Karuizawa Q Pours “Megumi,” a Peach and Assam Tea Fruit Ale
Karuizawa Q’s GOOD AFTERNOON taproom in Naka-Karuizawa is serving Megumi, a Fruit Ale made with approximately 200 kilograms of locally grown Kawakajima white peaches. Assam tea and Peacharine hops add depth to its fresh, food-friendly profile.
Hop BroAt karuizawa Q in Naka-Karuizawa, a local-peach Fruit Ale called “Megumi” is now pouring.
MugiWhat, peach beer!? About 200 kg of peaches sounds like an orchard fell into the glass!
Hop BroIt uses Nagano-grown Kawanakajima white peaches in a Fruit Ale with Peach & Assam Tea. It is 5.0% ABV and 18 IBU.
MugiAssam tea too? What is an IBU of 18—some kind of beer code?
Hop BroIBU measures bitterness, so 18 is fairly gentle. The Assam tea is a subtle balancing note, not a way to turn it into peach iced tea.
MugiOhhh! So it is not just sweet peach juice—it is easy to pair with food too!
Hop BroExactly. Peaches are added during fermentation, so their sugars ferment out; it smells peachy but finishes crisp. That is a juice-free design.
MugiThe peach sugars ferment too!? Those peaches are working overtime! Bright aroma, crisp finish—that sounds dangerously drinkable!
Hop BroIt was first brewed for GOOD AFTERNOON’s anniversary, then returned by popular demand. This batch uses Peacharine hops for a dry-hopped aroma lift.
MugiWalkable from Naka-Karuizawa Station, with Mount Asama views—perfect. I want a fresh Megumi with food at karuizawa Q right now!
A fruit ale built around local peaches
Karuizawa Q (GOOD AFTERNOON) is pouring Megumi, a Fruit Ale w/ Peach & Assam Tea with 5.0% ABV and 18 IBU.
The beer uses approximately 200 kilograms of Kawakajima white peaches grown locally in Nagano. Their sweet, floral aroma and juicy character form the center of the beer, while Assam tea is added as a subtle supporting note. The result is designed to remain recognizably beer rather than becoming overly sweet or juice-like.
The peaches were added during fermentation, allowing their sugars to ferment fully. On the palate, Megumi combines a generous peach aroma with a clean, refreshing finish. A small amount of Peacharine hops was added during dry hopping to emphasize the peach impression without making the beer heavy, making it suitable for pairing with food.
A returning anniversary beer
Megumi was originally brewed as an anniversary beer for GOOD AFTERNOON the previous year. Following positive feedback from customers, fellow brewers, and retailers, the brewery decided to brew it again this year.
The beer is available at the GOOD AFTERNOON taproom, located on the second floor above Karuizawa Q’s brewing facility. Guests can enjoy house-brewed beers alongside seasonal food in a relaxed space near Naka-Karuizawa Station.
For drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward beers with a crisp finish, Megumi offers a focused expression of local white peaches, with Assam tea and Peacharine hops adding understated complexity. Availability may change, so checking the taproom’s latest update before visiting is recommended.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroAt karuizawa Q in Naka-Karuizawa, a local-peach Fruit Ale called “Megumi” is now pouring.
MugiWhat, peach beer!? About 200 kg of peaches sounds like an orchard fell into the glass!
Hop BroIt uses Nagano-grown Kawanakajima white peaches in a Fruit Ale with Peach & Assam Tea. It is 5.0% ABV and 18 IBU.
MugiAssam tea too? What is an IBU of 18—some kind of beer code?
Hop BroIBU measures bitterness, so 18 is fairly gentle. The Assam tea is a subtle balancing note, not a way to turn it into peach iced tea.
MugiOhhh! So it is not just sweet peach juice—it is easy to pair with food too!
Hop BroExactly. Peaches are added during fermentation, so their sugars ferment out; it smells peachy but finishes crisp. That is a juice-free design.
MugiThe peach sugars ferment too!? Those peaches are working overtime! Bright aroma, crisp finish—that sounds dangerously drinkable!
Hop BroIt was first brewed for GOOD AFTERNOON’s anniversary, then returned by popular demand. This batch uses Peacharine hops for a dry-hopped aroma lift.
MugiWalkable from Naka-Karuizawa Station, with Mount Asama views—perfect. I want a fresh Megumi with food at karuizawa Q right now!
