8Peaks Brewing launches limited S8 beer made with Suwa Lake source water and Yatsugatake hops
8Peaks Brewing, based in Chino, Nagano, is selling S8, a commemorative beer for the Suwako 8Peaks Middle Triathlon. It is brewed with Suwa Lake source water and Yatsugatake hops, and draft service has started this year.
Hop BroToday’s topic is the limited beer S8 from Eight Peaks Brewing in Nagano.
MugiWhat, that name already sounds fast! A triathlon commemorative beer? Am I supposed to sprint before drinking it?!
Hop BroNo running required. S8 was brewed for the 4th Suwako Eight Peaks Middle Triathlon, and the key is spring water from Lake Suwa and Yatsugatake hops.
MugiWow! But when people say softness from soft water, I suddenly feel like I’m in science class!
Hop BroThat part matters. Soft water means water without a heavy mineral edge, and here it gives S8 a gentle, smooth mouthfeel that goes down easily.
MugiOkay, I’m into that! And this year they adjusted the hop amount and blend for even more aroma, right? That’s an upgrade!
Hop BroExactly. The article doesn’t name a strict style, but the easiest way to picture it is a crisp citrusy ale with a clean finish, perfect for the event.
MugiAnd this year they also started serving it on draft? I leaned forward reading that. Draft just feels more alive!
Hop BroThat’s basically it. Draft means beer poured fresh from the tap, and for S8 it expands the ways people can enjoy it around the venue. It’s 850 yen for 330ml, and it’s also listed at the Chino Station ALE STAND and online.
MugiI also love that part of the proceeds supports the event committee. It’s not just tasty, it helps the local community too.
Hop BroThat’s the charm of S8: local water, local hops, and support for a regional event. This really feels like a beer worth having on site.
MugiYep, I’m sold. With that citrusy aroma and clean finish, I want to drink S8 right now!
A limited beer tied to the event
8Peaks Brewing is a craft brewery based in Chino, Nagano, at the foot of Yatsugatake. The brewery has built its identity around beers that fit the local landscape and food culture, with a focus on the idea of a lifestyle that includes beer.
The beer now on sale, S8, is a commemorative release for the 4th Suwako 8Peaks Middle Triathlon. It is brewed with source water from Lake Suwa and hops grown in the Yatsugatake area. For the 2026 version, the brewery says it adjusted the hop volume and blend to make the aroma more pronounced. The beer is described as having a bright citrus note, a soft mouthfeel from the water, and a clean finish.
Draft service has also started this year, adding another way to enjoy the beer around the event. The 330ml size is priced at 850 yen including tax. Sales are available at 8Peaks ALE STAND in Bellvia 1F next to Chino Station, at 8Peaks living, through the brewery shop, at BAR CRUISE in Suwa, and online.
Part of the proceeds is donated to the race committee to support the open-water swim fund. As a local beer built from local water and local hops, S8 links the event, the brewery, and the region in a single glass.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday’s topic is the limited beer S8 from Eight Peaks Brewing in Nagano.
MugiWhat, that name already sounds fast! A triathlon commemorative beer? Am I supposed to sprint before drinking it?!
Hop BroNo running required. S8 was brewed for the 4th Suwako Eight Peaks Middle Triathlon, and the key is spring water from Lake Suwa and Yatsugatake hops.
MugiWow! But when people say softness from soft water, I suddenly feel like I’m in science class!
Hop BroThat part matters. Soft water means water without a heavy mineral edge, and here it gives S8 a gentle, smooth mouthfeel that goes down easily.
MugiOkay, I’m into that! And this year they adjusted the hop amount and blend for even more aroma, right? That’s an upgrade!
Hop BroExactly. The article doesn’t name a strict style, but the easiest way to picture it is a crisp citrusy ale with a clean finish, perfect for the event.
MugiAnd this year they also started serving it on draft? I leaned forward reading that. Draft just feels more alive!
Hop BroThat’s basically it. Draft means beer poured fresh from the tap, and for S8 it expands the ways people can enjoy it around the venue. It’s 850 yen for 330ml, and it’s also listed at the Chino Station ALE STAND and online.
MugiI also love that part of the proceeds supports the event committee. It’s not just tasty, it helps the local community too.
Hop BroThat’s the charm of S8: local water, local hops, and support for a regional event. This really feels like a beer worth having on site.
MugiYep, I’m sold. With that citrusy aroma and clean finish, I want to drink S8 right now!
