Minoh Brewery releases seasonal Summer Lager with citrus hop aroma
Minoh Brewery, based in Minoh, Osaka, has released a seasonal beer called Summer Lager. The new lager combines bright citrus hop character with a light body and a dry finish, making it a fitting beer for the lingering heat of summer.
Hop BroToday I want to talk about Minoh Brewery's new release, the seasonal "Summer Lager." It sounds like a crisp lager built exactly for those still-hot late-summer days.
MugiWhoa! The name Summer Lager already makes me picture a frosty glass. What does it taste like?
Hop BroHere’s the fun part: American-hop character brings grapefruit and orange-like citrus aromas, and dry hopping layers in a tropical little twist too.
MugiWhat is that even! What is dry hopping? Please tell me this is not some contest where hops get sun-dried into potato chips.
Hop BroIf it were, I’d be the referee. It’s an aroma-building step where hops are added later in the process, so you boost fragrance without cranking the bitterness too far.
MugiNo way! And the article said a rice-based body too. Rice in beer is actually a thing?
Hop BroVery much a thing. It helps create a light, dry finish, while keeping that clean lager drinkability and sharp snap. At 5.0% ABV, it also sits nicely as a first beer.
MugiWait, what does IBU 30 mean? That sounds like a test score. Is it secretly super bitter?
Hop BroIt’s a bitterness gauge, and 30 is more moderate than punch-you-in-the-face bitter. It’s also unfiltered, pale in color, best at 6-8°C, and available in kegs and 330ml bottles.
MugiOkay, that rules! If it’s easy with food too, I can see this with fried chicken, edamame, or just on its own when I want to keep sipping.
Hop BroThe timing is good too. It’s on sale from August 21, with the WAREHOUSE taproom starting at 11:00 a.m. and the online shop starting August 22 at 5:00 p.m.
MugiThat settles it! Tonight's beer choice is locked. I want a properly chilled Summer Lager, preferably with your beer-geek commentary on the side.
Hop BroThen let’s make it happen. A citrusy summer lager at 6-8°C sounds like the perfect excuse to give late summer one more delicious toast.
Minoh Brewery in Minoh, Osaka, has released a seasonal beer called Summer Lager. The beer is designed as a refreshing option for late summer, using American hops to bring out grapefruit- and orange-like citrus notes, then layering in a tropical accent through dry hopping.
Rice is also used in the recipe, which helps keep the body light and the finish crisp and dry. The result is a lager that emphasizes hop aroma while still staying clean and highly drinkable. It should work well both on its own and alongside food.
The beer comes in at 5.0% ABV and 30 IBU, with a pale color and an unfiltered finish. It is best served at 6 to 8°C. Distribution includes draft and 330 ml bottles. On-trade and retail accounts began carrying it around August 21, 2026, the brewery's direct shop at 11:00 on August 21, and the official online store at 17:00 on August 22.
Known for frequent seasonal releases, Minoh Brewery continues to build beers around clear, recognizable themes. Summer Lager fits that approach: straightforward, seasonal, and built for drinking cold in warm weather.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday I want to talk about Minoh Brewery's new release, the seasonal "Summer Lager." It sounds like a crisp lager built exactly for those still-hot late-summer days.
MugiWhoa! The name Summer Lager already makes me picture a frosty glass. What does it taste like?
Hop BroHere’s the fun part: American-hop character brings grapefruit and orange-like citrus aromas, and dry hopping layers in a tropical little twist too.
MugiWhat is that even! What is dry hopping? Please tell me this is not some contest where hops get sun-dried into potato chips.
Hop BroIf it were, I’d be the referee. It’s an aroma-building step where hops are added later in the process, so you boost fragrance without cranking the bitterness too far.
MugiNo way! And the article said a rice-based body too. Rice in beer is actually a thing?
Hop BroVery much a thing. It helps create a light, dry finish, while keeping that clean lager drinkability and sharp snap. At 5.0% ABV, it also sits nicely as a first beer.
MugiWait, what does IBU 30 mean? That sounds like a test score. Is it secretly super bitter?
Hop BroIt’s a bitterness gauge, and 30 is more moderate than punch-you-in-the-face bitter. It’s also unfiltered, pale in color, best at 6-8°C, and available in kegs and 330ml bottles.
MugiOkay, that rules! If it’s easy with food too, I can see this with fried chicken, edamame, or just on its own when I want to keep sipping.
Hop BroThe timing is good too. It’s on sale from August 21, with the WAREHOUSE taproom starting at 11:00 a.m. and the online shop starting August 22 at 5:00 p.m.
MugiThat settles it! Tonight's beer choice is locked. I want a properly chilled Summer Lager, preferably with your beer-geek commentary on the side.
Hop BroThen let’s make it happen. A citrusy summer lager at 6-8°C sounds like the perfect excuse to give late summer one more delicious toast.
