HOJO Brewing & Stays Releases Rice Saison Six-Pack Bottled Set
HOJO Brewing & Stays, based in Matsuyama, Ehime, has released “Rice Saison,” a bottled six-pack made with local rice from brewer Nishihara’s family. The specialty saison uses about one-fifth rice in place of malt, aiming for a lighter, more drinkable profile.
Hop BroI want to tell you about a new Rice Saison from HOJO Brewing & Stays in Matsuyama, Ehime.
MugiWait, what? A rice saison? Beer is putting rice on the roster now!?
Hop BroIt is, and this one matters. It’s new brewer Nishihara’s first recipe, built around his grandfather’s local rice.
MugiOkay, but Specialty Saison sounds like a pop quiz. What does that even mean?
Hop BroBasically, it starts with a saison base, then adds another ingredient for character. Here they replace about one-fifth of the malt with rice for a lighter body.
MugiOne-fifth!? That’s bold. But doesn’t rice sometimes make beer feel a little too thin?
Hop BroThat’s the balancing act. They kept the saison’s fresh spicy note and a dry finish without letting it feel watery.
MugiThat sounds made for summer. And 5.5% ABV feels like the sweet spot for easy drinking!
Hop BroIt’s also sold as a six-bottle set for 4,200 yen including tax, which makes it an everyday-friendly release for both beginners and saison fans.
MugiAnd the story gets me too. Using his grandfather’s rice makes it feel like a beer with roots.
Hop BroExactly. It sounds like Nishihara poured his starting point into the glass, and now I want a chilled bottle now.
MugiSame here! I started this chat thinking about rice, and now I just want the whole six-pack on the table!
Matsuyama, Ehime brewery HOJO Brewing & Stays has introduced “Rice Saison” as a new product, sold as a six-bottle set. The beer is classified as a Specialty Saison, with ABV 5.5%, and is priced at JPY 4,200 including tax.
This release is built around brewer Nishihara’s first recipe. It combines the brewery’s saison base with rice grown locally by Nishihara’s grandfather, replacing roughly one-fifth of the malt normally used in the brewery’s standard saison. The result is intended to be cleaner and more approachable, while still keeping the bright spice character and dry finish associated with saison.
Using rice can make a beer feel lighter, but it also requires balance to avoid losing depth. Here, HOJO Brewing & Stays appears to have aimed for a beer that stays easy to drink without drifting away from the style. That makes it a good fit not only for saison fans, but also for people who do not usually drink craft beer.
Nishihara says the beer reflects both local scenery and personal roots. That background gives the release more than just seasonal appeal: it is also a personal expression of place and family. For drinkers looking for a fresh, dry, and restrained saison, this is a straightforward new entry from a brewery in Ehime.
Product page: Rice Saison
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI want to tell you about a new Rice Saison from HOJO Brewing & Stays in Matsuyama, Ehime.
MugiWait, what? A rice saison? Beer is putting rice on the roster now!?
Hop BroIt is, and this one matters. It’s new brewer Nishihara’s first recipe, built around his grandfather’s local rice.
MugiOkay, but Specialty Saison sounds like a pop quiz. What does that even mean?
Hop BroBasically, it starts with a saison base, then adds another ingredient for character. Here they replace about one-fifth of the malt with rice for a lighter body.
MugiOne-fifth!? That’s bold. But doesn’t rice sometimes make beer feel a little too thin?
Hop BroThat’s the balancing act. They kept the saison’s fresh spicy note and a dry finish without letting it feel watery.
MugiThat sounds made for summer. And 5.5% ABV feels like the sweet spot for easy drinking!
Hop BroIt’s also sold as a six-bottle set for 4,200 yen including tax, which makes it an everyday-friendly release for both beginners and saison fans.
MugiAnd the story gets me too. Using his grandfather’s rice makes it feel like a beer with roots.
Hop BroExactly. It sounds like Nishihara poured his starting point into the glass, and now I want a chilled bottle now.
MugiSame here! I started this chat thinking about rice, and now I just want the whole six-pack on the table!
