Hoppotan Brewing Announces West Coast Pale Ale "Fiction"
Hoppotan Brewing announced its new beer "Fiction" on Instagram at 6:45 p.m. on March 5, 2026. The style is West Coast Pale Ale, with ABV 6.0% and IBU 40. As the company’s latest release from its base in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, it is drawing attention.
Hop BroBreaking news, Hoppotan Brewing has released a new beer called "Fiction"! It was announced on Instagram at 6:45 p.m. on March 5, 2026, and the style is West Coast Pale Ale!
MugiWhoa! That name is cool! So what kind of flavor direction is it?
Hop BroWith ABV 6.0% and IBU 40, it's the kind of beer that has substance but finishes crisp. The hop aroma stands out, and the bitterness comes through cleanly.
MugiIBU 40 suddenly makes this feel like science! Is that really bitter? Will it make my tongue tingle?
Hop BroIBU is just a guide to bitterness. Forty is in the range of "definitely bitter, but not tiring to drink." It's a number that lets you enjoy the sharpness typical of a West Coast Pale Ale.
MugiOhhh! Then it sounds like it would go great with fried chicken or potatoes, or any salty snacks!
Hop BroExactly. It works both as a beer with food and on its own. And Hoppotan Brewing is based in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, so being close to local hops is a real strength.
MugiNo way! Kamifurano is the only town in Hokkaido where hops are commercially grown, right? And the brewery name "Kotan" comes from the place itself too, which is so meaningful!
Hop BroExactly. It was established in 2017 and launched in 2018, and it has always had that connection between agriculture and brewing. I want to follow this spring 2026 release, "Fiction," in draft and can form as soon as possible. I'm already shaking just thinking about drinking it.
MugiMe too! Let's make that our next drink and go experience the "Kamifurano hop experience" with Fiction!
Hoppotan Brewing (Hokkaido) announced its new beer "Fiction" in an Instagram post titled "NEW BEER..." on March 5, 2026. The specs shown in the post were as follows.
- Style: West Coast Pale Ale
- ABV: 6.0%
- IBU: 40
West Coast Pale Ale is a lineage that emphasizes crisp bitterness and the rise of hop aroma. From the design of ABV 6.0% and IBU 40, the recipe appears aimed at balancing body with a clean finish. It should be easy to enjoy both with meals and on its own, making it a beer that offers an accessible way to experience the brewery's hop expression.
Hoppotan Brewing is based in Kamifurano Town, Sorachi District, Hokkaido. According to official information, Kamifurano is said to be the only town in Hokkaido where hops are commercially cultivated, and the brewery name "Kotan" (settlement) also comes from this local identity. Operating in an environment close to local hops, the brewery stands out for connecting regional agriculture and brewing.
The company was established in 2017 and launched in 2018. This release of "Fiction" is the brewery's spring 2026 new product, shaped by that Kamifurano background, and attention will likely turn to when it starts being served and where it will appear in draft and can formats.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroBreaking news, Hoppotan Brewing has released a new beer called "Fiction"! It was announced on Instagram at 6:45 p.m. on March 5, 2026, and the style is West Coast Pale Ale!
MugiWhoa! That name is cool! So what kind of flavor direction is it?
Hop BroWith ABV 6.0% and IBU 40, it's the kind of beer that has substance but finishes crisp. The hop aroma stands out, and the bitterness comes through cleanly.
MugiIBU 40 suddenly makes this feel like science! Is that really bitter? Will it make my tongue tingle?
Hop BroIBU is just a guide to bitterness. Forty is in the range of "definitely bitter, but not tiring to drink." It's a number that lets you enjoy the sharpness typical of a West Coast Pale Ale.
MugiOhhh! Then it sounds like it would go great with fried chicken or potatoes, or any salty snacks!
Hop BroExactly. It works both as a beer with food and on its own. And Hoppotan Brewing is based in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, so being close to local hops is a real strength.
MugiNo way! Kamifurano is the only town in Hokkaido where hops are commercially grown, right? And the brewery name "Kotan" comes from the place itself too, which is so meaningful!
Hop BroExactly. It was established in 2017 and launched in 2018, and it has always had that connection between agriculture and brewing. I want to follow this spring 2026 release, "Fiction," in draft and can form as soon as possible. I'm already shaking just thinking about drinking it.
MugiMe too! Let's make that our next drink and go experience the "Kamifurano hop experience" with Fiction!
