Gunma's Kirizumi Brewery goes to 7 taps, newly opens limited ESB "#923xESB"
Kirizumi Brewery in Yokokawa, Gunma, announced a new lineup on February 28, 2026 with the message, "7 taps starting today." The new addition is the limited ESB "#923xESB." It promises the gentle carbonation of a real ale and a tea-like sweetness, and is served at ABV 6% and IBU 34.
Hop BroMugi-chan, Kirizumi Brewery in Gunma announced "7 taps starting today" on February 28, 2026, and they also opened a new limited ESB called "#923xESB"!
MugiWhoa! Seven taps means way more options all of a sudden! And "#923xESB" sounds like a secret society or something powerful!
Hop BroIt’s a British-style ESB. With ABV 6% and IBU 34, it’s more about malt aroma and balance than just blasting you with bitterness.
MugiWhat is that! I’ve heard of ABV and IBU, but what kind of beer is an ESB anyway?!
Hop BroESB stands for "Extra Special Bitter." It’s a traditional British style. It does have bitterness, but it doesn’t come on too sharply, and it’s the kind you slowly enjoy for its tea-like sweetness and toasty character.
MugiOhhh! And the article said it’s a "real ale with low carbonation," but does real ale mean it’s a living ale?! That sounds scary!
Hop BroNot scary at all. Real ale refers to a serving method with gentle carbonation and a softer mouthfeel. Because the fizz is restrained, the tea-like sweetness comes through more clearly.
MugiI see, so it’s more of a slow-savor-the-aroma-and-flavor kind of beer instead of a big carbonated boom! And since it’s a limited release with a "get it early" warning, I feel like it’s rushing me!
Hop BroYou really should hurry. Kirizumi Brewery is a 4-minute walk from Yokokawa Station and open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 18:00, so this is your chance to experience the current "face of Kirizumi" with a 7-tap tasting lineup.
MugiIt’s decided! Let’s start with #923xESB to get into real ale, and then conquer all seven taps! Just reading this has my throat shouting, "Gunma right now!"
Kirizumi Brewery (Gunma) announced on Instagram that it was going to "7 taps starting today," expanding its tap lineup. The highlight this time is the newly tapped ESB "#923xESB."
According to the post, this beer is a "real ale with low carbonation" and is characterized by a "tea-like sweetness." Its specs are ABV 6% / IBU 34. As befits a classic British-style ESB, it appears designed to emphasize the balance of malt-derived flavor and drinkability rather than pushing hop bitterness too aggressively. The brewery commented that it could become "the new face of Kirizumi," suggesting hopes that it may become a staple, while noting that this time it is being offered as a limited release and advising people to get it "early."
Kirizumi Brewery is located in the Yokokawa area of Gunma, just before Usui Pass on the way toward Karuizawa. According to its profile, the brewery was born in August 2025, brewed its first batch on July 7 of that year, and grand-opened its taproom on August 9. Regular business hours are Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 18:00 (with occasional temporary openings), and its convenient location at 280-1 Yokokawa, Matsuida-machi, Annaka-shi, Gunma, just a 4-minute walk from JR Yokokawa Station, is another notable point.
With the shift to a 7-tap setup, it is now easier to compare this beer with the existing lineup. For those interested in a real-ale-like texture, this "#923xESB" looks like a beer worth not missing if you want to understand where Kirizumi Brewery stands right now.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroMugi-chan, Kirizumi Brewery in Gunma announced "7 taps starting today" on February 28, 2026, and they also opened a new limited ESB called "#923xESB"!
MugiWhoa! Seven taps means way more options all of a sudden! And "#923xESB" sounds like a secret society or something powerful!
Hop BroIt’s a British-style ESB. With ABV 6% and IBU 34, it’s more about malt aroma and balance than just blasting you with bitterness.
MugiWhat is that! I’ve heard of ABV and IBU, but what kind of beer is an ESB anyway?!
Hop BroESB stands for "Extra Special Bitter." It’s a traditional British style. It does have bitterness, but it doesn’t come on too sharply, and it’s the kind you slowly enjoy for its tea-like sweetness and toasty character.
MugiOhhh! And the article said it’s a "real ale with low carbonation," but does real ale mean it’s a living ale?! That sounds scary!
Hop BroNot scary at all. Real ale refers to a serving method with gentle carbonation and a softer mouthfeel. Because the fizz is restrained, the tea-like sweetness comes through more clearly.
MugiI see, so it’s more of a slow-savor-the-aroma-and-flavor kind of beer instead of a big carbonated boom! And since it’s a limited release with a "get it early" warning, I feel like it’s rushing me!
Hop BroYou really should hurry. Kirizumi Brewery is a 4-minute walk from Yokokawa Station and open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 18:00, so this is your chance to experience the current "face of Kirizumi" with a 7-tap tasting lineup.
MugiIt’s decided! Let’s start with #923xESB to get into real ale, and then conquer all seven taps! Just reading this has my throat shouting, "Gunma right now!"
