Craft Ale Chigira unveils 2nd anniversary beer BERRY DOG DAY
Craft Ale Chigira, based in Kiryu, Gunma, has announced its 2nd anniversary beer, BERRY DOG DAY. The fruit Hazy IPA features blackberry and sake lees from local brewery Kondo Shuzo, with an in-house release event set for July 4.
Hop BroToday’s topic is Craft Ale Chigira in Kiryu, Gunma dropping its 2nd anniversary beer, BERRY DOG DAY.
MugiWhat! The name BERRY DOG DAY already sounds intense. Are berries sprinting at me on tiny dog legs?
Hop BroHonestly, kind of. It’s Chigira’s first fruit beer, and also their second anniversary release.
MugiWhoa! But the article says Fruits Hazy IPA w/ Sake Lees, and that sounds like a wizard spell.
Hop BroIn simple terms, it’s a cloudy, juicy IPA. The real hook is blackberry and sake lees layered into it.
MugiWhat even is sake-lees richness in beer? Is sweet amazake about to body-slam my pint?
Hop BroNo tackle incoming. The Akagisan sake lees add a soft depth, and it’s a not-built-like-a-sour kind of beer, so the tartness stays in check.
MugiOhh, so it stays rich without getting tiring. And ABV 6.0% IBU 13 means the bitterness won’t bully me either!
Hop BroExactly. On July 4 they’re pouring it at the brewery during 11:00 to 15:00, with stickers, bingo, and food trucks too.
MugiThat’s not just a beer release, that’s a whole day out. Full anniversary party mode!
Hop BroChigira comes from a builder’s craftsman mindset and strong American ale roots, so this fruit-and-sake-lees twist really makes me want a glass.
MugiThe more I hear, the more I need it. On July 4 in Kiryu, I want to show up wearing my need this now face!
Craft Ale Chigira, a brewery in Kiryu, Gunma, has announced its 2nd anniversary beer, BERRY DOG DAY. According to the brewery's Instagram post, this is its second commemorative beer and the first fruit beer in its lineup.
The beer is built on the brewery's signature juicy Hazy IPA base. It combines ripe blackberries with sake lees from Kondo Shuzo's Akagiyama brand, a local sake producer, to layer bright fruit character with a gentle, rounded depth. The post also notes that this is not a sour ale, but a beer designed to stay rich, juicy, and easy to keep drinking.
The listed specs are Style: Fruits Hazy IPA w/ Sake Lees, ABV 6.0%, and IBU 13. That makes it a limited anniversary release that leans into fruit aroma while keeping the hop-driven character associated with Craft Ale Chigira.
The beer will be served on July 4 from 11:00 to 15:00 at the brewery. The event will also include original sticker giveaways, a bingo game, and food trucks.
Craft Ale Chigira obtained its brewing license in June 2024 and started sales in August 2024. On its official website, the brewery describes itself as a craft operation rooted in a builder's craftsmanship, focusing on malt and hops and aiming for American-style ale character. This anniversary release extends that foundation with a seasonal fruit-and-sake-lees combination.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday’s topic is Craft Ale Chigira in Kiryu, Gunma dropping its 2nd anniversary beer, BERRY DOG DAY.
MugiWhat! The name BERRY DOG DAY already sounds intense. Are berries sprinting at me on tiny dog legs?
Hop BroHonestly, kind of. It’s Chigira’s first fruit beer, and also their second anniversary release.
MugiWhoa! But the article says Fruits Hazy IPA w/ Sake Lees, and that sounds like a wizard spell.
Hop BroIn simple terms, it’s a cloudy, juicy IPA. The real hook is blackberry and sake lees layered into it.
MugiWhat even is sake-lees richness in beer? Is sweet amazake about to body-slam my pint?
Hop BroNo tackle incoming. The Akagisan sake lees add a soft depth, and it’s a not-built-like-a-sour kind of beer, so the tartness stays in check.
MugiOhh, so it stays rich without getting tiring. And ABV 6.0% IBU 13 means the bitterness won’t bully me either!
Hop BroExactly. On July 4 they’re pouring it at the brewery during 11:00 to 15:00, with stickers, bingo, and food trucks too.
MugiThat’s not just a beer release, that’s a whole day out. Full anniversary party mode!
Hop BroChigira comes from a builder’s craftsman mindset and strong American ale roots, so this fruit-and-sake-lees twist really makes me want a glass.
MugiThe more I hear, the more I need it. On July 4 in Kiryu, I want to show up wearing my need this now face!
