CRAFTROCK BREWING's "Sansho Lager" Wins Gold at the World Beer Cup 2026
CRAFTROCK BREWING's "Sansho Lager" won the gold medal in the Herb & Spice Beer category at the World Beer Cup 2026. The post also noted that the beer is sold out and a re-release is planned, making this another reason to take a fresh look at this brew that highlights sansho. It is also a fitting topic for CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, located near Takaosanguchi Station.
Hop BroListen, Mugi, Sansho Lager won gold. CRAFTROCK BREWING pulled it off in the Herb & Spice Beer category at the World Beer Cup 2026.
MugiWait, gold with sansho!? Just the idea of putting sansho into beer is already bold, but to be recognized worldwide is incredible!
Hop BroWhat makes it strong is that it keeps lager-like drinkability while layering in sansho's aroma and a sharp little kick. It's not flashy, but it definitely leaves an impression.
MugiLagers make me think of something light, but what happens when you add sansho? Is it like a tingly beer?
Hop BroThat's an easy misunderstanding, but it's more about a crisp aroma. Rather than spicy heat, it's a refreshing lift on the nose that sharpens the lager's clean finish.
MugiOhhh! And the post says it's already sold out, so it's blowing up in popularity. Hearing about a planned re-release makes me want to drink it even more!
Hop BroAnd the location is great too. If you can taste it at CRAFTROCK TAPROOM near Takaosanguchi Station, it makes for the perfect pint after a hike.
MugiWhoa, climbing a mountain and then drinking Sansho Lager? That's a strong line! But the place also has eight draft beers, right? They're really trying to tempt you!
Hop BroExactly. They also have handmade snacks and house-made yeast bread, so you can drink slowly in a warm wood-toned space. A characterful beer like Sansho Lager really shows its shape when you sip it at a relaxed pace.
MugiHonestly, just being able to drink an award-winning beer recognized by the world in Takao feels romantic. If they re-release it, we're absolutely going!
Hop BroIt's settled then. Next time, let's head to Takao and enjoy the award-winning beer on location, taking our time to savor even the aftertaste of sansho.
Gold at the World Beer Cup 2026
CRAFTROCK BREWING's "Sansho Lager" won the gold medal in the Herb & Spice Beer category at the World Beer Cup 2026. While expressing gratitude for winning one of the world's largest beer competitions, the post also said the product is already sold out and that a re-release is planned. The fact that a lager built around such a distinctive ingredient as sansho was recognized on a global stage speaks to the quality of this beer.
The appeal of drinking it at the Takao taproom
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM is a brewpub in Takao-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo, and its defining feature is its location just near Takaosanguchi Station. At the foot of Mt. Takao, it is a place where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed craft beer while feeling the natural air, making it a stop for hikers and beer lovers alike.
Inside the shop, guests can enjoy eight kinds of draft beer, centered on a diverse lineup brewed by CRAFTROCK, along with handmade snacks that pair well with beer and house-made yeast bread. In a warm wood-toned space, it suits both a quiet drink at the counter and a relaxed session with friends on a bench.
Key points
- Award-winning beer: Sansho Lager
- Award category: Herb & Spice Beer
- Brewer: CRAFTROCK BREWING
- Venue: CRAFTROCK TAPROOM
- Address: 2292-3 Takaomachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo
If the re-release becomes a reality, it will offer a chance to taste an award-winning beer in the Takao setting. It is the kind of news that makes you want to experience sansho's distinctive character and the easy-drinking nature of a lager for yourself, on site.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroListen, Mugi, Sansho Lager won gold. CRAFTROCK BREWING pulled it off in the Herb & Spice Beer category at the World Beer Cup 2026.
MugiWait, gold with sansho!? Just the idea of putting sansho into beer is already bold, but to be recognized worldwide is incredible!
Hop BroWhat makes it strong is that it keeps lager-like drinkability while layering in sansho's aroma and a sharp little kick. It's not flashy, but it definitely leaves an impression.
MugiLagers make me think of something light, but what happens when you add sansho? Is it like a tingly beer?
Hop BroThat's an easy misunderstanding, but it's more about a crisp aroma. Rather than spicy heat, it's a refreshing lift on the nose that sharpens the lager's clean finish.
MugiOhhh! And the post says it's already sold out, so it's blowing up in popularity. Hearing about a planned re-release makes me want to drink it even more!
Hop BroAnd the location is great too. If you can taste it at CRAFTROCK TAPROOM near Takaosanguchi Station, it makes for the perfect pint after a hike.
MugiWhoa, climbing a mountain and then drinking Sansho Lager? That's a strong line! But the place also has eight draft beers, right? They're really trying to tempt you!
Hop BroExactly. They also have handmade snacks and house-made yeast bread, so you can drink slowly in a warm wood-toned space. A characterful beer like Sansho Lager really shows its shape when you sip it at a relaxed pace.
MugiHonestly, just being able to drink an award-winning beer recognized by the world in Takao feels romantic. If they re-release it, we're absolutely going!
Hop BroIt's settled then. Next time, let's head to Takao and enjoy the award-winning beer on location, taking our time to savor even the aftertaste of sansho.
