Nara Brewing Re-releases Hop-Focused XPA “EXCURSION”
Nara Brewing Co. is bringing back its Extra Pale Ale “EXCURSION” for the first time in about a year. Designed with restrained bitterness and expressive hop aroma, the beer begins shipping to selected bars and retailers on October 24, with online sales starting October 30 at noon.
Hop BroNara Brewing is bringing back its XPA, EXCURSION returns after a year. That is great news for hop lovers.
MugiWhat? What is an XPA? Is it a cousin of pale ale?
Hop BroGood question. XPA means Extra Pale Ale: it keeps pale ale drinkability while giving hop aroma a bigger role.
MugiOoh! And this one has a restrained bitterness, right? That sounds friendly even for someone cautious about bitter beer.
Hop BroExactly. You get citrus and pine first, then New Zealand hops reveal lime and white-wine notes.
MugiPine, lime, and white wine? Is there a forest meeting an orchard inside the glass?
Hop BroThat is a perfect image. Those are aroma impressions—the beer does not literally contain pine needles or white wine.
MugiGot it! It is like tasting a landscape. But what does dry and easy-drinking mean?
Hop BroIt means the sweetness does not linger too much, so each sip invites the next. It has hop character without feeling heavy.
MugiDraft beer starts reaching restaurants from October 24, and cans too—but availability varies by shop, so we should check first!
Hop BroExactly. Nara Brewing's online store begins sales at noon on October 30. I want to take that aromatic little trip.
MugiThen let's find a lime-scented pour! Cheers with EXCURSION—I am ready to join that forest-and-orchard meeting!
Nara Brewing Co., a craft brewery based in Nara City, is re-releasing its Extra Pale Ale (XPA) “EXCURSION” after an absence of approximately one year. The beer is designed to keep bitterness in check while allowing the aroma of the hops to take center stage.
Pouring the beer reveals citrus and pine-like notes. Beneath those aromas, New Zealand hops bring impressions of lime and white wine, adding a distinctive layer of freshness and depth. The finish is dry, making the beer easy to continue drinking without feeling overly heavy. It should work equally well alongside food or as a standalone pour.
As of October 24, the first shipments include draft kegs for bars and restaurants in Tokyo, Kofu, Kanazawa, Takayama, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Fukuoka. Cans are also being distributed to bottle shops, department-store liquor counters, and selected restaurants. Availability and tapping schedules vary by location, so customers are advised to check directly with each venue.
Based in Kitano-sho Nishimachi, Nara City, Nara Brewing Co. creates a wide range of beers under the idea of enjoying the process of choosing a beer. Its portfolio includes beers made with local ingredients as well as beers that highlight the character of hops and traditional styles.
“EXCURSION” follows the original release of the same beer in 2025. For this return, drinkers can look forward to the lime and white-wine-like character of New Zealand hops, balanced by a dry, highly drinkable finish. Nara Brewing’s online store will begin sales at noon on October 30.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroNara Brewing is bringing back its XPA, EXCURSION returns after a year. That is great news for hop lovers.
MugiWhat? What is an XPA? Is it a cousin of pale ale?
Hop BroGood question. XPA means Extra Pale Ale: it keeps pale ale drinkability while giving hop aroma a bigger role.
MugiOoh! And this one has a restrained bitterness, right? That sounds friendly even for someone cautious about bitter beer.
Hop BroExactly. You get citrus and pine first, then New Zealand hops reveal lime and white-wine notes.
MugiPine, lime, and white wine? Is there a forest meeting an orchard inside the glass?
Hop BroThat is a perfect image. Those are aroma impressions—the beer does not literally contain pine needles or white wine.
MugiGot it! It is like tasting a landscape. But what does dry and easy-drinking mean?
Hop BroIt means the sweetness does not linger too much, so each sip invites the next. It has hop character without feeling heavy.
MugiDraft beer starts reaching restaurants from October 24, and cans too—but availability varies by shop, so we should check first!
Hop BroExactly. Nara Brewing's online store begins sales at noon on October 30. I want to take that aromatic little trip.
MugiThen let's find a lime-scented pour! Cheers with EXCURSION—I am ready to join that forest-and-orchard meeting!
