West Coast Brewing's "Star Watcher" Tapped at Ikebukuro vivo!, New CYCAD Release Also Debuts
At the beer pub "vivo! BEER＋DININGBAR" in Ikebukuro East Exit, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, West Coast Brewing's "Star Watcher" and CYCAD BREWING's "Sakura Steam" have been newly tapped. Centered on a citrusy IPA and a malt-forward California Common, the venue offers a broad lineup of 20 kegs to enjoy.
Hop BroAt vivo! in Ikebukuro, today's stars are the two new taps: WCB's "Star Watcher" and CYCAD's "Sakura Steam"!
MugiWhat! Just from the names, they sound strong! What kind of IPA is "Star Watcher"?
Hop BroIt's a flagship IPA bursting with citrus hops, made with Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic. The aroma has a really clear outline.
MugiNo way! Citra and Mosaic aren't wallpaper, they're hop names?
Hop BroExactly, they're varietal names. Roughly speaking, think of it as an aromatic blend that layers orange-like aromas and piney notes!
MugiOhh! So CYCAD's "Sakura Steam" is that California Common mentioned in the article?
Hop BroThat's right. It's a beer with bitterness and body, combining malt-derived caramel and toast aromas with gentle hop character. It suits cool days in early spring.
MugiWow, waking up with an IPA and then settling into a California Common is the best two-stage setup!
Hop BroAnd vivo! has 20 draft beers on tap, plus saison, stout, and cider, making it a beer-comparison paradise. Being in the basement at Ikebukuro East Exit makes it easy to stop by, too.
MugiIt's decided! Tonight I'm starting at vivo! with "Star Watcher" and finishing with "Sakura Steam" for the Ikebukuro toast route!
On an announcement published on March 13, 2026, vivo! BEER＋DININGBAR, located in the basement near Ikebukuro East Exit, introduced two new taps. The venue is a beer pub that promotes a "20 draft beer" lineup, and its easy stop-in-after-work style is part of its appeal.
The highlight this time is West Coast Brewing's flagship IPA, "Star Watcher." The announcement describes citrus aromas from Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic, making it a beer for anyone looking for a clear, hop-forward character.
The other keg is CYCAD BREWING's "Sakura Steam." It layers malt-derived caramel and toast aromas with gentle fruitiness from the hops, while bitterness and body give it a satisfying finish. It is a substantial-flavored beer that works well on chilly early-spring days.
The same day's draft lineup also includes vivo!×CYCAD BREWING "42~forty two~", Inkhorn Brewing's "Mohua" and "Flocking2026", Shiga Kogen Beer's "Sono Sen", and Minoh Beer's "Honey Saison" and "Imperial Stout." With a wide range spanning IPA, pilsner, saison, stout, and cider, it is a setup that makes style comparisons easy in one place.
The venue is located at B1, Nanatomi Building, 1-20-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo. Starting with the two newly tapped beers, its strength is that you can move across styles and choose according to your mood that day.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroAt vivo! in Ikebukuro, today's stars are the two new taps: WCB's "Star Watcher" and CYCAD's "Sakura Steam"!
MugiWhat! Just from the names, they sound strong! What kind of IPA is "Star Watcher"?
Hop BroIt's a flagship IPA bursting with citrus hops, made with Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic. The aroma has a really clear outline.
MugiNo way! Citra and Mosaic aren't wallpaper, they're hop names?
Hop BroExactly, they're varietal names. Roughly speaking, think of it as an aromatic blend that layers orange-like aromas and piney notes!
MugiOhh! So CYCAD's "Sakura Steam" is that California Common mentioned in the article?
Hop BroThat's right. It's a beer with bitterness and body, combining malt-derived caramel and toast aromas with gentle hop character. It suits cool days in early spring.
MugiWow, waking up with an IPA and then settling into a California Common is the best two-stage setup!
Hop BroAnd vivo! has 20 draft beers on tap, plus saison, stout, and cider, making it a beer-comparison paradise. Being in the basement at Ikebukuro East Exit makes it easy to stop by, too.
MugiIt's decided! Tonight I'm starting at vivo! with "Star Watcher" and finishing with "Sakura Steam" for the Ikebukuro toast route!
