Fukuoka's Neko Beer Introduces a Single-Hop Pale Ale Featuring NZ Hop Rakau
Neko Beer, based in Nagao, Minami Ward, Fukuoka City, introduced a new single-hop pale ale on Instagram. This time, it uses New Zealand hop Rakau, pairing an easy-drinking 5.5% ABV with tropical aroma and mild bitterness.
Hop BroNeko Beer's new release from Nagao, Minami Ward, Fukuoka City is here, and it's a standard-series single-hop pale ale. It's called "SingleHopPaleale Rakau," and this time the star is the New Zealand hop Rakau.
MugiWait, who exactly is Rakau? The name already sounds intense, and for a second I couldn't tell whether it was a cat or a hop!
Hop BroRakau is a New Zealand hop, and its appeal is that it tends to bring out a tropical aroma. Neko Beer is smart here, because it lets both the bitterness and the aroma stand out, not just one or the other.
MugiBut what on earth is this "biotransformation" thing in the article? It sounds like a science experiment. Does it have anything to do with beer?!
Hop BroIt does. It's the idea that yeast during fermentation changes hop compounds and helps bring out aromatic character. In other words, it's a way to amplify aroma, and it means the beer isn't designed to rely only on bittering or dry hopping.
MugiOhhh! And if the spec is ABV 5.5%, it sounds pretty easy to drink. Pale ales are so much more appealing when they have that casual drinkability!
Hop BroThe malt bill is also a mix of Pilsner, Munich Malt, and Carapils, which gives it a subtle sweetness as a foundation. The floral hop character is supported by a body with just the right amount of roundness.
MugiSo it has a pleasant bitterness, but it's not heavy and should go down smoothly! That kind of beer would definitely make me say, "one more!"
Hop BroWhat's more, this is a return to the regular pale ale lineup after a while, so it's fun that the single-hop character is easy to follow. If you want to really feel Rakau's outline, this should hit the spot.
MugiAnd if it's being tapped at Beakichi, of course I'd want to drink it on site. If it's also spreading to other stores, this is definitely one to grab the moment you see it!
Hop BroExactly. It's one to remember as a noteworthy Fukuoka original. With Rakau's aroma and its light, easy-drinking finish, this is the kind of beer that makes you want it while you're still waiting for it to chill at the bar.
MugiAll right, today is officially a "I want to drink Rakau" day! If we spot a Neko Beer glass, we're going all out and toasting!
Neko Beer, which began brewing in 2025 in Nagao, Minami Ward, Fukuoka City, has unveiled a new addition to its standard single-hop pale ale series. This beer is called "SingleHopPaleale Rakau" and uses Rakau. Its specs are ABV 5.5%, with Pilsner / Munich Malt / Carapils for the malt bill and Rakau for the hop.
In the post, the brewery describes this release as a long-awaited return to its regular pale ale lineup, and says the featured hop is Rakau. Rather than relying only on bittering or dry hopping, it uses biotransformation to draw both bitterness and aroma from a single hop variety. The result is said to be a well-balanced beer with a tropical-fruit-like aroma, a pleasant bitterness, and a gentle sweetness from the malt.
Neko Beer is a new brewery based in Nagao, Minami Ward, Fukuoka City, and it also operates its own food and drink venues. In this post as well, in addition to announcing the start of taps at Beakichi, it also notes sales to outside shops, suggesting more opportunities to enjoy it at affiliated locations and retailers. Because it is built as a single-hop beer, it should make Rakau's character easy to appreciate. For anyone who wants to taste the hop's profile closely, this looks like a particularly interesting release.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroNeko Beer's new release from Nagao, Minami Ward, Fukuoka City is here, and it's a standard-series single-hop pale ale. It's called "SingleHopPaleale Rakau," and this time the star is the New Zealand hop Rakau.
MugiWait, who exactly is Rakau? The name already sounds intense, and for a second I couldn't tell whether it was a cat or a hop!
Hop BroRakau is a New Zealand hop, and its appeal is that it tends to bring out a tropical aroma. Neko Beer is smart here, because it lets both the bitterness and the aroma stand out, not just one or the other.
MugiBut what on earth is this "biotransformation" thing in the article? It sounds like a science experiment. Does it have anything to do with beer?!
Hop BroIt does. It's the idea that yeast during fermentation changes hop compounds and helps bring out aromatic character. In other words, it's a way to amplify aroma, and it means the beer isn't designed to rely only on bittering or dry hopping.
MugiOhhh! And if the spec is ABV 5.5%, it sounds pretty easy to drink. Pale ales are so much more appealing when they have that casual drinkability!
Hop BroThe malt bill is also a mix of Pilsner, Munich Malt, and Carapils, which gives it a subtle sweetness as a foundation. The floral hop character is supported by a body with just the right amount of roundness.
MugiSo it has a pleasant bitterness, but it's not heavy and should go down smoothly! That kind of beer would definitely make me say, "one more!"
Hop BroWhat's more, this is a return to the regular pale ale lineup after a while, so it's fun that the single-hop character is easy to follow. If you want to really feel Rakau's outline, this should hit the spot.
MugiAnd if it's being tapped at Beakichi, of course I'd want to drink it on site. If it's also spreading to other stores, this is definitely one to grab the moment you see it!
Hop BroExactly. It's one to remember as a noteworthy Fukuoka original. With Rakau's aroma and its light, easy-drinking finish, this is the kind of beer that makes you want it while you're still waiting for it to chill at the bar.
MugiAll right, today is officially a "I want to drink Rakau" day! If we spot a Neko Beer glass, we're going all out and toasting!
