Nanki Shirahama Nagisa Beer wins Pale Ale gold and top-country honors at WBA 2026
Nanki Shirahama Nagisa Beer in Wakayama announced multiple wins at the World Beer Awards 2026. Pale Ale earned gold and Country Winner, while American Wheat took silver and Mikan Ale won bronze.
Hop BroBig news out of Wakayama today: Nanki Shirahama Nagisa Beer just pulled off a WBA2026 sweep!
MugiWait, seriously? Which beers won?
Hop BroTheir flagship Pale Ale took gold and Country Winner, topping Japan in the PALE BEER / English Style Pale Ale category.
MugiHold on, what is Country Winner? That sounds powerful and slightly intimidating!
Hop BroBasically, it means the best in Japan for that category. And English Style Pale Ale is a classic pale ale built more on malt balance than flashy bitterness.
MugiOhhh, so the judges loved that balanced classic style? That is such main-character energy. What about the other beers?
Hop BroAmerican Wheat grabbed a silver medal, and Mikan Ale took bronze. Light drinkability plus bright citrus character is a strong combo.
MugiNo way, Mikan Ale placed too? Wakayama really said, here, have some sunshine in a glass!
Hop BroAnd the Pale Ale winning Country Winner again is huge. It is their second since 2022, after silver runs in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
MugiThat comeback arc is wild. From silver back to gold is the kind of beer drama I fully support.
Hop BroA Shirahama brewery earning global praise across multiple styles says a lot, and they are still refining the beers for the next challenge. This feels like a three-beer flight waiting to happen.
MugiAbsolutely. Pale Ale first, American Wheat next, Mikan Ale last. I want all three right now!
Nanki Shirahama Nagisa Beer, based in Shirahama Town, Wakayama, announced on Instagram on August 14 that it had earned multiple honors at the World Beer Awards 2026. The brewery’s Pale Ale won gold and Country Winner, American Wheat took silver, and Mikan Ale earned bronze.
The Pale Ale result was especially notable: it marked the brewery’s second Country Winner title since 2022. After finishing with silver in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the beer returned to the top spot this year. In the post, the brewery also noted that the Pale Beer / English Style Pale Ale category is highly competitive because so many breweries make the style.
Nanki Shirahama Nagisa Beer has long been brewing in Shirahama, a coastal resort area known for its scenery and hot springs. Over time, it has built a lineup that includes its flagship Pale Ale, the citrus-forward Mikan Ale, and the easy-drinking American Wheat. This year’s results suggest that its range is being recognized across multiple styles, not just one signature beer.
The brewery said it will continue refining each beer and keep challenging itself on the world stage. For a local brewery from Wakayama, the WBA 2026 results were a strong reminder that carefully made regional beer can still stand out internationally.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroBig news out of Wakayama today: Nanki Shirahama Nagisa Beer just pulled off a WBA2026 sweep!
MugiWait, seriously? Which beers won?
Hop BroTheir flagship Pale Ale took gold and Country Winner, topping Japan in the PALE BEER / English Style Pale Ale category.
MugiHold on, what is Country Winner? That sounds powerful and slightly intimidating!
Hop BroBasically, it means the best in Japan for that category. And English Style Pale Ale is a classic pale ale built more on malt balance than flashy bitterness.
MugiOhhh, so the judges loved that balanced classic style? That is such main-character energy. What about the other beers?
Hop BroAmerican Wheat grabbed a silver medal, and Mikan Ale took bronze. Light drinkability plus bright citrus character is a strong combo.
MugiNo way, Mikan Ale placed too? Wakayama really said, here, have some sunshine in a glass!
Hop BroAnd the Pale Ale winning Country Winner again is huge. It is their second since 2022, after silver runs in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
MugiThat comeback arc is wild. From silver back to gold is the kind of beer drama I fully support.
Hop BroA Shirahama brewery earning global praise across multiple styles says a lot, and they are still refining the beers for the next challenge. This feels like a three-beer flight waiting to happen.
MugiAbsolutely. Pale Ale first, American Wheat next, Mikan Ale last. I want all three right now!
