HOJO Brewing & Stays releases new "Laurel Saison"
Ehime's HOJO Brewing & Stays announced its new "Laurel Saison" on Instagram at 6:00 p.m. on October 31, 2025. It's a herb-forward beer made by steeping laurel into a classic saison.
Hop BroBreaking news: HOJO Brewing & Stays in Ehime has released a new "Laurel Saison"! It was announced on Instagram at 6:00 p.m. on October 31, 2025, along with a guide to the official online shop.
MugiWait, laurel? You mean the leaf used in curry? That's in beer?!
Hop BroExactly. It's a recipe based on their regular saison, with laurel steeped into it to bring the herbal character forward. The name "Laurel Saison" makes that clear.
MugiI've heard of saison, but what kind of flavor profile is it again?
Hop BroThe style is Specialty Saison, though the post spelled it "Specilaty Saison." ABV is 5.5%. It's dry and lively, with yeast-derived spiciness layered with the cool freshness of laurel, and a long herbal finish.
MugiHold on, yeast-derived spiciness? What does that even mean? Are they putting pepper in it?
Hop BroGood question! It doesn't mean actual pepper. It means aromas created during fermentation come across as "spicy." The laurel aroma sits on top of that, which really lifts the freshness.
MugiOhhh! And HOJO Brewing & Stays is that brewery and guesthouse on Monchichi Beach in Matsuyama, right? Drinking it while traveling would be amazing!
Hop BroExactly. It's a small operation where one person handles almost everything from brewing to packaging and shipping, so the hands-on feel is strong. What makes this exciting is how that local personality shows up by layering herbs onto a classic saison.
MugiI've decided already: first sip it cold, then let it warm up and follow how the laurel opens up! Hop, let's go drink this tonight!
The Ehime/Matsuyama-area brewery HOJO Brewing & Stays has introduced a new beer, "Laurel Saison (Laurel Saison)." The post was published at 6:00 p.m. on October 31, 2025, and also pointed readers to the official online shop.
Overview of this release
- Name: Laurel Saison (Laurel Saison)
- Style: Specialty Saison (listed as "Specilaty Saison" in the post)
- ABV: 5.5%
The post explains that the recipe is based on the brewery's standard saison, with laurel steeped into it. The cool, refreshing aroma from the laurel overlaps with the crisp spiciness characteristic of saison, leaving a long herbal finish. For drinkers who like the dry, aromatic profile of saison, this looks like a limited release that is easy to compare side by side.
Brewery background
HOJO Brewing & Stays operates as a "craft beer brewery and guesthouse" facing Monchichi Beach in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. Information from the official shop says the operation is run largely by one person, handling brewing, packaging, and shipping, which gives it the agility and handmade feel typical of a small brewery.
This new "Laurel Saison" reflects the maker's hands-on personality by layering herbal notes onto a classic saison style. If you try it, it would be worth following how the laurel aroma opens up as the temperature changes.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroBreaking news: HOJO Brewing & Stays in Ehime has released a new "Laurel Saison"! It was announced on Instagram at 6:00 p.m. on October 31, 2025, along with a guide to the official online shop.
MugiWait, laurel? You mean the leaf used in curry? That's in beer?!
Hop BroExactly. It's a recipe based on their regular saison, with laurel steeped into it to bring the herbal character forward. The name "Laurel Saison" makes that clear.
MugiI've heard of saison, but what kind of flavor profile is it again?
Hop BroThe style is Specialty Saison, though the post spelled it "Specilaty Saison." ABV is 5.5%. It's dry and lively, with yeast-derived spiciness layered with the cool freshness of laurel, and a long herbal finish.
MugiHold on, yeast-derived spiciness? What does that even mean? Are they putting pepper in it?
Hop BroGood question! It doesn't mean actual pepper. It means aromas created during fermentation come across as "spicy." The laurel aroma sits on top of that, which really lifts the freshness.
MugiOhhh! And HOJO Brewing & Stays is that brewery and guesthouse on Monchichi Beach in Matsuyama, right? Drinking it while traveling would be amazing!
Hop BroExactly. It's a small operation where one person handles almost everything from brewing to packaging and shipping, so the hands-on feel is strong. What makes this exciting is how that local personality shows up by layering herbs onto a classic saison.
MugiI've decided already: first sip it cold, then let it warm up and follow how the laurel opens up! Hop, let's go drink this tonight!
