Hikone Brewing releases Warunyanko Shogun Lager with a custom Moheron label
Hikone Brewing announced a new amber lager, Warunyanko Shogun Lager, on Instagram. The beer emphasizes malt richness and roasted aroma, contrasting with the hop-forward Hikonyan Ale. The label features a special illustration drawn by Moheron.
Hop BroToday's topic is Hikone Bakushu's new release. 'Waru Nyanko Shogun Lager' is the kind of name that hooks you before the first sip.
MugiWhat! Waru Nyanko Shogun Lager sounds fierce and adorable at the same time! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's an amber lager-style beer, built around malt richness and toasty aroma instead of flashy hop perfume.
MugiOhh! But an amber lager isn't the usual pale crisp lager, right? What's different?
Hop BroThis is where roasted malt comes in. Think lightly toasted grain that adds color, deeper aroma, and a fuller body while the finish stays clean.
MugiNo way, now you're describing a bakery! Toasty but crisp sounds ridiculously unfair.
Hop BroAnd the contrast is smart. Their hop-forward Hikonyan Ale puts aroma first, while this one lets the malt lead the whole show.
MugiHold on, hops lead vs malt leads is basically a casting change in beer form?
Hop BroExactly. Hops bring the bright top notes, malt builds the core. Plus it has a custom-drawn label by Moheron made just for this release.
MugiOkay, that makes me want it before I even drink it! A special character label like that is perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
Hop BroHikone Bakushu brews at the foot of Kojinyama in Hikone, and with beers like 'Yappari Lager' and 'Nidome no Lager,' this release doesn't come out of nowhere. You can feel the ongoing lager line behind it.
MugiNow I seriously want a glass. I need to taste that malt richness and toastiness and stare at the label while I drink.
Hikone Brewing is a craft brewery based at the foot of Mount Kohjin in Hikone, Shiga. Surrounded by Lake Biwa and farmland, the brewery has focused on making beers that reflect the local landscape while supporting the community that has grown around it.
The newly introduced Warunyanko Shogun Lager is described as an amber lager built around malt character. According to the brewery, it offers roasted malt aroma, a satisfying body, and a crisp lager finish. That puts it in clear contrast with Hikonyan Ale, where hop aroma takes center stage. Here, the malt is the main character.
Another key point is the label art. Hikone Brewing says the illustration was drawn by Moheron specifically for this beer, making it a one-off design created exclusively for the release. That connection between local characters and craft beer gives the product a strong sense of place, and it should work well both as a souvenir and as a gift for character fans.
Hikone Brewing’s archive also includes lager-focused beers such as Yappari Lager and Nidome no Lager, showing that the brewery has continued to explore the style alongside its better-known ales. Warunyanko Shogun Lager fits naturally into that line of work and adds another distinct expression to the brewery’s roster.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's topic is Hikone Bakushu's new release. 'Waru Nyanko Shogun Lager' is the kind of name that hooks you before the first sip.
MugiWhat! Waru Nyanko Shogun Lager sounds fierce and adorable at the same time! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's an amber lager-style beer, built around malt richness and toasty aroma instead of flashy hop perfume.
MugiOhh! But an amber lager isn't the usual pale crisp lager, right? What's different?
Hop BroThis is where roasted malt comes in. Think lightly toasted grain that adds color, deeper aroma, and a fuller body while the finish stays clean.
MugiNo way, now you're describing a bakery! Toasty but crisp sounds ridiculously unfair.
Hop BroAnd the contrast is smart. Their hop-forward Hikonyan Ale puts aroma first, while this one lets the malt lead the whole show.
MugiHold on, hops lead vs malt leads is basically a casting change in beer form?
Hop BroExactly. Hops bring the bright top notes, malt builds the core. Plus it has a custom-drawn label by Moheron made just for this release.
MugiOkay, that makes me want it before I even drink it! A special character label like that is perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
Hop BroHikone Bakushu brews at the foot of Kojinyama in Hikone, and with beers like 'Yappari Lager' and 'Nidome no Lager,' this release doesn't come out of nowhere. You can feel the ongoing lager line behind it.
MugiNow I seriously want a glass. I need to taste that malt richness and toastiness and stare at the label while I drink.
