Iwanai Brewery & Hotel to Host “Hey. FRESH HOP Fes!” on September 26
Iwanai Brewery & Hotel in Hokkaido’s Iwanai Town has announced “Hey. FRESH HOP Fes!” for Saturday, September 26. Details such as the event schedule, admission, and beer lineup have not yet been announced, but the festival is expected to spotlight the brewery’s seasonal fresh-hop beers.
Hop BroIn Iwanai, Hokkaido, Iwanai Brewery & Hotel will hold Hey.FRESH HOP Fes! on Saturday, September 26. It is an event fresh-hop fans will want to watch.
MugiA hop festival?! What makes fresh hop beer different from regular beer?
Hop BroIt uses hops soon after harvest, before they are dried and processed. That often brings out a bright green aroma and a wonderfully seasonal character.
MugiSeasonal character? So the hops perform on stage? ...Probably not. But that just-harvested aroma sounds amazing!
Hop BroThe brewery has grown hops at a nearby farm since 2021, then uses the summer harvest for autumn releases. This is the moment for estate-grown hops to shine.
MugiIf the farm is nearby, the hops cannot get lost on the way to the brewhouse! Is Iwanai really a hop-connected town?
Hop BroIt is. In 1871, Thomas Antisell reportedly found wild hops there during a geological survey. It is known as a wild-hop discovery site.
MugiHe was surveying geology and found hops? Maybe an aroma called him away from the rocks... Will the festival have only special beers?
Hop BroDetails such as beer lineup, pricing, and hours are still to come. Normally, though, the brewery makes a varied core lineup including pilsner, IPA, pale ale, and stout.
MugiToo many choices means my stomach committee is already meeting! What is the venue like?
Hop BroIt combines a brewery, beer bar, and hotel, and uses Iwanai deep-ocean water in brewing. You can toast on the terrace with the highland breeze, plus local food and meat dishes.
MugiBeer, a terrace, food, hot springs, and a sauna?! That is a no-going-home itinerary! Let’s watch their official social channels and drink our way to autumn Iwanai!
Iwanai Brewery & Hotel in Iwanai Town, Hokkaido, has announced that it will hold “Hey. FRESH HOP Fes!” on Saturday, September 26. The brewery’s official Instagram post confirms the event name and date, while further details—including opening hours, admission, and the beers to be served—are expected in a later announcement.
Located in the highlands of Iwanai, the brewery combines a production facility, beer bar, and hotel. Its regular lineup includes pilsner, IPA, pale ale, and stout, alongside seasonal and requested brews.
The brewery’s identity is closely tied to hops. In 1871, American mining engineer and chemist Thomas Antisell discovered wild hops in what is now Iwanai Town during a geological survey. The brewery draws on this local history, focusing on hop-driven aroma and flavor in its beers.
Hop cultivation began at a nearby farm in 2021. Each summer, the brewery harvests locally grown hops and uses them for fresh-hop brewing, with releases typically arriving in autumn. That seasonal connection between the hop field, the brewhouse, and the glass is likely to be one of the highlights of the upcoming festival.
Iwanai Brewery & Hotel also uses deep-sea water drawn in Iwanai during brewing. At the onsite beer bar, guests can watch the brewing equipment while enjoying beer on the terrace. Food made with local ingredients is available for pairing, and the adjoining hotel allows visitors to combine their beer trip with nearby hot springs and sauna facilities.
Fans of vibrant, green hop character should watch the brewery’s official social channels for additional information about the event.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroIn Iwanai, Hokkaido, Iwanai Brewery & Hotel will hold Hey.FRESH HOP Fes! on Saturday, September 26. It is an event fresh-hop fans will want to watch.
MugiA hop festival?! What makes fresh hop beer different from regular beer?
Hop BroIt uses hops soon after harvest, before they are dried and processed. That often brings out a bright green aroma and a wonderfully seasonal character.
MugiSeasonal character? So the hops perform on stage? ...Probably not. But that just-harvested aroma sounds amazing!
Hop BroThe brewery has grown hops at a nearby farm since 2021, then uses the summer harvest for autumn releases. This is the moment for estate-grown hops to shine.
MugiIf the farm is nearby, the hops cannot get lost on the way to the brewhouse! Is Iwanai really a hop-connected town?
Hop BroIt is. In 1871, Thomas Antisell reportedly found wild hops there during a geological survey. It is known as a wild-hop discovery site.
MugiHe was surveying geology and found hops? Maybe an aroma called him away from the rocks... Will the festival have only special beers?
Hop BroDetails such as beer lineup, pricing, and hours are still to come. Normally, though, the brewery makes a varied core lineup including pilsner, IPA, pale ale, and stout.
MugiToo many choices means my stomach committee is already meeting! What is the venue like?
Hop BroIt combines a brewery, beer bar, and hotel, and uses Iwanai deep-ocean water in brewing. You can toast on the terrace with the highland breeze, plus local food and meat dishes.
MugiBeer, a terrace, food, hot springs, and a sauna?! That is a no-going-home itinerary! Let’s watch their official social channels and drink our way to autumn Iwanai!
