Far Yeast Brewing Releases Limited Kolsch Made with Freshly Harvested Yamanashi Hops
Far Yeast Brewing has released Far Yeast Farm to Brew, a limited Kolsch brewed with freshly harvested hops from Kobayashi Hop Farm in Hokuto, Yamanashi. Cascade, Sorachi Ace, and Nugget hops were picked and brewed on the same day to preserve their fresh, delicate aroma.
Hop BroA limited beer that feels like it carries Yamanashi’s fields with it is here: Far Yeast Farm to Brew from Far Yeast Brewing.
MugiWhat, even the air from the fields!? It already sounds delicious! Is freshly harvested hop really that different from regular hops?
Hop BroIt is. Cascade, Sorachi Ace, and Nugget from Kobayashi Hop Farm in Hokuto are brewed on harvest day.
MugiCascade, Sorachi Ace, Nugget... three special moves just appeared! What are they?
Hop BroThey’re all hop varieties. Citrusy Cascade, distinctive Sorachi Ace, and grounding Nugget create a naturally fresh aroma.
MugiWow! Fresh hops must be harder to handle than dried ones. If they’re picked at dawn, the hops don’t get to sleep in either!
Hop BroExactly—it’s a race against freshness. The base is a classic Kölsch style, which Far Yeast does not usually brew, so the hop aroma really shines.
MugiWhat’s Kölsch? Isn’t that the magic word you say before taking a crisp sip?
Hop BroClose, but it’s not a drinking technique. It’s a clear, refreshing ale from Cologne, Germany—here at 5.0% ABV and 23 IBU.
MugiIt supports Yamanashi hop growing, and every harvest tastes a little different—lovely! Chill a 350 ml can; I want this seasonal limited beer right now!
Far Yeast Brewing, based in Kosuge Village, Yamanashi, has released its seasonal limited beer, Far Yeast Farm to Brew. The beer became available on September 7, 2026, in limited quantities.
Fresh hops brewed on harvest day
The beer uses Cascade, Sorachi Ace, and Nugget hops grown at Kobayashi Hop Farm in Hokuto, Yamanashi. Because freshness is essential to the character of wet hops, the hops were harvested and delivered for brewing on the same day. The brewery’s production team worked together to complete the brew while the hops were at their freshest.
Far Yeast Brewing chose a classic, clear Kolsch base for this release. The brewery does not usually brew this style, but its crisp and clean profile allows the gentle, refreshing aroma of the fresh hops to stand out. The beer has an alcohol content of 5.0% and an IBU of 23. Since hop character changes with each harvest, every annual release offers a slightly different expression.
Supporting Yamanashi’s hop-growing tradition
Hokuto is considered one of the first areas in Japan to develop full-scale hop cultivation. Although many farms once grew hops in the region, the number of growers declined as imported hops became more common. Yoshitomo Kobayashi moved to Hokuto and began trial cultivation in 2014, working to preserve and develop the area’s hop-growing tradition.
Far Yeast Farm to Brew was first brewed in 2021 to support Kobayashi’s work and introduce the appeal of Hokuto-grown hops through beer. The name was inspired by “Farm to Table,” expressing the idea of bringing local agricultural products directly from the farm to the glass. Using locally grown ingredients also helps reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation and storage.
The beer is available through Far Yeast Brewing’s online store, as well as liquor retailers, restaurants, and beer bars across Japan. Shipments to retailers and venues began sequentially on September 10. It is offered in 350ml cans and 15-liter kegs, with chilled storage recommended. This seasonal Kolsch offers a direct taste of Yamanashi’s hop harvest through a crisp and approachable beer.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroA limited beer that feels like it carries Yamanashi’s fields with it is here: Far Yeast Farm to Brew from Far Yeast Brewing.
MugiWhat, even the air from the fields!? It already sounds delicious! Is freshly harvested hop really that different from regular hops?
Hop BroIt is. Cascade, Sorachi Ace, and Nugget from Kobayashi Hop Farm in Hokuto are brewed on harvest day.
MugiCascade, Sorachi Ace, Nugget... three special moves just appeared! What are they?
Hop BroThey’re all hop varieties. Citrusy Cascade, distinctive Sorachi Ace, and grounding Nugget create a naturally fresh aroma.
MugiWow! Fresh hops must be harder to handle than dried ones. If they’re picked at dawn, the hops don’t get to sleep in either!
Hop BroExactly—it’s a race against freshness. The base is a classic Kölsch style, which Far Yeast does not usually brew, so the hop aroma really shines.
MugiWhat’s Kölsch? Isn’t that the magic word you say before taking a crisp sip?
Hop BroClose, but it’s not a drinking technique. It’s a clear, refreshing ale from Cologne, Germany—here at 5.0% ABV and 23 IBU.
MugiIt supports Yamanashi hop growing, and every harvest tastes a little different—lovely! Chill a 350 ml can; I want this seasonal limited beer right now!
