Hikone Beer promotes 'Chayu Ichie-ru,' a limited ale with hojicha aroma now on sale
Hikone Beer (Kojin-yama Brewery) announced the well-received sale of 'Chayu Ichie-ru' in an Instagram post at 17:32 on March 13, 2026. It is drawing attention as a limited ale made with tea leaves from a Japanese tea specialty shop, with a pronounced hojicha aroma.
Hop BroToday's spotlight is Hikone Beer Kojin-yama Brewery's limited ale, 'Chayu Ichie-ru'! It's a spring-perfect brew with a gentle hojicha aroma.
MugiWait, beer with hojicha!? What is that, like a Japanese dessert?
Hop BroWhat makes it strong is that it uses tea leaves from Mandokoroen, a specialty Japanese tea shop. It's an easy-drinking ale with Alc 6.0% and IBU 28, so the bitterness is nicely moderate.
MugiIBU 28, is that a score out of 100 on a test!? Isn't that a failing grade!?
Hop BroIt's not a test! IBU is a measure of bitterness, and 28 means 'not too bitter, but not lacking either.' It's set so you can really enjoy the hojicha aroma.
MugiOhh! So even a craft beer beginner like me could handle it!
Hop BroAnd the limited label uses a scene from the national treasure 'Hikone Byobu.' It links the product name's 'tea ceremony' world with the tea culture associated with Lord Naosuke Ii, so the local context is super strong.
MugiUsing the label to serve up history is so stylish! 330 ml and kept refrigerated? I can't stop imagining taking it on an outing!
Hop BroThey also announced in an Instagram post at 17:32 on March 13, 2026 that it's selling well, so now is the perfect time to drink it. It's a beer that lets you taste Hikone-ness in a glass.
MugiIt's decided! Let's toast with 'Chayu Ichie-ru' today! I want to drink that hojicha-scented ale right now!
The limited product 'Chayu Ichie-ru' from Hikone Beer (Hikone City, Shiga) was once again announced as being on sale through the official Instagram account. The post title read, '🍺 Chayu Ichie-ru now selling well 🍺...'. With the spring outing season approaching, it's an easy time to pick one up as a beer that reflects local culture.
Product highlights
According to the official lineup information, 'Chayu Ichie-ru' is an easy-drinking ale with a gentle hojicha aroma. The beer is designed around tea notes, using tea leaves from Mandokoroen, a specialty Japanese tea shop. Its specs are Alc 6.0% / IBU 28, with moderate bitterness. Ingredients include malt, hojicha, and hops; it comes in a 330 ml bottle and is sold refrigerated.
The limited label also features a scene from the national treasure 'Hikone Byobu.' The design connects the product name's 'chayu' worldview with Hikone's historical heritage. In addition, the beer was created to commemorate the enactment of the ordinance honoring Lord Naosuke Ii's achievements and promoting tea ceremony and ichigo ichie culture, giving it a clear local context.
Brewery background
Hikone Beer Kojin-yama Brewery is a craft brewery operating at the foot of Mt. Kojin-yama in Hikone, in an area adjacent to farmland and Sone Numa. As part of a sustainable project linking local communities, a university, and companies, it has moved forward, establishing the company in November 2019 and opening its own brewery in May 2021. Its stated goal is 'ALL HIKONE BEER' made with 100% Hikone-grown ingredients.
This 'Chayu Ichie-ru' can be said to embody that policy. It is a new product that lets you taste 'Hikone-ness' in a glass, combining local tea culture, history, and brewing technique.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's spotlight is Hikone Beer Kojin-yama Brewery's limited ale, 'Chayu Ichie-ru'! It's a spring-perfect brew with a gentle hojicha aroma.
MugiWait, beer with hojicha!? What is that, like a Japanese dessert?
Hop BroWhat makes it strong is that it uses tea leaves from Mandokoroen, a specialty Japanese tea shop. It's an easy-drinking ale with Alc 6.0% and IBU 28, so the bitterness is nicely moderate.
MugiIBU 28, is that a score out of 100 on a test!? Isn't that a failing grade!?
Hop BroIt's not a test! IBU is a measure of bitterness, and 28 means 'not too bitter, but not lacking either.' It's set so you can really enjoy the hojicha aroma.
MugiOhh! So even a craft beer beginner like me could handle it!
Hop BroAnd the limited label uses a scene from the national treasure 'Hikone Byobu.' It links the product name's 'tea ceremony' world with the tea culture associated with Lord Naosuke Ii, so the local context is super strong.
MugiUsing the label to serve up history is so stylish! 330 ml and kept refrigerated? I can't stop imagining taking it on an outing!
Hop BroThey also announced in an Instagram post at 17:32 on March 13, 2026 that it's selling well, so now is the perfect time to drink it. It's a beer that lets you taste Hikone-ness in a glass.
MugiIt's decided! Let's toast with 'Chayu Ichie-ru' today! I want to drink that hojicha-scented ale right now!
