Tsukuba Brewery Wins Gold, Silver and Bronze at International Beer Cup 2026
Tsukuba Brewery received awards for all three beers it entered in The International Beer Cup 2026. Tsukuba Gesshuseki Hazy IPA won gold, Hitachi no Fushichou Rice Saison took silver, and Tsukuba Plum Wood Smoke received bronze.
Hop BroTsukuba Brewery pulled off an amazing three-beer sweep! All three entries won awards at The International Beer Cup 2026.
MugiWhat?! All three beers won? Gold, silver, and bronze—it's practically a podium takeover!
Hop BroThe gold winner was Getsu-Sui-Seki Hazy IPA, a fragrant hazy IPA with rich hop aroma and a soft, cloudy mouthfeel.
MugiHazy? What is that? Does cloudy beer taste like it missed its bedtime?
Hop BroNot a sleepy beer! Hazy IPAs are less filtered, creating a soft, juicy texture while letting the hop aroma shine.
MugiOoh, floral aroma and a smooth feel sound great! So what's the silver medal beer? Tell me about silver!
Hop BroThat is Hitachi no Fushicho Rice Saison. Made with local Hitachi Oda rice, it pairs gentle rice sweetness with the lively character of a classic saison.
MugiRice in beer?! Is it like sake? And with a phoenix in the name, maybe I'll wake up ready to fly! A local-rice saison sounds so fun.
Hop BroSaisons are naturally bright and easygoing. The rice adds a subtle sweetness, making it a taste of local terroir.
MugiThen is the bronze-winning Tsukuba Umenoki Smoke Beer plum-flavored? The name already makes me want snacks. Does it use plum-tree smoke for real?
Hop BroIt really does! This Smoke Beer centers on savory aroma from plum wood. Winning across IPA, saison, and smoke beer shows their remarkable brewing range.
MugiThey use natural water and local ingredients from the foot of Mount Tsukuba, and opened a new brewery there in 2024. Now I want a Tsukuba tasting!
Hop BroAbsolutely—juicy gold, crisp silver, smoky bronze. Let's taste all three medals and toast the reason Tsukuba Brewery won!
MugiYes! Let's hold our own award ceremony. Please pour me some Tsukuba craft beer!
All three entries receive awards
Tsukuba Brewery entered three beers in The International Beer Cup 2026: Tsukuba Gesshuseki Hazy IPA, Hitachi no Fushichou Rice Saison, and Tsukuba Plum Wood Smoke. All three were awarded, with the Hazy IPA taking gold, the Rice Saison silver, and the Smoke Beer bronze.
The 2026 competition included 1,459 beers from 374 businesses. One hundred judges from 25 countries and regions participated, while beers were submitted from 21 countries and regions. Winning across three different styles gives a clear indication of the brewery’s range and consistency on an international stage.
Three styles, three distinct expressions
The gold-winning Tsukuba Gesshuseki Hazy IPA competed in the Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale category. Its style is known for expressive hop aromas, a hazy appearance, and a soft, rounded mouthfeel.
Hitachi no Fushichou Rice Saison received silver in the Classic Saison category. The beer is made with Hitachi Oda rice grown near Mount Tsukuba, bringing a gentle rice sweetness together with the crisp, refreshing character associated with saison. It is a locally rooted interpretation of a traditional beer style.
Tsukuba Plum Wood Smoke won bronze in the Smoke Beer category. Built around the character of plum wood smoke, it offers a more aromatic and savory profile than the brewery’s IPA or saison. The result highlights the diversity of Tsukuba Brewery’s portfolio.
Brewing with the character of Mount Tsukuba
Based in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Tsukuba Brewery makes beer with spring water from the Mount Tsukuba foothills and selected local ingredients. The brewery opened a new facility at the foot of the mountain in 2024, expanding its efforts to express the region through beer.
Its beer names often draw on local history, legends, and landscapes. The brewery sells canned beer and offers tastings at its facility, while its current lineup is also available through its official website. This sweep of gold, silver, and bronze marks a notable achievement for a brewery continuing to connect local character with a broad range of modern and traditional beer styles.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroTsukuba Brewery pulled off an amazing three-beer sweep! All three entries won awards at The International Beer Cup 2026.
MugiWhat?! All three beers won? Gold, silver, and bronze—it's practically a podium takeover!
Hop BroThe gold winner was Getsu-Sui-Seki Hazy IPA, a fragrant hazy IPA with rich hop aroma and a soft, cloudy mouthfeel.
MugiHazy? What is that? Does cloudy beer taste like it missed its bedtime?
Hop BroNot a sleepy beer! Hazy IPAs are less filtered, creating a soft, juicy texture while letting the hop aroma shine.
MugiOoh, floral aroma and a smooth feel sound great! So what's the silver medal beer? Tell me about silver!
Hop BroThat is Hitachi no Fushicho Rice Saison. Made with local Hitachi Oda rice, it pairs gentle rice sweetness with the lively character of a classic saison.
MugiRice in beer?! Is it like sake? And with a phoenix in the name, maybe I'll wake up ready to fly! A local-rice saison sounds so fun.
Hop BroSaisons are naturally bright and easygoing. The rice adds a subtle sweetness, making it a taste of local terroir.
MugiThen is the bronze-winning Tsukuba Umenoki Smoke Beer plum-flavored? The name already makes me want snacks. Does it use plum-tree smoke for real?
Hop BroIt really does! This Smoke Beer centers on savory aroma from plum wood. Winning across IPA, saison, and smoke beer shows their remarkable brewing range.
MugiThey use natural water and local ingredients from the foot of Mount Tsukuba, and opened a new brewery there in 2024. Now I want a Tsukuba tasting!
Hop BroAbsolutely—juicy gold, crisp silver, smoky bronze. Let's taste all three medals and toast the reason Tsukuba Brewery won!
MugiYes! Let's hold our own award ceremony. Please pour me some Tsukuba craft beer!
