CRAFTROCK TAPROOM Introduces the Seasonal Beer “SPECIAL OTHERS” Brewed at the Takao Brewery
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM is introducing the seasonal beer “SPECIAL OTHERS,” created to mark the 20th anniversary of SPECIAL OTHERS and the 11th anniversary of SPECIAL OTHERS ACOUSTIC. It’s a glass layered with aromas reminiscent of lemon peel, lychee, and white wine, accented with Cuban mint.
Hop BroToday, the seasonal beer from CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, “SPECIAL OTHERS,” is really heating up.
MugiWhat! SPECIAL OTHERS as in the band? I’m super curious how music and beer come together!
Hop BroExactly. They got fired up at CRAFTROCK FESTIVAL '25, and that led to them brewing a beer for the anniversary year together.
MugiOhhh! But if the beer has the same name, I can’t even picture what it tastes like. What kind of aroma does it have?
Hop BroThe aroma is centered on lemon peel and lychee, with a white-wine-like brightness layered on top.
MugiA beer that feels like white wine? What is that! A beer with wine vibes is kind of mysterious!
Hop BroThat comes from the hop-driven aroma design. On top of that, they layered in fresh Cuban mint to create a cool finish on the nose.
MugiMint too!? It sounds almost like dessert, but hearing that the freshness comes first makes it sound really easy to drink!
Hop BroExactly. It’s refreshing when it hits your mouth, but it still has plenty of substance, so it doesn’t feel too light.
MugiAnd it’s near Takaosanguchi, so wouldn’t it be amazing after a hike? A drink at the foot of the mountain sounds like winning already!
Hop BroIt works just as well for the afterglow of a live show or as the perfect finish to a walk around town. Tonight, I’m already feeling like toasting with SPECIAL OTHERS.
MugiYeah, this has totally made me want to drink it! I want to take in the afterglow of the music and gulp it down!
The seasonal beer “SPECIAL OTHERS” has been introduced at CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, a brewpub in Takao-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo. The project began after SPECIAL OTHERS appeared at CRAFTROCK FESTIVAL '25. From a beer conversation they had after the live performance, the idea grew into, “Let’s make a beer together to celebrate the 2026 anniversary year.” The team took their time developing the flavor, designing the recipe, and brewing it on site before bringing it to completion.
This beer is a special release timed to coincide with a double milestone: the 20th anniversary of SPECIAL OTHERS and the 11th anniversary of SPECIAL OTHERS ACOUSTIC. Its aroma is built around a bright, floral character reminiscent of lemon peel, lychee, and white wine, layered with fresh mint from Cuba. The impression when you bring the glass to your nose is especially refreshing, and when you take a sip, the beer leads with that crispness while still delivering a solid, satisfying body.
CRAFTROCK TAPROOM is a base in Takao, located close to Takaosanguchi Station. As a beer to enjoy at the foot of the mountain, it pairs well both with a stop after hiking or strolling and with carrying over the afterglow of a live show or event. In keeping with a shop centered on music and craft beer, this seasonal release is also worth noting as a beer in which its background and context connect beautifully.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday, the seasonal beer from CRAFTROCK TAPROOM, “SPECIAL OTHERS,” is really heating up.
MugiWhat! SPECIAL OTHERS as in the band? I’m super curious how music and beer come together!
Hop BroExactly. They got fired up at CRAFTROCK FESTIVAL '25, and that led to them brewing a beer for the anniversary year together.
MugiOhhh! But if the beer has the same name, I can’t even picture what it tastes like. What kind of aroma does it have?
Hop BroThe aroma is centered on lemon peel and lychee, with a white-wine-like brightness layered on top.
MugiA beer that feels like white wine? What is that! A beer with wine vibes is kind of mysterious!
Hop BroThat comes from the hop-driven aroma design. On top of that, they layered in fresh Cuban mint to create a cool finish on the nose.
MugiMint too!? It sounds almost like dessert, but hearing that the freshness comes first makes it sound really easy to drink!
Hop BroExactly. It’s refreshing when it hits your mouth, but it still has plenty of substance, so it doesn’t feel too light.
MugiAnd it’s near Takaosanguchi, so wouldn’t it be amazing after a hike? A drink at the foot of the mountain sounds like winning already!
Hop BroIt works just as well for the afterglow of a live show or as the perfect finish to a walk around town. Tonight, I’m already feeling like toasting with SPECIAL OTHERS.
MugiYeah, this has totally made me want to drink it! I want to take in the afterglow of the music and gulp it down!
