Moon Brewery to Release New Yamada Nishiki Saison from Hyogo in February
Moon Brewery announced the release of a new beer in an Instagram post at 11:22 on February 2, 2026, and also posted on its official website that "Yamada Nishiki Saison" is scheduled for release in February. As a saison made with Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki sake rice, it looks set to be a glass that reflects the Kobe-based "rice farmer brewery" identity.
Hop BroMoon Brewery in Kobe has a new release! It’s called "Yamada Nishiki Saison," and the news is that it’s hitting the market in February 2026.
MugiWait! Yamada Nishiki is the rice used for sake, right? And they’re putting it into beer!?
Hop BroExactly. It uses about 20% Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki as an ingredient. The style is a Belgian-inspired saison, and it really shows off Moon Brewery’s "rice farmer brewery" character.
MugiI’ve heard of saison, but what on earth is "steamed rice processing"? Science lab? School lunchroom?
Hop BroGood one. Steamed rice means they steam the rice like they do for sake before using it, which helps bring out a soft sweetness and richness from the rice. In fancy terms, it’s part of the body design.
MugiOhhh! So basically it’s "soft, sweet, and tasty"? I appreciate the translation more than the jargon!
Hop BroThe specs are 330 ml and 6% ABV. It was announced in an Instagram post at 11:22 on February 2, 2026, and the official site says it’s "scheduled for release in February!"
MugiThat’s solid info! Where can you buy it? Do we need to sprint to Kobe?
Hop BroThe main sales channel is the official EC site, moonbrewery.stores.jp, and it’s also planned for restaurants and bars in Kobe. It feels like a new beer in the same rice-focused line as their existing "Kintsuki" and "Kagetsu".
MugiTurning local sake-rice culture into craft beer is so romantic! At this point, we have no choice but to open a "Yamada Nishiki Saison" together!
The Moon Brewery in Kobe’s Nishi Ward, Hyogo, is planning to release a new beer, "Yamada Nishiki Saison," in February. The release was announced in an Instagram post at 11:22 on February 2, 2026 (titled "~New Release~..."), and the official website also displays "Yamada Nishiki Saison scheduled for release in February!"
According to the PR information, this new beer is built on a Belgian-style saison base and uses about 20% Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki as an ingredient. It also incorporates the "steamed rice" process known from sake production, aiming to balance the gentle sweetness and richness that come from rice. The specs are 330 ml and 6% ABV. Sales are centered on the official EC site (`moonbrewery.stores.jp`), with plans to also offer it at restaurants and bars in Kobe.
What sets Moon Brewery apart is its background linking rice cultivation and brewing. On its official site, it positions itself as a brewery run by rice farmers and clearly states that it makes beer using homegrown rice and local agricultural products. It is located in Kohata, Oshibedani-cho, Nishi Ward, Kobe, and its existing lineup, including "Kintsuki" and "Kintsuki"? Wait, actually "Kintsuki" and "Kintsuki"? No, the existing lineup "Kin-tsuki" and "Kagetsu"? The current lines "Kintsuki" and "Kagetsu" have also been offered as "rice-based happoshu."
Amid the way major companies' new products often steal the spotlight, this release, which translates the local sake-rice culture into craft beer, is news that shows where local breweries stand today. Beer fans interested in how rice is expressed in beer should check for stock updates from February onward as early as possible.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroMoon Brewery in Kobe has a new release! It’s called "Yamada Nishiki Saison," and the news is that it’s hitting the market in February 2026.
MugiWait! Yamada Nishiki is the rice used for sake, right? And they’re putting it into beer!?
Hop BroExactly. It uses about 20% Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki as an ingredient. The style is a Belgian-inspired saison, and it really shows off Moon Brewery’s "rice farmer brewery" character.
MugiI’ve heard of saison, but what on earth is "steamed rice processing"? Science lab? School lunchroom?
Hop BroGood one. Steamed rice means they steam the rice like they do for sake before using it, which helps bring out a soft sweetness and richness from the rice. In fancy terms, it’s part of the body design.
MugiOhhh! So basically it’s "soft, sweet, and tasty"? I appreciate the translation more than the jargon!
Hop BroThe specs are 330 ml and 6% ABV. It was announced in an Instagram post at 11:22 on February 2, 2026, and the official site says it’s "scheduled for release in February!"
MugiThat’s solid info! Where can you buy it? Do we need to sprint to Kobe?
Hop BroThe main sales channel is the official EC site, moonbrewery.stores.jp, and it’s also planned for restaurants and bars in Kobe. It feels like a new beer in the same rice-focused line as their existing "Kintsuki" and "Kagetsu".
MugiTurning local sake-rice culture into craft beer is so romantic! At this point, we have no choice but to open a "Yamada Nishiki Saison" together!
