Okuyamato Brewing Announces New "CARAMELLOW" Release, Barley Wine 9.0% Now on Sale
Nara's Okuyamato Brewing announced its new beer, "CARAMELLOW," on Instagram on December 21, 2025. The style is barley wine, with an ABV of 9.0% and an IBU of 22. As a dark beer using allspice, it highlights aromas developed through long aging and a crisp drinking finish.
Hop BroA new release, "CARAMELLOW," came out from Nara's Okuyamato Brewing on December 21, 2025! It's a dark-style barley wine with 9.0% ABV and 22 IBU.
MugiWhoa! 9.0%? That's the kind that basically says, "Take your time and sip it."
Hop BroAnd it has allspice in it too. With long aging, they're bringing out esters and mature aromas, creating that caramel-like toastiness and wine-like mouthfeel.
MugiWhat?! Esters sound like something from a science lab! Are they tasty?!
Hop BroIt sounds complicated, but basically it's a fragrant flavor component that gives off a ripe-fruit-like aroma. The key is that it's full-bodied yet finishes clean, so even with high alcohol it doesn't feel heavy.
MugiOhhh! A beer with a sweet-sounding name, but one that finishes sharp at the end is amazing! I thought it was dessert staff, but it's more like a super-capable senior!
Hop BroIt's available both on tap and in bottles. Also, the taproom is scheduled to be closed from December 28 to January 4, so checking the dates first is a must if you're going.
MugiYikes! I almost would have shown up over New Year's like, "I'm here to drink!" and found the shutters down!
Hop BroOkuyamato Brewing is known for its herbal direction, using Nara fruits and medicinal herbs, and it also has both the TAP ROOM and "TAP to BED," so staying overnight is part of the fun too.
MugiI've decided! I'm having one CARAMELLOW on tap, and if I like it, I'm taking a bottle home too! Hop bro, let's go drink it now!
Okuyamato Brewing (Nara) announced its new release, "CARAMELLOW", in an Instagram post titled "... NEW RELEASE...."
New Release Specs
- Product name: CARAMELLOW
- Style: Barley wine (listed in the post as BALEY WINE)
- ABV: 9.0%
- IBU: 22
- Ingredient used: Allspice
The post explains that allspice is used, and that long aging creates a rich aroma and a full body, while the finish is designed to stay clean and crisp. The beer is described as having caramel-like toastiness, a wine-like mouthfeel, and a polished finish that still feels sharp despite its high alcohol content.
In the same post's "OKUYAMATO BEER WEEKLY" section, CARAMELLOW is available both on tap and in bottles. It also notes that the taproom is scheduled to be closed from December 28 through January 4.
On its official website, Okuyamato Brewing says it focuses on herbal craft beer made with fruits, medicinal herbs, and other local ingredients from Nara's Okuyamato region. It also operates the brewery-adjacent "TAP ROOM" and the neighboring guesthouse "TAP to BED," making the combination of local ingredients and an overnight stay part of its brewery experience. This new release is another beer worth watching, as it combines the brewery's botanical approach with a satisfying high-alcohol profile.
Reference: Instagram post, official site
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroA new release, "CARAMELLOW," came out from Nara's Okuyamato Brewing on December 21, 2025! It's a dark-style barley wine with 9.0% ABV and 22 IBU.
MugiWhoa! 9.0%? That's the kind that basically says, "Take your time and sip it."
Hop BroAnd it has allspice in it too. With long aging, they're bringing out esters and mature aromas, creating that caramel-like toastiness and wine-like mouthfeel.
MugiWhat?! Esters sound like something from a science lab! Are they tasty?!
Hop BroIt sounds complicated, but basically it's a fragrant flavor component that gives off a ripe-fruit-like aroma. The key is that it's full-bodied yet finishes clean, so even with high alcohol it doesn't feel heavy.
MugiOhhh! A beer with a sweet-sounding name, but one that finishes sharp at the end is amazing! I thought it was dessert staff, but it's more like a super-capable senior!
Hop BroIt's available both on tap and in bottles. Also, the taproom is scheduled to be closed from December 28 to January 4, so checking the dates first is a must if you're going.
MugiYikes! I almost would have shown up over New Year's like, "I'm here to drink!" and found the shutters down!
Hop BroOkuyamato Brewing is known for its herbal direction, using Nara fruits and medicinal herbs, and it also has both the TAP ROOM and "TAP to BED," so staying overnight is part of the fun too.
MugiI've decided! I'm having one CARAMELLOW on tap, and if I like it, I'm taking a bottle home too! Hop bro, let's go drink it now!
