Good Hops to Release Kegged LAGER and IPA Using Rare Hop "MURAKAMI SEVEN"
GOOD HOPS in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, will begin selling keg products of "MURAKAMI SEVEN LAGER" and "MURAKAMI SEVEN IPA" made with the rare hop "Murakami Seven" from 3:00 p.m. on April 1. The canned products are scheduled for April 8, and the developer himself handled everything from recipe design to brewing.
Hop BroToday, I’ve got two new beers from GOOD HOPS in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, both made with Murakami Seven. The keg release starts at 3:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026, and the cans are scheduled for April 8.
MugiWhoa! Two different beers from the same hop? And the keg comes first, which somehow feels really insider-cool!
Hop BroExactly. They’re called MURAKAMI SEVEN LAGER and MURAKAMI SEVEN IPA, and the featured hop, Murakami Seven, was developed by GOOD HOPS brewmaster Atsushi Murakami back when he was at Kirin Brewery.
MugiWhat, a new hop variety really exists? Japanese citrus and muscat in beer sounds so fruity!
Hop BroIt does. This time, the hop is known for aromas like Japanese citrus, muscat, and figs, and they’ve specially used a generous amount of hops that have been grown in Tono for the past few years.
MugiWow. I usually think of lager as something cleaner and more refreshing, but what does it mean when fresh green notes and citrus character overlap?
Hop BroHere’s the thing: the LAGER was designed to bring out the aroma, layering a Japanese citrus-like character over Murakami Seven’s green impression to create a beer that’s light, yet still has definition.
MugiSo the IPA must be more intense then! Just hearing packed with hops makes my nose start getting ready on its own!
Hop BroExactly. The IPA uses a lot of Murakami Seven and also adds Tono-grown IBUKI, so the aroma comes through clearly and has more depth as well.
MugiAnd the developer himself handled everything from the recipe to the brewing? That’s way too much love... It’s like this hop is his own child.
Hop BroThat’s right. GOOD HOPS turns Tono’s sense of place directly into flavor, and because these are small-batch brews, it’s something you’ll want to check out early. This definitely makes you want to have a pint from the keg.
MugiYeah, yeah, let’s toast at the April 1, 3:00 p.m. launch, and then look forward to the cans on April 8! I’ve already found a reason to go out for a drink today!
GOOD HOPS, based in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture and engaged in the cultivation, research, and brewing of Japanese hops, will release "MURAKAMI SEVEN LAGER" and "MURAKAMI SEVEN IPA". Keg sales will begin at 3:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026. The canned versions are scheduled for Wednesday, April 8.
The featured hop this time, "Murakami Seven," is a new variety developed by GOOD HOPS brewmaster Atsushi Murakami during his time at Kirin Brewery. According to GOOD HOPS, it is characterized by aromas reminiscent of Japanese citrus, muscat grapes, and figs, and has been cultivated in Tono for several years. Because production is limited, it has mainly been used under the Kirin Brewery brand until now, but for this special collaboration with Spring Valley Brewery, it has also been specially used at GOOD HOPS.
The LAGER was brewed with the goal of bringing out the character of Murakami Seven, with a design that layers a green, fresh impression with aromas evoking Japanese citrus. The IPA uses Murakami Seven generously, and by adding Tono-grown IBUKI, it has been finished with a more defined aroma and a deeper flavor. In both cases, Murakami himself handled everything from recipe design to brewing, making this project especially unique in that the variety's developer brewed it himself.
As a brewery that integrates hop cultivation, processing, and brewing, GOOD HOPS has highlighted Tono's identity as a production area. These two releases are limited products that translate that approach directly into flavor. Because they are made from a small amount of hops, those interested should act quickly.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday, I’ve got two new beers from GOOD HOPS in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, both made with Murakami Seven. The keg release starts at 3:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026, and the cans are scheduled for April 8.
MugiWhoa! Two different beers from the same hop? And the keg comes first, which somehow feels really insider-cool!
Hop BroExactly. They’re called MURAKAMI SEVEN LAGER and MURAKAMI SEVEN IPA, and the featured hop, Murakami Seven, was developed by GOOD HOPS brewmaster Atsushi Murakami back when he was at Kirin Brewery.
MugiWhat, a new hop variety really exists? Japanese citrus and muscat in beer sounds so fruity!
Hop BroIt does. This time, the hop is known for aromas like Japanese citrus, muscat, and figs, and they’ve specially used a generous amount of hops that have been grown in Tono for the past few years.
MugiWow. I usually think of lager as something cleaner and more refreshing, but what does it mean when fresh green notes and citrus character overlap?
Hop BroHere’s the thing: the LAGER was designed to bring out the aroma, layering a Japanese citrus-like character over Murakami Seven’s green impression to create a beer that’s light, yet still has definition.
MugiSo the IPA must be more intense then! Just hearing packed with hops makes my nose start getting ready on its own!
Hop BroExactly. The IPA uses a lot of Murakami Seven and also adds Tono-grown IBUKI, so the aroma comes through clearly and has more depth as well.
MugiAnd the developer himself handled everything from the recipe to the brewing? That’s way too much love... It’s like this hop is his own child.
Hop BroThat’s right. GOOD HOPS turns Tono’s sense of place directly into flavor, and because these are small-batch brews, it’s something you’ll want to check out early. This definitely makes you want to have a pint from the keg.
MugiYeah, yeah, let’s toast at the April 1, 3:00 p.m. launch, and then look forward to the cans on April 8! I’ve already found a reason to go out for a drink today!
