Sunao Brewery Introduces "Ginga," a White Beer Made with 100% Yokote-Grown Hops
On March 5, Sunao Brewery in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, introduced its new White-style beer, "Ginga," on Instagram. Made with 30 kg of wheat from Ogata Village, Akita Prefecture, and Yokote-grown hops, it also marks an attempt to use unprocessed raw wheat. In addition to being served at the brewery, it is also available online.
Hop BroToday's topic is Sunao Brewery in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, and its new White-style release, "Ginga"! It was introduced on Instagram on March 5, and the ABV is 5.0%.
MugiWhat?! The name already sounds dreamy! "Ginga" has to be something sparkly!
Hop BroAnd it is seriously all about the ingredients: 30 kg of wheat from Ogata Village in Akita Prefecture, plus 100% Yokote-grown hops. The hop used is Comet.
MugiWhat! Comet, like a comet? If I drink it, do I fly into space?
Hop BroNope, no space travel. Comet is the hop variety, and it tends to bring out citrusy and fresh green notes.
MugiOhhh! But the article said they tried using "raw wheat". What does that mean? Isn't wheat usually used as-is?
Hop BroGood question! It means they used wheat before processing. In beer-geek terms, it makes it easier to highlight grain character and bring out a light acidity. In short, it gives a soft, natural sweetness and a gentle tartness.
MugiSo it's the kind of beer that's gentle but still crisp! It looks like a white beer, but it has the speed of a sprinter!
Hop BroThat's a keeper. It seems easy for beginners to enjoy and also easy to pair with food. On top of being served at the brewery, it's available online too, and the taproom also handles cans, growlers, and fill-ups.
MugiPerfect! I want to drink it in Yokote during the Friday-Saturday hours, or secure some online... either way, I want "Ginga" right now!
On a March 5 Instagram post, Sunao Brewery in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, unveiled its beer "Ginga." According to the post, the style is White, the ABV is 5.0%, and the hop used is Comet. On the ingredient side, the beer is distinguished by a recipe combining 30 kg of wheat from Ogata Village, Akita Prefecture with 100% Yokote-grown hops.
For this brew, the brewery used unprocessed raw wheat for the first time in pursuit of flavor. The brewery says this approach brings out a more natural grain character and a light acidity. The post also describes it as a beer with a soft wheat-derived sweetness and tartness, plus a crisp finish, making it a candidate for everyone from craft-beer beginners to people looking for something to pair with a meal.
On the sales side, it can be purchased not only at the brewery but also through the online shop (`sunao-brewery.square.site`). The taproom also carries canned beer, original growlers, and beer tickets, and offers fill-ups for customers who bring their own growlers.
On its official website, Sunao Brewery describes itself as a craft beer brewery based in Yokote, Akita Prefecture. It emphasizes brewing beer that stays close to nature and the ingredients, and it began taproom operations in February 2024. This latest "Ginga" release stands out as a concrete expression of that local focus and ingredient-first approach, both in ingredient selection and brewing method.
The brewery is located at 4-25 Tanakamachi, Yokote, Akita Prefecture. The basic hours listed in the post are Friday 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. and Saturday 3:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's topic is Sunao Brewery in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, and its new White-style release, "Ginga"! It was introduced on Instagram on March 5, and the ABV is 5.0%.
MugiWhat?! The name already sounds dreamy! "Ginga" has to be something sparkly!
Hop BroAnd it is seriously all about the ingredients: 30 kg of wheat from Ogata Village in Akita Prefecture, plus 100% Yokote-grown hops. The hop used is Comet.
MugiWhat! Comet, like a comet? If I drink it, do I fly into space?
Hop BroNope, no space travel. Comet is the hop variety, and it tends to bring out citrusy and fresh green notes.
MugiOhhh! But the article said they tried using "raw wheat". What does that mean? Isn't wheat usually used as-is?
Hop BroGood question! It means they used wheat before processing. In beer-geek terms, it makes it easier to highlight grain character and bring out a light acidity. In short, it gives a soft, natural sweetness and a gentle tartness.
MugiSo it's the kind of beer that's gentle but still crisp! It looks like a white beer, but it has the speed of a sprinter!
Hop BroThat's a keeper. It seems easy for beginners to enjoy and also easy to pair with food. On top of being served at the brewery, it's available online too, and the taproom also handles cans, growlers, and fill-ups.
MugiPerfect! I want to drink it in Yokote during the Friday-Saturday hours, or secure some online... either way, I want "Ginga" right now!
