Heiwa Craft’s Wet Hop Pilsner Wins Silver at Japan Great Beer Awards 2026
Heiwa Craft, the beer brand of Heiwa Shuzo in海南, Wakayama, has announced that its Wet Hop Pilsner received a silver medal at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026. The beer combines a light body with hop aroma and moderate bitterness.
Hop BroHere’s some happy news from Wakayama: Heiwa Craft won silver!
MugiWhat?! Which beer took the prize? Tell me the name of the winner!
Hop BroIt was Heiwa Sake Brewery’s Heiwa Craft, WET HOP PILSNER. It earned silver at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026!
MugiWhat is that? Does “Wet Hop” mean hops got caught in the rain? The soaking-wet hop theory?!
Hop BroClose, but not quite. It uses freshly harvested-style hops, bringing vivid, green, aromatic hop character.
MugiWow! But pilsner sounds bitter and heavy… Could even a beginner like me enjoy a beer you can finish?
Hop BroThat’s exactly Heiwa Craft’s goal. Rice helps create a crisp, light-bodied finish.
Mugi“Wort” suddenly makes this feel like science class! So it’s the liquid that becomes beer?
Hop BroExactly. It’s a sugary liquid extracted from malt and other grains, then yeast ferments it into beer. They also use spring water from Koyasan’s source for brewing.
MugiA sake brewery known for “KID” bringing its know-how to beer, too! Aroma, gentle bitterness, food friendliness… I’m craving a pilsner tonight!
Hop BroMe too. Paired with Wakayama food, it sounds like a silver-medal toast awaits!
Heiwa Craft, the craft beer brand produced by Heiwa Shuzo in海南, Wakayama, has announced that its Wet Hop Pilsner won a silver medal at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026.
The beer is based on a pilsner and uses a light wort made with rice, together with a Wet HOP ingredient designed to express characteristics close to those of fresh hops. Its profile focuses on a crisp, easy-drinking body, complemented by hop aroma and balanced bitterness.
Heiwa Craft is operated by Heiwa Shuzo, a sake brewery known for brands including Kido. The brewery began selling Heiwa Craft beers in 2016, applying its experience in fermentation and microbial management to beer production. Its brewing water comes from groundwater fed by Mount Koya, the same source used for the brewery’s sake.
The brand produces a range of beers, including pale ale, Sansho Golden and seasonal releases. The silver medal recognizes the brewery’s approach to creating a refreshing, food-friendly beer rooted in Wakayama’s sake-brewing tradition. The Wet Hop Pilsner should appeal to drinkers looking for a lighter beer with a distinct hop character.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHere’s some happy news from Wakayama: Heiwa Craft won silver!
MugiWhat?! Which beer took the prize? Tell me the name of the winner!
Hop BroIt was Heiwa Sake Brewery’s Heiwa Craft, WET HOP PILSNER. It earned silver at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026!
MugiWhat is that? Does “Wet Hop” mean hops got caught in the rain? The soaking-wet hop theory?!
Hop BroClose, but not quite. It uses freshly harvested-style hops, bringing vivid, green, aromatic hop character.
MugiWow! But pilsner sounds bitter and heavy… Could even a beginner like me enjoy a beer you can finish?
Hop BroThat’s exactly Heiwa Craft’s goal. Rice helps create a crisp, light-bodied finish.
Mugi“Wort” suddenly makes this feel like science class! So it’s the liquid that becomes beer?
Hop BroExactly. It’s a sugary liquid extracted from malt and other grains, then yeast ferments it into beer. They also use spring water from Koyasan’s source for brewing.
MugiA sake brewery known for “KID” bringing its know-how to beer, too! Aroma, gentle bitterness, food friendliness… I’m craving a pilsner tonight!
Hop BroMe too. Paired with Wakayama food, it sounds like a silver-medal toast awaits!
