Flora Fermentation in Shiga Releases New Three-Way Collaboration Beer, "Waldschrat"
Flora Fermentation (Shiga) announced a new release, "Waldschrat," on February 27, 2026. Brewed as a Schwarz Weizen in collaboration with HINO BREWING and Kyoto Beer Lab, it is characterized by a design centered on roasted malt and ester aroma.
Hop BroToday's topic is Flora Fermentation's new release from Shiga, "Waldschrat"! It was announced on February 27, 2026, and it's a three-way collaboration with HINO BREWING and Kyoto Beer Lab.
MugiWhoa! A three-way collaboration sounds as fun as a student festival committee! So what kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a Schwarz Weizen, basically a "black Weizen." ABV 5.5%, IBU 23, Batch No. 67. It's designed to bring together dark roasted character and the softness of wheat.
MugiWhat! Schwarz... wei... zen? Is that a spell? If I drink it, do I turn into a forest spirit?
Hop BroClose, but the forest spirit part is actually the origin of the name! Waldschrat means "forest guardian" in German. Schwarz Weizen is a style that combines the toasty character of dark beer with the fruity notes of Weizen yeast.
MugiOhh! So the taste isn't just bitter?
Hop BroThat's the interesting part. It has the mild bitterness of roasted malt, a banana-like ester aroma, and a smooth mouthfeel all at once. The malt bill is Wheat Malt Dark/Pale and Chocolate Malt, and the hops are Kamifurano Cascade, Hallertau Mittelfruh, and Saaz.
MugiThat's a lot of brewery-meeting-level detail all at once! So ester aroma means the fruity scent created by yeast, right?
Hop BroExactly! The concept of this release is "three distinct Weizens," and Flora answered with a beer that plays on the contrast between black and white. After passing its first anniversary in Shiga, it feels like a release that shows where the brewery stands right now.
MugiI already want to drink it! If it's available at stores in Tokyo, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, and elsewhere, let's check stock and go meet the "forest guardian" tonight!
Flora Fermentation announced the new release in an Instagram post (February 27, 2026 at 22:41). This release is one of the Weizen projects created through a three-way collaboration with HINO BREWING and Kyoto Beer Lab, and the brewery handled the Schwarz Weizen as its dark-style expression.
New Release Overview
- Beer name: Waldschrat
- Style: Schwarz Weizen
- ABV: 5.5%
- IBU: 23
- Batch No.: 67
In the post, the flavor was described as combining the mild bitterness of roasted malt, ester aroma reminiscent of banana, and a smooth mouthfeel. The malt bill uses Wheat Malt Dark / Pale and Chocolate Malt, while the hops include Kamifurano-grown Cascade, Hallertau Mittelfruh, and Saaz.
Collaboration Context
The theme of this project is "three distinct Weizens." Flora Fermentation responded with a Schwarz Weizen that emphasizes the contrast between black and white. The name Waldschrat comes from a "forest guardian" in German folklore, and the post also links it to imagery of nature.
Brewery Background
Flora Fermentation is a Shiga-based brewery that promotes the idea of "the finest beer woven from agriculture and fermentation" on its official website. It operates out of COFFEE BAR POLANO in Higashiomi, and held its first-anniversary event in early 2026. The brewery is working not only on limited releases but also on building core beers, and this collaboration is worth noting as a snapshot of where it stands today.
The first shipment is being distributed to retailers across Japan, including Tokyo, Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka (please check with individual stores for stock).
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's topic is Flora Fermentation's new release from Shiga, "Waldschrat"! It was announced on February 27, 2026, and it's a three-way collaboration with HINO BREWING and Kyoto Beer Lab.
MugiWhoa! A three-way collaboration sounds as fun as a student festival committee! So what kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a Schwarz Weizen, basically a "black Weizen." ABV 5.5%, IBU 23, Batch No. 67. It's designed to bring together dark roasted character and the softness of wheat.
MugiWhat! Schwarz... wei... zen? Is that a spell? If I drink it, do I turn into a forest spirit?
Hop BroClose, but the forest spirit part is actually the origin of the name! Waldschrat means "forest guardian" in German. Schwarz Weizen is a style that combines the toasty character of dark beer with the fruity notes of Weizen yeast.
MugiOhh! So the taste isn't just bitter?
Hop BroThat's the interesting part. It has the mild bitterness of roasted malt, a banana-like ester aroma, and a smooth mouthfeel all at once. The malt bill is Wheat Malt Dark/Pale and Chocolate Malt, and the hops are Kamifurano Cascade, Hallertau Mittelfruh, and Saaz.
MugiThat's a lot of brewery-meeting-level detail all at once! So ester aroma means the fruity scent created by yeast, right?
Hop BroExactly! The concept of this release is "three distinct Weizens," and Flora answered with a beer that plays on the contrast between black and white. After passing its first anniversary in Shiga, it feels like a release that shows where the brewery stands right now.
MugiI already want to drink it! If it's available at stores in Tokyo, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, and elsewhere, let's check stock and go meet the "forest guardian" tonight!
