Free Spirits Brewing begins selling "Lockhart IPA," its first beer using Dolcita
Free Spirits Brewing in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture has started selling its new DDH Hazy IPA, "Lockhart IPA," at its store. Centered on the newly developed hop "Dolcita," it is aimed at aromas of lychee, coconut, and pineapple, with an ABV of 7.0% and an IBU of 24.
Hop BroHimeji's Free Spirits Brewing has brought out Lockhart IPA. It's a DDH Hazy IPA, and the fact that it puts the new hop Dolcita in the spotlight is exciting, isn't it?
MugiWhoa! So Dolcita is making its debut? It sounds sweet just from the name, but is it like a candy-like hop?
Hop BroThat's what makes it interesting: it's aiming for aromas like lychee and coconut, plus a pineapple-like note too. It's not just fruity; it's designed with a slightly tropical, creamy character.
MugiWait, I keep hearing DDH Hazy IPA and I still only get a fuzzy idea of it! It's fuzzy, so is Hazy basically a cloud?
Hop BroIn short, it's an IPA that layers on a lot of hops to bring out strong aroma and the haze can be part of the appeal. DDH stands for double dry-hopped, so hops are added generously even after fermentation.
MugiGot it! And with Citra and Mosaic Cryo as support hops, the names alone sound powerful. It's like the premium zone of the fruit aisle!
Hop BroExactly, and adding Krush on top to build the tropical character is smart. This time they've also brought in stone-fruit notes and coconut elements, so it expands a bit beyond their usual citrus-leaning profile.
MugiWhoa! So compared with the usual Hazy stuff, this is like a new flavor adventure? For a brewery in Himeji, they're being pretty bold.
Hop BroExactly. Free Spirits Brewing is a brewery with a strong experimental spirit, while still using local ingredients. This time they've also included Ale malt, Pilsner malt, Flaked oats, and Dextrin malt, aiming for a good mouthfeel too.
MugiAnd with ABV 7.0% and IBU 24, it has plenty of body without being too bitter. This is the kind of beer you want to sip slowly and follow the aroma!
Hop BroYeah, it's the kind of beer I want to drink on tap. If I could have it fresh in Himeji, that would be the best, and now I'm already picturing Lockhart IPA's aroma and getting thirsty.
MugiMe too! Faced with a tropical-fruit Hazy, I might not be able to hold back. I want to toast right now!
About the new beer
Free Spirits Brewing, which brews craft beer in Kubo-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, announced the start of sales for its new beer, "Lockhart IPA." The brewery continues to make characterful beers, with a lineup centered on hop-forward American-style IPAs and fruit beers using local yuzu.
This "Lockhart IPA" delivers a strong hop presence in classic DDH Hazy IPA style, and uses the hop Dolcita, which is being used by the brewery for the first time, as the main hop. In its post, the brewery explained that Dolcita brings out aromas reminiscent of lychee, coconut, and pineapple, while the supporting hops Citra, Mosaic Cryo, and Krush layer in a tropical-fruit impression. Compared with the brewery's previous Hazy IPAs, which leaned toward tropical fruit and citrus, this release adds stone-fruit character and coconut notes, broadening the range of expression.
The specs are ABV 7.0% and IBU 24. The malt bill uses Ale malt, Pilsner malt, Flaked oats, and Dextrin malt, while the yeast is NE IPA and carrageenan is used as an adjunct. As a beer that aims to balance the experimental spirit typical of Himeji's brewery with drinkability, it seems likely to draw attention on tap.
Free Spirits Brewing, true to its name, is a brewery that keeps releasing new creations with a free-spirited approach. As a place where you can enjoy freshly made craft beer in Himeji, this new release is another strong expression of that attitude.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHimeji's Free Spirits Brewing has brought out Lockhart IPA. It's a DDH Hazy IPA, and the fact that it puts the new hop Dolcita in the spotlight is exciting, isn't it?
MugiWhoa! So Dolcita is making its debut? It sounds sweet just from the name, but is it like a candy-like hop?
Hop BroThat's what makes it interesting: it's aiming for aromas like lychee and coconut, plus a pineapple-like note too. It's not just fruity; it's designed with a slightly tropical, creamy character.
MugiWait, I keep hearing DDH Hazy IPA and I still only get a fuzzy idea of it! It's fuzzy, so is Hazy basically a cloud?
Hop BroIn short, it's an IPA that layers on a lot of hops to bring out strong aroma and the haze can be part of the appeal. DDH stands for double dry-hopped, so hops are added generously even after fermentation.
MugiGot it! And with Citra and Mosaic Cryo as support hops, the names alone sound powerful. It's like the premium zone of the fruit aisle!
Hop BroExactly, and adding Krush on top to build the tropical character is smart. This time they've also brought in stone-fruit notes and coconut elements, so it expands a bit beyond their usual citrus-leaning profile.
MugiWhoa! So compared with the usual Hazy stuff, this is like a new flavor adventure? For a brewery in Himeji, they're being pretty bold.
Hop BroExactly. Free Spirits Brewing is a brewery with a strong experimental spirit, while still using local ingredients. This time they've also included Ale malt, Pilsner malt, Flaked oats, and Dextrin malt, aiming for a good mouthfeel too.
MugiAnd with ABV 7.0% and IBU 24, it has plenty of body without being too bitter. This is the kind of beer you want to sip slowly and follow the aroma!
Hop BroYeah, it's the kind of beer I want to drink on tap. If I could have it fresh in Himeji, that would be the best, and now I'm already picturing Lockhart IPA's aroma and getting thirsty.
MugiMe too! Faced with a tropical-fruit Hazy, I might not be able to hold back. I want to toast right now!
