Sakata Traditional Beer, based in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, will release its new product, "SHIRATAKA HOP ALE," on May 22, 2026. This pale ale uses 100% hops from Shirataka Town and will retail for 900 yen (tax included). It has an alcohol content of 5.5%, an IBU of 27, and uses Pilsner and Munich Type 1 malts.

The star of this release is Cascade hops grown in Shirataka Town. According to the brewery, Cascade is a representative American hop variety known not only for its floral character but also for spicy notes and a refreshing grapefruit-like aroma. While enjoyable for its aroma, it is also known as an easy-to-work-with hop, with a moderate level of alpha acids, which contribute to bitterness.

In the brewing process, all of the hops were torn apart by hand and added to the wort and fermentation tank so that their character would come through clearly. The goal was to balance aroma and bitterness so that neither dominates, resulting in a beer that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. In particular, it was designed with seafood in mind, which makes it especially interesting as a craft beer to enjoy with meals.

In addition to in-store sales, the beer is also being announced on STORES. Online reservations begin on May 14, with shipping starting in sequence from May 21. As a new release that highlights locally grown hops, it is a product that makes Sakata Traditional Beer’s identity especially clear.