Hop Gear Brewing is a brewery based in Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture, and has been brewing since March 2021. On its official website, it states a goal of delivering "wholesome, delicious, and creative craft beer" to people of all ages.

The new release arriving on Friday, April 10 is Kolsch Ver.2.0.2. In an Instagram post, it is introduced as "the second Kölsch using original yeast," and the brewery says it has been finished as a beer that is light and clean, yet leaves a gentle aftertaste.

The specs are ABV 4%, IBU 16, SRM 4.5, and the hop used is Styrian Wolf. The beer style is listed as "Kolsch style Ale," suggesting a balanced finish in which aroma and bitterness are not overly emphasized, but the drinking experience is well rounded. A cat motif is also featured on the label, adding to the series' distinct personality.

On its official website as well, Hop Gear Brewing offers a lineup with a broad range of styles, including Kölsch, saison, IPA, and collaboration beers with coffee. Among them, this new release appears to signal the brewery's strength in combining "drinkability" and "individuality."

As the latest creation from the brewery in Honjo City, this is one we want to start with to check out that crisp, Kölsch-like drinking character.