Hop Kotan Brewing Announces New Plum-Infused "Umemigachi" Ume Saison
On March 19, Hop Kotan Brewing (Hokkaido) announced a new beer, "Umemigachi," on Instagram. The post explicitly identifies the style as "Ume Saison." A seasonal release is arriving from the Kamifurano-based brewery, which promotes the idea of "brewing with local hops."
Hop BroSpring news is here, Hop Kotan Brewing's new release was announced on Instagram on March 19.
MugiWhoa! Even the name is intriguing, Umemigachi has seriously good taste!
Hop BroThat's the best part, right? The beer name is Umemigachi, and the style is clearly listed as Ume Saison.
MugiOhhh! But honestly, I still only have a fuzzy idea of what a saison even is!
Hop BroSaison tends to bring out fermentation-driven aromas, and the layers of aroma from phenolics and esters are what make the style fun.
MugiWhat is that! A kanji spell just showed up! Translate the phenolic issue in three seconds!
Hop BroOkay, in broad terms, it's spicy and fruity character, and when you add plum, the image becomes a spring-like Japanese aroma.
MugiI see! So are the alcohol content and bitterness, the spec details, already out?
Hop BroNot yet, as of now. ABV, IBU, adjunct details, can or keg format, and sales channels are all still waiting on follow-up information.
MugiGot it! Since it's a brewery in Kamifurano that "brews with local hops," I'm so excited to see how the local character comes through!
Hop BroHop Kotan Brewing was founded in 2017 and started brewing in 2018, and in that context Umemigachi is likely to become a must-watch beer this season.
MugiI can't take it anymore, just imagining it makes me want to drink it! Let's keep checking for updates and raise a toast on release day!
In Hop Kotan Brewing's official Instagram post dated March 19, "Umemigachi" was unveiled as a NEW BEER. The post text says Style: Ume Saison, indicating that this is a saison themed around plums.
The facts currently confirmed are as follows.
- Product name: Umemigachi
- Style: Ume Saison
- Announcement date: March 19, 2026
On the other hand, details such as alcohol by volume, bitterness, use of adjunct ingredients, whether it will be released in cans or on draft, and sales channels (taproom, retail, or online) could not be confirmed from the original post. Readers considering a purchase should keep an eye on follow-up announcements and updates from retailers.
Hop Kotan Brewing is based in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, and on its official website it emphasizes its commitment to "brewing with local hops." Kamifurano is also known as a region in Hokkaido where hops are commercially cultivated, and the company was founded in 2017 and began brewing in 2018. Against the backdrop of its effort to reflect local character in beer, attention is focused on what kind of expression this "Umemigachi" will show.
As a springtime new release, it is a glass that puts Japanese ingredients front and center. Once the specifications and official sales details are announced, it could become one of this season's notable beers.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroSpring news is here, Hop Kotan Brewing's new release was announced on Instagram on March 19.
MugiWhoa! Even the name is intriguing, Umemigachi has seriously good taste!
Hop BroThat's the best part, right? The beer name is Umemigachi, and the style is clearly listed as Ume Saison.
MugiOhhh! But honestly, I still only have a fuzzy idea of what a saison even is!
Hop BroSaison tends to bring out fermentation-driven aromas, and the layers of aroma from phenolics and esters are what make the style fun.
MugiWhat is that! A kanji spell just showed up! Translate the phenolic issue in three seconds!
Hop BroOkay, in broad terms, it's spicy and fruity character, and when you add plum, the image becomes a spring-like Japanese aroma.
MugiI see! So are the alcohol content and bitterness, the spec details, already out?
Hop BroNot yet, as of now. ABV, IBU, adjunct details, can or keg format, and sales channels are all still waiting on follow-up information.
MugiGot it! Since it's a brewery in Kamifurano that "brews with local hops," I'm so excited to see how the local character comes through!
Hop BroHop Kotan Brewing was founded in 2017 and started brewing in 2018, and in that context Umemigachi is likely to become a must-watch beer this season.
MugiI can't take it anymore, just imagining it makes me want to drink it! Let's keep checking for updates and raise a toast on release day!
