Sakura Brewery to Release New Beer Using Iwate-Grown Cascade on February 6
Sakura Brewery in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture, released "Fresh Cascade “CRUSH”" on February 6, 2026 as its first new product of the year. It is a beer finished on a golden ale base after hand-crushing frozen hops grown in Iwate Prefecture.
Hop BroToday's notable news: Sakura Brewery in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture released a new beer called "Fresh Cascade “CRUSH”" on February 6, 2026. Their first release of 2026!
MugiWow! Just the name sounds intense! What exactly did they crush?
Hop BroThat's the best part: they hand-crushed and added frozen hops made from Cascade grown in Iwate Prefecture. It's a Fresh Hop Beer, based on a golden ale.
MugiHow is a fresh hop beer different from a regular one? Frozen sounds like it would make your head feel icy...
Hop BroGood question. Basically, it's all about freshness of aroma. Compared with dried hops, it's easier to aim for that "freshly picked" character. It finishes bright and refreshing, with citrus, spice, and grassy aromas.
MugiI see! A grassy aroma sounds tricky, but if it's refreshing, it seems easy to drink!
Hop BroThe numbers are well balanced too: Alc 5%, IBU 25, EBC 7. Not too bitter, and a lighter color. From Hop Bro's perspective, it's like an "aroma boss" you could enjoy starting in the daytime.
MugiWhat is that! I want to meet this aroma boss! Can you buy it in cans or bottles?
Hop BroThis time it looks like it's mainly being offered in 10L and 15L kegs. If you find it, order it right away. And don't forget to check out the directly managed store in Kitakami, "ale house Robin Hood."
MugiI love that they're putting local Iwate hops center stage... Okay, if we spot it, let's drink "Fresh Cascade “CRUSH”" together before I get crushed first!
In an official Instagram post from Sakura Brewery at 18:55 on February 6, 2026, the brewery announced its first new release of 2026, "Fresh Cascade “CRUSH”". The post lists the release date as February 6, 2026.
Key Points of the New Release
According to the brewery, "Fresh Cascade “CRUSH”" was designed as a Fresh Hop Beer. Its specs are as follows:
- Style: Fresh Hop Beer
- Alc: 5%
- IBU: 25
- EBC: 7
- Size: 10L / 15L Keg
Its biggest feature is the use of Cascade hops grown in Iwate Prefecture. The brewery says the frozen hops were not dried, but instead hand-crushed and added directly. The base is a golden ale, resulting in a refreshing beer with citrus and spice notes from the fresh hops, along with a grassy aroma.
About Sakura Brewery
Sakura Brewery is a craft beer brewery based in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture. Its official website also says that, in addition to its brewery site in Kitakami, it operates a directly managed shop called "ale house Robin Hood".
The brewery's strong commitment to making the most of local Iwate ingredients is clearly reflected in this new release as well, and the recipe, which places locally grown hops at the center, is also noteworthy in the context of local craft beer. The beer is available in keg format only (10L/15L), so if you spot it at a venue, it is one you will want to try early.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday's notable news: Sakura Brewery in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture released a new beer called "Fresh Cascade “CRUSH”" on February 6, 2026. Their first release of 2026!
MugiWow! Just the name sounds intense! What exactly did they crush?
Hop BroThat's the best part: they hand-crushed and added frozen hops made from Cascade grown in Iwate Prefecture. It's a Fresh Hop Beer, based on a golden ale.
MugiHow is a fresh hop beer different from a regular one? Frozen sounds like it would make your head feel icy...
Hop BroGood question. Basically, it's all about freshness of aroma. Compared with dried hops, it's easier to aim for that "freshly picked" character. It finishes bright and refreshing, with citrus, spice, and grassy aromas.
MugiI see! A grassy aroma sounds tricky, but if it's refreshing, it seems easy to drink!
Hop BroThe numbers are well balanced too: Alc 5%, IBU 25, EBC 7. Not too bitter, and a lighter color. From Hop Bro's perspective, it's like an "aroma boss" you could enjoy starting in the daytime.
MugiWhat is that! I want to meet this aroma boss! Can you buy it in cans or bottles?
Hop BroThis time it looks like it's mainly being offered in 10L and 15L kegs. If you find it, order it right away. And don't forget to check out the directly managed store in Kitakami, "ale house Robin Hood."
MugiI love that they're putting local Iwate hops center stage... Okay, if we spot it, let's drink "Fresh Cascade “CRUSH”" together before I get crushed first!
