Hakuba Beer Garage's winter-limited "Yoi (Evening)" wins bronze at JGBA 2026
Nagano-based Hakuba Beer Garage (HAKUBA CRAFT) announced that its winter seasonal beer "Yoi (Evening)" won the bronze award at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026. The design, which layers stout richness with Belgian yeast, cinnamon, and vanilla, was recognized.
Hop BroBreaking news: Nagano's Hakuba Beer Garage just won a bronze at JGBA 2026 with its winter-limited "Yoi (Evening)"!
MugiWhoa! That's amazing! What kind of beer is Yoi (Evening)?
Hop BroThe base is stout, with Belgian yeast, cinnamon, and vanilla layered in for a winter-focused design.
MugiWhat! When they say the Belgian yeast's phenolic character, it suddenly sounds like a science lab?!
Hop BroSimply put, it's a yeast that brings out clove-like spice aromas, creating a deep, layered aroma that's not just sweet.
MugiNice! And with that solid 7% ABV, it sounds perfect for sipping slowly at night!
Hop BroExactly - the evening-time concept of drinking it while watching the fireplace in snowy Hakuba is what seems to have been recognized.
MugiThat's so romantic! But "we don't know when we'll meet it again" sounds like a super-limited-release problem!
Hop BroAt that point, you just have to follow the brewery's updates on Instagram and elsewhere; with the award bringing more attention, checking early is a must.
MugiAll right, tonight I'll study up with a stout vibe after dinner! When it comes back, let's toast with Yoi (Evening)!
According to Hakuba Beer Garage's Instagram post, the brewery's winter seasonal creation "Yoi (Evening)" won the bronze award at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026.
In the post, "Yoi" is introduced as a beer inspired by the time when day gives way to night and the evening deepens. It was designed to evoke a slow, lingering drink while gazing at a fireplace in snowy winter Hakuba.
The beer is built on the deep richness of stout, with the spicy character of Belgian yeast added and cinnamon and vanilla aromas layered on top. ABV is 7%, and it aims for a complex, layered drinking experience rather than sweetness alone.
The post also notes that "it's unclear when we'll meet it again," suggesting that this is a highly seasonal, limited-release beer. The award is likely to draw attention, but if you want to get it, you'll need to keep a close eye on the brewery's updates.
The story rooted in Nagano's Hakuba environment and the flavor profile aimed at winter after-dinner drinking or a nightcap. This award, recognized in that broader context, is news that highlights the individuality of locally born craft beer.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroBreaking news: Nagano's Hakuba Beer Garage just won a bronze at JGBA 2026 with its winter-limited "Yoi (Evening)"!
MugiWhoa! That's amazing! What kind of beer is Yoi (Evening)?
Hop BroThe base is stout, with Belgian yeast, cinnamon, and vanilla layered in for a winter-focused design.
MugiWhat! When they say the Belgian yeast's phenolic character, it suddenly sounds like a science lab?!
Hop BroSimply put, it's a yeast that brings out clove-like spice aromas, creating a deep, layered aroma that's not just sweet.
MugiNice! And with that solid 7% ABV, it sounds perfect for sipping slowly at night!
Hop BroExactly - the evening-time concept of drinking it while watching the fireplace in snowy Hakuba is what seems to have been recognized.
MugiThat's so romantic! But "we don't know when we'll meet it again" sounds like a super-limited-release problem!
Hop BroAt that point, you just have to follow the brewery's updates on Instagram and elsewhere; with the award bringing more attention, checking early is a must.
MugiAll right, tonight I'll study up with a stout vibe after dinner! When it comes back, let's toast with Yoi (Evening)!
