Okazaki Beer’s "Ginger IPA Ai" Now on Sale, Reports 2026 Bronze Award
On March 24, 2026, Okazaki Beer (Aichi) shared sales information for "Ginger IPA Ai" on Instagram. In addition to a recipe made with Kintoki ginger from Aichi Prefecture, this release also uses some barley malt from Aichi Prefecture. The post also announced that it won bronze in the 2026 Herb and Spice Beer category.
Hop BroToday’s topic is Okazaki Beer’s new release, Ginger IPA Ai is now on sale. And it comes with an award announcement too.
MugiWhoa! It sounds intense just from the name! Does a ginger IPA feel spicy and tingly?
Hop BroThis one uses Kintoki ginger from Kimura Farm in two forms: hazikami and powder, used differently. It’s designed to have a rich, calm character.
MugiWhat is that? What even is hazikami!? That sounds like a special move name out of a battle manga!
Hop BroSimply put, hazikami is a form that brings out the ingredient-like character of ginger. The powder spreads the aroma, while hazikami keeps the core flavor.
MugiOhhh! So it’s not just spicy, but a two-tiered combo of aroma and depth!
Hop BroExactly. And this time they also used some barley malt from Aichi Prefecture, so the recipe has been updated to lean more heavily on local ingredients.
MugiWhoa! That’s some serious local love. And it won an award too, right? I saw that it won bronze in 2026!
Hop BroYep, bronze in the Herb & Spice Beer category. Even better, it won bronze again, the same as in 2024, which is exciting because it’s being consistently recognized.
MugiI want to know where I can buy it too! If distribution is centered in Okazaki City, does that mean I can track it down?
Hop BroAt the time of the post, the listed shops were Hacchi Shoten, Shibico Fresh Market, and Yugi-no Yugo. In other words, tonight we basically have to go on a little journey to hunt down ginger IPA.
MugiIt’s settled! Grab a glass and let’s head out! This is the kind of beer that makes you want to drink it right now. We can’t miss this one!
According to the content Okazaki Beer posted on Instagram, "Ginger IPA Ai" is currently on sale. The post explains that it uses Kintoki ginger from Kimura Farm in Aichi Prefecture (hazikami and powder), with a design aimed at a deep, composed ginger flavor.
Another point worth noting is the ingredient update. Until now, the malt had been sourced only from overseas, but this release uses some barley malt from Aichi Prefecture. This is a concrete expression of the brewery’s policy of building beer making rooted in the local area.
As for awards, "Ginger IPA Ai" won bronze in the 2026 Herb and Spice Beer category. The post reported that it once again reached the same bronze level as the 2024 Ginger IPA. Its distinctiveness as a spiced beer continues to be recognized.
The retailers listed at the time of the post were Hacchi Shoten, Shibico Fresh Market, and Yugi-no Yugo. Okazaki Beer’s official website also posts retailer information, mainly within Okazaki City, and is recruiting retailers, showing its effort to grow the brand while expanding local distribution.
For anyone who wants to clearly enjoy the character of ginger, and for anyone following craft beers that emphasize local ingredients, this "Ginger IPA Ai" is one to keep on the radar.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday’s topic is Okazaki Beer’s new release, Ginger IPA Ai is now on sale. And it comes with an award announcement too.
MugiWhoa! It sounds intense just from the name! Does a ginger IPA feel spicy and tingly?
Hop BroThis one uses Kintoki ginger from Kimura Farm in two forms: hazikami and powder, used differently. It’s designed to have a rich, calm character.
MugiWhat is that? What even is hazikami!? That sounds like a special move name out of a battle manga!
Hop BroSimply put, hazikami is a form that brings out the ingredient-like character of ginger. The powder spreads the aroma, while hazikami keeps the core flavor.
MugiOhhh! So it’s not just spicy, but a two-tiered combo of aroma and depth!
Hop BroExactly. And this time they also used some barley malt from Aichi Prefecture, so the recipe has been updated to lean more heavily on local ingredients.
MugiWhoa! That’s some serious local love. And it won an award too, right? I saw that it won bronze in 2026!
Hop BroYep, bronze in the Herb & Spice Beer category. Even better, it won bronze again, the same as in 2024, which is exciting because it’s being consistently recognized.
MugiI want to know where I can buy it too! If distribution is centered in Okazaki City, does that mean I can track it down?
Hop BroAt the time of the post, the listed shops were Hacchi Shoten, Shibico Fresh Market, and Yugi-no Yugo. In other words, tonight we basically have to go on a little journey to hunt down ginger IPA.
MugiIt’s settled! Grab a glass and let’s head out! This is the kind of beer that makes you want to drink it right now. We can’t miss this one!
