Sakura Taps taps strawberry fruit wheat ale “Akane” in Yokohama
Sakura Taps updated its tap list on Saturday, August 1, and brought in “Akane” from Shirosuzume, a fruit wheat ale made with Sanukihime strawberries from Kayanofarm in Kagawa. The lineup also includes IPAs, a porter, and eight beers in total.
Hop BroToday's beer topic is Sakura Taps' new pour. In Yokohama's Kannai, they've just tapped Shirosuzume's strawberry fruit wheat ale, Akane.
MugiWait, a strawberry wheat ale? That sounds like dessert in a glass! Does that really work as beer?
Hop BroIt does, and the key is Sanuki Hime strawberries from Kayano Farm in Kagawa, chopped up and added late in fermentation.
MugiHold on, late in fermentation means what exactly? My brain just put on a lab coat.
Hop BroBasically, it's timing for aroma. Add the fruit near the end, and you keep more of that bright strawberry character right up front.
MugiOhhh, so it's not jam-level sweet? More refreshing than syrupy?
Hop BroExactly. Akane's whole charm is restrained sweetness. It finishes with a soft acidity, so it stays light, crisp, and easy to drink.
MugiThat sounds dangerous in the best way. Accidental second pint energy. What else is on tap?
Hop BroThey've got eight beers total today, including a WC IPA from Derailleur Brew Works, Ogawa Porter, and Yoshidamachi Helles 2026 from Sakura Taps × Numazu Craft.
MugiWow, IPA to porter range means I could do a full tasting flight and still pretend I'm being very serious about it.
Hop BroThat's the move: start with Akane first, then drift into the IPA or porter. Hidden second-floor spot, music, even coffee, the whole Sakura Taps setup sounds perfect.
MugiSold. I want a glass now. Strawberry aroma first, then getting happily lost in an eight-tap lineup sounds like the right Yokohama night.
Sakura Taps is a craft beer pub and coffee spot in Yokohama's Kannai area. Tucked away on the second floor along Yoshidamachi's Noranekodori street, the bar refreshed its tap list on Saturday, August 1.
The highlight is Akane from Shirosuzume. It is a fruit wheat ale brewed with Sanukihime strawberries grown by Kayanofarm in Miki, Kida District, Kagawa. The brewery added the strawberries late in fermentation after picking them up directly from the farm and processing them carefully, which keeps the beer aromatic and bright. The result is a light, refreshing drink with soft berry acidity and restrained sweetness.
The day’s draft lineup totals eight beers:
- Akane / Shirosuzume
- WC IPA / Derailleur Brew Works
- Yoshidamachi Helles 2026 / Sakura Taps × Numazu Craft
- BPM 80 / Novel Craft Brewing
- Ogawa Porter / Mugi Zakkoku Kobo
- Freestyle Sandbox Vol. 8 / West Coast Brewing
- Sentakubiyori / Shirosuzume
- Shin Oni Gunso IPA / Noboribetsu Beer Onidensetsu × HOP TAP SHOP
It is a well-balanced list, moving from a fruit-forward wheat ale to a citrusy West Coast IPA and a roasty porter. With its relaxed atmosphere and music-friendly setting, Sakura Taps is the kind of place where beer fans can slow down and choose carefully. It is a solid stop for anyone in Yokohama looking for a tap list worth exploring.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's beer topic is Sakura Taps' new pour. In Yokohama's Kannai, they've just tapped Shirosuzume's strawberry fruit wheat ale, Akane.
MugiWait, a strawberry wheat ale? That sounds like dessert in a glass! Does that really work as beer?
Hop BroIt does, and the key is Sanuki Hime strawberries from Kayano Farm in Kagawa, chopped up and added late in fermentation.
MugiHold on, late in fermentation means what exactly? My brain just put on a lab coat.
Hop BroBasically, it's timing for aroma. Add the fruit near the end, and you keep more of that bright strawberry character right up front.
MugiOhhh, so it's not jam-level sweet? More refreshing than syrupy?
Hop BroExactly. Akane's whole charm is restrained sweetness. It finishes with a soft acidity, so it stays light, crisp, and easy to drink.
MugiThat sounds dangerous in the best way. Accidental second pint energy. What else is on tap?
Hop BroThey've got eight beers total today, including a WC IPA from Derailleur Brew Works, Ogawa Porter, and Yoshidamachi Helles 2026 from Sakura Taps × Numazu Craft.
MugiWow, IPA to porter range means I could do a full tasting flight and still pretend I'm being very serious about it.
Hop BroThat's the move: start with Akane first, then drift into the IPA or porter. Hidden second-floor spot, music, even coffee, the whole Sakura Taps setup sounds perfect.
MugiSold. I want a glass now. Strawberry aroma first, then getting happily lost in an eight-tap lineup sounds like the right Yokohama night.
