CRAFTROCK TAPROOM in Hachioji starts pouring award-winning Sansho Lager
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, a brewpub in Takao, Hachioji, has added Sansho Lager to its seasonal lineup. The beer is a revival of a recipe inspired by Sublime's Santeria, and it is now available on draft and in cans after winning gold in the 2026 World Beer Cup spice/herb beer category.
Hop BroToday's headline is CRAFTROCK TAPROOM bringing back its gold-medal sansho lager in Takao.
MugiWait, a sansho lager? That sounds like eel-shop DLC. Does the beer actually tingle?
Hop BroIt’s called Sansho Lager. It’s a seasonal at the brewpub in Takao, Hachioji, and it’s built on a proper lager base.
MugiAnd the gold-medal recipe is back? That’s basically legendary loot!
Hop BroYep, it won gold in the 2026 Spice-Herb Beer category at the World Beer Cup. Last year’s batch really landed.
MugiHold on, what does lager drinkability even mean? Crisp and easy to chug?
Hop BroExactly. Clean fermentation, smooth finish, then Takase's premium sansho adds elegant aroma without wrecking the balance.
MugiWhoa, so it’s a Japanese aroma bomb that still stays refreshing? I’m suddenly very available for research.
Hop BroBest part: you can get it in draft and cans. Fresh at the pub, then take one home for a second round.
Hop BroThe name is also fun, coming from Santeria inspiration. Music reference plus Japanese spice is very CRAFTROCK.
MugiThat settles it, I’m going for a pint in Takao. I want the draft, and you’re absolutely buying cans too.
Hop BroFair. One there, one to go, then a can encore on the way home. This beer sounds too good to leave theoretical.
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, a brewpub in Takao, Hachioji, is now serving its seasonal beer Sansho Lager.
The beer is inspired by Sublime's Santeria. It was first brewed last year, received strong feedback, and has now been revived after taking gold in the 2026 World Beer Cup spice/herb beer category.
Beer highlights
- Built around the aroma of premium sansho used at Hachioji's Unagi no Takase
- Designed to keep the lager character in balance with the spice-driven aroma
- Introduced by the brewery as one of the standout beers in the CRAFTROCK BREWING lineup
At CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, Sansho Lager is available both on draft and in cans. That makes it easy to enjoy the beer fresh at the taproom or revisit it later in canned form.
With a music-inspired name and a distinctly Japanese spice note, Sansho Lager fits the identity of CRAFTROCK TAPROOM well. For beer drinkers looking around the Takao area, it is a notable seasonal release to have on the list.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's headline is CRAFTROCK TAPROOM bringing back its gold-medal sansho lager in Takao.
MugiWait, a sansho lager? That sounds like eel-shop DLC. Does the beer actually tingle?
Hop BroIt’s called Sansho Lager. It’s a seasonal at the brewpub in Takao, Hachioji, and it’s built on a proper lager base.
MugiAnd the gold-medal recipe is back? That’s basically legendary loot!
Hop BroYep, it won gold in the 2026 Spice-Herb Beer category at the World Beer Cup. Last year’s batch really landed.
MugiHold on, what does lager drinkability even mean? Crisp and easy to chug?
Hop BroExactly. Clean fermentation, smooth finish, then Takase's premium sansho adds elegant aroma without wrecking the balance.
MugiWhoa, so it’s a Japanese aroma bomb that still stays refreshing? I’m suddenly very available for research.
Hop BroBest part: you can get it in draft and cans. Fresh at the pub, then take one home for a second round.
Hop BroThe name is also fun, coming from Santeria inspiration. Music reference plus Japanese spice is very CRAFTROCK.
MugiThat settles it, I’m going for a pint in Takao. I want the draft, and you’re absolutely buying cans too.
Hop BroFair. One there, one to go, then a can encore on the way home. This beer sounds too good to leave theoretical.
