Sakura Taps opens Shiga Kogen Beer’s “Yuru Blue Spelt” and adds summer edamame
Sakura Taps, a beer pub in Yokohama’s Kannai area, tapped a new beer on July 6: Shiga Kogen Beer’s “Yuru Blue Spelt / Hazy Wheat IPA.” The bar also added its summer staple, smoked soy-marinated edamame, alongside a full draft lineup.
Hop BroAt Yokohama's Sakura Taps, Yuruburu Spelt is on tap today. It's Shiga Kogen Beer's fresh new Hazy Wheat IPA.
MugiWait, the name sounds so relaxed, but Hazy Wheat IPA suddenly sounds intense. What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroThe fun part is over 25% spelt. It's an ancient wheat, so the texture comes out really soft and smooth.
MugiHold on, what is spelt? That sounds less like grain and more like a fantasy spell.
Hop BroIf it were a spell, I'd cast it daily. It's an ancient wheat, and it gives the beer a gentle grainy note and fluffy mouthfeel.
MugiOhhh, and they mention apricot and orange too? That suddenly makes it sound super approachable.
Hop BroThen you stack on two NZ hops plus homegrown Cascade and some American hops, and you get citrus brightness with a faint spicy edge.
MugiWhat? Cascade is a hop? I thought we were talking about waterfalls. Beer words are a trap.
Hop BroThat's the fun part. And today smoked soy edamame is back too, which sounds dangerously good with this beer.
MugiThat is unfair in the best way. Even with all eight taps available, I'd start with that and the edamame.
Hop BroSakura Taps, up on Noraneko Street, feels made for a calm first pint when you want to try collabs and oddballs without rushing.
MugiAll right, I'm sold. That perfect summer pairing already has me fully in beer mode.
Featured Beer
On July 6, Sakura Taps introduced a new beer: Shiga Kogen Beer’s “Yuru Blue Spelt / Hazy Wheat IPA.” The brewery says the beer uses more than 25% spelt, a heritage wheat, together with two New Zealand hop varieties, house-grown Cascade, and an American hop. The result is described as soft on the palate, with apricot and orange-like notes and a subtle spiciness.
Today’s Draft Lineup
The day’s draft board featured eight beers in total, mixing collaborations and distinctive styles.
- Furi / Noroshi Brewing × Mugisake Yumemi
- Yoshidamachi Helles 2026 / Sakura Taps × Numazu Craft
- Coastal Echo / Yorocco Beer
- Oaxaca / Cycad Brewing
- Ice Coffee Stout / Two Rabbits Brewing
- Montara / Uitoten Brewing
- SLASH N’ FILL / Fill Brewing
- Lactophilia / Kyoto Brewing × Totopia Brewery
Food and Atmosphere
Sakura Taps also put its summer regular, smoked soy-marinated edamame, on the menu that day. The dish is made by marinating fresh edamame in house-smoked soy sauce, making it a natural match for beer.
Located on the second floor in the Noge area of Yoshidacho, Sakura Taps is a beer pub that opened from 15:00 to 23:30 on July 6. It is the kind of place where you can take your time with a new release and work through a varied draft list at an unhurried pace.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroAt Yokohama's Sakura Taps, Yuruburu Spelt is on tap today. It's Shiga Kogen Beer's fresh new Hazy Wheat IPA.
MugiWait, the name sounds so relaxed, but Hazy Wheat IPA suddenly sounds intense. What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroThe fun part is over 25% spelt. It's an ancient wheat, so the texture comes out really soft and smooth.
MugiHold on, what is spelt? That sounds less like grain and more like a fantasy spell.
Hop BroIf it were a spell, I'd cast it daily. It's an ancient wheat, and it gives the beer a gentle grainy note and fluffy mouthfeel.
MugiOhhh, and they mention apricot and orange too? That suddenly makes it sound super approachable.
Hop BroThen you stack on two NZ hops plus homegrown Cascade and some American hops, and you get citrus brightness with a faint spicy edge.
MugiWhat? Cascade is a hop? I thought we were talking about waterfalls. Beer words are a trap.
Hop BroThat's the fun part. And today smoked soy edamame is back too, which sounds dangerously good with this beer.
MugiThat is unfair in the best way. Even with all eight taps available, I'd start with that and the edamame.
Hop BroSakura Taps, up on Noraneko Street, feels made for a calm first pint when you want to try collabs and oddballs without rushing.
MugiAll right, I'm sold. That perfect summer pairing already has me fully in beer mode.
