A collaboration born between San Diego and Japan

“Amigo! HARLAND” is now available at Repubrew Mishima Slider House 24taps, a beer pub located near Mishima Station in Shizuoka. The beer was brewed jointly by Repubrew and Harland Brewing, a brewery from San Diego, after a Harland brewer visited Japan.

The concept began around a table at a Mexican restaurant. While enjoying tacos with spicy salsa and a Mexican lager, the brewers considered whether a drier, more toasted beer would pair even better with the food. That idea became this amber lager.

Toasty malt character with a crisp finish

The beer pours a deep amber-brown, with aromas of toast, toffee, and freshly baked biscuits. Caramel malt brings a rich, roasted impression to the palate, while the body remains light and smooth. A subtle roast note provides structure without weighing down the beer.

With an ABV of 4.7% and an IBU of 11.9, the finish is crisp and highly drinkable. The recipe uses Premium Pilsner, Vienna, and C240 malts, along with Sladek and Mt Hood hops. Flaked corn helps balance malt depth with a refreshing texture.

Pair it with tacos and nachos

The brewery recommends tacos, nachos, and Caesar salad, while fried chicken is also a natural match. The clean finish cuts through rich foods, and the toasted malt character adds depth to savory flavors.

For a distinctly Mexican-style serve, the source article suggests coating the rim of the glass with hot sauce and dipping it in Tajín chili seasoning. “Amigo! HARLAND” brings together San Diego’s borderland food culture and Japanese brewing technique in a beer made for food-focused drinking at Repubrew’s 24-tap pub.

Location: Repubrew Mishima Slider House 24taps, 1-25 Ichibancho, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.