Isana Brewing starts pouring "Hessen" as a guest tap
Isana Brewing in Akishima City, Tokyo introduced Son of the Smith's "Hessen" as a guest tap. Inspired by the traditional apple wine Apfelwein from Frankfurt, Germany, this pour is defined by the depth created through wild yeast fermentation and multiple apple varieties.
Hop BroToday's highlight is Son of the Smith's Hessen, poured as a guest tap at Isana Brewing.
MugiWhoa! The name sounds intense! Is that beer, or is it apple wine?
Hop BroThe style is Apfelwein, an homage to the traditional apple wine of Frankfurt, Germany.
MugiWhat even is that! I get the homage part, but that "wild yeast fermentation" in the description suddenly feels like science class!
Hop BroBasically, it uses fermentation that also takes advantage of yeasts living in the air and on the fruit, so it means brewing with natural yeast.
MugiWow! And I heard it uses four kinds of apples, so just being centered on Granny Smith already makes it sound crisp!
Hop BroOn top of that, it blends in Service Tree and house-grown Cascade, and the reinterpretive blend design that layers acidity, tannin, and juiciness is so good.
MugiSo much information, and it still ends up making me hungry! On 3/25 they're also serving limited Vietnamese food from 17:30 to 22:00, which feels almost unfair!
Hop BroWith 7.0% ABV it has real weight, and it's a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Akishima Station, so early arrival is recommended because the tap will probably move fast.
MugiIf it hits both beer fans and cider fans, that's amazing. Let's go drink Hessen tonight!
In Isana Brewing's Instagram post, Son of the Smith's "Hessen" was introduced as a guest tap. In the post, the brew was positioned as an homage to Apfelwein (Apfelwein), and the key ingredients and process details were also shared.
Published specs
- LOT No.: AP-2602A
- Style: Apfelwein / Apfelwein
- ALC: 7.0%
- Apples: Granny Smith, Shinano Sweet, Yarlington Mill, Harry Master’s Jersey
- Yeast: Wild Yeast (including native microflora)
- With: Service Tree (Germany), house-grown Cascade
The article explains a reinterpretation built around Granny Smith, combined with pomace from specialty apple varieties, house-grown Cascade, and Service Tree. The design layers apple-derived acidity, gentle astringency, and juiciness, making it appealing to both beer fans and cider fans.
The brewery context behind it
Isana Brewing is a brewery and roastery in Akishima, Tokyo. Its official site presents a "Factory & Laboratory" concept centered on exploring the combination of Akishima's deep underground water and ingredients. The approach of folding respect for overseas fermentation culture into a local interpretation, as in this release, fits that concept as well.
It is a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Akishima Station on the JR Ome Line. The post noted, "Today, 3/25, we are open from 17:30 to 22:00," and also mentioned a limited Vietnamese food offering. Because pours on tap may move quickly, arriving early is the practical move if you want to try it.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's highlight is Son of the Smith's Hessen, poured as a guest tap at Isana Brewing.
MugiWhoa! The name sounds intense! Is that beer, or is it apple wine?
Hop BroThe style is Apfelwein, an homage to the traditional apple wine of Frankfurt, Germany.
MugiWhat even is that! I get the homage part, but that "wild yeast fermentation" in the description suddenly feels like science class!
Hop BroBasically, it uses fermentation that also takes advantage of yeasts living in the air and on the fruit, so it means brewing with natural yeast.
MugiWow! And I heard it uses four kinds of apples, so just being centered on Granny Smith already makes it sound crisp!
Hop BroOn top of that, it blends in Service Tree and house-grown Cascade, and the reinterpretive blend design that layers acidity, tannin, and juiciness is so good.
MugiSo much information, and it still ends up making me hungry! On 3/25 they're also serving limited Vietnamese food from 17:30 to 22:00, which feels almost unfair!
Hop BroWith 7.0% ABV it has real weight, and it's a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Akishima Station, so early arrival is recommended because the tap will probably move fast.
MugiIf it hits both beer fans and cider fans, that's amazing. Let's go drink Hessen tonight!
