Izumo Brewing Co. launches limited beer “Benio” made with Shinko grapes
To coincide with the “Kami-sama Datte Sweets Week” event near the Izumo Taisha main gate and Shinmon-dori street, Izumo Brewing Co. is selling a limited-edition craft beer called “Benio,” brewed with Shimane’s branded Shinko grapes. It will be sold in limited quantities only.
Hop BroI’ve got a summer pick for you: Izumo Brewing Company is pouring the limited beer "Beniou" on Kamimon Street.
MugiWait, what! A kingly-sounding beer? What does it actually taste like?
Hop BroStyle-wise, think seasonal fruit beer built around the floral aroma and fruit character of Shin-ku, a branded grape from Shimane.
MugiOooh, but then I read careful adjunct selection and my brain immediately clocked out.
Hop BroAn adjunct just means an ingredient besides malt, like grapes here, so it’s basically fine-tuning extra ingredients to shape the flavor.
MugiOkay, that helps! And Shin-ku has tea-like aromatics too, right? This grape sounds fancier than my entire wardrobe.
Hop BroExactly. Shin-ku is known for rich sweetness over 20 Brix, but Beniou still keeps a crisp summer finish, which is the clever part.
MugiAnd it’s tied to the event right by Izumo Taisha? Sweets week plus beer is an absurdly strong plan.
Hop BroYep, it’s made for the August 1 to August 14 event, and their strength is small-batch brewing, so local seasonal ideas really shine.
Hop BroThey also run two beer stands in Izumo, so while sightseeing you can basically drink the local story between stops.
MugiLimited quantities and gone when sold out? Great, now I fully need a post-sweets pint before somebody beats me to it.
Hop BroThen that settles it: one glass of Beniou, that grape perfume in the air, and a summer toast in Izumo.
From August 1 to August 14, the area in front of the Izumo Taisha main gate and along Shinmon-dori is hosting “Kami-sama Datte Sweets Week.” In line with the event, which features limited sweets made with Shinko, a premium grape developed by Shimane Prefecture over more than 10 years, Izumo Brewing Co. has introduced a seasonal craft beer called “Benio.”
According to the brewery, Benio is brewed to highlight the elegant aroma and fruity character of Shinko. The beer is described as having a refined fragrance that rises gently from the glass, along with a refreshing drinking profile that suits the summer heat. Shinko itself is known for its rich sweetness of 20 degrees Brix or higher and a deep, tea-like aroma. It is considered a rare grape that can be grown only in Shimane Prefecture.
Izumo Brewing Co. is a microbrewery based in Izumo, Shimane. On its official site, the brewery says its small scale allows it to experiment with different adjuncts and small-batch flavor development. It also operates two beer stands in Izumo City, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area. The brewery positions its beers as something more than a casual drink, aiming instead to create moments of discovery through new flavors.
In that sense, Benio fits naturally into the brewery’s lineup. It is a seasonal release tied to local produce and a local event, and it can be enjoyed after tasting Shinko sweets or while walking around the shrine district. Since it is being sold in limited quantities, availability will end once stock runs out. For beer drinkers visiting Izumo this summer, it offers a chance to experience the character of Shinko in a craft beer format.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI’ve got a summer pick for you: Izumo Brewing Company is pouring the limited beer "Beniou" on Kamimon Street.
MugiWait, what! A kingly-sounding beer? What does it actually taste like?
Hop BroStyle-wise, think seasonal fruit beer built around the floral aroma and fruit character of Shin-ku, a branded grape from Shimane.
MugiOooh, but then I read careful adjunct selection and my brain immediately clocked out.
Hop BroAn adjunct just means an ingredient besides malt, like grapes here, so it’s basically fine-tuning extra ingredients to shape the flavor.
MugiOkay, that helps! And Shin-ku has tea-like aromatics too, right? This grape sounds fancier than my entire wardrobe.
Hop BroExactly. Shin-ku is known for rich sweetness over 20 Brix, but Beniou still keeps a crisp summer finish, which is the clever part.
MugiAnd it’s tied to the event right by Izumo Taisha? Sweets week plus beer is an absurdly strong plan.
Hop BroYep, it’s made for the August 1 to August 14 event, and their strength is small-batch brewing, so local seasonal ideas really shine.
Hop BroThey also run two beer stands in Izumo, so while sightseeing you can basically drink the local story between stops.
MugiLimited quantities and gone when sold out? Great, now I fully need a post-sweets pint before somebody beats me to it.
Hop BroThen that settles it: one glass of Beniou, that grape perfume in the air, and a summer toast in Izumo.
