Garyu Brewing Announces “Ozu Silk IPA” to Be Tapped on March 20
Garyu Brewing (Garyu Brewing, based in Ozu, Ehime) has announced its first new release of 2026, “Ozu Silk IPA.” Featuring a smooth mouthfeel created with silk powder from Ozu along with wheat and oats, the beer will be tapped simultaneously on March 20 at two locations in Ozu and Matsuyama. A commemorative tap takeover is also planned in Nibancho, Matsuyama.
Hop BroToday, let’s talk about Ozu Silk IPA from Ehime’s Garyu Brewing, the brewery’s first new release of 2026.
MugiWhoa! Even the name sounds elegant! Does silk go into beer!?
Hop BroIt does, and this one uses Ozu-produced silk powder plus lots of wheat and oats in the grist design to aim for that smooth Hazy IPA texture.
MugiHold on, what even is grist design? This suddenly feels like science class!
Hop BroBasically, it’s the recipe for which grains you use and how much of each. In this case, it’s the formulation for creating a creamy mouthfeel.
MugiOhh! Then what about the aroma? I’d be happy if it smelled like juice!
Hop BroThat part is strong too. It’s said to be built around Nelson Sauvin, with three citrus hops plus yuzu peel for a multi-layered fruity finish.
MugiThat sounds luxurious! And it inherits the DNA of the original Ozu Silk Ale, right? I want to taste them side by side!
Hop BroThe tap date is Friday, March 20, with simultaneous tapping at the Ozu taproom and STAND SEVENs in Matsuyama’s Matsuchika Town, plus a commemorative tap takeover at The Tap in Nibancho starting at 18:00.
MugiWhen you hear “silk” in the context of the old silk-reeling warehouse and town revitalization, it feels like local pride you can drink.
Hop BroExactly. If you drink it with the background in mind, it’ll taste even better. On March 20, let’s go get the first victory pour together.
Garyu Brewing announced its new Hazy IPA, “Ozu Silk IPA,” on Instagram. According to the post, this beer inherits the DNA of the popular “Ozu Silk Ale” while refining the recipe based on the brewery’s New England IPA.
What stands out is the clarity of the ingredient design. In addition to silk powder from Ozu, the beer uses a large amount of wheat and oats to create a lightly hazy appearance and a “silky” creaminess. The hops are built around New Zealand Nelson Sauvin, combined with three citrus-forward varieties, and accented with yuzu peel to produce a layered, fruity aroma.
The tap date is Friday, March 20. Service will begin simultaneously at “Garyu Brewing Taproom (Ozu City)” and “STAND SEVENs GARYU BREWING (Matsuyama, Matsuchika Town).” In addition, The Tap in Nibancho, Matsuyama, is scheduled to host a commemorative tap takeover starting at 18:00 on the same day.
Looking at the brewery’s background adds even more context to this beer. Garyu Brewing has been developing craft beer as part of both “town revitalization” and “support for people with disabilities,” operating from the former Hoden Silk Reeling Cocoon Warehouse site (the red-brick warehouse) in Ozu’s historic sightseeing district. Its policy of using local ingredients as adjuncts is also clear, and this “silk” theme seems like a new release that symbolizes the company’s local-first approach. A side-by-side tasting with the existing “Silk Ale” should also be interesting for experiencing the difference in design philosophy.
Source: Instagram post / Garyu Brewing official website
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday, let’s talk about Ozu Silk IPA from Ehime’s Garyu Brewing, the brewery’s first new release of 2026.
MugiWhoa! Even the name sounds elegant! Does silk go into beer!?
Hop BroIt does, and this one uses Ozu-produced silk powder plus lots of wheat and oats in the grist design to aim for that smooth Hazy IPA texture.
MugiHold on, what even is grist design? This suddenly feels like science class!
Hop BroBasically, it’s the recipe for which grains you use and how much of each. In this case, it’s the formulation for creating a creamy mouthfeel.
MugiOhh! Then what about the aroma? I’d be happy if it smelled like juice!
Hop BroThat part is strong too. It’s said to be built around Nelson Sauvin, with three citrus hops plus yuzu peel for a multi-layered fruity finish.
MugiThat sounds luxurious! And it inherits the DNA of the original Ozu Silk Ale, right? I want to taste them side by side!
Hop BroThe tap date is Friday, March 20, with simultaneous tapping at the Ozu taproom and STAND SEVENs in Matsuyama’s Matsuchika Town, plus a commemorative tap takeover at The Tap in Nibancho starting at 18:00.
MugiWhen you hear “silk” in the context of the old silk-reeling warehouse and town revitalization, it feels like local pride you can drink.
Hop BroExactly. If you drink it with the background in mind, it’ll taste even better. On March 20, let’s go get the first victory pour together.
