Tokorozawa Beer’s “Lapsang” Wins Bronze at the JGBA, Announces Mid-March Bottled Release
Tokorozawa Beer, the brewery in Tokorozawa, Saitama, announced that its smoked beer “Lapsang” won the bronze award at the Japan Great Beer Awards. Inspired by Lapsang Souchong, this distinctive beer was perfected after repeated test brews, and bottled sales are also planned for around mid-March.
Hop BroA Tokorozawa update is in: Tokorozawa Beer award news! “Lapsang” won bronze at the JGBA, and the official announcement was made on February 26, 2026.
MugiWait, seriously! How big a deal is a JGBA bronze in the craft beer world?
Hop BroIt’s pretty valuable, because the judging looks closely at aroma and overall quality. This time, it’s getting attention as a smoked-beer-level evaluation.
MugiBut what even is the name “Lapsang”? Hearing it’s derived from Lapsang Souchong suddenly makes it sound complicated!
Hop BroTo put it in more technical terms, it’s an infusion-like idea, but basically it’s a beer that folds the smoky aroma of a Chinese tea into its design.
MugiOhhh! So it’s not about tasting tea itself, but enjoying the smoke aroma and tea-like nuances? Now I really want to drink it!
Hop BroAnd it took about 10 years from the original concept, with repeated test brews before reaching the current form. This beer is truly packed with 10 years of trial and error.
MugiThat’s the result of dedication! What should I pair it with? I’m in the mood to go all-in on smoked snacks!
Hop BroThat’s exactly right. It goes well with smoked dishes and fatty snacks. And bottled sales are planned for around mid-March, with online purchase available.
MugiThen it’s settled! When it arrives, let’s toast and slowly follow the aroma. My brain is already at Lapsang after-work drinking meeting tonight!
Award News
On February 26, 2026, Tokorozawa Beer Co., Ltd. announced on its official blog that “Lapsang” had won the bronze award at the Japan Great Beer Awards. For craft beer fans, this is a notable topic, as the quality of a smoked beer has been recognized in a public competition.
What Kind of Beer Is It
“Lapsang” is a smoked beer inspired by Lapsang Souchong, a Chinese tea known for its strong smoky aroma. Rather than being simply toasty, it is characterized by a design that evokes tea-derived nuances. The blog post mentions nearly 10 years of trial and error from the concept stage, and says the recipe reached its current form after repeated test brews.
Tasting Notes and Availability
Because it is a beer centered on smoked aroma, it is the kind that shows its character best when paired with smoked dishes or fatty snacks. It’s a beer you’ll want to drink slowly while following its aroma. The article says bottled sales are planned for around mid-March and that it will be available for purchase online.
Brewery Information
Tokorozawa Beer is a brewery based in Kitahara-cho, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture. As a locally rooted brewery, it continues to make beers with unique themes. This award is also impressive as an example of how a local brewery’s steady challenge led to results.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroA Tokorozawa update is in: Tokorozawa Beer award news! “Lapsang” won bronze at the JGBA, and the official announcement was made on February 26, 2026.
MugiWait, seriously! How big a deal is a JGBA bronze in the craft beer world?
Hop BroIt’s pretty valuable, because the judging looks closely at aroma and overall quality. This time, it’s getting attention as a smoked-beer-level evaluation.
MugiBut what even is the name “Lapsang”? Hearing it’s derived from Lapsang Souchong suddenly makes it sound complicated!
Hop BroTo put it in more technical terms, it’s an infusion-like idea, but basically it’s a beer that folds the smoky aroma of a Chinese tea into its design.
MugiOhhh! So it’s not about tasting tea itself, but enjoying the smoke aroma and tea-like nuances? Now I really want to drink it!
Hop BroAnd it took about 10 years from the original concept, with repeated test brews before reaching the current form. This beer is truly packed with 10 years of trial and error.
MugiThat’s the result of dedication! What should I pair it with? I’m in the mood to go all-in on smoked snacks!
Hop BroThat’s exactly right. It goes well with smoked dishes and fatty snacks. And bottled sales are planned for around mid-March, with online purchase available.
MugiThen it’s settled! When it arrives, let’s toast and slowly follow the aroma. My brain is already at Lapsang after-work drinking meeting tonight!
