Dr. KONG Brewing Brings Back SIPSIDE DOWN with Refreshed Hops
Dr. KONG Brewing in Ube, Yamaguchi, has announced the return of SIPSIDE DOWN. For this release, part of the hop blend has been renewed, bringing bright, juicy aromas reminiscent of orange and tropical fruit alongside restrained bitterness and a clean, light body.
Hop BroDoctor Kong Brewing in Ube, Yamaguchi, is bringing back the renewed SIPSIDE DOWN with updated hops.
MugiWhoa, that name makes me feel like I might drink it upside down! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt is an IPA, led by bright, juicy hop aromas reminiscent of orange and tropical fruit.
MugiWait, aren't IPAs supposed to be the famously bitter beers that make your tongue tingle?
Hop BroThis version keeps the bitterness restrained. Hops bring both bitterness and aroma, but this is an IPA for aroma.
MugiOh wow! So hops can be fruit-aroma specialists too?
Hop BroExactly. It has a clean, light body carrying those hop notes—like a sip of West Coast air.
MugiWest Coast air? I can practically see sunglasses in the glass! Still, a light, easy finish sounds beginner-friendly.
Hop BroIt should be. Doctor Kong Brewing is a craft-beer brand connected to Nagayama Honke Sake Brewery, making craft beer rooted in a sake brewery.
MugiThat is lovely! They also use local ingredients where possible and aim to become a reason to visit Ube.
Hop BroServe it well chilled while the weather is still warm. It is labeled happoshu, but it drinks like a refreshing, hop-forward IPA.
MugiOrange-like aroma and tropical vibes? I want a toast already! Let's share an ice-cold pint tonight!
An IPA Built Around Hop Aroma
Dr. KONG Brewing’s SIPSIDE DOWN is returning to the brewery’s lineup. This version features a partial refresh of the hop selection, adding a new dimension to the aroma rising from the glass.
The brewery describes the profile as bright and juicy, with impressions of orange and tropical fruit. While the beer retains the character expected of an IPA, its bitterness is intentionally restrained. A clean, light body allows the hop aroma to remain at the center of the experience.
Rather than emphasizing a pronounced bitter finish, SIPSIDE DOWN is presented as an IPA designed to showcase aroma. Served well chilled, it should offer an easy-drinking combination of citrus and tropical hop notes, particularly welcome while summer heat lingers. Dr. KONG Brewing also describes the beer as capturing the atmosphere of the West Coast in a single sip.
Craft Beer from a Ube Sake Brewery
Dr. KONG Brewing is based in Ube, Yamaguchi, and is connected to Nagayama Honten, a local sake brewery. The brewery aims to express what can be created specifically within a sake-brewing environment, while using local ingredients whenever possible and highlighting their individual character. It also hopes to become a reason for people to visit Ube.
SIPSIDE DOWN is one expression of that locally rooted approach. With its updated hops and aroma-focused balance, the returning beer may appeal to drinkers who enjoy IPA aromatics but prefer a softer bitterness. The brewery notes that the product is classified as happoshu, a low-malt alcoholic beverage under Japanese labeling conventions.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroDoctor Kong Brewing in Ube, Yamaguchi, is bringing back the renewed SIPSIDE DOWN with updated hops.
MugiWhoa, that name makes me feel like I might drink it upside down! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt is an IPA, led by bright, juicy hop aromas reminiscent of orange and tropical fruit.
MugiWait, aren't IPAs supposed to be the famously bitter beers that make your tongue tingle?
Hop BroThis version keeps the bitterness restrained. Hops bring both bitterness and aroma, but this is an IPA for aroma.
MugiOh wow! So hops can be fruit-aroma specialists too?
Hop BroExactly. It has a clean, light body carrying those hop notes—like a sip of West Coast air.
MugiWest Coast air? I can practically see sunglasses in the glass! Still, a light, easy finish sounds beginner-friendly.
Hop BroIt should be. Doctor Kong Brewing is a craft-beer brand connected to Nagayama Honke Sake Brewery, making craft beer rooted in a sake brewery.
MugiThat is lovely! They also use local ingredients where possible and aim to become a reason to visit Ube.
Hop BroServe it well chilled while the weather is still warm. It is labeled happoshu, but it drinks like a refreshing, hop-forward IPA.
MugiOrange-like aroma and tropical vibes? I want a toast already! Let's share an ice-cold pint tonight!
