Nara Brewing will release its new "UNDERWATER: LUMINOUS". It is a SAKE YEAST BEER, with specs of ABV 6.0% / IBU 0. It will be available in kegs and 350ml cans.

What sets this release apart is that, while it builds on the design of the brewery's "UNDERWATER" series, it clearly shifts the flavor direction. According to the post, the basic framework is shared: sake yeast, brewing water, and soyashi water used in the sake "Kaze no Mori" (Yucho Shuzo). On the other hand, LUMINOUS lets fermentation proceed more gently, leaving sugar behind to highlight malt-derived sweetness, while also expressing acidity more distinctly.

The aroma is described as moving in a refreshing direction reminiscent of red-fleshed watermelon, honeyed apples, and ramune. Compared with the existing UNDERWATER (ABV 11%), the alcohol content is lower, but it is said to be designed to deliver some of the depth of a sake-like drink even within a lighter, easier-drinking profile. It is positioned as a derivative of the series that can be enjoyed as a side-by-side tasting beer.

Sales start at 12:00 on March 23 for business-to-business e-commerce, and 12:00 on April 3 for consumer e-commerce. Based in Nara, Nara Brewing has been offering craft beer through beer bars, restaurants, and its own channels nationwide. This new release is worth watching as another example of the brewery connecting local sake culture with craft beer technique.