Matsumoto Brewery Releases “Kogei no Gogo 2026 Table Ale” - a lively 3.5% table ale
Matsumoto Brewery has released a collaboration beer with the craft month “Kogei no Gogo,” titled “Kogei no Gogo 2026 Table Ale.” With a low alcohol content of 3.5%, it has been crafted as a beer meant to sit naturally alongside the dining table.
Hop BroMatsumoto Brewery’s Kogei no Gogo collaboration, “Kogei no Gogo 2026 Table Ale,” already feels seasonal just from the name.
MugiWait, what is a Table Ale? Is it literally for drinking at the table?
Hop BroPretty much. It’s a beer designed to stay close to the dining table, with a light 3.5% ABV so it’s easy to drink without getting tiring.
MugiHuh! But hearing that it has seven kinds of malt in it suddenly makes it sound like a science experiment!
Hop BroThat’s the interesting part. They build the base with Maris Otter and Pilsner, use Flaked Oats to smooth out the mouthfeel, and add a little color and depth with Carafa Special III.
MugiWhat? So that means they’re doing really careful groundwork for the flavor?
Hop BroExactly. The hops are just Centennial and Simcoe, but it’s a design that doesn’t hit you over the head with aroma, so the goodness comes through gradually rather than in a flashy way.
MugiI heard the IBU is 20, so does that mean the bitterness isn’t too strong? That sounds beginner-friendly too!
Hop BroThat’s right. The yeast is in the West Yorkshire Ale family, so it tends to bring out a clean outline of the malt, which means it doesn’t get in the way of the meal.
MugiAnd it’s supposed to stay close to “making, using, and living” too? That really feels like Kogei no Gogo! I want to drink it with a piece of pottery.
Hop BroBecause it’s a beer that quietly reflects Matsumoto’s atmosphere and everyday life, the phrase “a beer you want on the dining table” fits it perfectly.
MugiI can’t take it anymore, now I’m thirsty! I want to drink it with tonight’s dinner as a spring-to-early-summer glass!
Matsumoto Brewery has released a collaboration beer with the craft month “Kogei no Gogo,” titled “Kogei no Gogo 2026 Table Ale.” In an Instagram post, the brewery positioned this year’s beer as a `Table Ale`, explaining that it aimed to be a presence that stays close to “making, using, and living.”
This beer is built from a grain bill of Maris Otter, Pilsner, Carared, Munich II, Flaked Oats, Victory, and Carafa Special III, paired with Centennial and Simcoe hops. It uses Wywast 1469 West Yorkshire Ale yeast, and the specs are set at ABV 3.5%, IBU 20, SRM 5.1, OG 9.9, and GV 2.3. Rather than pushing with flashy aromas, it is structured so that its strengths gently come through the more you drink it.
Matsumoto Brewery is based in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and has continued brewing while valuing its connection to the local community. On its official website as well, it presents itself as a beer born in Matsumoto that sends a cheer to the city and everyday life. In that context, this `Table Ale` can be seen as both a special beer for the craft event and one designed to fit naturally into the everyday dining table.
The time spent looking at craft works, and the time spent enjoying a meal with a vessel in hand. Bridging that space, this beer quietly reflects the atmosphere of Matsumoto from spring into early summer. For visitors to Kogei no Gogo, and for those picking it up at Matsumoto Brewery’s taproom or retail counter, it seems likely to be a collaboration that makes the season feel especially vivid.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroMatsumoto Brewery’s Kogei no Gogo collaboration, “Kogei no Gogo 2026 Table Ale,” already feels seasonal just from the name.
MugiWait, what is a Table Ale? Is it literally for drinking at the table?
Hop BroPretty much. It’s a beer designed to stay close to the dining table, with a light 3.5% ABV so it’s easy to drink without getting tiring.
MugiHuh! But hearing that it has seven kinds of malt in it suddenly makes it sound like a science experiment!
Hop BroThat’s the interesting part. They build the base with Maris Otter and Pilsner, use Flaked Oats to smooth out the mouthfeel, and add a little color and depth with Carafa Special III.
MugiWhat? So that means they’re doing really careful groundwork for the flavor?
Hop BroExactly. The hops are just Centennial and Simcoe, but it’s a design that doesn’t hit you over the head with aroma, so the goodness comes through gradually rather than in a flashy way.
MugiI heard the IBU is 20, so does that mean the bitterness isn’t too strong? That sounds beginner-friendly too!
Hop BroThat’s right. The yeast is in the West Yorkshire Ale family, so it tends to bring out a clean outline of the malt, which means it doesn’t get in the way of the meal.
MugiAnd it’s supposed to stay close to “making, using, and living” too? That really feels like Kogei no Gogo! I want to drink it with a piece of pottery.
Hop BroBecause it’s a beer that quietly reflects Matsumoto’s atmosphere and everyday life, the phrase “a beer you want on the dining table” fits it perfectly.
MugiI can’t take it anymore, now I’m thirsty! I want to drink it with tonight’s dinner as a spring-to-early-summer glass!
