South Horizon Brewing releases limited-edition "Hopera" to commemorate its 100th batch
Kochi's South Horizon Brewing has released a limited-edition brew, "Hopera (Hoppela) / French Style ESB," to mark its 100th batch. Built on an American ESB base and layered with French hops, it is presented as a beer that balances a floral aroma with gentle bitterness.
Hop BroSouth Horizon Brewing in Kochi put out a limited beer called "Hopera" to commemorate its 100th batch, and it's getting a lot of buzz!
MugiWhoa, 100 brew batches is a huge milestone! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a French Style ESB, or Extra Special Bitter. The key is that it builds on an American ESB base and layers in French hops.
MugiWhat? I always thought ESB meant bitter and punchy, but how does it change when it turns French?
Hop BroGood question. Hopera uses French hops called Triskel, Mistral, and Barbe Rouge to bring herbal, floral aromas to the front. The bitterness is gentle, and at 5.5% ABV it's easy to drink.
MugiOh, the name is cute too, and a beer that's all about aroma would be great for a girls' night!
Hop BroPlus, the malt is mainly Simpsons Best Pale Ale Malt from the UK, with Simpsons DRC added to reinforce toastiness and body. The yeast is Classic Barton Ale, which ties it together with mild ester aromas.
MugiE-ester...? Suddenly it's science class!
Hop BroBasically, it's the fruity aroma compound produced during fermentation. The official flavor chart also shows aroma at five stars and bitterness at two, so it's aroma-led. It makes sense that they recommend it with fried chicken and pizza.
MugiA beer that pairs with fried chicken and pizza is unbeatable! And at 700 yen for a 350 ml can, it's absolutely a commemorative-beer kind of buy!
Hop BroThough as of March 2026, the official page says Sold Out. Still, this challenge of combining Hop and Opera feels like a big, heartfelt statement from port-town Kochi to the world.
MugiIf it gets restocked, I'll buy it immediately, and we can do a "Hopera toast" together! Now I already want to drink it!
Kochi City craft brewery South Horizon Brewing has released "Hopera (Hoppela) / French Style ESB" as its anniversary beer for the milestone 100th batch. The official product page lists the price at 700 yen for a 350 ml can. As of March 2026, the same page shows "Sold Out."
This release is built on an American ESB base, but its defining feature is a design that brings out the character of French hops. It uses Triskel, Mistral, and Barbe Rouge hops, aiming for herbal and floral aromas. For the malt bill, the beer centers on Simpsons Best Pale Ale Malt from the UK, with Simpsons DRC added to reinforce toastiness and body. Classic Barton Ale yeast is used to tie everything together with mild ester aromas.
Its specs are Style: Extra Special Bitter and ABV: 5.5%. The official flavor indicators are "Body ★★★★☆ / Bitterness ★★☆☆☆ / Sweetness ★★★☆☆ / Sourness ★★☆☆☆ / Aroma ★★★★★," showing an aroma-led balance. The brewery recommends pairing it with fried chicken and pizza, positioning it as a beer designed to go well from the meal through after-dinner time.
The name "Hopera" is a combination of Hop and Opera. True to the brewery's vision of sending a new wind from the port city of Kochi out into the world, this beer appears to be a commemorative release that showcases the accumulation of its locally rooted challenges. The operating company is CHOKA'S Co., Ltd., and the brewery is located in Niida, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroSouth Horizon Brewing in Kochi put out a limited beer called "Hopera" to commemorate its 100th batch, and it's getting a lot of buzz!
MugiWhoa, 100 brew batches is a huge milestone! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a French Style ESB, or Extra Special Bitter. The key is that it builds on an American ESB base and layers in French hops.
MugiWhat? I always thought ESB meant bitter and punchy, but how does it change when it turns French?
Hop BroGood question. Hopera uses French hops called Triskel, Mistral, and Barbe Rouge to bring herbal, floral aromas to the front. The bitterness is gentle, and at 5.5% ABV it's easy to drink.
MugiOh, the name is cute too, and a beer that's all about aroma would be great for a girls' night!
Hop BroPlus, the malt is mainly Simpsons Best Pale Ale Malt from the UK, with Simpsons DRC added to reinforce toastiness and body. The yeast is Classic Barton Ale, which ties it together with mild ester aromas.
MugiE-ester...? Suddenly it's science class!
Hop BroBasically, it's the fruity aroma compound produced during fermentation. The official flavor chart also shows aroma at five stars and bitterness at two, so it's aroma-led. It makes sense that they recommend it with fried chicken and pizza.
MugiA beer that pairs with fried chicken and pizza is unbeatable! And at 700 yen for a 350 ml can, it's absolutely a commemorative-beer kind of buy!
Hop BroThough as of March 2026, the official page says Sold Out. Still, this challenge of combining Hop and Opera feels like a big, heartfelt statement from port-town Kochi to the world.
MugiIf it gets restocked, I'll buy it immediately, and we can do a "Hopera toast" together! Now I already want to drink it!
