Unlock Brew Base’s new release “Hana yori Anko” to be first served on March 29
Saitama-based Unlock Brew Base announced its seasonal new beer, 《Hana yori Anko -SAKURAMOCHI ALE-》. The style is saison and the ABV is 6.5%. Using domestically grown cherry leaves, the brewery aims for a cup with sakuramochi-like nuances without leaning too far toward sweetness, and it is scheduled to be served for the first time at an event on March 29.
Hop BroSpring release news is here - Saitama’s Unlock Brew Base is putting out Hana yori Anko.
MugiWhoa! That name is already strong! So it’s basically a sakuramochi ale?!
Hop BroThe official name is 《Hana yori Anko -SAKURAMOCHI ALE-》, and the style is saison with 6.5% ABV.
MugiWhat is that! What even is a saison? Some kind of stylish spell?
Hop BroBasically, it’s a style that’s light and dry, with yeast-derived ester aromas floating on top.
MugiWait! Esters are the thing from science class! Are they aromas you can taste?
Hop BroExactly. This one uses domestically grown cherry leaves and focuses on a Japanese-style finish that calls sakuramochi to mind without being sweet.
MugiOhhh! So instead of dessert-level sweetness, it brings out spring through aroma - that feels like a grown-up sakuramochi!
Hop BroThe first pour is on Sunday, March 29, from 10:00 to 15:00, at Sakura Saku Marche 2026.
MugiNice, they even gave the time! So that means it’s basically a morning beer mission!
Hop BroConnecting the release with a local event is classic this brewery, and this is definitely one I want to confirm on-site as a spring cup.
MugiDeal! You and I are absolutely toasting with Hana yori Anko that day!
On March 20, 2026, Unlock Brew Base announced the release information for its new beer 《Hana yori Anko -SAKURAMOCHI ALE-》 in an Instagram post.
The specs stated in the post were STYLE: Saison / ABV: 6.5%. The recipe uses domestically grown cherry leaves, creating a design that layers a gentle saison finish with a lingering cherry blossom note. The description calls it “a spring beer that somehow evokes sakuramochi even though it isn’t sweet,” suggesting an approach that creates a seasonal feel through aromatic association rather than pushing dessert-like sweetness to the forefront.
The first serving will take place at Sakura Saku Marche 2026, held on Sunday, March 29, 10:00-15:00 (@kasukabe.sakurasaku_marche). The announcement points to an event-site debut, so the beer’s first pour will likely be at this outdoor event.
Based in Saitama, Unlock Brew Base is a brewery that stands out for tying its releases to local events. This new beer also connects with a spring local gathering, proposing both a seasonal theme and a drinking scene at the same time. Built on the light, lively character of saison, the key point to watch is how it lands the Japanese ingredients derived from cherry leaves as a spring-limited beer.
For anyone looking for a saison with a Japanese aroma to match the arrival of spring, this 《Hana yori Anko》 is one to check out.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroSpring release news is here - Saitama’s Unlock Brew Base is putting out Hana yori Anko.
MugiWhoa! That name is already strong! So it’s basically a sakuramochi ale?!
Hop BroThe official name is 《Hana yori Anko -SAKURAMOCHI ALE-》, and the style is saison with 6.5% ABV.
MugiWhat is that! What even is a saison? Some kind of stylish spell?
Hop BroBasically, it’s a style that’s light and dry, with yeast-derived ester aromas floating on top.
MugiWait! Esters are the thing from science class! Are they aromas you can taste?
Hop BroExactly. This one uses domestically grown cherry leaves and focuses on a Japanese-style finish that calls sakuramochi to mind without being sweet.
MugiOhhh! So instead of dessert-level sweetness, it brings out spring through aroma - that feels like a grown-up sakuramochi!
Hop BroThe first pour is on Sunday, March 29, from 10:00 to 15:00, at Sakura Saku Marche 2026.
MugiNice, they even gave the time! So that means it’s basically a morning beer mission!
Hop BroConnecting the release with a local event is classic this brewery, and this is definitely one I want to confirm on-site as a spring cup.
MugiDeal! You and I are absolutely toasting with Hana yori Anko that day!
