8Peaks Brewing to bring limited-revival Cokoira Ale made with Yatsugatake hops to a weekend festival
8Peaks Brewing, based in Chino, Nagano, will bring its limited-revival Cokoira Ale, brewed with Yatsugatake-grown Kaikogane hops, to the Nagano Craft Beer & Food Festival starting on September 4. The bottled release is still set for later.
Hop BroThis weekend's headline is that Eight Peaks Brewing is bringing the limited revival of “Kokoira Ale” to the Nagano Craft Beer & Food Festival.
MugiWait, limited revival means a fan favorite is making a comeback? That is absolutely a beer I would double-take at!
Hop BroExactly, and the star ingredient is Yatsugatake-grown hops called Kaikogane. It is a very Eight Peaks move, putting Chino's local character straight into the glass.
MugiKaikogane sounds way too powerful for a hop name. I heard that and imagined battle armor before beer!
Hop BroHere is the fun part: they used fresh hops only, harvested just recently. Using them right away gives the aroma a real sense of season.
MugiSo fresh hops means a huge green blast of aroma? I was picturing an entire meadow jumping into my mouth!
Hop BroThat is the twist. This one leans into floral white-peach notes instead. Less sharp green punch, more soft and approachable, like the early Kokoira Ale.
MugiOoh, beginner-friendly craft sounds perfect! Even someone like me, who is still new to this, could jump right in.
Hop BroAnd from September 4 to 6, it is a festival-first pour only; the bottled release is still later. That makes the first sip feel extra special.
MugiWow, that instantly makes festival plans mandatory! And it is not just Kokoira Ale, right?
Hop BroRight. They will have three beers pouring there: Kokoira Ale, the summer-only Achiira Saison, and Mat Hop IPA, plus more September events from a night market to Matsumoto Castle and Chino Oktoberfest. Honestly, I want a glass too.
MugiThen it is officially tasting flight time! I want to chase Kokoira Ale through Nagano and finish with a big toast!
Limited-revival Cokoira Ale
8Peaks Brewing, based in Chino City, Nagano, will bring its limited-revival Cokoira Ale, made with Yatsugatake-grown Kaikogane hops, to the Nagano Craft Beer & Food Festival, held from September 4 to 6. The brewery says the bottled version will be released later, so this appearance comes ahead of that launch.
The brewery positions itself as a brand that proposes a beer-centered lifestyle from the foothills of Yatsugatake, and its beers are shaped by local character and seasonality. Cokoira Ale fits that approach.
In the post, the brewery says it used only fresh hops harvested recently. Rather than a sharp, green hop character, the beer leans toward softer aromas reminiscent of flowers and white peach, with a flavor profile that recalls the original Cokoira Ale. The brewery also notes that it should be approachable for people who do not usually drink craft beer.
At the festival, 8Peaks will also pour Achiira Saison and Matt Hop IPA. The brewery further plans to appear at Oyorinansho Yoichi in Shimosuwa on September 5, Beer Fes Shinshu 2026 in Matsumoto from September 19 to 23, and Chinono Kyujitsu Chino Oktoberfest on September 26 and 27, giving it a busy September across Nagano Prefecture.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroThis weekend's headline is that Eight Peaks Brewing is bringing the limited revival of “Kokoira Ale” to the Nagano Craft Beer & Food Festival.
MugiWait, limited revival means a fan favorite is making a comeback? That is absolutely a beer I would double-take at!
Hop BroExactly, and the star ingredient is Yatsugatake-grown hops called Kaikogane. It is a very Eight Peaks move, putting Chino's local character straight into the glass.
MugiKaikogane sounds way too powerful for a hop name. I heard that and imagined battle armor before beer!
Hop BroHere is the fun part: they used fresh hops only, harvested just recently. Using them right away gives the aroma a real sense of season.
MugiSo fresh hops means a huge green blast of aroma? I was picturing an entire meadow jumping into my mouth!
Hop BroThat is the twist. This one leans into floral white-peach notes instead. Less sharp green punch, more soft and approachable, like the early Kokoira Ale.
MugiOoh, beginner-friendly craft sounds perfect! Even someone like me, who is still new to this, could jump right in.
Hop BroAnd from September 4 to 6, it is a festival-first pour only; the bottled release is still later. That makes the first sip feel extra special.
MugiWow, that instantly makes festival plans mandatory! And it is not just Kokoira Ale, right?
Hop BroRight. They will have three beers pouring there: Kokoira Ale, the summer-only Achiira Saison, and Mat Hop IPA, plus more September events from a night market to Matsumoto Castle and Chino Oktoberfest. Honestly, I want a glass too.
MugiThen it is officially tasting flight time! I want to chase Kokoira Ale through Nagano and finish with a big toast!
