Kiuchi Sake Brewery launches direct-store-only Mikan HOPS
Kiuchi Sake Brewery has started selling its seasonal beer Mikan HOPS at its directly managed stores. Brewed with rare Fukure mikan harvested in Ishioka, Ibaraki, the 4.5% beer is described as citrusy and refreshingly aromatic.
Hop BroThis one caught my eye today: Mikan HOPS from Kiuchi Brewery. It is a seasonal beer sold only at their directly operated shops, made with rare Fukure mikan from Ishioka, Ibaraki.
MugiWait, shop-exclusive release already sounds dangerously tempting! Is a mikan beer sweet like juice?
Hop BroThat is the fun part. At 4.5% ABV, it sounds light, but the point is more citrus aroma and hop freshness than sugary sweetness.
MugiOkay, but when you say hop freshness, my brain starts hearing science class music. What does that even mean?
Hop BroThink of hops as the aroma crew for beer. The key here is flavor layering: Fukure mikan brings bright citrus, and the hops stack on a crisp, green, refreshing note.
MugiOhhh, so it is basically mikan plus hops for double refreshment! That sounds illegal on a hot day.
Hop BroAnd Kiuchi Brewery has range. It is an 1823-founded brewery that started with sake and later launched Hitachino Nest Beer in 1996.
MugiA brewery with that much history still dropping limited beers like this? Using local fruit is honestly such a cool move.
Hop BroExactly. Fukure mikan is a citrus known around the Tsukuba foothills, so this beer feels like a taste of place poured straight into the glass.
MugiNope, I am done talking, I need a pint. My throat is already trying to check in before the rest of me arrives.
Hop BroSame here, this feels like first-beer material. Citrus on the nose and a clean hop finish is a very convincing opening round.
MugiThen it is settled, we are chasing Fukure mikan season in a glass. If it is direct-shop only, detours are officially canceled.
Kiuchi Sake Brewery has started selling its seasonal beer Mikan HOPS at its directly managed stores. According to the brewery's post, the beer uses rare Fukure mikan harvested in Ishioka City, Ibaraki, and is finished at 4.5% ABV with a bright citrus profile.
Founded in 1823 in Naka, Ibaraki, Kiuchi began as a sake producer and later launched Hitachino Nest Beer in 1996. The brewery still emphasizes local ingredients, seasonal releases, and a strong sense of place, which makes limited beers part of its identity rather than a side project.
Fukure mikan is a well-known local citrus tied to the Tsukuba foothills. Kiuchi has repeatedly used it in special releases, but Mikan HOPS stands out as a store-exclusive seasonal beer that links the brewery's long heritage with a summer-friendly flavor profile. For fans of Hitachino Nest Beer, it is the kind of release that rewards a visit to the brewery's retail locations.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroThis one caught my eye today: Mikan HOPS from Kiuchi Brewery. It is a seasonal beer sold only at their directly operated shops, made with rare Fukure mikan from Ishioka, Ibaraki.
MugiWait, shop-exclusive release already sounds dangerously tempting! Is a mikan beer sweet like juice?
Hop BroThat is the fun part. At 4.5% ABV, it sounds light, but the point is more citrus aroma and hop freshness than sugary sweetness.
MugiOkay, but when you say hop freshness, my brain starts hearing science class music. What does that even mean?
Hop BroThink of hops as the aroma crew for beer. The key here is flavor layering: Fukure mikan brings bright citrus, and the hops stack on a crisp, green, refreshing note.
MugiOhhh, so it is basically mikan plus hops for double refreshment! That sounds illegal on a hot day.
Hop BroAnd Kiuchi Brewery has range. It is an 1823-founded brewery that started with sake and later launched Hitachino Nest Beer in 1996.
MugiA brewery with that much history still dropping limited beers like this? Using local fruit is honestly such a cool move.
Hop BroExactly. Fukure mikan is a citrus known around the Tsukuba foothills, so this beer feels like a taste of place poured straight into the glass.
MugiNope, I am done talking, I need a pint. My throat is already trying to check in before the rest of me arrives.
Hop BroSame here, this feels like first-beer material. Citrus on the nose and a clean hop finish is a very convincing opening round.
MugiThen it is settled, we are chasing Fukure mikan season in a glass. If it is direct-shop only, detours are officially canceled.
