Tango Kingdom Brewery Releases Its First Saison, Lively Ale
Tango Kingdom Brewery in Kyotango, Kyoto, released Lively Ale on September 7, 2026. The brewery’s first saison-style craft beer uses Koshihikari rice from Tango as an adjunct and French Mistral hops, bringing a refreshing hop aroma, spicy character, and light finish.
Hop BroA first-ever saison from Kyoto’s Kyotango has arrived: Tango Kingdom Brewery’s “Lively Ale.”
MugiWhat! Their first saison? What exactly is a saison-style beer?
Hop BroIt’s light and easy to drink, yet full of aromatic and flavorful character. The style originally comes from Belgium, where it was enjoyed between farm work.
MugiOoh! So it’s a greedy little beer—easy to gulp down, but still packed with interesting flavor?
Hop BroExactly! It uses locally grown Tango Koshihikari rice as an adjunct, plus French Mistral hops.
MugiMistral? That sounds like wind. It’s not a hop that suddenly creates a gale in the bar, right!?
Hop BroNo flying glasses, don’t worry. Mistral hops can bring fresh aromas and a spicy edge, which should pair beautifully with the rice’s lightness.
MugiFresh aroma, spicy flavor, and a light finish—this is one busy glass of beer!
Hop BroWhat’s especially interesting is how they applied know-how from their rice lager, “Meister,” to a saison. It launched September 7, 2026, in 330ml bottles for ¥715.
MugiIf we can get it at Tango Takumi-an in the roadside station or online, then there’s only one option: cheers to Tango!
A new expression of Tango rice
Tango Kingdom Brewery, based in Kyotango, Kyoto, has launched Lively Ale, its first saison-style craft beer. The beer went on sale on September 7, 2026. It is available in a 330 ml bottle priced at ¥715, including tax.
The beer uses Koshihikari rice grown in the Tango region as an adjunct, paired with Mistral hops from France. According to the brewery, Lively Ale features a refreshing hop aroma, a spicy flavor profile, and a light, easy-drinking finish.
Building on the brewery’s lager expertise
Tango Kingdom Brewery has previously developed and sold Meister, a lager-style craft beer also made with Koshihikari rice from Tango. Lively Ale applies the technical knowledge and brewing experience gained through Meister to a new style for the brewery: saison.
Saisons are generally appreciated for their lively drinkability and layered aroma. In Lively Ale, the light character associated with locally grown rice meets the fresh aroma and spice of Mistral hops, creating a beer that connects regional ingredients with a different brewing tradition.
Brewing as regional development
Tango Kingdom Brewery operates as a regional trading company as well as a brewery. In addition to producing craft beer and sausages, it works on developing local products, expanding sales channels, and promoting tourism in the Tango area. Its TANGO KINGDOM Beer range is made by a brewer with 20 years of brewing experience in Tango and has earned recognition in international competitions.
Lively Ale is sold at the Tango Takumi-an souvenir shop at Roadside Station Tango Kingdom “Shoku no Miyako,” as well as through the Tango Kingdom Kodawari Market online store and other outlets. For beer fans, it offers a chance to taste Tango-grown rice alongside the distinctive aroma and spice of French Mistral hops.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroA first-ever saison from Kyoto’s Kyotango has arrived: Tango Kingdom Brewery’s “Lively Ale.”
MugiWhat! Their first saison? What exactly is a saison-style beer?
Hop BroIt’s light and easy to drink, yet full of aromatic and flavorful character. The style originally comes from Belgium, where it was enjoyed between farm work.
MugiOoh! So it’s a greedy little beer—easy to gulp down, but still packed with interesting flavor?
Hop BroExactly! It uses locally grown Tango Koshihikari rice as an adjunct, plus French Mistral hops.
MugiMistral? That sounds like wind. It’s not a hop that suddenly creates a gale in the bar, right!?
Hop BroNo flying glasses, don’t worry. Mistral hops can bring fresh aromas and a spicy edge, which should pair beautifully with the rice’s lightness.
MugiFresh aroma, spicy flavor, and a light finish—this is one busy glass of beer!
Hop BroWhat’s especially interesting is how they applied know-how from their rice lager, “Meister,” to a saison. It launched September 7, 2026, in 330ml bottles for ¥715.
MugiIf we can get it at Tango Takumi-an in the roadside station or online, then there’s only one option: cheers to Tango!
