Kirali Brewery’s Waguri Roman Ale Wins Bronze at International Beer Cup 2026
Kirali Brewery in Yamaga, Kumamoto, has received a bronze medal in the Field Beer category at the International Beer Cup 2026 for its Waguri Roman Ale. The beer, brewed with locally grown Yamaga chestnuts, has now been recognized at the competition for the second time, following its 2024 award.
Hop BroKIRARI Brewery in Yamaga, Kumamoto, has some great news: Waguri Roman Ale wins bronze!
MugiWhat?! A chestnut beer won an international medal? International Beer Cup 2026 sounds huge!
Hop BroExactly. Its ale made with local Yamaga Japanese chestnuts earned bronze in the Field Beer category—and it is a second award since 2024.
MugiField Beer? That does not mean beer for drinking on a lawn... right? That category name is suspicious!
Hop BroClose, but no! Field Beer covers beers that use ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, or herbs. In other words, it is a beer starring chestnuts.
MugiThat sounds like an autumn reward in a glass! But won’t chestnuts make it sweet? Is it still properly beer-like?
Hop BroIt starts as an American Brown Ale. Roasted malt brings deep toastiness, while Japanese chestnuts add a gentle aroma, aiming for balance and easy drinking.
MugiRoasted malt—suddenly I feel like I’m facing a chalkboard of chemistry! So what is the flavor behind it?
Hop BroIt is malt that has been roasted, adding notes like toast crust, nuts, and a touch of cocoa. It becomes a savory aromatic foundation for the chestnuts.
MugiWow! With chestnut sweets, aged cheese, grilled meat, or vegetables, that is an autumn pairing festival!
Hop BroAt 6.5% ABV, it has presence too. KIRARI also makes Takema Tea IPA, Sake Lees Hazy, and Kumquat Pale Ale—brewing local crops and seasons is their signature.
MugiI want to sip it in their taproom, looking at the brewing gear and feeling Yamaga autumn. I am ready to toast with Japanese chestnuts!
A Yamaga chestnut beer earns international recognition
Kirali Brewery, based in Yamaga City, Kumamoto, has announced that its Waguri Roman Ale received a bronze medal in the Field Beer category at the International Beer Cup 2026.
Waguri Roman Ale is brewed with Japanese chestnuts harvested in Yamaga. The brewery says it has continued adjusting the recipe from batch to batch to preserve the chestnut’s character while maintaining the drinkability and balance expected of a beer.
Chestnut aroma balanced by malt richness
The beer is based on an American Brown Ale and uses a generous amount of Yamaga chestnuts. Its profile combines the richness of roasted malt with the gentle aroma and flavor associated with Japanese chestnuts. According to the product information, it has an alcohol content of 6.5%.
Kirali Brewery recommends pairing the beer with chestnut-based sweets, as well as aged cheeses and grilled meat or vegetables. The beer’s rounded character and lingering chestnut finish make it suitable for slow drinking alongside autumn foods.
This is the second International Beer Cup recognition for Waguri Roman Ale, following its award at the 2024 competition. The result offers another indication that a beer built around local agricultural ingredients can find appreciation among judges from Japan and overseas.
Kirali Brewery’s portfolio reflects its focus on local produce and seasonality. Alongside Waguri Roman Ale, the Yamaga brewery produces beers such as Takama Tea IPA, Sake Lees Hazy and Kumquat Pale Ale. Its taproom also lets visitors enjoy fresh beer while viewing the brewing equipment.
With its chestnut-led character and connection to Yamaga’s food culture, Waguri Roman Ale is a fitting beer for exploring the flavors of the region and the season.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroKIRARI Brewery in Yamaga, Kumamoto, has some great news: Waguri Roman Ale wins bronze!
MugiWhat?! A chestnut beer won an international medal? International Beer Cup 2026 sounds huge!
Hop BroExactly. Its ale made with local Yamaga Japanese chestnuts earned bronze in the Field Beer category—and it is a second award since 2024.
MugiField Beer? That does not mean beer for drinking on a lawn... right? That category name is suspicious!
Hop BroClose, but no! Field Beer covers beers that use ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, or herbs. In other words, it is a beer starring chestnuts.
MugiThat sounds like an autumn reward in a glass! But won’t chestnuts make it sweet? Is it still properly beer-like?
Hop BroIt starts as an American Brown Ale. Roasted malt brings deep toastiness, while Japanese chestnuts add a gentle aroma, aiming for balance and easy drinking.
MugiRoasted malt—suddenly I feel like I’m facing a chalkboard of chemistry! So what is the flavor behind it?
Hop BroIt is malt that has been roasted, adding notes like toast crust, nuts, and a touch of cocoa. It becomes a savory aromatic foundation for the chestnuts.
MugiWow! With chestnut sweets, aged cheese, grilled meat, or vegetables, that is an autumn pairing festival!
Hop BroAt 6.5% ABV, it has presence too. KIRARI also makes Takema Tea IPA, Sake Lees Hazy, and Kumquat Pale Ale—brewing local crops and seasons is their signature.
MugiI want to sip it in their taproom, looking at the brewing gear and feeling Yamaga autumn. I am ready to toast with Japanese chestnuts!
