KAMIKATZ Beer Begins Serving New Cedar-Infused IPA "GAME CHANGER"
At KAMIKATZ Beer, the brewpub in Kamikatsu, Tokushima, a new American IPA made with cedar, "GAME CHANGER," has arrived. It is an updated version of the collaboration IPA with Portland's LEVEL BEER, delivering a distinctly characterful finish where cedar aroma and hop aroma overlap.
Hop BroToday, from KAMIKATZ Beer in Kamikatsu, Tokushima, we've got a new cedar-based IPA called GAME CHANGER. Even the name already says this isn't your average beer.
MugiWait, you can drink beer made with cedar!? Does a cedar-derived IPA actually smell like wood?
Hop BroIt does. And this one is an American IPA, with an interesting overlap of citrus and cedar. It has a grapefruit-like aroma, followed by a spicy kick.
MugiGrapefruit, cedar, and spiciness? That's a meeting happening in my head! So what do you mean by an ingredient replacing hops?
Hop BroThis is an updated version of the collaboration with Portland's LEVEL BEER, and it's using cedar too, instead of relying only on hop character. They reworked the aroma design by putting cedar wood into both the aroma and bittering.
MugiOhhh! So even though the wood aroma is the star, it still has proper IPA bitterness. And it keeps the malty richness too? That part catches my attention!
Hop BroExactly. Because there is a solid malt presence at the base, the cedar aroma doesn't run wild. Instead, the bitterness rises gradually afterward, and the beer changes expression the more you drink it.
MugiThat's basically a beer that's great at talking! And the article says it goes with curry and mapo tofu too, which is almost unfair because now it's seducing my stomach as well!
Hop BroWhen you pair it with strongly spiced food, the cedar aroma becomes more layered. KAMIKATZ Beer sits in the mountains of Kamikatsu, with a zero-waste mindset in the background, so it's not just the flavor - it feels like drinking the place itself.
MugiWhat? I want to drink that so badly! If I can taste the natural feel of Tokushima along with it, I'm already putting it on my weekend plans!
Hop BroDeal. First, let's follow the aroma changes on its own, then pair it with mapo tofu. Right now you already look like one glass won't be enough.
MugiCaught me! Then I'll handle the part where I get surprised by the cedar aroma on the first sip! After that, I'll leave the refills to you!
At KAMIKATZ Beer, the brewpub in Kamikatsu, Katsuura District, Tokushima Prefecture, beer-making continues to focus on local ingredients and circularity. The new release drawing attention this time is GAME CHANGER. This American IPA uses cedar from Kamikatsu Town for both aroma and bittering, creating a beer where grapefruit-like citrus notes are layered with cedar-derived spiciness and a lingering bitterness.
The official store describes it as an updated version of the HOOD TO FUJI 2025 collaboration IPA with Portland brewery LEVEL BEER. Born from the idea of exploring ingredients beyond hops, this beer keeps the richness of the malt while bringing together the personalities of cedar and hops without forcing them to clash.
What does it taste like?
- A solid malt presence
- A spicy cedar-derived aroma
- Citrus notes reminiscent of grapefruit
- A bitterness that lingers on the finish
It pairs well with spiced dishes, and when matched with strongly flavored foods like curry or mapo tofu, the cedar aroma comes through in a more layered way. Drunk on its own, it is the kind of beer whose aromatic character changes the more you keep drinking.
KAMIKATZ Beer's appeal is not limited to the way it uses ingredients. As a brewpub in the mountain foothills of Kamikatsu, it also offers the chance to experience the atmosphere of the place itself, supported by a zero-waste philosophy. As a beer to enjoy while feeling Tokushima's nature and regional resources, GAME CHANGER is a beer that strongly reflects the character of this brewery.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday, from KAMIKATZ Beer in Kamikatsu, Tokushima, we've got a new cedar-based IPA called GAME CHANGER. Even the name already says this isn't your average beer.
MugiWait, you can drink beer made with cedar!? Does a cedar-derived IPA actually smell like wood?
Hop BroIt does. And this one is an American IPA, with an interesting overlap of citrus and cedar. It has a grapefruit-like aroma, followed by a spicy kick.
MugiGrapefruit, cedar, and spiciness? That's a meeting happening in my head! So what do you mean by an ingredient replacing hops?
Hop BroThis is an updated version of the collaboration with Portland's LEVEL BEER, and it's using cedar too, instead of relying only on hop character. They reworked the aroma design by putting cedar wood into both the aroma and bittering.
MugiOhhh! So even though the wood aroma is the star, it still has proper IPA bitterness. And it keeps the malty richness too? That part catches my attention!
Hop BroExactly. Because there is a solid malt presence at the base, the cedar aroma doesn't run wild. Instead, the bitterness rises gradually afterward, and the beer changes expression the more you drink it.
MugiThat's basically a beer that's great at talking! And the article says it goes with curry and mapo tofu too, which is almost unfair because now it's seducing my stomach as well!
Hop BroWhen you pair it with strongly spiced food, the cedar aroma becomes more layered. KAMIKATZ Beer sits in the mountains of Kamikatsu, with a zero-waste mindset in the background, so it's not just the flavor - it feels like drinking the place itself.
MugiWhat? I want to drink that so badly! If I can taste the natural feel of Tokushima along with it, I'm already putting it on my weekend plans!
Hop BroDeal. First, let's follow the aroma changes on its own, then pair it with mapo tofu. Right now you already look like one glass won't be enough.
MugiCaught me! Then I'll handle the part where I get surprised by the cedar aroma on the first sip! After that, I'll leave the refills to you!
