Introducing the Gold Medal IPA "NORTH ISLAND BEER I.P.A." at Susukino Ale STAND
At the beer pub "Susukino Ale STAND" on the basement first floor of COCONO SUSUKINO in Sapporo, attention is being drawn to NORTH ISLAND BEER's standard "I.P.A." The original article highlights its gold medal win at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026, along with its flavor profile centered on citrus aroma and powerful bitterness.
Hop BroToday I want to talk about the NORTH ISLAND BEER I.P.A. that's getting attention at Susukino Ale STAND in Sapporo!
MugiWhat! I've heard that place is a treasure chest of Hokkaido beers, but is NORTH ISLAND BEER I.P.A. really that good?
Hop BroNot just good, it has the record of winning the Gold Medal in 2026. It was properly recognized at the Japan Great Beer Awards!
MugiWow! Winning beers always get me excited! But this is an American-style IPA, right?
Hop BroExactly, and it uses Mosaic, Simcoe, Chinook, and Columbus hops, with dry hopping to bring out the aroma.
MugiWhat! Is dry hopping like that thing where you dry the hops and sprinkle them on like cooking?
Hop BroClose! It's a method where hops are added after fermentation to amplify the citrus aroma, making the fragrance more vibrant and the bitterness more sharply defined.
MugiWhoa, that's definitely my kind of beer! And that sharp finish from the article means it's the kind you can keep gulping down, right?
Hop BroExactly. It has a clean finish, but the aroma is rich, so it's the kind of IPA that gets more appealing the more you drink it.
MugiWhat should I pair it with? I like spicy food, so buffalo chicken sounds interesting!
Hop BroGreat choice! Chili con carne goes well too, and the hop bitterness cuts through fat and spice for the ultimate pairing.
MugiI'm done for, my stomach and my throat are at their limit! Now I feel like I need to head straight to Susukino and have my first one!
Located in Susukino, the heart of Sapporo, Susukino Ale STAND is a beer pub where you can enjoy Hokkaido craft beer as the main attraction. The featured beer this time is NORTH ISLAND BEER I.P.A..
According to the original article, this beer won the Gold Medal at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026. It is introduced as a standard label built on an American-style I.P.A. foundation, with a clear emphasis on bitterness and aroma.
Its defining qualities are a bright citrusy aroma and a vivid, firm bitterness. It uses the hops Mosaic, Simcoe, Chinook, and Columbus, and dry hopping gives it a fresh fragrance and a sharply defined bitter finish. The beer is crisp on the palate, but because it also has substantial aromatic depth, it is the kind of IPA that becomes more appealing the more you drink it.
For pairings, the article mentions dishes with strong spice and umami, such as chili con carne and buffalo chicken, which go especially well with it. The bitterness of the hops tightens up fat and heat, leaving the finish clean and refreshing.
As a place where you can follow Hokkaido's craft scene on a regular basis, Susukino Ale STAND is one of those spots where choosing your "first beer" is part of the fun. This NORTH ISLAND BEER I.P.A. is especially worth checking out for anyone who wants to experience both its award-winning track record and its polished style.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday I want to talk about the NORTH ISLAND BEER I.P.A. that's getting attention at Susukino Ale STAND in Sapporo!
MugiWhat! I've heard that place is a treasure chest of Hokkaido beers, but is NORTH ISLAND BEER I.P.A. really that good?
Hop BroNot just good, it has the record of winning the Gold Medal in 2026. It was properly recognized at the Japan Great Beer Awards!
MugiWow! Winning beers always get me excited! But this is an American-style IPA, right?
Hop BroExactly, and it uses Mosaic, Simcoe, Chinook, and Columbus hops, with dry hopping to bring out the aroma.
MugiWhat! Is dry hopping like that thing where you dry the hops and sprinkle them on like cooking?
Hop BroClose! It's a method where hops are added after fermentation to amplify the citrus aroma, making the fragrance more vibrant and the bitterness more sharply defined.
MugiWhoa, that's definitely my kind of beer! And that sharp finish from the article means it's the kind you can keep gulping down, right?
Hop BroExactly. It has a clean finish, but the aroma is rich, so it's the kind of IPA that gets more appealing the more you drink it.
MugiWhat should I pair it with? I like spicy food, so buffalo chicken sounds interesting!
Hop BroGreat choice! Chili con carne goes well too, and the hop bitterness cuts through fat and spice for the ultimate pairing.
MugiI'm done for, my stomach and my throat are at their limit! Now I feel like I need to head straight to Susukino and have my first one!
