Nomcraft Brewing Introduces "Soloist: Azacca" Single-Hop Hazy IPA
Nomcraft Brewing in Aridagawa, Wakayama, has introduced the third beer in its Soloist series: Soloist: Azacca. The single-hop Hazy IPA spotlights Azacca with tropical fruit aromas, including mango and pineapple.
Hop BroToday's pick is Soloist: Azacca from Nomcraft Brewing in Wakayama, the third entry in their Soloist series, and it really puts one hop front and center.
MugiWait, third Soloist release? So this series is basically letting one hop grab the mic and headline the show?
Hop BroExactly. It's a Single Hop Hazy IPA, so Azacca handles the whole performance instead of sharing the stage with a bunch of other hops.
MugiWhat is that even! Single hop sounds like homework. So Azacca is doing a full solo set all by itself?
Hop BroPretty much. Azacca throws out mango and pineapple aromas, then brings in a softer apricot-like fruit note underneath.
MugiThat sounds wild! Full tropical mode with apricot sneaking in too? That's like a beach party wearing a fancy cardigan.
Hop BroAnd the specs are 6.5% ABV with 30 IBU. IBU is just a bitterness guide, so this should feel bright and smooth rather than aggressively bitter.
MugiOhhh, got it. 30 IBU means I don't have to brace for a bitterness jump scare, and I can just enjoy the juicy side.
Hop BroNomcraft started in 2019 in a renovated former nursery school, and with Golden River next door they've built this whole local 'beer-led community' vibe.
MugiThat is adorable. A community-building beer somehow tastes better before I've even opened the can.
Hop BroJunya brewed it, and the grain bill with Pilsner, wheat malt, oats, and carapils helps create a smooth mouthfeel without getting in Azacca's way.
MugiThat's it, I want a pour now. Give me Soloist: Azacca and a burger, and I'll happily let mango, pineapple, and apricot run the evening.
The Third Soloist Beer
Nomcraft Brewing, based in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama, introduced Soloist: Azacca, the third release in its Soloist series. This time, the brewery focused on Azacca alone, turning it into a single-hop Hazy IPA designed to showcase hop character directly.
Specs
- Style: Single Hop Hazy IPA
- ABV: 6.5%
- IBU: 30
- Hop: Azacca
- Malts: Pilsner, wheat malt, malted oats, carapils
- Brewer: Junya
The tasting notes highlight mango, tropical fruit, pineapple, and apricot. In the post, Nomcraft describes the beer as having a juicy aroma reminiscent of mango and pineapple, with a softer stone-fruit layer underneath. The finish is presented as light in bitterness and smooth on the palate, making it a straightforward way to enjoy what Azacca can do on its own.
Nomcraft Brewing was established in 2019 after renovating a former nursery building. Next door is Golden River, a craft beer and hamburger cafe, and the brewery has long framed its work as part of a broader effort to build community through beer. That background gives the Soloist series additional context: it is not just a recipe exercise, but part of a brewery identity built around beer, place, and experimentation.
For hop-forward beer fans, Soloist: Azacca is notable because it narrows the focus to a single hop rather than layering multiple varieties. If you want to taste Azacca's character without distraction, this is the kind of release that makes sense.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's pick is Soloist: Azacca from Nomcraft Brewing in Wakayama, the third entry in their Soloist series, and it really puts one hop front and center.
MugiWait, third Soloist release? So this series is basically letting one hop grab the mic and headline the show?
Hop BroExactly. It's a Single Hop Hazy IPA, so Azacca handles the whole performance instead of sharing the stage with a bunch of other hops.
MugiWhat is that even! Single hop sounds like homework. So Azacca is doing a full solo set all by itself?
Hop BroPretty much. Azacca throws out mango and pineapple aromas, then brings in a softer apricot-like fruit note underneath.
MugiThat sounds wild! Full tropical mode with apricot sneaking in too? That's like a beach party wearing a fancy cardigan.
Hop BroAnd the specs are 6.5% ABV with 30 IBU. IBU is just a bitterness guide, so this should feel bright and smooth rather than aggressively bitter.
MugiOhhh, got it. 30 IBU means I don't have to brace for a bitterness jump scare, and I can just enjoy the juicy side.
Hop BroNomcraft started in 2019 in a renovated former nursery school, and with Golden River next door they've built this whole local 'beer-led community' vibe.
MugiThat is adorable. A community-building beer somehow tastes better before I've even opened the can.
Hop BroJunya brewed it, and the grain bill with Pilsner, wheat malt, oats, and carapils helps create a smooth mouthfeel without getting in Azacca's way.
MugiThat's it, I want a pour now. Give me Soloist: Azacca and a burger, and I'll happily let mango, pineapple, and apricot run the evening.
