Karuizawa Q announces apricot fruit ale Ann at its 2F taproom
The brewpub Karuizawa Q in Naka-Karuizawa, Nagano, introduced Ann, a fruit ale brewed with apricots, at its upstairs taproom GOOD AFTERNOON. The beer is listed at 5.5% ABV and 17 IBU, using Harcot apricots from Chikuma City.
Hop BroI want to talk about Ann, the apricot beer being poured at karuizawa Q in Karuizawa today. The name alone already pulls you in.
MugiWait, an apricot beer? That sounds like dessert crashed into a pint glass. Is fruit really the star here?
Hop BroExactly. The style is Fruit Ale w/Apricot, and the key detail is that it uses Harcot apricots from Chikuma in Nagano.
MugiWhoa, Harcot apricots? That sounds less like fruit and more like a robot hero with a cape!
Hop BroIt is an apricot variety, and a tasty one even for fresh eating. Plus the base is Wheat Ale, so the wheat malt gives it a soft, rounded feel that catches the fruit nicely.
MugiHold on, Wheat Ale suddenly makes this sound like science class. So basically it means the mouthfeel is gentler?
Hop BroThat is exactly it. And with IBU 17, the bitterness stays low, while 5.5% ABV keeps it easy to drink and lets the soft apricot aroma and bright acidity show up.
MugiWhat is that, a cheat code? Bright acidity to tighten everything up sounds perfect for a hot day.
Hop BroThe best part is that fresh apricots have such a short season, so they process them right after harvest to make it a truly seasonal pint.
MugiAnd you can drink it at the second-floor taproom GOOD AFTERNOON in Naka-Karuizawa with food, right? That is winning before the first sip.
Hop BroRight. karuizawa Q is a brewpub, so it is a place to settle in from your first beer through your meal. Talking about it is making me want an Ann right now.
MugiThat settles it. I want a glass of Ann in Karuizawa and to just melt into that apricot aroma.
What was announced
The post highlights a beer named Ann. It is described as a Fruit Ale w/Apricot, with 5.5% ABV and 17 IBU. According to the caption, it uses Harcot apricots grown in Chikuma City, Nagano, and is built around the soft character of apricot and the rounded texture of wheat malt.
Flavor profile
The base is a simple Wheat Ale designed to let the apricot show through. The beer leans on bright, refreshing acidity to keep the finish crisp, while the fruit’s gentle sweetness and familiar aroma give it a seasonal feel. Because fresh apricots have a short harvest window, the brewery says they process them quickly after pickup.
About the venue
Karuizawa Q is a brewpub in Naka-Karuizawa. Its second-floor taproom, GOOD AFTERNOON, serves house-brewed craft beer alongside food meant for pairing. It is the kind of place where beer drinkers can settle in for both a pint and a meal, and Ann fits naturally into that setup as a fruit-forward seasonal offering.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroI want to talk about Ann, the apricot beer being poured at karuizawa Q in Karuizawa today. The name alone already pulls you in.
MugiWait, an apricot beer? That sounds like dessert crashed into a pint glass. Is fruit really the star here?
Hop BroExactly. The style is Fruit Ale w/Apricot, and the key detail is that it uses Harcot apricots from Chikuma in Nagano.
MugiWhoa, Harcot apricots? That sounds less like fruit and more like a robot hero with a cape!
Hop BroIt is an apricot variety, and a tasty one even for fresh eating. Plus the base is Wheat Ale, so the wheat malt gives it a soft, rounded feel that catches the fruit nicely.
MugiHold on, Wheat Ale suddenly makes this sound like science class. So basically it means the mouthfeel is gentler?
Hop BroThat is exactly it. And with IBU 17, the bitterness stays low, while 5.5% ABV keeps it easy to drink and lets the soft apricot aroma and bright acidity show up.
MugiWhat is that, a cheat code? Bright acidity to tighten everything up sounds perfect for a hot day.
Hop BroThe best part is that fresh apricots have such a short season, so they process them right after harvest to make it a truly seasonal pint.
MugiAnd you can drink it at the second-floor taproom GOOD AFTERNOON in Naka-Karuizawa with food, right? That is winning before the first sip.
Hop BroRight. karuizawa Q is a brewpub, so it is a place to settle in from your first beer through your meal. Talking about it is making me want an Ann right now.
MugiThat settles it. I want a glass of Ann in Karuizawa and to just melt into that apricot aroma.
