AKIRA in Wonderland by Hop Kotan Brewing Arrives at Susukino Yell STAND
Susukino Yell STAND, a craft beer pub in Sapporo, is featuring Hop Kotan Brewing’s “AKIRA in Wonderland.” This 5.0% ABV, 16 IBU Weizen combines banana and clove-like yeast aromas with soft wheat character and gentle citrus and floral notes from 100% Kamifurano Cascade hops.
Hop BroIn Sapporo’s Susukino, you can try AKIRA in Wonderland from Hoppukotan Brewing at Susukino Ale STAND on the B1 floor of COCONO SUSUKINO.
MugiWhoa, that name already sounds like an adventure! What kind of beer is this Wonderland-worthy pint?
Hop BroIt’s a traditional Bavarian weizen, a wheat beer style with a soft mouthfeel and a bright, refreshing character.
MugiWeizen sounds like a special attack! Does that soft wheat mouthfeel mean it feels fluffy?
Hop BroPretty close! Wheat malt adds roundness and smoothness, giving the beer a gentle drinking texture.
MugiNice! And I heard it smells like banana and clove. A beer with a banana-like aroma?!
Hop BroThat’s the fun of weizen. The yeast creates fruity esters and clove-like phenols during fermentation.
MugiPhenols?! We suddenly entered a laboratory! But if there are hops too, won’t the flavors fight?
Hop BroNot here. It uses 100% Kamifurano Cascade, with freshly harvested and dried whole-cone hops for gentle citrus and floral notes.
MugiSo banana, clove, citrus, and flowers all show up without traffic-jamming—there’s a naturally layered balance!
Hop BroExactly. At 5.0% ABV and 16 IBU, it drinks easily—and it also marks Hoppukotan’s 700th brew milestone.
MugiTheir 700th batch? Amazing! I want to compare that hop character with an IPA, so on a Susukino stroll, let’s grab a pint!
A classic Weizen with a distinctly Hop Kotan touch
“AKIRA in Wonderland” is a Weizen from Hop Kotan Brewing, based in Kamifurano, Hokkaido. Inspired by the traditional wheat beer style from Bavaria, it has an ABV of 5.0% and an IBU of 16. Wheat malt gives the beer a soft mouthfeel, while the finish remains fruity, refreshing, and easy to drink.
The beer’s most recognizable aromas come from the yeast, suggesting banana and clove. Hop Kotan adds its own regional character by using 100% Cascade hops grown in Kamifurano. Rather than using processed pellets, the brewery selected freshly harvested and dried whole hops. This approach brings out gentle citrus and floral notes, allowing the hop character to sit naturally alongside the classic Weizen yeast profile.
Weizen is not a style Hop Kotan Brewing produces often, making this release particularly notable. It also marked the brewery’s 700th brew. The result stays close to the spirit of a traditional Weizen while incorporating the brewery’s interest in local hops and carefully balanced aromas.
Located in the basement of COCONO SUSUKINO, Susukino Yell STAND is a beer pub specializing in craft beer from Hokkaido. “AKIRA in Wonderland” should appeal to drinkers looking for a soft, aromatic wheat beer, as well as those who want to explore a gentler side of Cascade hops beyond the usual IPA format.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroIn Sapporo’s Susukino, you can try AKIRA in Wonderland from Hoppukotan Brewing at Susukino Ale STAND on the B1 floor of COCONO SUSUKINO.
MugiWhoa, that name already sounds like an adventure! What kind of beer is this Wonderland-worthy pint?
Hop BroIt’s a traditional Bavarian weizen, a wheat beer style with a soft mouthfeel and a bright, refreshing character.
MugiWeizen sounds like a special attack! Does that soft wheat mouthfeel mean it feels fluffy?
Hop BroPretty close! Wheat malt adds roundness and smoothness, giving the beer a gentle drinking texture.
MugiNice! And I heard it smells like banana and clove. A beer with a banana-like aroma?!
Hop BroThat’s the fun of weizen. The yeast creates fruity esters and clove-like phenols during fermentation.
MugiPhenols?! We suddenly entered a laboratory! But if there are hops too, won’t the flavors fight?
Hop BroNot here. It uses 100% Kamifurano Cascade, with freshly harvested and dried whole-cone hops for gentle citrus and floral notes.
MugiSo banana, clove, citrus, and flowers all show up without traffic-jamming—there’s a naturally layered balance!
Hop BroExactly. At 5.0% ABV and 16 IBU, it drinks easily—and it also marks Hoppukotan’s 700th brew milestone.
MugiTheir 700th batch? Amazing! I want to compare that hop character with an IPA, so on a Susukino stroll, let’s grab a pint!
