Kotama Brewery to Release Original Canned Beer on March 14 for 2nd Anniversary
Gunma-based Kotama Brewery announced on Instagram that sales of its "Kotama Original Canned Beer" have begun. Sales will start at the Honmachi taproom on March 14, 2026, the first day of its 2nd Anniversary Week. Multiple labels, from core beers to commemorative brews, will be available in cans.
Hop BroToday it's a Gunma Kotama Brewery 2nd anniversary story! Starting March 14, 2026, original canned beer sales have begun at the Honmachi taproom.
MugiWait, that means canned beer is now available!? I'm so happy we can take it home, not just drink it at the shop!
Hop BroAnd they came out strong right away, with five beers currently on sale: Lager, Golden Ale, Pale Ale, Ume Goryo, and COTAMA 2nd Anniversary Porter!
MugiWhat is that! "Anniversary Porter" already sounds heavy... Is it one of those dark, bitter ones?
Hop BroRoughly speaking, it's a style that tends to bring out the roasty aroma of malted barley. This one is positioned as a special commemorative porter for the 2nd anniversary, so it has a real sense of occasion.
MugiWow! And the label was cute when I saw the post! With a flower and landscape motif, I'd do a double take on the beer shelf!
Hop BroThey were serious about that too: Coordinator is Shota Uehara, and Artwork is Taichi Furukawa. In other words, it's a two-horse approach of liquid and packaging.
MugiI get the two-horse approach, but what exactly was that "style" you mentioned? Is it like a beer blueprint?
Hop BroYou've got it! It's a classification that shows the direction of the flavor, making it easier to choose what you like. And with Amber Ale and Porter coming gradually, the at-home drinking pipeline is going to get even stronger.
MugiI've decided: tonight we're toasting with Kotama cans! I'll go in with Golden Ale first! Which one are you opening, Hop?
Announcement Highlights
On March 14, 2026, Kotama Brewery announced the launch of its original canned beer sales in an official Instagram post. The post made clear that the release coincides with the first day of "COTAMA BREWERY 2nd Anniversary WEEK," positioning canned products as a new in-store purchase option.
Sales Lineup
The five labels listed as "now on sale" in the post are:
- Lager
- Golden Ale
- Pale Ale
- Ume Goryo
- COTAMA 2nd Anniversary Porter
In addition, Amber Ale and Porter were announced as "to be sold sequentially," suggesting that the canned lineup will expand further going forward.
Attention to Design
A defining feature of these cans is the label design, which uses illustrations inspired by flowers and landscapes. In the post, Shota Uehara is credited as Coordinator, and Taichi Furukawa (Acrylic on canvas) is credited for Artwork, indicating a project that emphasizes not only the beer itself but also the visual appeal of the packaging.
A Way to Enjoy Gunma Locally
For Gunma-based Kotama Brewery, moving toward full-scale can sales seems likely to strengthen the path from "drinking at the shop" to "taking it home and enjoying it there." It should work well for relaxing drinks at home, as a local souvenir, or as an easy entry point for trying regional craft beer. This rollout, timed to coincide with the brewery's 2nd anniversary, is worth watching as a snapshot of where the brewery stands now.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday it's a Gunma Kotama Brewery 2nd anniversary story! Starting March 14, 2026, original canned beer sales have begun at the Honmachi taproom.
MugiWait, that means canned beer is now available!? I'm so happy we can take it home, not just drink it at the shop!
Hop BroAnd they came out strong right away, with five beers currently on sale: Lager, Golden Ale, Pale Ale, Ume Goryo, and COTAMA 2nd Anniversary Porter!
MugiWhat is that! "Anniversary Porter" already sounds heavy... Is it one of those dark, bitter ones?
Hop BroRoughly speaking, it's a style that tends to bring out the roasty aroma of malted barley. This one is positioned as a special commemorative porter for the 2nd anniversary, so it has a real sense of occasion.
MugiWow! And the label was cute when I saw the post! With a flower and landscape motif, I'd do a double take on the beer shelf!
Hop BroThey were serious about that too: Coordinator is Shota Uehara, and Artwork is Taichi Furukawa. In other words, it's a two-horse approach of liquid and packaging.
MugiI get the two-horse approach, but what exactly was that "style" you mentioned? Is it like a beer blueprint?
Hop BroYou've got it! It's a classification that shows the direction of the flavor, making it easier to choose what you like. And with Amber Ale and Porter coming gradually, the at-home drinking pipeline is going to get even stronger.
MugiI've decided: tonight we're toasting with Kotama cans! I'll go in with Golden Ale first! Which one are you opening, Hop?
