Hakuba Beer Garage's "Tropical Snow" Wins Silver at JGBA 2026
Hakuba Beer Garage (HAKUBA CRAFT) in Hakuba, Nagano, announced that "Tropical Snow" won silver at JAPAN GREAT BEER AWARDS 2026. The result, one step up from its bronze in 2024, is news that shows the brewery's evolution in making HAZY IPAs.
Hop BroBreaking news: Hakuba Beer Garage in Nagano just won silver for "Tropical Snow" at JGBA 2026!
MugiWait, I feel like I heard about this before... so it got bumped up a rank?
Hop BroExactly. It was bronze in 2024, and this time it moved up to silver, with its HAZY IPA getting recognized in a fiercely competitive category.
MugiHuh, HAZY IPA sounds kind of murky and hard to wrap my head around!
Hop BroSimply put, it's a hazy-style IPA with bright aromas and gentle bitterness. This time, four-hop dry hopping really boosts the tropical vibe.
MugiDry hopping? That's not some weird health trick where you sprinkle hops on yourself after a bath, right?!
Hop BroNo, no. It's the process of adding hops after fermentation to layer in aroma. That's why the tropical aroma really pops.
MugiI get it! And a tropical vibe from a snowy place like Hakuba? The contrast between snow and tropical flavors is such great taste!
Hop BroExactly. Juicy and smooth, with restrained bitterness and 7.0% ABV that doesn't feel heavy - it's basically a 7.0% beer built for easy drinking.
MugiI can't hold back anymore! Let's toast tonight with Tropical Snow from Hakuba Beer Garage, hop bro!
Hakuba Beer Garage (HAKUBA CRAFT), based in the Hakuba area of Nagano Prefecture, announced the award on Instagram. The beer in question was the brewery's popular flagship, "Tropical Snow." It won a silver award at JAPAN GREAT BEER AWARDS 2026.
The post also noted that this beer had won bronze in 2024, so this time it moved up one level in recognition. HAZY IPAs in particular are a category with both a high number of entries and strong attention, so the weight of this award is significant.
"Tropical Snow" is a beer developed around the concept of expressing a "tropical mood" in Hakuba, a snow country. The name reflects that idea as well, with the contrast between snowy scenery and tropical aromas forming the design concept.
Its flavor profile is described as:
- Aroma reminiscent of tropical fruit
- Juicy, smooth mouthfeel
- Balanced as an IPA with restrained bitterness
It is further characterized by dry hopping with four kinds of hops to emphasize tropical fruitiness. At 7.0% ABV, it is also said to be easy to drink without feeling too strong.
Hakuba Beer Garage is a brewery that has broadened its support by highlighting its local identity while designing beers that are approachable to a wide range of drinkers. This award is a noteworthy topic for beer fans, as it shows the quality of regional craft beer in a national competition.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroBreaking news: Hakuba Beer Garage in Nagano just won silver for "Tropical Snow" at JGBA 2026!
MugiWait, I feel like I heard about this before... so it got bumped up a rank?
Hop BroExactly. It was bronze in 2024, and this time it moved up to silver, with its HAZY IPA getting recognized in a fiercely competitive category.
MugiHuh, HAZY IPA sounds kind of murky and hard to wrap my head around!
Hop BroSimply put, it's a hazy-style IPA with bright aromas and gentle bitterness. This time, four-hop dry hopping really boosts the tropical vibe.
MugiDry hopping? That's not some weird health trick where you sprinkle hops on yourself after a bath, right?!
Hop BroNo, no. It's the process of adding hops after fermentation to layer in aroma. That's why the tropical aroma really pops.
MugiI get it! And a tropical vibe from a snowy place like Hakuba? The contrast between snow and tropical flavors is such great taste!
Hop BroExactly. Juicy and smooth, with restrained bitterness and 7.0% ABV that doesn't feel heavy - it's basically a 7.0% beer built for easy drinking.
MugiI can't hold back anymore! Let's toast tonight with Tropical Snow from Hakuba Beer Garage, hop bro!
