Minoh Brewery Releases Collaborative Beer 'UME-CHU' with Mikkeller Tokyo
Minoh Brewery in Minoh, Osaka, announced the release of its collaboration beer, 'UME-CHU,' with Mikkeller Tokyo. It is a sour beer made with fully ripened Nanko plums from Minabe, Wakayama Prefecture, and it will be rolled out to food and liquor retailers from April 27, followed by sales on the official online shop starting at 5:00 p.m. on May 1.
Hop BroOsaka's Minoh Brewery is teaming up with Mikkeller Tokyo to release a seasonal limited beer called 'UME-CHU'. It's a sour beer with plums at the center, and honestly, it's one of those beers that really catches your attention.
MugiWhoa! Just from the name, 'UME-CHU' already sounds delicious! It has that plum chu-hai vibe, but it's actually beer, right?
Hop BroExactly. The style is Fruit Sour Ale. It's built with malt, plum, hops, and lactic acid, and they've kept it brisk and light at Alc. 4.0% and IBU 23.
MugiIBU? What's that? I've heard it's a bitterness indicator, but what does 23 actually feel like?
Hop BroBasically, the bitterness doesn't take over, so it won't interfere with the plum's tartness. The hops used are Motueka and Saaz, so they seem to be supporting the aroma in a restrained way.
MugiOh, I see! That sounds really easy to drink! And they use fully ripened Nanko plums too? That's perfect for plum lovers!
Hop BroThat's right. They add plums from Minabe in Wakayama Prefecture during fermentation and age it slowly, so instead of being just sour, it brings out a soft umami character.
MugiThey add the plums during fermentation? That sounds exciting, like a science experiment! I really want to know how the aroma rises from the glass!
Hop BroFrom the glass, you get a sweet-tart aroma reminiscent of ripe plums, and once you sip it, the lightness of a sour beer and the approachable character of plum come together. It's a very seasonal ingredient kind of move, just like Minoh Brewery.
MugiAnd it's rolling out from April 27, with the official online shop starting on May 1 at 5:00 p.m., right? I've already marked it on my calendar in red!
Hop BroYeah, it's definitely the kind of beer you want to drink before summer really sets in. This is the kind of one that makes you want to toast with plum tartness, and I kind of want it on shelves right away.
Osaka-based Minoh Brewery has announced the release of 'UME-CHU' as its latest seasonal offering. This time, in collaboration with Mikkeller Tokyo, the beer has been crafted as a sour beer that puts the aroma and acidity of plums at the center.
The base is a sour beer with a pleasant tartness. On top of that, the brewery generously uses fully ripened Nanko plums from Minabe, Wakayama Prefecture, one of Japan's major plum-producing areas, adding the fruit during fermentation and aging it slowly over time. The result is designed to open with a sweet-tart aroma reminiscent of ripe plums, and on the palate, a gentle acidity and umami from the fruit spread throughout.
The specifications are as follows.
- Product name: Ume-chu
- Style: Fruit Sour Ale
- Category: Happoshu
- Ingredients: Malt, plum, hops, lactic acid
- Alc: 4.0%
- IBU: 23
- Hops used: Motueka, Saaz
Minoh Brewery is known for beer-making that, while rooted in classic styles, also incorporates local fruit and seasonal ingredients. This latest 'UME-CHU' follows that tradition, layering the easy drinkability of a sour beer with the approachable character of plum. The product information also notes a taste that can be enjoyed in a manner similar to chu-hai, positioning it as a recommendation for the hot season ahead.
The release will begin in stages. Sales to food and liquor retailers will start sequentially from April 27, and sales on the official online shop will begin at 5:00 p.m. on May 1. Information on directly operated stores can be found on the official Instagram account.
This new release combines the fruit-focused approach characteristic of Minoh Brewery with a collaborative perspective. It should also be interesting to see how the acidity of the plums has been translated into beer.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroOsaka's Minoh Brewery is teaming up with Mikkeller Tokyo to release a seasonal limited beer called 'UME-CHU'. It's a sour beer with plums at the center, and honestly, it's one of those beers that really catches your attention.
MugiWhoa! Just from the name, 'UME-CHU' already sounds delicious! It has that plum chu-hai vibe, but it's actually beer, right?
Hop BroExactly. The style is Fruit Sour Ale. It's built with malt, plum, hops, and lactic acid, and they've kept it brisk and light at Alc. 4.0% and IBU 23.
MugiIBU? What's that? I've heard it's a bitterness indicator, but what does 23 actually feel like?
Hop BroBasically, the bitterness doesn't take over, so it won't interfere with the plum's tartness. The hops used are Motueka and Saaz, so they seem to be supporting the aroma in a restrained way.
MugiOh, I see! That sounds really easy to drink! And they use fully ripened Nanko plums too? That's perfect for plum lovers!
Hop BroThat's right. They add plums from Minabe in Wakayama Prefecture during fermentation and age it slowly, so instead of being just sour, it brings out a soft umami character.
MugiThey add the plums during fermentation? That sounds exciting, like a science experiment! I really want to know how the aroma rises from the glass!
Hop BroFrom the glass, you get a sweet-tart aroma reminiscent of ripe plums, and once you sip it, the lightness of a sour beer and the approachable character of plum come together. It's a very seasonal ingredient kind of move, just like Minoh Brewery.
MugiAnd it's rolling out from April 27, with the official online shop starting on May 1 at 5:00 p.m., right? I've already marked it on my calendar in red!
Hop BroYeah, it's definitely the kind of beer you want to drink before summer really sets in. This is the kind of one that makes you want to toast with plum tartness, and I kind of want it on shelves right away.
