Niseko LUPICIA Brewery releases ultra-limited "Matcha"; first smoothie ale
On December 18, 2025, Niseko LUPICIA Brewery (LUPICIA BREWERY) announced its new "Matcha" on Instagram. Sales began on December 15, and the style is the brewery's first "Matcha Smoothie Ale." It is being offered as an ultra-limited release with ABV 3.5% and IBU 22.
Hop BroNews just dropped: Niseko LUPICIA Brewery's ultra-limited "Matcha"! And it's the brewery's first Matcha Smoothie Ale, too.
MugiWhat! Matcha becomes beer!? Is it dessert? Is it alcohol? Which is it!?
Hop BroThe idea is a "drinkable design" inspired by matcha latte. It's light at ABV 3.5%, and with IBU 22 the bitterness is gentle.
MugiIBU suddenly sounds like a science class! Does 22 mean it's dry?
Hop BroIBU is a bitterness indicator. At 22, it's not a punch-you-in-the-face kind of beer, but more of a balance where you can really taste the matcha character. Low alcohol, easy to drink.
MugiWow, that sounds doable even for a craft beginner like me! But is a smoothie ale the thick, pulpy kind?
Hop BroThat's the key point: because the ingredients settle easily, you're supposed to gently turn the bottle up and down before drinking to mix it. That brings out the aroma and makes the mouthfeel more unified. Don't shake it hard, or the foam will go wild!
MugiWhat is that! "Gently shake before pouring" is such a cute ritual for beer!
Hop BroSales started on December 15, 2025, and it was announced on Instagram on December 18. It's available at three shops: HANAZONO EDGE, Yukara Niseko Store, and Farm Designs Tomamu Farm Store, with more locations to be announced in Stories.
MugiIf it's ultra-limited, we have to hurry! Let's go drink this matcha-latte-like beer right now, the two of us!
Niseko LUPICIA Brewery, based in Niseko, Hokkaido and known for its unfiltered beers that make the most of the natural environment at the foot of Mount Yotei, has launched a new limited release. This time, the brewery has unveiled a beer called "Matcha".
According to the post, sales began on December 15 as an ultra-limited release. The style is Matcha Smoothie Ale, with specs of ABV 3.5% / IBU 22. Using matcha, which continues to attract global attention, the brewery says it designed the beer not to emphasize bitterness or astringency, but to be easy to drink, with an image of matcha latte. It is also the brewery's first attempt at a smoothie-style beer.
There is also a key point to how it should be enjoyed. Because the ingredients tend to settle, the recommended method is to gently turn the bottle up and down a few times just before drinking, then pour it into a glass. It is a small step meant to bring out the aroma and a more unified mouthfeel.
At present, it is being sold at the following three locations:
- HANAZONO EDGE
- Yukara Niseko Store
- Farm Designs Tomamu Farm Store
Additional retailers are expected to be announced in Stories. It is a bottle that combines the brewing know-how developed in Niseko with LUPICIA's tea sensibility. As a winter limited release, anyone interested should check it out early.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroNews just dropped: Niseko LUPICIA Brewery's ultra-limited "Matcha"! And it's the brewery's first Matcha Smoothie Ale, too.
MugiWhat! Matcha becomes beer!? Is it dessert? Is it alcohol? Which is it!?
Hop BroThe idea is a "drinkable design" inspired by matcha latte. It's light at ABV 3.5%, and with IBU 22 the bitterness is gentle.
MugiIBU suddenly sounds like a science class! Does 22 mean it's dry?
Hop BroIBU is a bitterness indicator. At 22, it's not a punch-you-in-the-face kind of beer, but more of a balance where you can really taste the matcha character. Low alcohol, easy to drink.
MugiWow, that sounds doable even for a craft beginner like me! But is a smoothie ale the thick, pulpy kind?
Hop BroThat's the key point: because the ingredients settle easily, you're supposed to gently turn the bottle up and down before drinking to mix it. That brings out the aroma and makes the mouthfeel more unified. Don't shake it hard, or the foam will go wild!
MugiWhat is that! "Gently shake before pouring" is such a cute ritual for beer!
Hop BroSales started on December 15, 2025, and it was announced on Instagram on December 18. It's available at three shops: HANAZONO EDGE, Yukara Niseko Store, and Farm Designs Tomamu Farm Store, with more locations to be announced in Stories.
MugiIf it's ultra-limited, we have to hurry! Let's go drink this matcha-latte-like beer right now, the two of us!
