Open Air Minatoyama Brewery announces "hopful mind" 2nd batch on March 11
Open Air Minatoyama Brewery in Hyogo, Kobe posted “✨hopful mind✨ Hopful Mind...” on Instagram at 12:00 on March 11. According to official information, the label is a Hazy IPA that won silver in the Hazy category at Japan Brewers Cup 2026, and it is being rolled out as the 2nd batch brewed after the award.
Hop BroOpen Air Minatoyama Brewery in Kobe announced the 2nd batch of “hopful mind” on Instagram at 12:00 on March 11. This is a major one to watch!
MugiWait, a 2nd batch means it was so popular it’s back again?!
Hop BroExactly. And “hopful mind” is a Hazy IPA that won silver in the Hazy category at Japan Brewers Cup 2026. This 2nd batch was brewed after that award.
MugiWow! It’s like an evolved version of an award-winning beer. What does it taste like?
Hop BroIt’s juicy with a soft mouthfeel, and the aroma is designed in layers that move from citrus to tropical. With ABV 6.5% and IBU 38, it has plenty of body but stays easy to drink.
MugiWhat is that? Layer design and IBU 38? Suddenly this feels like science class!
Hop BroSimply put, you get an orange-like aroma first, then mango and a tropical vibe gently spread through the finish. IBU 38 is roughly the level where it’s “properly bitter, but not harsh.”
MugiThat sounds amazing! Soft sweet aromas with a crisp finish!
Hop BroThe hops are Citra, Mosaic, Cryo Krush, and Galaxy. The malt bill is 2-row and Flaked Oats, and the yeast is British. Making it at NATURE STUDIO, on the site of a former elementary school, while using Kobe groundwater is very Open Air too.
MugiEven the background is emotional...! It’s award-winning and then re-brewed, so there’s no choice but to follow it. Let’s toast with hopful mind today!
New Topic
Open Air Minatoyama Brewery (Hyogo) published an Instagram post, “✨hopful mind✨ Hopful Mind...”, at 12:00 on March 11. From the post title as well, it appears to be a message focused on the brewery's flagship Hazy IPA, “hopful mind.”
What's Inside the Beer
On the official online store, “hopful mind” is introduced as the silver-medal winner in the Hazy category at Japan Brewers Cup 2026. It states that this is the 2nd batch brewed after the award, and that its features are a juicy, soft mouthfeel and tropical aromas.
The specs are style: Hazy IPA, ABV 6.5%, IBU 38. The hops are Citra, Mosaic, Cryo Krush, and Galaxy; the malts are 2-row and Flaked Oats; and the yeast is British. The design aims for an aroma layering that moves from citrus to tropical fruit, revealing a balance between hazy-style depth and drinkability.
Brewery Background
Open Air Minatoyama Brewery is based in Yukigoshomachi, Hyogo Ward, Kobe City, and is a brewery that emphasizes making beers that let you feel the changing seasons. It is also known as the brewery inside the facility “NATURE STUDIO,” built on the site of a former elementary school, and it works on recipes that make use of Kobe groundwater and seasonal ingredients.
For a brewery that ranges from core beers to experimental pours, “hopful mind” is a beer that shows where it stands today in both its award history and its re-brewing. For fans who value hop expression, this 2nd batch is a release worth following closely.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroOpen Air Minatoyama Brewery in Kobe announced the 2nd batch of “hopful mind” on Instagram at 12:00 on March 11. This is a major one to watch!
MugiWait, a 2nd batch means it was so popular it’s back again?!
Hop BroExactly. And “hopful mind” is a Hazy IPA that won silver in the Hazy category at Japan Brewers Cup 2026. This 2nd batch was brewed after that award.
MugiWow! It’s like an evolved version of an award-winning beer. What does it taste like?
Hop BroIt’s juicy with a soft mouthfeel, and the aroma is designed in layers that move from citrus to tropical. With ABV 6.5% and IBU 38, it has plenty of body but stays easy to drink.
MugiWhat is that? Layer design and IBU 38? Suddenly this feels like science class!
Hop BroSimply put, you get an orange-like aroma first, then mango and a tropical vibe gently spread through the finish. IBU 38 is roughly the level where it’s “properly bitter, but not harsh.”
MugiThat sounds amazing! Soft sweet aromas with a crisp finish!
Hop BroThe hops are Citra, Mosaic, Cryo Krush, and Galaxy. The malt bill is 2-row and Flaked Oats, and the yeast is British. Making it at NATURE STUDIO, on the site of a former elementary school, while using Kobe groundwater is very Open Air too.
MugiEven the background is emotional...! It’s award-winning and then re-brewed, so there’s no choice but to follow it. Let’s toast with hopful mind today!
