Orang Craft Brewery opens 2nd-anniversary IPA "FUNAMORI" in Saiki
Orang Craft Brewery in Saiki, Oita, has tapped its 2nd-anniversary beer, "FUNAMORI." The 8% IPA uses yellow koji and pine needles to build a layered Japanese-inspired aroma, with tempura and simmered fish suggested as pairings.
Hop BroI want to talk about a second-anniversary IPA that Oran Craft Brewery just tapped in Saiki; the name alone, "FUNAMORI," already pulls you in.
MugiWait, FUNAMORI? That sounds like the title of a harbor-town movie! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's an 8% IPA, and the interesting part is that they layered in yellow koji and pine needles for a distinctly Japanese feel.
MugiHold on, what is yellow koji? Why does this suddenly sound like a miso soup strategy meeting?
Hop BroYellow koji is a fermentation culture tied to sake, miso, and soy sauce, and here it adds dashi-like depth that nudges the IPA toward Japanese food.
MugiWow, and pine-needle greenness means what exactly? Am I drinking beer or taking a forest bath?
Hop BroHonestly, kind of both. Brewers call it piney, but basically it's a forest-like aroma that rises in turns with the savory koji character.
MugiNo way, an IPA for Japanese food already had me curious, but tempura and simmered fish too? That's just unfair.
Hop BroThat's the appeal: rich on the palate, fresh on the finish, and the tempura pairing makes it sound like a beer that fully clicks with a meal.
MugiBut at 8%, with that full-bodied profile, if I get careless I'll go from 'ship guardian' to 'seasick passenger' pretty fast!
Hop BroExactly why you take it slow. It sounds built as a Japanese IPA concept that fits Saiki's historic streets and rewards a careful sip.
MugiI'm done for, I want one right now! You bring the tempura, Hop bro, and I'll lock down the simmered-fish seat.
Hop BroDeal. Now I want to toast with FUNAMORI too, with tempura and simmered fish lined up for a slow anniversary drink.
A Japanese-leaning anniversary IPA
Orang Craft Brewery has released its 2nd-anniversary beer, "FUNAMORI." Brewed as an IPA at 8% ABV, the beer incorporates yellow koji and pine needles, giving it a profile that goes beyond a typical hop-forward release.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 8%
- Ingredients: Yellow koji, pine needles
- Pairing: Tempura, simmered fish
According to the brewery, the yellow koji brings depth reminiscent of soy sauce, mushrooms, and broth, while the pine needles add forest-like, piney green notes. The beer was designed to suit the historic streetscape of the Sentocho area in Saiki and to express a sense of Japanese character in both aroma and finish.
Based in Saiki City, Oita, Orang Craft Brewery has been building its reputation as a local microbrewery since opening in 2024. This anniversary release follows that same approach: using local context, ingredients, and a clear sense of place to shape the beer. With a full body and a relatively high alcohol content, it is the kind of IPA that invites slower drinking and closer attention.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI want to talk about a second-anniversary IPA that Oran Craft Brewery just tapped in Saiki; the name alone, "FUNAMORI," already pulls you in.
MugiWait, FUNAMORI? That sounds like the title of a harbor-town movie! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's an 8% IPA, and the interesting part is that they layered in yellow koji and pine needles for a distinctly Japanese feel.
MugiHold on, what is yellow koji? Why does this suddenly sound like a miso soup strategy meeting?
Hop BroYellow koji is a fermentation culture tied to sake, miso, and soy sauce, and here it adds dashi-like depth that nudges the IPA toward Japanese food.
MugiWow, and pine-needle greenness means what exactly? Am I drinking beer or taking a forest bath?
Hop BroHonestly, kind of both. Brewers call it piney, but basically it's a forest-like aroma that rises in turns with the savory koji character.
MugiNo way, an IPA for Japanese food already had me curious, but tempura and simmered fish too? That's just unfair.
Hop BroThat's the appeal: rich on the palate, fresh on the finish, and the tempura pairing makes it sound like a beer that fully clicks with a meal.
MugiBut at 8%, with that full-bodied profile, if I get careless I'll go from 'ship guardian' to 'seasick passenger' pretty fast!
Hop BroExactly why you take it slow. It sounds built as a Japanese IPA concept that fits Saiki's historic streets and rewards a careful sip.
MugiI'm done for, I want one right now! You bring the tempura, Hop bro, and I'll lock down the simmered-fish seat.
Hop BroDeal. Now I want to toast with FUNAMORI too, with tempura and simmered fish lined up for a slow anniversary drink.
