Forest Brewing to Pre-Release Seasonal "DOPPELBOCK KITAKITSUNE" via EC in Mid-February
Miyagi-based Forest Brewing announced the seasonal beer "DOPPELBOCK KITAKITSUNE" in an Instagram post at 5:57 p.m. on February 10. The release is planned for mid-February 2026, with an EC-first rollout. It is characterized by the mellow depth brought out through long aging and a satisfying 7.0% ABV.
Hop BroMiyagi's Forest Brewing announced that it's releasing the seasonal "DOPPELBOCK KITAKITSUNE," with an EC-first launch in mid-February 2026.
MugiWhoa! That name is intense! Doppel... bock? Kitakitsune?!
Hop BroThe style is doppelbock. It's a dark lager that really brings out malt depth and richness, and this one is designed to deliver a satisfying 7.0% ABV.
MugiWhat does that mean? Does "dark lager" mean it's as heavy as a black beer?
Hop BroNot just heavy - it tends to show a reddish-brown appearance, caramel-like sweetness, and a calm finish. And the key point is that long aging makes the mouthfeel and aftertaste mellow.
MugiOhhh! That slow, lingering feeling at the end of winter sounds so atmospheric...!
Hop BroThe recommended serving temperature is 8 to 10°C, which also feels pretty serious. Not ice-cold, but slightly warmer so the aroma and malt character can open up.
MugiSo beer isn't always better colder!? Should I apologize to my fridge?
Hop BroNo apology needed! Forest Brewing's signature is the water from the Zao mountain range and wood-fired brewing, so a seasonal beer like this really changes with temperature.
MugiI can't take it anymore, I'm in beer mode! Let's secure it through the EC early release and drink "DOPPELBOCK KITAKITSUNE" together at 8 to 10°C!
Forest Brewing's new release, announced on Instagram, is a doppelbock called "DOPPELBOCK KITAKITSUNE," timed for the season as winter turns to spring. The post says it will go on sale in mid-February 2026, with an EC-first release.
Doppelbock is a style also enjoyed at Starkbierfest, the traditional beer festival held in Munich around March. This KITAKITSUNE is designed in that context, with a focus on the strong alcoholic presence and substantial malt body. Specs are Alc 7.0%. Its color is reddish-brown, and the recommended serving temperature is 8 to 10°C. The post says it was finished as a beer with a "mellow mouthfeel and lingering aftertaste" through long aging.
Looking at the brewery's background as well makes the aim of this release even clearer. Forest Brewing is based at the foot of the Kita-Zao area in Kawasaki, Miyagi, and brews using the water of the Zao mountain range and wood-fired heat. Its official site also highlights "wood-fired brewing" centered on the elements of forest, water, and flame, and its beer-making is characterized by a style that matches the seasonal atmosphere.
A dark lager to be enjoyed slowly at a slightly warmer temperature in the lingering cold of February. For craft beer fans looking for something more satisfying than a light, easy-drinking pint, this looks like a seasonal release not to be missed.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroMiyagi's Forest Brewing announced that it's releasing the seasonal "DOPPELBOCK KITAKITSUNE," with an EC-first launch in mid-February 2026.
MugiWhoa! That name is intense! Doppel... bock? Kitakitsune?!
Hop BroThe style is doppelbock. It's a dark lager that really brings out malt depth and richness, and this one is designed to deliver a satisfying 7.0% ABV.
MugiWhat does that mean? Does "dark lager" mean it's as heavy as a black beer?
Hop BroNot just heavy - it tends to show a reddish-brown appearance, caramel-like sweetness, and a calm finish. And the key point is that long aging makes the mouthfeel and aftertaste mellow.
MugiOhhh! That slow, lingering feeling at the end of winter sounds so atmospheric...!
Hop BroThe recommended serving temperature is 8 to 10°C, which also feels pretty serious. Not ice-cold, but slightly warmer so the aroma and malt character can open up.
MugiSo beer isn't always better colder!? Should I apologize to my fridge?
Hop BroNo apology needed! Forest Brewing's signature is the water from the Zao mountain range and wood-fired brewing, so a seasonal beer like this really changes with temperature.
MugiI can't take it anymore, I'm in beer mode! Let's secure it through the EC early release and drink "DOPPELBOCK KITAKITSUNE" together at 8 to 10°C!
