Hikone Brewing releases Warunyanko Shogun Lager, a 6.5% amber lager
Hikone Brewing, based in Hikone, Shiga, announced Warunyanko Shogun Lager on June 30. The new beer features a label illustration of Warunyanko Shogun, the official rival of Hikonyan, and is built around malt depth and a roasted aroma.
Hop BroHikone Brewing just released Waru Nyanko Shogun Lager, and the second that rival-cat label locks eyes with you, the shelf battle is over.
MugiWhat! The official rival cat became a beer? That feud somehow turned into happy hour way too fast!
Hop BroAnd the label uses new art by Moheron. Since Moheron created both Hikonyan and Waru Nyanko Shogun, the whole world of the characters feels packed into the bottle.
MugiWhoa! But 6.5% ABV sounds pretty serious, right? Cute on the outside, heavyweight on the inside?
Hop BroThat's the fun part. It's a lager with amber color, so the rich malt and toasty aroma lead the way, but the finish still stays crisp like a proper lager.
MugiHold on, what does amber mean? I only know it as a gemstone! Did this beer suddenly start selling jewelry?
Hop BroAmber just means a reddish-brown appearance. Think of the aroma of lightly toasted bread crust, and you're getting close.
MugiThat sounds delicious! And it's the counterpart to Hikonyan Ale? The cat lore in Hikone is way deeper than I expected!
Hop BroExactly. Hikonyan Ale is a Session IPA with hop aroma in the spotlight, while this one builds its rival character through a malt-driven profile.
MugiThere it is again, what is Session IPA? Is that a magic spell that makes the cap pop off?
Hop BroBasically it's an easy-drinking IPA. That's why this new beer leaning on malt richness instead of hops makes such a fun contrast.
MugiOhhh! And a 330ml bottle sounds perfect for staring at the label and savoring it slowly.
Hop BroHikone Brewing is a locally rooted brewery, so this goes beyond being a character tie-in. I'm already in the mood to crack one open tonight.
MugiNope, that's it, I need a bottle now! I'll wave the white flag to the shogun, but only after you hand me a glass!
Hikone Brewing, which makes craft beer at the foot of Aragamiyama in Hikone, Shiga, has unveiled a new release called Warunyanko Shogun Lager on its official website. The beer uses Warunyanko Shogun, known as Hikonyan's official rival, as the label motif, linking the character's personality with the beer itself.
The label artwork is a newly drawn original illustration by Moheron, the creator of both Hikonyan and Warunyanko Shogun. It was made specially for this beer, giving the bottle a strong sense of place and character.
The beer comes in 330 ml bottles and has an ABV of 6.5%. Hikone Brewing describes it as an amber lager with a reddish-brown hue, a malt-forward body, a roasted aroma, and a crisp lager finish. That makes it a counterpart to the brewery's Hikonyan Ale, which leans on hop aroma and a lighter session IPA profile.
The contrast is deliberate: this release expresses the rivalry between the two characters not only through the label, but also through the recipe. For drinkers who enjoy malt-driven lagers with a clean finish, it is a noteworthy addition to Hikone Brewing's lineup.
Reference: Original article / Hikone Brewing home
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHikone Brewing just released Waru Nyanko Shogun Lager, and the second that rival-cat label locks eyes with you, the shelf battle is over.
MugiWhat! The official rival cat became a beer? That feud somehow turned into happy hour way too fast!
Hop BroAnd the label uses new art by Moheron. Since Moheron created both Hikonyan and Waru Nyanko Shogun, the whole world of the characters feels packed into the bottle.
MugiWhoa! But 6.5% ABV sounds pretty serious, right? Cute on the outside, heavyweight on the inside?
Hop BroThat's the fun part. It's a lager with amber color, so the rich malt and toasty aroma lead the way, but the finish still stays crisp like a proper lager.
MugiHold on, what does amber mean? I only know it as a gemstone! Did this beer suddenly start selling jewelry?
Hop BroAmber just means a reddish-brown appearance. Think of the aroma of lightly toasted bread crust, and you're getting close.
MugiThat sounds delicious! And it's the counterpart to Hikonyan Ale? The cat lore in Hikone is way deeper than I expected!
Hop BroExactly. Hikonyan Ale is a Session IPA with hop aroma in the spotlight, while this one builds its rival character through a malt-driven profile.
MugiThere it is again, what is Session IPA? Is that a magic spell that makes the cap pop off?
Hop BroBasically it's an easy-drinking IPA. That's why this new beer leaning on malt richness instead of hops makes such a fun contrast.
MugiOhhh! And a 330ml bottle sounds perfect for staring at the label and savoring it slowly.
Hop BroHikone Brewing is a locally rooted brewery, so this goes beyond being a character tie-in. I'm already in the mood to crack one open tonight.
MugiNope, that's it, I need a bottle now! I'll wave the white flag to the shogun, but only after you hand me a glass!
