Introducing HOP KOTAN's "Soumatou" at Susukino Ale STAND
The beer pub "Susukino Ale STAND," on the basement first floor of COCONO SUSUKINO in Sapporo, Hokkaido, introduced a guest beer in a post on March 24, 2026. HOP KOTAN BREWING's "Soumatou" is a beer worth watching as a botanical lager whose spice-driven refreshment really stands out.
Hop BroAs a standout guest beer in Sapporo's Susukino, Susukino Ale STAND is pushing HOP KOTAN BREWING's "Soumatou."
MugiWhoa, even the name "Soumatou" already has me curious! It sounds kind of like a movie, and I'm getting excited. What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a botanical lager, with ABV 5.0% and IBU 20. It takes the clean character of a lager and adds a distinctive aromatic edge.
MugiOhhh, so by "clean lager character," you mean it's super easy to drink? But if it also has aroma, that's like getting the best of both worlds!
Hop BroExactly. And on top of that, the maqaw and orange peel give it a lemongrass-like freshness that rises up through the nose.
MugiMaqaw? What even is that! I've always thought that when people said "mountain pepper," it meant pepper was somehow harvested in the mountains!
Hop BroIt's a Taiwanese spice, with a citrus-like fragrance and a light kick as its signature. So it should really hit home with people who care about aroma.
MugiAnd Susukino Ale STAND lets you drink from as early as 10 a.m., right? A drink before a meetup sounds almost dangerously convenient!
Hop BroYou can enjoy it in the shop or as takeout, and being able to check the labels you're interested in on the official e-commerce site is a big plus. It doesn't just end with drinking there.
MugiThat's the best! I'm in the mood for a drink in Sapporo today, and now I want to toast with Soumatou's botanical aroma!
The latest post from Susukino Ale STAND featured HOP KOTAN BREWING (@hopkotanbrewing)'s "Soumatou".
The post lists the specs as ABV 5.0% / IBU 20 / Style: Botanical Lager. Built on the clean drinkability typical of a lager, it is presented as a light, easy-to-drink beer with a spice aroma reminiscent of lemongrass.
What stands out about this beer are the adjuncts "Maqaw" (maragao) and orange peel. Maqaw is a Taiwanese spice also called "mountain pepper," and its key points are a bright citrus-like aroma and a gentle hint of spice. The post even describes the refreshing feeling that comes as the aroma rises through your nose, making this one that should resonate with people who choose beers for their aroma.
Susukino Ale STAND is a beer pub in Sapporo's Susukino area where you can casually enjoy craft beer. In addition to dine-in service, it also offers takeout, and its ability to open from 10:00 a.m. is another defining feature. Being able to stop in for a drink before a meetup or for a short visit is exactly the kind of convenience you get from a city-style stand.
The shop also says that the craft beers it carries can be checked and purchased through its official e-commerce site. Since there's a path to follow up on a label you noticed in the store, it is appealing not just as a place to drink, but also as a gateway to buying it for home. This "Soumatou" is also a bottle that balances lager drinkability with botanical character, so it is one to keep on your list when checking out guest beers in Sapporo.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroAs a standout guest beer in Sapporo's Susukino, Susukino Ale STAND is pushing HOP KOTAN BREWING's "Soumatou."
MugiWhoa, even the name "Soumatou" already has me curious! It sounds kind of like a movie, and I'm getting excited. What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a botanical lager, with ABV 5.0% and IBU 20. It takes the clean character of a lager and adds a distinctive aromatic edge.
MugiOhhh, so by "clean lager character," you mean it's super easy to drink? But if it also has aroma, that's like getting the best of both worlds!
Hop BroExactly. And on top of that, the maqaw and orange peel give it a lemongrass-like freshness that rises up through the nose.
MugiMaqaw? What even is that! I've always thought that when people said "mountain pepper," it meant pepper was somehow harvested in the mountains!
Hop BroIt's a Taiwanese spice, with a citrus-like fragrance and a light kick as its signature. So it should really hit home with people who care about aroma.
MugiAnd Susukino Ale STAND lets you drink from as early as 10 a.m., right? A drink before a meetup sounds almost dangerously convenient!
Hop BroYou can enjoy it in the shop or as takeout, and being able to check the labels you're interested in on the official e-commerce site is a big plus. It doesn't just end with drinking there.
MugiThat's the best! I'm in the mood for a drink in Sapporo today, and now I want to toast with Soumatou's botanical aroma!
