B.M.B Brewery releases HINOKO, an Altbier inspired by Hidama
Miyazaki-based B.M.B Brewery has released HINOKO, an Altbier at 5.0% ABV. The beer draws on Hidama, an infusion spirit from Watanabe Shuzojo in Tano, Miyazaki, and appears to translate roasted barley and barley-shochu character into beer form.
Hop BroSomething interesting just came out of Miyazaki. HINOKO from BMB Brewery is a new Altbier at 5.0%, and the name already sounds like sparks are flying.
MugiWhat! A spark-sounding beer name and it's actually a beer? And Altbier sounds like some kind of special attack!
Hop BroNot a special attack, a classic beer style. A traditional German style like Altbier can be clean and drinkable while still bringing out toasted malt character.
MugiOkay, but what is this infusion spirit thing from the article? Is that a spell that magically refills my glass?
Hop BroIf only. Hidama from Watanabe Shuzojo in Tano is a barley shochu-based spirit with specially roasted barley added, and HINOKO borrows that whole aroma story.
MugiSo the flavor is basically getting passed from shochu into beer? That's a relay of aroma and I kind of love it.
Hop BroExactly. It takes that grainy toastiness and a faint fire-like nuance, then lands it in beer form. That's the whole shochu culture connection here.
MugiSo it's not just a new release, it feels tied to Miyazaki itself. Sounds great with food too, which is dangerous for my self-control.
Hop BroAnd that fits the brewery. BMB Brewery talks about moving from beer into culture, starting in Jingu in 2018 and adding a new brewery in Kiyotake in 2024. Local place and drinking culture are clearly part of the point.
Hop BroAt 5.0%, it shouldn't feel too heavy either, so you can actually follow the roasted finish. Good as a first or second pint is a strong sign.
MugiThat sounds unfairly strong as a concept. Shochu vibes plus easy-drinking beer? This is a pour it right now situation.
Hop BroIf I saw it on tap, I'd pour it immediately. A glass of HINOKO that lets you taste its link to Hidama feels like a true Miyazaki pint.
A new beer rooted in local spirits culture
B.M.B Brewery, based in Miyazaki City, has released HINOKO. The beer is an Altbier with 5.0% ABV. Its product description uses the image of sparks rising from a spirit-lit fireball, suggesting a beer built around aroma, warmth, and a lingering finish.
The key reference point is Hidama, an infusion spirit made by Watanabe Shuzojo in Tano, Miyazaki. According to the distillery's official information, Hidama is a 100% barley spirit made from house-produced barley shochu and special roasted barley. HINOKO seems to carry that roasted-barley character and turn it into a beer expression, connecting brewing and distilling through a shared sense of grain and fire.
A brewery with a clear Miyazaki identity
B.M.B Brewery describes itself as a brewery that aims to move "from beer to culture." On its official site, the brewery says it started brewing in Jingu, Miyazaki City in November 2018, and completed a new brewery in Kiyotake, Miyazaki City in July 2024. That background helps explain why the brewery keeps leaning into local materials and local drinking culture.
HINOKO is more than just a new release. It is a beer that seems designed to bridge shochu culture and craft beer, using the structure of an Altbier to carry barley-driven aroma and depth. For beer fans, it is a notable example of how a Miyazaki brewery can reinterpret familiar regional ingredients in a new form.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroSomething interesting just came out of Miyazaki. HINOKO from BMB Brewery is a new Altbier at 5.0%, and the name already sounds like sparks are flying.
MugiWhat! A spark-sounding beer name and it's actually a beer? And Altbier sounds like some kind of special attack!
Hop BroNot a special attack, a classic beer style. A traditional German style like Altbier can be clean and drinkable while still bringing out toasted malt character.
MugiOkay, but what is this infusion spirit thing from the article? Is that a spell that magically refills my glass?
Hop BroIf only. Hidama from Watanabe Shuzojo in Tano is a barley shochu-based spirit with specially roasted barley added, and HINOKO borrows that whole aroma story.
MugiSo the flavor is basically getting passed from shochu into beer? That's a relay of aroma and I kind of love it.
Hop BroExactly. It takes that grainy toastiness and a faint fire-like nuance, then lands it in beer form. That's the whole shochu culture connection here.
MugiSo it's not just a new release, it feels tied to Miyazaki itself. Sounds great with food too, which is dangerous for my self-control.
Hop BroAnd that fits the brewery. BMB Brewery talks about moving from beer into culture, starting in Jingu in 2018 and adding a new brewery in Kiyotake in 2024. Local place and drinking culture are clearly part of the point.
Hop BroAt 5.0%, it shouldn't feel too heavy either, so you can actually follow the roasted finish. Good as a first or second pint is a strong sign.
MugiThat sounds unfairly strong as a concept. Shochu vibes plus easy-drinking beer? This is a pour it right now situation.
Hop BroIf I saw it on tap, I'd pour it immediately. A glass of HINOKO that lets you taste its link to Hidama feels like a true Miyazaki pint.