Kiuchi Brewery to release Hitachino Nest Beer Grapefruit Lager in mid-June
Kiuchi Brewery will begin a limited release of Hitachino Nest Beer Grapefruit Lager in mid-June 2026. The summer seasonal beer uses Santa Maria grapefruit from Kannonyama Fruit Garden in Wakayama Prefecture and returns for its fourth year.
Hop BroSummer has a good headline this year: Kiuchi Brewery is releasing Grapefruit Lager in limited quantities starting in mid-June 2026.
MugiWhat, that name alone makes me want to sprint to the fridge! Is this summer-only lager one of those seasonal fan favorites?
Hop BroExactly. It is a Hitachino Nest Beer seasonal, and this year marks its fourth summer release.
MugiNo way! I pictured imported fruit, so you're telling me it's made with Japanese-grown grapefruit?
Hop BroThat is the nice part. They use Santa Maria grapefruit from Kannonyama Fruit Garden in Wakayama, which gives it a fresh citrus aroma and a clean, bright tang.
MugiSanta Maria sounds weirdly adventurous! Also, when you say it has a clean lager finish, what does that actually mean?
Hop BroBasically, the flavor does not linger in a heavy, sticky way. It clears out neatly and makes you want another sip, which is that easy-drinking profile people want in summer.
MugiOkay, so this is the official hot-day chug candidate. And at 4.5% ABV it sounds perfect as a summer reward.
Hop BroThe release format is solid too: 330ml bottles and 15L kegs. The bottle comes in at a friendly 528 yen and it will be sold at direct shops and online.
MugiThat is dangerously efficient. Draft at the bar, bottle at home, no wasted motion. I am fully in need a glass now mode.
Kiuchi Brewery will begin a limited release of Hitachino Nest Beer Grapefruit Lager in mid-June 2026. In its Instagram post, the brewery described it as a returning summer staple and noted that this is the product's fourth year as a seasonal release.
The beer is a juicy lager-style brew made with Santa Maria grapefruit from Kannonyama Fruit Garden in Wakayama Prefecture. According to the product information, it is classified as happoshu with malt content of 50% or more, has an alcohol content of 4.5%, and will be sold in 330 ml bottles and 15 L kegs. The recommended retail price for the 330 ml bottle is 528 yen.
Sales will be handled through Kiuchi Brewery's directly managed shops, online store, and liquor retailers. Bottle sales include Kiuchi Brewery Main Store, Kiuchi Brewery 1823, Kiuchi Brewery TOKYO, Hitachino Brewing Marunouchi, Yasato Distillery Visitor Center, Ishioka Tasting Room, and the official online shop. Draft service will be available at Kiuchi Brewery Main Store Sake Tasting Area, Kura + Soba Nakaya, Restaurant Omoya, Kurakatsu Mito, Ishioka Tasting Room, and all Hitachino Brewing locations.
Founded in 1823 in what is now Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kiuchi Brewery began with sake and launched Hitachino Nest Beer in 1996. The company now operates across craft beer, whisky, and dining, and continues to build products around local ingredients and regional character. Grapefruit Lager fits that approach as a seasonal beer centered on Japanese-grown fruit.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroSummer has a good headline this year: Kiuchi Brewery is releasing Grapefruit Lager in limited quantities starting in mid-June 2026.
MugiWhat, that name alone makes me want to sprint to the fridge! Is this summer-only lager one of those seasonal fan favorites?
Hop BroExactly. It is a Hitachino Nest Beer seasonal, and this year marks its fourth summer release.
MugiNo way! I pictured imported fruit, so you're telling me it's made with Japanese-grown grapefruit?
Hop BroThat is the nice part. They use Santa Maria grapefruit from Kannonyama Fruit Garden in Wakayama, which gives it a fresh citrus aroma and a clean, bright tang.
MugiSanta Maria sounds weirdly adventurous! Also, when you say it has a clean lager finish, what does that actually mean?
Hop BroBasically, the flavor does not linger in a heavy, sticky way. It clears out neatly and makes you want another sip, which is that easy-drinking profile people want in summer.
MugiOkay, so this is the official hot-day chug candidate. And at 4.5% ABV it sounds perfect as a summer reward.
Hop BroThe release format is solid too: 330ml bottles and 15L kegs. The bottle comes in at a friendly 528 yen and it will be sold at direct shops and online.
MugiThat is dangerously efficient. Draft at the bar, bottle at home, no wasted motion. I am fully in need a glass now mode.
