Craft Ale Chigira Releases a Fresh-Hop Stout for the 2026 Season
Craft Ale Chigira, based in Kiryu, Gunma, has released its 2026 stout. Brewed with an abundant amount of the brewery’s own freshly harvested hops, the seasonal beer combines coffee-like roast aromas, chocolate-like bitterness, and fresh hop character. It is 4.5% ABV and is intended to be enjoyed from autumn through spring.
Hop BroCraft Ale Chigira in Kiryu, Gunma, has released its 2026 stout edition.
MugiWhat? A dark beer made with homegrown fresh hops harvested this year?
Hop BroExactly—the theme is “Fresh Hop × Stout,” layering fresh-picked hop character with toasty roasted-malt aromas in a seasonal beer.
MugiWhat even is roasted malt? Do they make it like campfire-roasted sweet potatoes?
Hop BroClose! Malted barley is roasted to bring out deep, rich toastiness reminiscent of coffee and cacao.
MugiWow—coffee-like notes, chocolatey bitterness, and even fresh-picked hop nuances? That is a lot of delicious darkness!
Hop BroAnd it is 4.5% ABV. Despite its rich look, it is designed to be easy to keep drinking.
MugiAt 4.5%, even a stout beginner like me can try it! It is a limited seasonal release for autumn through spring.
Hop BroCraft Ale Chigira brews American-style ales in Kiryu, with INDIA, HAZY, STOUT, and INDIA BLACK PALE ALE in its distinctive core lineup.
MugiI want it with savory roasted food and chocolate desserts—let’s pour a stout right now!
A stout built around homegrown fresh hops
Craft Ale Chigira in Kiryu, Gunma, has announced the release of its 2026 stout. The beer is based on the concept of “homegrown fresh hops × stout,” using a generous amount of hops harvested by the brewery this year.
The stout presents the roasted aroma expected from the style, with coffee-like notes at the forefront. Chocolate-like bitterness adds depth, while the freshly picked hops contribute a lively green nuance. According to the brewery, the beer is designed to retain the character of a dark beer without becoming overly heavy.
At 4.5% ABV, the stout is positioned as an approachable seasonal beer. Craft Ale Chigira describes it as a beer that offers the roasted fragrance associated with dark beer while remaining easy to drink without causing fatigue over a session.
American ales from Kiryu
Craft Ale Chigira brews American-style ales in the Niisato area of Kiryu, Gunma. The brewery focuses on hop bitterness, rich aroma, and drinkability, with a lineup that includes INDIA, HAZY, STOUT, and INDIA BLACK PALE ALE styles.
This seasonal stout brings together two defining elements of the brewery: its interest in American-influenced ale styles and its use of locally grown, home-produced hops. With its roast character, moderate strength, and fresh hop accent, the beer should work well alongside savory autumn and winter dishes as well as chocolate-based desserts. It will be available as a limited seasonal offering from autumn through spring.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroCraft Ale Chigira in Kiryu, Gunma, has released its 2026 stout edition.
MugiWhat? A dark beer made with homegrown fresh hops harvested this year?
Hop BroExactly—the theme is “Fresh Hop × Stout,” layering fresh-picked hop character with toasty roasted-malt aromas in a seasonal beer.
MugiWhat even is roasted malt? Do they make it like campfire-roasted sweet potatoes?
Hop BroClose! Malted barley is roasted to bring out deep, rich toastiness reminiscent of coffee and cacao.
MugiWow—coffee-like notes, chocolatey bitterness, and even fresh-picked hop nuances? That is a lot of delicious darkness!
Hop BroAnd it is 4.5% ABV. Despite its rich look, it is designed to be easy to keep drinking.
MugiAt 4.5%, even a stout beginner like me can try it! It is a limited seasonal release for autumn through spring.
Hop BroCraft Ale Chigira brews American-style ales in Kiryu, with INDIA, HAZY, STOUT, and INDIA BLACK PALE ALE in its distinctive core lineup.
MugiI want it with savory roasted food and chocolate desserts—let’s pour a stout right now!
