BAK Brewery releases ESB 'FOOLER'S', blending British malt and American hops
BAK Brewery has unveiled a new ESB called FOOLER'S. At 5.5% ABV, the beer combines the biscuit-like malt character of Maris Otter with the brightness of American hops, fitting the brewery's weekly new-release approach from its Osaka base.
Hop BroI want to talk about the new ESB FOOLER'S from BAK Brewery in Osaka today.
MugiWait, what even is ESB? That already sounds like secret beer code!
Hop BroIt means Extra Special Bitter, basically a British-style bitter. It is not just about bitterness, it is about enjoying the malt too.
MugiOooh, and FOOLER'S is 5.5% ABV. That sounds nicely drinkable without being too light!
Hop BroThe fun part is the combo of Maris Otter malt richness from the UK with bright American hop character layered on top.
MugiWhat is that, some guy named Maris Otter? That sounds less like malt and more like a detective!
Hop BroNot a person, a malt variety. In simple terms, it gives rich biscuity malt flavor, with that toasty depth classic British ales do so well.
MugiSo with American hops too, it is basically a UK-US beer mashup. Tradition and innovation in one glass is kind of dramatic!
Hop BroExactly, and within a classic ESB frame, the key is floral hop aroma balanced against malt instead of just blasting you with bitterness.
MugiAnd BAK even brews a new beer weekly and sells out when it sells out? My schedule would start fermenting from the pressure!
Hop BroYeah, since it is a microbrewery setup, the brewery taproom in Kitahorie is probably the main place to catch FOOLER'S.
MugiThat settles it, I want a pint before it's gone. I am absolutely ready to go drink FOOLER'S with you!
BAK Brewery, based in Horie in Osaka's Nishi Ward, has introduced a new beer called FOOLER'S. The style is ESB (Extra Special Bitter) and the ABV is 5.5%. In its Instagram post, the brewery describes the beer as a meeting of British tradition and American innovation, built on the bready, biscuit-like depth of Maris Otter malt and lifted by the aromatic character of American hops.
According to BAK's official website, the brewery releases a new beer every week and stops production once it sells out. That rotating lineup is a key part of its identity: instead of relying on a fixed core range, BAK keeps shifting ingredients, styles, and flavor direction. Its past releases have ranged from beers using orange peel and coriander to more experimental recipes featuring sansho pepper, shiso, and kombu dashi.
FOOLER'S sits a little closer to the classic side of that spectrum. Rather than leaning into extreme bitterness or heavy adjuncts, it focuses on balance, with malt richness and hop aroma sharing the stage. That makes it an interesting addition to BAK's catalog, because the brewery is at its best when it takes a familiar style and gives it a clear point of view.
BAK HORIE Brewing Studio, the brewery's taproom attached to its production site, is where these limited releases are most likely to be found. With distribution kept intentionally small, visiting the brewery's direct outlets remains the best way to catch each new beer while it is still available.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI want to talk about the new ESB FOOLER'S from BAK Brewery in Osaka today.
MugiWait, what even is ESB? That already sounds like secret beer code!
Hop BroIt means Extra Special Bitter, basically a British-style bitter. It is not just about bitterness, it is about enjoying the malt too.
MugiOooh, and FOOLER'S is 5.5% ABV. That sounds nicely drinkable without being too light!
Hop BroThe fun part is the combo of Maris Otter malt richness from the UK with bright American hop character layered on top.
MugiWhat is that, some guy named Maris Otter? That sounds less like malt and more like a detective!
Hop BroNot a person, a malt variety. In simple terms, it gives rich biscuity malt flavor, with that toasty depth classic British ales do so well.
MugiSo with American hops too, it is basically a UK-US beer mashup. Tradition and innovation in one glass is kind of dramatic!
Hop BroExactly, and within a classic ESB frame, the key is floral hop aroma balanced against malt instead of just blasting you with bitterness.
MugiAnd BAK even brews a new beer weekly and sells out when it sells out? My schedule would start fermenting from the pressure!
Hop BroYeah, since it is a microbrewery setup, the brewery taproom in Kitahorie is probably the main place to catch FOOLER'S.
MugiThat settles it, I want a pint before it's gone. I am absolutely ready to go drink FOOLER'S with you!
