HOJO Brewing & Stays Releases New Batch of Motueka-Hopped New Zealand Saison
HOJO Brewing & Stays in Matsuyama, Ehime, is offering a new batch of its New Zealand Saison, brewed exclusively with Motueka hops. The 5.5% ABV beer balances lemon- and lime-like citrus character with the ester-driven aroma typical of a saison. It is available as a six-bottle set through the brewery’s online shop and hometown tax program.
Hop BroHOJO Brewing & Stays in Matsuyama, Ehime has released a fresh saison batch called New Zealand Saison!
MugiWhat?! Did the beer fly to New Zealand? It’s a beer from Matsuyama, right?
Hop BroIt’s brewed in the coastal Hojo area of Matsuyama. This time, they use Motueka as the only hop.
MugiOnly one hop? So it’s a one-hop solo performance?
Hop BroExactly! A single-hop beer lets one variety shine. Motueka is known for its lemon and lime aroma.
MugiOoh! So it smells like sticking your face into a basket of citrus?
Hop BroPretty close. It also has saison-like fermentation-driven esters. Esters are the compounds that create those fruity, fragrant notes.
MugiNo way! Citrusy hops plus fruity yeast character means two layers of aroma!
Hop BroIt’s 5.5% ABV, with six bottles for ¥4,200. Its brightness, gentle acidity, and spice make it easy to pair with food.
MugiAnd there’s a taproom facing Monchitchi Beach? A seaside saison sounds irresistible! I want to chill one well and crack it open!
A Saison Built Around Motueka
HOJO Brewing & Stays has released a new batch of its popular New Zealand Saison. The previous batch was brewed with Nelson Sauvin as a single hop, while this version uses Motueka exclusively.
A New Zealand hop known for bright citrus aromas, Motueka can evoke lemon and lime. In this beer, that freshness is paired with the fruity, fermentation-derived esters associated with the saison style. The result is designed to showcase both the hop’s character and the expressive qualities of saison fermentation.
Six-Bottle Set for ¥4,200
The beer is sold as a six-bottle set for ¥4,200. It is listed as a happoshu-style alcoholic beverage, with an ABV of 5.5%. Sales are limited to HOJO Brewing & Stays’ online shop and Japan’s hometown tax donation program.
Saison is valued for its lively drinkability, moderate acidity, and often spicy or fruit-like aromas. With Motueka bringing lemon- and lime-like notes, this interpretation should be versatile alongside food. Serving it well chilled and allowing the aroma to develop in the glass should highlight the balance between citrus and saison esters.
A Brewery by the Sea in Matsuyama
HOJO Brewing & Stays is located in the Hojo area of Matsuyama, Ehime, facing the beach commonly known as Monchitchi Kaigan. Its taproom offers freshly poured craft beer with views of the sea, while the second floor houses an entire-rental guesthouse. The new release brings the brewery’s seaside beer experience together with the distinctive citrus profile of a New Zealand hop.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHOJO Brewing & Stays in Matsuyama, Ehime has released a fresh saison batch called New Zealand Saison!
MugiWhat?! Did the beer fly to New Zealand? It’s a beer from Matsuyama, right?
Hop BroIt’s brewed in the coastal Hojo area of Matsuyama. This time, they use Motueka as the only hop.
MugiOnly one hop? So it’s a one-hop solo performance?
Hop BroExactly! A single-hop beer lets one variety shine. Motueka is known for its lemon and lime aroma.
MugiOoh! So it smells like sticking your face into a basket of citrus?
Hop BroPretty close. It also has saison-like fermentation-driven esters. Esters are the compounds that create those fruity, fragrant notes.
MugiNo way! Citrusy hops plus fruity yeast character means two layers of aroma!
Hop BroIt’s 5.5% ABV, with six bottles for ¥4,200. Its brightness, gentle acidity, and spice make it easy to pair with food.
MugiAnd there’s a taproom facing Monchitchi Beach? A seaside saison sounds irresistible! I want to chill one well and crack it open!
