Nara Brewing wins gold in two categories at World Beer Cup 2026, with FUNCTION and LIGHTHOUSE honored
Nara Brewing’s "FUNCTION" and "LIGHTHOUSE" each won gold at World Beer Cup 2026, held in the United States. A flagship hoppy saison and a micro porter that delivers real substance despite its low alcohol content were highly praised at the world’s premier beer competition.
Hop BroToday is Nara Brewing’s big achievement. At World Beer Cup 2026, both FUNCTION and LIGHTHOUSE won gold.
MugiWait! Not just one, but both? Gold at the world’s top competition is seriously impressive!
Hop BroAnd FUNCTION is in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category, a beer that combines Belgian yeast and American hops.
MugiBelgian yeast, what even is that! American Belgo already sounds overloaded with information!
Hop BroTo put it simply, it layers the spicy, fruity character from the yeast with the citrusy notes of the hops. FUNCTION has aromas like citrus and white grape, and with ABV 6.0% and IBU 24, it is not too bitter and easy to drink.
MugiI see, so the aroma is bright and the bitterness is gentle! I like that it is friendly even as an entry point, while still having real depth.
Hop BroAnd LIGHTHOUSE is interesting too. In the Session Beer category, it is the first gold for Japan. And it is a 3.0% ABV micro porter that still manages to feel substantial despite being light.
MugiLow alcohol but still substantial? How do they do that, magic? Like layered roasted malt?
Hop BroExactly. With multiple roasted malts, it brings out roasted aromas like cocoa and coffee. As the temperature rises, almond aromas also emerge, giving it dimension even though it stays brisk.
MugiNara Brewing has made more than 160 different beers, right? It makes me emotional that their wide-ranging experimentation was recognized around the world!
Hop BroFrom Nara City to the world, that flow is so cool. Today I want to chase the aroma in FUNCTION and slowly enjoy the way LIGHTHOUSE changes with temperature, I want to drink them right now!
MugiMe too! First I want to go wow over FUNCTION’s aroma, then swoon over LIGHTHOUSE! Let’s raise a glass to both together!
Award Overview
At the "World Beer Cup 2026" held in the United States, Nara Brewing’s flagship beer FUNCTION won gold in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category, while LIGHTHOUSE won gold in the Session Beer category. The gold medal in the Session Beer category is a first for Japan, and it is also the first time a medal has gone to a country other than the United States. In addition, for a Japanese brewery to win gold in multiple categories at the same time has not happened in 16 years, since 2010.
Why the Two Beers Were Recognized
FUNCTION is an American-Belgo-style ale that combines Belgian yeast and American hops. With an ABV of 6.0% and an IBU of 24, it features aromas reminiscent of citrus and white grape, along with a drinkability that is not overly bitter. It is approachable as an entry point into craft beer, yet still has a richly layered aroma.
LIGHTHOUSE, on the other hand, is a micro porter with an ABV of 3.0%. To give it real substance despite its low alcohol content, several types of roasted malt are blended together, creating roasted aromas reminiscent of cocoa and coffee, along with a complex, layered flavor. As the temperature rises, almond-like nutty aromas also emerge. Its appeal lies in balancing lightness with depth.
From Nara to the World
Based in Nara City, Nara Brewing began brewing in 2018 and has continued to create a wide variety of beers under the slogan "Enjoy choosing beer!" To date, it has produced more than 160 varieties, and it actively collaborates with sake breweries, restaurants, and artists.
For a company that has valued its local identity while expanding the range of beer styles it makes, this award can be seen as proof that its approach also stands up on the world stage. FUNCTION’s rich aroma and LIGHTHOUSE’s low-alcohol design: the fact that two beers with very different directions were recognized at the same time speaks to the depth of Nara Brewing’s brewing capabilities.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday is Nara Brewing’s big achievement. At World Beer Cup 2026, both FUNCTION and LIGHTHOUSE won gold.
MugiWait! Not just one, but both? Gold at the world’s top competition is seriously impressive!
Hop BroAnd FUNCTION is in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category, a beer that combines Belgian yeast and American hops.
MugiBelgian yeast, what even is that! American Belgo already sounds overloaded with information!
Hop BroTo put it simply, it layers the spicy, fruity character from the yeast with the citrusy notes of the hops. FUNCTION has aromas like citrus and white grape, and with ABV 6.0% and IBU 24, it is not too bitter and easy to drink.
MugiI see, so the aroma is bright and the bitterness is gentle! I like that it is friendly even as an entry point, while still having real depth.
Hop BroAnd LIGHTHOUSE is interesting too. In the Session Beer category, it is the first gold for Japan. And it is a 3.0% ABV micro porter that still manages to feel substantial despite being light.
MugiLow alcohol but still substantial? How do they do that, magic? Like layered roasted malt?
Hop BroExactly. With multiple roasted malts, it brings out roasted aromas like cocoa and coffee. As the temperature rises, almond aromas also emerge, giving it dimension even though it stays brisk.
MugiNara Brewing has made more than 160 different beers, right? It makes me emotional that their wide-ranging experimentation was recognized around the world!
Hop BroFrom Nara City to the world, that flow is so cool. Today I want to chase the aroma in FUNCTION and slowly enjoy the way LIGHTHOUSE changes with temperature, I want to drink them right now!
MugiMe too! First I want to go wow over FUNCTION’s aroma, then swoon over LIGHTHOUSE! Let’s raise a glass to both together!
