HOP JAPAN’s “Abukuma FRESH 2026 ver.” Tapped at Bibibi. in Daikanyama
Daikanyama beer pub Bibibi. hosted HOP JAPAN on September 27 for “FRESH HOP 2026 in Tokyo.” Guests enjoyed “Abukuma FRESH 2026 ver.,” a fresh hop pale ale brewed with Fukushima-grown hops, together with the brewery’s brewer.
Hop BroDaikanyama beer pub Bibibi hosted HOP JAPAN for FRESH HOP 2026 in Tokyo.
MugiWhat? Guests could drink this year’s harvested-hop beer with its makers? Even a freshly tapped glass sounds delicious!
Hop BroThe star was HOP JAPAN’s Abukuma FRESH 2026 ver., a pale ale brewed with hops harvested in Tamura, Fukushima this August.
MugiWhat makes fresh hops different from normal hops? Do they have that just-picked ingredient feeling too?
Hop BroMost hops are dried or pelletized, but these were brewed within one hour of picking, helping preserve their vivid aroma.
MugiWithin one hour!? The hops did not even have time to say, “I miss the farm already!” What does it smell like?
Hop BroIt uses 100% Fukushima-grown hops, including rare Sorachi Ace, for citrus and herbal aromas with a bright, green freshness.
MugiNice! At 5.2% ABV, it sounds like you can sip and explore the aromas. My nose is ready for a beer vacation!
Hop BroBrewer Mr. Muronushi was there too, sharing stories about brewing and hops. Bibibi’s meet the people behind it approach makes every sip more meaningful.
MugiNow I really want one! Let’s chase that seasonal aroma and toast with fresh-hop beer, Hop Bro!
Freshly harvested hops in Daikanyama
On September 27, 2026, Daikanyama beer pub Bibibi. welcomed HOP JAPAN, a brewery based in Tamura, Fukushima, as part of the brewery’s “FRESH HOP 2026 in Tokyo” tour. The event ran from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with Bibibi. serving as the first stop on the second day. It was the pub’s second consecutive year participating in the event.
The featured beer was “Abukuma FRESH 2026 ver.,” a 5.2% fresh hop pale ale brewed with hops harvested in Tamura in August. The hops were used within one hour of picking, and the beer was made with 100% Fukushima-grown hops, including the rare Japanese variety Sorachi Ace.
Citrus and herbal freshness
Fresh hops are used soon after harvest, rather than being dried or processed into pellets. This approach highlights their vibrant, green character and lively aroma. In “Abukuma FRESH 2026 ver.,” Sorachi Ace contributes citrus-like notes alongside a fresh herbal impression.
HOP JAPAN brewer Mr. Murashu joined the event, giving guests an opportunity to learn about the beer and its hops directly from the maker while enjoying the newly tapped keg.
Bibibi. is a beer pub in Daikanyama that focuses on the people and stories behind craft beer. Its motto is that beer tastes better when you know its maker. The event reflected that philosophy, bringing brewers, growers, and drinkers together over a seasonal beer that can only be made around hop harvest time.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroDaikanyama beer pub Bibibi hosted HOP JAPAN for FRESH HOP 2026 in Tokyo.
MugiWhat? Guests could drink this year’s harvested-hop beer with its makers? Even a freshly tapped glass sounds delicious!
Hop BroThe star was HOP JAPAN’s Abukuma FRESH 2026 ver., a pale ale brewed with hops harvested in Tamura, Fukushima this August.
MugiWhat makes fresh hops different from normal hops? Do they have that just-picked ingredient feeling too?
Hop BroMost hops are dried or pelletized, but these were brewed within one hour of picking, helping preserve their vivid aroma.
MugiWithin one hour!? The hops did not even have time to say, “I miss the farm already!” What does it smell like?
Hop BroIt uses 100% Fukushima-grown hops, including rare Sorachi Ace, for citrus and herbal aromas with a bright, green freshness.
MugiNice! At 5.2% ABV, it sounds like you can sip and explore the aromas. My nose is ready for a beer vacation!
Hop BroBrewer Mr. Muronushi was there too, sharing stories about brewing and hops. Bibibi’s meet the people behind it approach makes every sip more meaningful.
MugiNow I really want one! Let’s chase that seasonal aroma and toast with fresh-hop beer, Hop Bro!
