In the Door Brewing, which brews at Marine Park on Kobe’s Rokko Island, has unveiled a new beer, “KALE Double IPA.” This batch was brewed with kale grown at Chiba Farm in Kobe’s Nishi Ward. Galaxy hops were used, and the beer was crafted to deliver citrus-like aromas and the substantial drinkability expected of a Double IPA.

This beer is a Double India Pale Ale with an ABV of 7.5%. According to the brewery’s post, it has firm bitterness, but the character from the kale layers on top of it, creating a beer whose impression changes as you keep drinking. It was brewed at the end of January and partially previewed at a pop-up in March, but due to the remaining volume, it is now being offered only at the brewery.

In the Door Brewing describes itself as a “hyper-local” brewery, and one of its defining features is that it brews entirely with Kobe Water, the city’s natural water from the Rokkō Nunobiki springs. In addition to six regular beers, it also releases limited beers that make use of locally sourced ingredients such as fruit and herbs grown by nearby farmers, and this kale IPA fits squarely into that approach.

The seaside setting of Rokko Island, Kobe’s water, and kale from a local farm. This is a new release that reflects the brewery’s style of turning the character of the land directly into beer. It will likely catch the attention not only of IPA fans, but also of anyone interested in vegetal nuances in beer.