Omi Beer introduces its seasonal Joshu Hakubai Koji Ale
Omi Beer, a nanobrewery in Otsu, Shiga, introduced its Beer of the Month, Joshu Hakubai Koji Ale, on Instagram. The seasonal brew uses Joshu Hakubai plums from Sunainosato in Otsu and white koji, and is listed at 5.5% ABV and 10 IBU.
Hop BroThis month's eye-catcher is Omi Bakushu's seasonal release. That nano brewery in Otsu just rolled out Joshu Hakubai Koji.
MugiWait, Joshu Hakubai Koji sounds intense already! Is it like plum wine, or is it actually beer?
Hop BroIt's definitely beer, and it's a fruit ale style. They use Joshu white plums from Sunainosato in Otsu as an adjunct, and they pair it with shiro koji too.
MugiWhoa, but what is shiro koji? That suddenly sounds like the final boss of fermentation!
Hop BroIt sounds scary, but it's actually gentle. The soft tartness from shiro koji adds umami and brightness on top of the plum aroma. Basically, it's a fermentation sidekick that makes the flavor bloom.
MugiWhat, seriously? A peach-like aroma from a plum beer? That's weird in the best way and now I need to know.
Hop BroThat's the fun part. The article describes an elegant floral aroma, then a rich plum character that lingers nicely. It's built to feel refreshing but still satisfying.
MugiHold on, IBU 10 is low or high? That just looks like secret code to me!
Hop BroIBU measures bitterness, so this means very gentle bitterness. With ABV 5.5%, it's approachable too. This beer isn't trying to punch you with hops; it's letting the plum and koji speak.
Hop BroAnd Omi Bakushu is known as a tiny nano brewery. They brew a limited monthly beer every month, and using local ingredients is basically their signature move.
MugiOh, I love that. Local ingredients first and actually tied to the flavor? That's super easy to root for. Also, limited release means my feet are already sprinting.
Hop BroExactly. Just imagining that plum-and-koji finish makes me thirsty already. If we spot this one, we're ordering it on sight.
Omi Beer, a craft brewery in Otsu, Shiga, shared its latest Beer of the Month on Instagram: Joshu Hakubai Koji Ale. The beer is made with Joshu Hakubai plums grown at Sunainosato in Otsu and is brewed as a seasonal release at 5.5% ABV and 10 IBU.
According to the post, the beer brings together the elegant, floral aroma of Joshu Hakubai plums with the gentle acidity and umami of white koji. Omi Beer describes the profile as opening with sweet, peach-like notes, followed by the rich fruit character of Japanese plum and a clean, satisfying finish. The result is positioned as a refreshing beer that still offers enough depth to feel substantial.
That approach fits the brewery well. Omi Beer is a very small nanobrewery in Otsu and has built its identity around limited monthly brews that make use of seasonal ingredients and local connections. Rather than relying on a fixed lineup alone, the brewery regularly turns local produce into beers that reflect the season.
Joshu Hakubai Koji Ale continues that line of work. By combining a regional plum with koji, the brewery is not only highlighting fruit aroma, but also the softer, fermented character that gives the beer length and texture. For drinkers who like fruit beers with a clear sense of place, this is the kind of release worth noting.
- Name: Joshu Hakubai Koji Ale
- Style: Fruit ale
- Ingredient: Joshu Hakubai plums from Sunainosato, Otsu, Shiga
- Specs: 5.5% ABV / 10 IBU
It is presented as a limited seasonal beer, so availability is expected to be time-limited.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroThis month's eye-catcher is Omi Bakushu's seasonal release. That nano brewery in Otsu just rolled out Joshu Hakubai Koji.
MugiWait, Joshu Hakubai Koji sounds intense already! Is it like plum wine, or is it actually beer?
Hop BroIt's definitely beer, and it's a fruit ale style. They use Joshu white plums from Sunainosato in Otsu as an adjunct, and they pair it with shiro koji too.
MugiWhoa, but what is shiro koji? That suddenly sounds like the final boss of fermentation!
Hop BroIt sounds scary, but it's actually gentle. The soft tartness from shiro koji adds umami and brightness on top of the plum aroma. Basically, it's a fermentation sidekick that makes the flavor bloom.
MugiWhat, seriously? A peach-like aroma from a plum beer? That's weird in the best way and now I need to know.
Hop BroThat's the fun part. The article describes an elegant floral aroma, then a rich plum character that lingers nicely. It's built to feel refreshing but still satisfying.
MugiHold on, IBU 10 is low or high? That just looks like secret code to me!
Hop BroIBU measures bitterness, so this means very gentle bitterness. With ABV 5.5%, it's approachable too. This beer isn't trying to punch you with hops; it's letting the plum and koji speak.
Hop BroAnd Omi Bakushu is known as a tiny nano brewery. They brew a limited monthly beer every month, and using local ingredients is basically their signature move.
MugiOh, I love that. Local ingredients first and actually tied to the flavor? That's super easy to root for. Also, limited release means my feet are already sprinting.
Hop BroExactly. Just imagining that plum-and-koji finish makes me thirsty already. If we spot this one, we're ordering it on sight.
