Bighand Bros. Beer releases Tourmaline, a collaboration American Pale Ale
Kyoto-based Bighand Bros. Beer has introduced Tourmaline, the second collaboration with Gangi Brewing. The American Pale Ale comes in at 4.5% ABV and 28 IBU, with biscuit malt, grapefruit citrus, and a grassy hop profile.
Hop BroKyoto just dropped a fun new release. Second collab round means Tourmaline from Big Hand Bros Brewery and Gangi Brewing.
MugiWhat! That lineup already sounds good, and Tourmaline is such a pretty name. What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt’s an American Pale Ale. Very Big Hand Bros from Nishijin, Kyoto: light on the sip, but still keeping that classic bitter outline.
MugiThe article says ALC 4.5% and IBU 28, but IBU 28 sounds like a test score and now I’m nervous.
Hop BroNo panic needed. Bitterness scale is what IBU means, and 28 lands in a nice middle zone. At 4.5%, it should stay easygoing and food-friendly.
MugiOoh, nice. So what does it taste like? Tell me the aroma before I start opening random cans in the fridge.
Hop BroThink light biscuit-like malt, grapefruit-like citrus, and grassy hop character layered on top. It finishes dry, neat, and not overly flashy.
MugiWait, what? Grassy doesn’t mean I’m drinking lawn clippings, right? Sudden park energy was not what I expected.
Hop BroNot actual lawn, just that fresh green herb-like bright green note in the aroma. It comes in a 500ml can too, so it sounds great with dinner.
MugiThat makes sense: a Kyoto brewery doing a local-but-collaborative release, and it still feels easy to enjoy every day. I want one tonight, and now I need snacks too.
Tourmaline
Bighand Bros. Beer, a Kyoto brewery based in Nishijin, introduced Tourmaline on August 18, 2026. The beer is an American Pale Ale and marks the brewery's second collaboration with Gangi Brewing. It is packaged as a 500 ml can, with a spec of 4.5% ABV and 28 IBU.
The brewery describes the aroma as starting with light biscuit malt, then opening into fresh grapefruit-like citrus and a green, grassy hop character. The finish is dry, with a moderate bitterness that lingers without becoming heavy. In other words, this is a pale ale built for balance rather than intensity.
Bighand Bros. Beer has been brewing in Kyoto since 2023, and Tourmaline fits neatly into that profile: local craft beer with a collaborative edge. For drinkers who prefer a classic, easygoing pale ale with enough hop presence to stay interesting, this release looks like a straightforward fit.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroKyoto just dropped a fun new release. Second collab round means Tourmaline from Big Hand Bros Brewery and Gangi Brewing.
MugiWhat! That lineup already sounds good, and Tourmaline is such a pretty name. What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt’s an American Pale Ale. Very Big Hand Bros from Nishijin, Kyoto: light on the sip, but still keeping that classic bitter outline.
MugiThe article says ALC 4.5% and IBU 28, but IBU 28 sounds like a test score and now I’m nervous.
Hop BroNo panic needed. Bitterness scale is what IBU means, and 28 lands in a nice middle zone. At 4.5%, it should stay easygoing and food-friendly.
MugiOoh, nice. So what does it taste like? Tell me the aroma before I start opening random cans in the fridge.
Hop BroThink light biscuit-like malt, grapefruit-like citrus, and grassy hop character layered on top. It finishes dry, neat, and not overly flashy.
MugiWait, what? Grassy doesn’t mean I’m drinking lawn clippings, right? Sudden park energy was not what I expected.
Hop BroNot actual lawn, just that fresh green herb-like bright green note in the aroma. It comes in a 500ml can too, so it sounds great with dinner.
MugiThat makes sense: a Kyoto brewery doing a local-but-collaborative release, and it still feels easy to enjoy every day. I want one tonight, and now I need snacks too.
