CRAFT BANK releases rose-hued EL CLASICO, a sangria-inspired spiced saison
CRAFT BANK in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto has introduced EL CLASICO, a collaboration with chef Nishimura of the Spanish bar Nichimurano. The beer takes inspiration from sangria and layers grape character with spice at 7.0% ABV.
Hop BroToday I want to talk about the rose-colored EL CLASICO, a new release from Craft Bank in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, brewed again with Chef Nishimura of Nishimurano.
MugiWhat? It looks rose, it’s called Clasico, and it’s beer? So this is basically sangria as beer !
Hop BroExactly. The style is Sangria de sevada, basically barley sangria built as a Spiced Saison.
MugiWhat even is that! This is getting fancy too fast. First of all, what is Saison yeast supposed to be?
Hop BroIn simple terms, it keeps the beer light and dry while adding peppery notes, and here that yeast-driven spice is layered with grape character.
MugiNo way, and it has star anise, cinnamon, and clove too? Star anise and cinnamon in a beer sounds like the kitchen took over!
Hop BroThat’s the trick. Soft grape juice fruitiness plus a faint orange-peel bitterness makes the 7.0% beer land dry and easygoing instead of heavy.
MugiWait, there’s more? Nelson Sauvin and Hallertau Blanc sound like hop names from a spellbook !
Hop BroNelson Sauvin leans white-grape-like, Hallertau Blanc adds elegant white-wine nuance, and with Pilsner and spelt malt underneath, this feels like a 700-yen reward to me.
MugiAnd Craft Bank is that brewery in a former bank in Fukuchiyama, right? Even the setting sounds delicious somehow!
Hop BroIt came out of their connection with nearby restaurants too, and I love how it turns food memories into beer instead of just chasing novelty.
MugiIt sounds perfect with Spanish food, but honestly I’d try it with anything. I want to toast right now ! Hop bro, get the tapas ready!
CRAFT BANK has released EL CLASICO, a collaboration beer with chef Nishimura of the Spanish bar Nichimurano. Priced at 700 yen, the beer is described as Sangria de sevada or “barley sangria,” built around a rose-colored appearance, grape fruitiness, and layered spice.
According to the product description, the concept comes from traditional Spanish sangria. Nishimura, who studied cooking in Spain, translated the spiced sangria he came to know there into beer form. This is the second brew under the EL CLASICO name. Compared with the previous version, which used a simpler blonde ale base, this release switches to saison yeast and adds yeast-driven spice alongside grape juice, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for greater complexity.
The beer is 7.0% ABV and is designed to feel dry and light on the palate despite its strength. Orange peel adds a subtle bitter edge, while the hop bill includes Nelson Sauvin and Hallertau Blanc, supported by Pilsner and spelt malt. The brewery says it works well with Spanish food, but it is also set up for a broader range of pairings.
CRAFT BANK itself began in 2020 in a former bank building in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto. That local setting, and the brewery’s close ties to nearby restaurants, form the backdrop for this collaboration, which turns a food memory into a beer for the table.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroToday I want to talk about the rose-colored EL CLASICO, a new release from Craft Bank in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, brewed again with Chef Nishimura of Nishimurano.
MugiWhat? It looks rose, it’s called Clasico, and it’s beer? So this is basically sangria as beer !
Hop BroExactly. The style is Sangria de sevada, basically barley sangria built as a Spiced Saison.
MugiWhat even is that! This is getting fancy too fast. First of all, what is Saison yeast supposed to be?
Hop BroIn simple terms, it keeps the beer light and dry while adding peppery notes, and here that yeast-driven spice is layered with grape character.
MugiNo way, and it has star anise, cinnamon, and clove too? Star anise and cinnamon in a beer sounds like the kitchen took over!
Hop BroThat’s the trick. Soft grape juice fruitiness plus a faint orange-peel bitterness makes the 7.0% beer land dry and easygoing instead of heavy.
MugiWait, there’s more? Nelson Sauvin and Hallertau Blanc sound like hop names from a spellbook !
Hop BroNelson Sauvin leans white-grape-like, Hallertau Blanc adds elegant white-wine nuance, and with Pilsner and spelt malt underneath, this feels like a 700-yen reward to me.
MugiAnd Craft Bank is that brewery in a former bank in Fukuchiyama, right? Even the setting sounds delicious somehow!
Hop BroIt came out of their connection with nearby restaurants too, and I love how it turns food memories into beer instead of just chasing novelty.
MugiIt sounds perfect with Spanish food, but honestly I’d try it with anything. I want to toast right now ! Hop bro, get the tapas ready!
