orca Ginza Brewery Debuts First Collaboration with Kabukiza, Limited-Release Two “Kumadori” Beers
BrewinBar Co., Ltd., which operates orca Ginza Brewery, released two craft beers on May 7, 2025 in its first collaboration with Kabukiza in Tokyo’s Ginza district: “Kumadori IPA” and “Kumadori Lager.” The project is being rolled out as a limited-quantity offering that combines a label prominently featuring kumadori makeup with the brewery’s Ginza-origin story.
Hop BroNews just dropped: orca Ginza Brewery has teamed up with Kabukiza for the first time and released “Kumadori IPA” and “Kumadori Lager”!
MugiWhoa! Kabuki and craft beer!? That sounds like the label is going to be insanely bold!
Hop BroExactly, and the design really puts the kumadori front and center. The release was on May 7, 2025, in 330 ml small bottles at JPY 990 each, with only 300 bottles available per beer.
MugiOnly 300 bottles each!? If you find one, that’s basically a capture mission!
Hop BroThe flavor design is solid too. Kumadori IPA has citrusy hop aroma and strong bitterness, while Kumadori Lager focuses on a crisp mouthfeel and a sharp finish. They’re two beers made for side-by-side tasting.
MugiWait, what does “sharp finish” mean? Like it cuts you like a knife!?
Hop BroGood question. In beer, a “sharp finish” means the aftertaste fades cleanly and lightly, making you want the next sip. It’s that refreshing feeling that doesn’t linger heavily.
MugiOhhh, I get it! So the IPA goes hard on aroma and bitterness, and the lager is more of a gulp-it-down beer!
Hop BroExactly right. And orca Ginza Brewery is a brewpub in Ginza that has kept developing its own unfiltered, unpasteurized beers. This collaboration really made its connection between local culture and craft stand out.
MugiThe idea of taking home Ginza’s story through both appearance and taste is way too good... I want to line up the Kumadori IPA and Kumadori Lager and drink them right now!
Hop BroAgreed. Start with the lager to set up the palate, then let the IPA’s aroma explode. This is definitely a case for a toast!
Traditional Motifs, Poured into a Ginza Glass
The biggest feature of this collaboration is the bold use of Kabukiza’s iconic “kumadori” motif on the label. The lineup consists of two products, “Kumadori IPA” and “Kumadori Lager,” both sold in 330 ml small bottles at JPY 990 including tax. Sales began on May 7, 2025, and the limited run is 300 bottles of each.
The flavor profiles are designed so that the IPA offers citrus hop aroma and firm bitterness, while the lager delivers a crisp mouthfeel and a clean finish. While the beers also function as a “Tokyo Ginza souvenir” aimed at tourists and kabuki fans, the set is structured so beer enthusiasts can enjoy comparing the two.
The Context of orca Ginza Brewery
orca Ginza Brewery (Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo) has developed as a brewpub with on-site brewing. According to its official information, it traces its roots to a bar founded in 1985, and the 2015 renovation established its current form as a brewery in the middle of Ginza. Centered on its own unfiltered, unpasteurized beers, it continues to develop seasonal offerings.
During Golden Week 2025, the brewery also announced its participation in Matsuya Ginza’s 100th anniversary event, “GINZA no Awa Matsuri.” This Kabukiza collaboration can be seen as a further step toward connecting local culture with craft beer. It is a project that lets people take home the story of Ginza through both sight and taste.
Reference Information
- First collaboration with Kabukiza!! Tradition x craft beer (orca Ginza Brewery)
- orca Ginza Brewery Official Site
- Company Profile (orca Ginza Brewery)
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroNews just dropped: orca Ginza Brewery has teamed up with Kabukiza for the first time and released “Kumadori IPA” and “Kumadori Lager”!
MugiWhoa! Kabuki and craft beer!? That sounds like the label is going to be insanely bold!
Hop BroExactly, and the design really puts the kumadori front and center. The release was on May 7, 2025, in 330 ml small bottles at JPY 990 each, with only 300 bottles available per beer.
MugiOnly 300 bottles each!? If you find one, that’s basically a capture mission!
Hop BroThe flavor design is solid too. Kumadori IPA has citrusy hop aroma and strong bitterness, while Kumadori Lager focuses on a crisp mouthfeel and a sharp finish. They’re two beers made for side-by-side tasting.
MugiWait, what does “sharp finish” mean? Like it cuts you like a knife!?
Hop BroGood question. In beer, a “sharp finish” means the aftertaste fades cleanly and lightly, making you want the next sip. It’s that refreshing feeling that doesn’t linger heavily.
MugiOhhh, I get it! So the IPA goes hard on aroma and bitterness, and the lager is more of a gulp-it-down beer!
Hop BroExactly right. And orca Ginza Brewery is a brewpub in Ginza that has kept developing its own unfiltered, unpasteurized beers. This collaboration really made its connection between local culture and craft stand out.
MugiThe idea of taking home Ginza’s story through both appearance and taste is way too good... I want to line up the Kumadori IPA and Kumadori Lager and drink them right now!
Hop BroAgreed. Start with the lager to set up the palate, then let the IPA’s aroma explode. This is definitely a case for a toast!
