Mahow Brew Announces Symplegades, a West Coast Pilsner with IPA-Like Hop Character
Naha-based Mahow Brew has announced Symplegades, its Batch No. 0094 West Coast Pilsner. Brewed for ISEKADO and Mitsukoshi Nihombashi’s “Beer or beer?” project, the 5.0% beer combines the crisp, light finish of a lager with bright hop aromas associated with IPA.
Hop BroMahou Brew in Tsuboya, Naha has released a new West Coast Pilsner called “Symplegades.”
MugiWhoa! A pilsner called West Coast—does that mean a beer made of sea breeze?
Hop BroAlmost! It combines lager-like crispness with bright IPA-style hop aroma.
MugiLager crispness plus IPA aroma… so it’s light but flashy? Like my weekend outfit!
Hop BroThat’s actually a great comparison! Symplegades is Batch No. 0094, with 5.0% alcohol by volume, so it is built for easy drinking.
MugiAnd it uses loads of hops, right? Citra Cryo and DynaBoost sound like names of finishing moves. I’m scared!
Hop BroNo beer transformation required. Cryo is a concentrated hop ingredient, while Cascade, Citra, and Vic Secret build layers of aroma.
MugiNice! If the glass gives off citrus and tropical aromas, my nose will be ready to toast first!
Hop BroIt is dry and clean on the palate, with 40 IBU. That gives it a pleasantly firm bitterness. It was also brewed specially for ISEKADO × Mitsukoshi Nihombashi’s “Beer or beer?” project.
MugiPerfect for days when I want IPA aroma without something too heavy! I want to toast with Symplegades right now!
Mahow Brew, a craft brewery based in Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa, has announced its new beer, “Symplegades.” Listed as Batch No. 0094, the beer is a West Coast Pilsner with an ABV of 5.0%, 40 IBU, a final gravity of 1.012, and an SRM of 4.
The beer was brewed specifically for ISEKADO × Mitsukoshi Nihombashi’s “Beer or beer?” project. Its concept centers on the clean, brisk drinkability associated with lager, while adding the expressive hop character more commonly found in IPA.
Symplegades uses IPA Malt as its fermentable and a hop lineup of Cascade, Citra, Citra Cryo, DynaBoost Citra, DynaBoost Simcoe, and Vic Secret. According to the brewery, the beer presents refreshing citrus and tropical-fruit aromas, followed by a dry, clean palate and a pleasant hop bitterness.
With an IBU of 40, the bitterness gives the beer definition without obscuring its lighter lager-like profile. The combination is designed to deliver a highly drinkable beer with a fresh hop-forward aroma and a polished finish. It may appeal both to drinkers who enjoy modern hop expression and to those looking for a more refreshing alternative to a full-bodied IPA.
Mahow Brew operates in Tsuboya, an area known as the birthplace of Okinawan pottery, or yachimun. The brewery describes its work as an extension of the local craft tradition, aiming to make beers that are both powerful and vivid while maintaining a strong focus on quality. It obtained its alcoholic beverage manufacturing license on June 24, 2024.
Symplegades brings together the briskness of a lager and the aromatic lift of contemporary hop varieties. Its citrus and tropical notes, dry finish, and moderate bitterness mark it as a focused new release from Mahow Brew, a brewery working to share the craft culture of Tsuboya with drinkers in Okinawa, across Japan, and beyond.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroMahou Brew in Tsuboya, Naha has released a new West Coast Pilsner called “Symplegades.”
MugiWhoa! A pilsner called West Coast—does that mean a beer made of sea breeze?
Hop BroAlmost! It combines lager-like crispness with bright IPA-style hop aroma.
MugiLager crispness plus IPA aroma… so it’s light but flashy? Like my weekend outfit!
Hop BroThat’s actually a great comparison! Symplegades is Batch No. 0094, with 5.0% alcohol by volume, so it is built for easy drinking.
MugiAnd it uses loads of hops, right? Citra Cryo and DynaBoost sound like names of finishing moves. I’m scared!
Hop BroNo beer transformation required. Cryo is a concentrated hop ingredient, while Cascade, Citra, and Vic Secret build layers of aroma.
MugiNice! If the glass gives off citrus and tropical aromas, my nose will be ready to toast first!
Hop BroIt is dry and clean on the palate, with 40 IBU. That gives it a pleasantly firm bitterness. It was also brewed specially for ISEKADO × Mitsukoshi Nihombashi’s “Beer or beer?” project.
MugiPerfect for days when I want IPA aroma without something too heavy! I want to toast with Symplegades right now!
