs. Further information is available on the official special page.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHideji Beer in Nobeoka, Miyazaki is releasing OHRAI OLD ALE on November 5, 2026! It’s the fourth collaboration with artist Noriyoshi Ohrai.
MugiWhat! Ohrai is famous for Godzilla posters, right? That has to make for an amazing beer label!
Hop BroExactly. Hideji Beer is sharing the work of an artist who had an atelier in Miyazaki. This time, the spotlight is on a traditional English old ale.
Mugi“Old ale” sounds incredibly veteran-like! Is it actually old beer?
Hop BroNo worries—it isn’t forgotten leftover beer! It’s a traditional style with rich malt body, sweetness, and caramel- and spirits-like aromas: a style made for aging.
MugiMalt means malted barley, right? So that caramel-like sweetness doesn’t necessarily mean they add sugar?
Hop BroGreat question! It can come from the malt kilning, plus impressions created through fermentation and aging. The flavor softens over time—that’s the joy of flavor changing with age.
MugiWow! You can admire the label before opening it, then wait for the beer to evolve after. That’s twice the enjoyment! Though I might open mine immediately!
Hop BroThe series previously included OHRAI LAGER, BARLEY WINE, and Belgian Tripel. The first two are discontinued, and the third is nearly gone, so this fourth release matters.
MugiThen on November 5, I’m checking Hideji Beer’s online shop and local retailers! I want to savor this rich, art-filled old ale nice and slowly!
