Fujizakura Kogen Beer will release the limited-edition beer "Hoppy Kölsch Style." The base is Kölsch, a style long enjoyed in Germany's Cologne region. They then used generous amounts of German noble hops to create a beer with a strong hop aroma.

According to the company, the word "hoppy" might make some people imagine strong bitterness like an IPA, but this beer is not aiming in that direction. While preserving the delicate, fruity character of Kölsch, they aimed for a light, crisp drinking experience. The freshness evoking mint and lemongrass from the hops is also cited as one of this release's distinctive traits.

Sales begin on May 22. It was pre-sold at the recent Meat Fest and apparently received a favorable response. This is a limited-edition beer designed with the seasonal shift in mind, from spring's freshness to the heaviness of the rainy season and then on to the bright sun of early summer, with a flavor that's easy to drink.

Fujizakura Kogen Beer is a brewery in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture. Born in 1997 in a forest at the northern foot of sacred Mount Fuji, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, it has continued brewing beer that makes use of German brewing techniques and the high-quality soft water of the foot of Mount Fuji. It is also known for its fine foam produced by natural carbonation and its commitment to traditional German styles.

This Hoppy Kölsch Style can also be seen as a beer that follows that line. Rather than flashy bitterness, it is a limited beer that stands out through a balance of aroma and drinkability, and it seems likely to be an easy fit for early-summer meals as well.

Suggested Pairings


- Fresh spring rolls
- Octopus carpaccio
- Aji fry
- Samgyeopsal