104 Brewery's New Release "OWW" Wins Silver at JGBA2026
Gifu's 104 Brewery reported the results of Japan Great Beer Awards 2026 in a post on March 5, 2026. Its new release No. 9, "OWW," won silver, and its flagship No. 4 won bronze. OWW is a 10% ABV wheat wine, currently being served at the taproom. Bottled sales will be announced once preparations are complete.
Hop BroBreaking news: Gifu's Toki-based Ichimaruyon Brewery took silver for its new No. 9 "OWW" and bronze for its flagship No. 4 at JGBA2026!
MugiWhoa! A double award for both a new release and a core beer is seriously strong!
Hop BroAnd the standout is OWW. It's a wheat wine with 10% ABV and 45 IBU, so it's definitely a serious beer.
MugiWhat is that! Those ABV and IBU numbers lined up like a test question are scary!
Hop BroABV is alcohol content, and 10% is pretty high. IBU is a bitterness scale, and 45 means it's definitely bitter. But OWW uses a lot of wheat malt, so the mouthfeel is soft. That's the key point.
MugiOhh! Strong but smooth? That's like a beer with a gap-moe charm!
Hop BroExactly. It has a thick body with malt sweetness like bread and honey, and more than half a year of aging adds another layer of aroma. It's the kind of beer that changes as you drink it slowly.
MugiHalf a year of aging!? That's lasted longer than my diet... There's something romantic about beer getting better with time!
Hop BroRight now, it's being served at the taproom first, and bottles will be announced once they're ready. If you're going, check the shop info at their location in Tsumaki-cho, Toki City, Gifu.
MugiIt's settled! Let's go drink OWW in person while it's riding the award momentum! Hop, practice the toast in advance!
Based in Toki, Gifu, Ichimaruyon Brewery (104 BREWERY) announced on Instagram that it had received awards at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026. According to the post, the new release No. 9, "OWW," won silver, while the flagship No. 4 took bronze. The brewery was recognized on both its new releases and its core lineup.
The one drawing the most attention this time is "OWW," which won silver. According to the brewery's description, it is the first high-alcohol beer it brewed about 10 months after starting operations, and it was released after more than half a year of aging.
"OWW" Specs (as posted)
- Beer style: Wheat wine
- ABV: 10%
- IBU: 45
Its flavor centers on a full-bodied texture made with plenty of wheat malt, malt sweetness reminiscent of bread and honey, and a smooth mouthfeel. Layered on top is the complex aroma brought out by aging, making it a beer meant to be sipped slowly. It seems designed to firmly capture one of craft beer's pleasures: the way time gives a drink its character.
Ichimaruyon Brewery operates a taproom in Tsumaki-cho, Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, and continues to run with a strong local focus. The award-winning "OWW" is currently available at the taproom, while bottled sales are scheduled to be announced later. If you want to enjoy a fresh, well-conditioned pour in person, check the latest information before you go.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroBreaking news: Gifu's Toki-based Ichimaruyon Brewery took silver for its new No. 9 "OWW" and bronze for its flagship No. 4 at JGBA2026!
MugiWhoa! A double award for both a new release and a core beer is seriously strong!
Hop BroAnd the standout is OWW. It's a wheat wine with 10% ABV and 45 IBU, so it's definitely a serious beer.
MugiWhat is that! Those ABV and IBU numbers lined up like a test question are scary!
Hop BroABV is alcohol content, and 10% is pretty high. IBU is a bitterness scale, and 45 means it's definitely bitter. But OWW uses a lot of wheat malt, so the mouthfeel is soft. That's the key point.
MugiOhh! Strong but smooth? That's like a beer with a gap-moe charm!
Hop BroExactly. It has a thick body with malt sweetness like bread and honey, and more than half a year of aging adds another layer of aroma. It's the kind of beer that changes as you drink it slowly.
MugiHalf a year of aging!? That's lasted longer than my diet... There's something romantic about beer getting better with time!
Hop BroRight now, it's being served at the taproom first, and bottles will be announced once they're ready. If you're going, check the shop info at their location in Tsumaki-cho, Toki City, Gifu.
MugiIt's settled! Let's go drink OWW in person while it's riding the award momentum! Hop, practice the toast in advance!
