CRAFTROCK TAPROOM starts pouring Idea Beer 2026 in collaboration with Mitsui Designtec
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, a brewpub in Takao, Hachioji, has started pouring the seasonal beer Idea Beer 2026. The collaboration with Mitsui Designtec brings a saison-based beer made with apples, hinoki chips, mint, and white wine yeast.
Hop BroI want to talk about this Takao collab today: CRAFTROCK TAPROOM has started pouring IDEA BEER 2026.
MugiWait, IDEA BEER 2026 sounds like a project meeting, and it's actually a beer!?
Hop BroIt is absolutely beer. And with Mitsui Designtec involved, it's a saison-based collab.
MugiWhoa, but saison-based suddenly makes it sound like class started. What does that even mean?
Hop BroSaison is a style that's light, aromatic, and finishes clean. So think summer-friendly refreshment and you're basically there.
MugiOkay, but two kinds of apples, hinoki chips, and two kinds of mint? That's a traffic jam of ingredients. How does that work?
Hop BroThat's the fun part. It's fermented with a white wine yeast, so the apple fruitiness layers with hinoki and mint freshness. The aroma comes in layers, but the finish stays dry.
MugiWhite wine yeast!? That's a transfer student from wine class. What job is it doing here?
Hop BroIt doesn't turn beer into wine. It just adds a slightly more floral fermentation character, which helps create that crisp, dry snap at the end.
MugiAnd the post says it was inspired by Bank Band's Tokyo Concerto? That's like drinking the afterglow of music. Fancy!
Hop BroExactly. CRAFTROCK TAPROOM is a brewpub in Takao where you can bounce between core taps, guest beers, and seasonals. This one feels like the beer for right now.
MugiNope, I'm done, I need a pint in Takao immediately. Hop Bro, save me a seat and order first!
Hop BroDeal. We'll toast with IDEA BEER 2026 and take our time with that dry lingering finish.
Now on tap
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM in Takao, Hachioji, has started serving its seasonal beer, `Idea Beer 2026 (IDEA BEER 2026)`. The beer is a collaboration with Mitsui Designtec, and the post also notes that it was inspired by `Tokyo Kyosokyoku (Bank Band)`.
What to expect
The recipe is built on a saison base. It uses two kinds of apples, hinoki chips, and two kinds of mint, then is fermented with white wine yeast. The result is said to bring together apple-driven fruitiness, the fresh aroma of hinoki and mint, and a dry, crisp finish.
Why it fits the taproom
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM is a brewpub where seasonal releases sit naturally alongside the regular lineup and guest beers. This release reflects the brewery's mix of music, design, and beer culture without overplaying it: a thoughtful seasonal pour with a clean finish and a layered aroma profile. For beer fans, it is the kind of taproom release that rewards a slow pour and a closer look at the recipe.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI want to talk about this Takao collab today: CRAFTROCK TAPROOM has started pouring IDEA BEER 2026.
MugiWait, IDEA BEER 2026 sounds like a project meeting, and it's actually a beer!?
Hop BroIt is absolutely beer. And with Mitsui Designtec involved, it's a saison-based collab.
MugiWhoa, but saison-based suddenly makes it sound like class started. What does that even mean?
Hop BroSaison is a style that's light, aromatic, and finishes clean. So think summer-friendly refreshment and you're basically there.
MugiOkay, but two kinds of apples, hinoki chips, and two kinds of mint? That's a traffic jam of ingredients. How does that work?
Hop BroThat's the fun part. It's fermented with a white wine yeast, so the apple fruitiness layers with hinoki and mint freshness. The aroma comes in layers, but the finish stays dry.
MugiWhite wine yeast!? That's a transfer student from wine class. What job is it doing here?
Hop BroIt doesn't turn beer into wine. It just adds a slightly more floral fermentation character, which helps create that crisp, dry snap at the end.
MugiAnd the post says it was inspired by Bank Band's Tokyo Concerto? That's like drinking the afterglow of music. Fancy!
Hop BroExactly. CRAFTROCK TAPROOM is a brewpub in Takao where you can bounce between core taps, guest beers, and seasonals. This one feels like the beer for right now.
MugiNope, I'm done, I need a pint in Takao immediately. Hop Bro, save me a seat and order first!
Hop BroDeal. We'll toast with IDEA BEER 2026 and take our time with that dry lingering finish.
