Yokohama Beer Brewery begins shipping Zwei Beer, a Düsseldorf-inspired altbier
Yokohama Beer Brewery has started shipping 'Zwei Beer -Düsseldorf Style Altbier-' as part of its Brewers One Series. Head brewer Kazuki Kato shaped the beer after encountering classic altbier in Düsseldorf during training in Germany and the Czech Republic earlier this year.
Hop BroI’ve got a beer story for today: Yokohama Beer Brewery has started shipping its limited Zwei Bier.
MugiWait, that name already sounds intense! Zwei Bier what kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt’s an Altbier, built from what head brewer Kato felt on his February trip abroad, a Dusseldorf-inspired brew all the way.
MugiNo way! A travel memory turned into beer? The series second release sounds weirdly romantic!
Hop BroThe recipe really puts malt in the lead, aiming for fresh-baked bread notes and a clean lingering finish.
MugiHold on, you casually said malt-forward build like everyone just knows that. Are malt and hops fighting for top billing?
Hop BroExactly, it just means the malt gets the spotlight. You get aroma, sweetness, and body, but the finish stays crisp and tidy.
MugiRich but still easygoing? That’s unfair! Also, is IBU 30 like a report card for bitterness?
Hop BroPretty much, yeah. It’s a bitterness scale, and 30 lands in a balanced bitterness zone, with 5% ABV keeping it easy to drink.
MugiThat sounds perfect! If 350ml cans are showing up at Yokohama stands, department stores, and some 7-Elevens, I want one now!
Hop BroStore timing will vary, so I’d check stock first, but comparing it with Yokohama Beer’s regular alt sounds like tonight’s drinking plan to me.
A second release born from overseas training
Yokohama Beer Brewery has begun shipping 'Zwei Beer -Düsseldorf Style Altbier-' as part of its Brewers One Series. Head brewer Kazuki Kato developed the beer after training in Germany and the Czech Republic this February, shaping his own interpretation of the Düsseldorf altbier he encountered there.
Malt first, with a clean finish
According to the brewery, the beer is built around the aroma and umami of freshly baked bread. The malt character leads the way, bringing sweetness and depth, while the finish stays clean and ends with a light, polished bitterness. It comes in 350 ml cans, is shipped chilled, and sits at 5% ABV with 30 IBU.
Retail rollout in Yokohama
The Instagram announcement lists sales outlets across Yokohama, including Yokohama Beer Stand, Sogo Yokohama, Yokohama Takashimaya, Tokyu Department Store Hiyoshi, the Tama-Plaza basement liquor section, Aobadai Tokyu Food Show, and Tsuzuki Hankyu, along with selected KISSYO SELECT and AEON stores, several 7-Eleven locations in Yokohama, Yokohama Hakurankan Market, Hiranoya Saketen, Rapporti, Potluck, KAWASAKI Craft Beer Stand by Tokaido Beer, and California Diner PLAYERS. Availability varies by store, so checking stock ahead of time makes sense.
Founded in 1999, Yokohama Beer Brewery has long been based in Yokohama's Sumiyoshicho district and continues to build beers that connect people and place. This release extends that approach into a one-off altbier shaped by travel, tasting, and a brewer's personal impression of Düsseldorf.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI’ve got a beer story for today: Yokohama Beer Brewery has started shipping its limited Zwei Bier.
MugiWait, that name already sounds intense! Zwei Bier what kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt’s an Altbier, built from what head brewer Kato felt on his February trip abroad, a Dusseldorf-inspired brew all the way.
MugiNo way! A travel memory turned into beer? The series second release sounds weirdly romantic!
Hop BroThe recipe really puts malt in the lead, aiming for fresh-baked bread notes and a clean lingering finish.
MugiHold on, you casually said malt-forward build like everyone just knows that. Are malt and hops fighting for top billing?
Hop BroExactly, it just means the malt gets the spotlight. You get aroma, sweetness, and body, but the finish stays crisp and tidy.
MugiRich but still easygoing? That’s unfair! Also, is IBU 30 like a report card for bitterness?
Hop BroPretty much, yeah. It’s a bitterness scale, and 30 lands in a balanced bitterness zone, with 5% ABV keeping it easy to drink.
MugiThat sounds perfect! If 350ml cans are showing up at Yokohama stands, department stores, and some 7-Elevens, I want one now!
Hop BroStore timing will vary, so I’d check stock first, but comparing it with Yokohama Beer’s regular alt sounds like tonight’s drinking plan to me.
