Refreshing taste created by fresh hops! Tasting and comparing three types of Hop Japan craft beer [Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture]

we will introduce the craft beer of Hop Japan Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture, which produces a unique flavor using fresh hops grown on its own farm.

We'll compare the three beers and provide a review, as well as explain the characteristics of a company that is working to promote local industries with craft beer at its core. If you're interested, be sure to check it out in stores or online

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What is Hop Japan Co., Ltd.?

Hop Japan Co., Ltd. is a company headquartered in Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture

Hop Garden Brewery a craft beer brewery Tamura City's public facility, Green Park Miyakoji . Unusually for a craft beer brewery, it is a company that handles everything from growing hops to providing a beer-enjoying experience.

The hops used are grown within the Hop Garden Brewery, and the brewery also has contracts with local farmers, with the aim of creating a hop-based industry and fostering a sixth-sector industry that will involve the entire region

In addition to the tapping room, Hop Garden Brewery also has an auto camping site and lodge, creating an environment where you can enjoy both beer and the outdoors at the same time.The slightly elevated location, surrounded by nature, offers an unobstructed view of the sky, with a shower of stars overhead at night

We are a company with a spirit of challenge that not only produces delicious craft beer, but also aims to create a new economic cycle using hops as a starting point and provide a unique beer experience

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Tasting and comparing three types of Hop Japan craft beer

Hop Japan's craft beers are brewed using locally grown hops grown in the city's abundant natural environment. In connection with this, the product names are themed around the "Yin Yang and Five Elements," which represent the connection between nature, the earth, and the universe

This time, we tried comparing the following three types of craft beer from among the many available

• HOPJAPAN IPA
• Abukuma GREEN
• Abukuma GOLD

We will explain each review

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"HOPJAPAN IPA" inspired by the sun

This is the most standard craft beer, " Session IPA ." The theme of the product is the sun.

IPA stands for India Pale Ale

Its history dates back to the 18th century, when a large amount of hops, a highly antiseptic ingredient, was added to create beer to maintain its quality even during long sea voyages. Session IPA is a beer that retains the elegance of India pale ale while lowering its alcohol content. HOPJAPAN IPA has an alcohol content of 4.5%, which is slightly lower than regular beer

Upon opening the bottle, the fresh aroma of hops fills the air. The refreshing aroma is reminiscent of the summer breeze of the Abukuma Plateau

When poured into a glass, the deep yellow color, reminiscent of a sunflower, contrasts beautifully with the pure white foam

The hop flavor hits you right away. It has an aromatic taste with just the right amount of bitterness, making it a typical craft beer flavor. The hops are so strong right from the start of the taste that those accustomed to drinking craft beer will likely find it delicious. The carbonation is also crisp, giving it a refreshing finish

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"Abukuma GREEN" inspired by trees

Next up was the Fresh Hop IPA " Abukuma GREEN ." This beer uses hops grown in Tamura City. Therefore, the type of hops used changes every time it is brewed.

When poured into a glass, it is a slightly pale yellow with a good amount of foam, producing fluffy, silky bubbles

The taste is refreshing with a subdued bitterness. Its light mouthfeel makes it easy to drink, so even those who are not so keen on craft beer may find it easy to try. Although the alcohol content is a little high at 6.0%, it is easy to drink and doesn't even feel that way

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"Abukuma GOLD" inspired by gold

The last beer we had was " Abukuma GOLD ," a Session Hazy Pale Ale type.

Hazy means "cloudy" in English

As its name suggests, Hazy Pale Ale is characterized by its opaque orange appearance. Its mellow taste and addictive fruity aroma make it a popular style in recent years

When you pour Abukuma GOLD into a glass, you can see that it is cloudy to the point where you can't see through to the other side

As you would expect from its appearance, it has a very smooth texture. It has a moist, almost sticky texture. The taste is completely different from the other two varieties. Its juicy and tropical elegance is almost like citrus fruit. While it has little bitterness, it also has a deep body with a hint of sweetness. It retains the aromatic aroma of hops, but with a softer flavor, making it a unique and memorable drink

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We want you to try Hop Japan's fresh craft beer

This time we introduced the craft beer of Hop Japan Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture

The company is focusing on revitalizing Tamura City's public facility, Green Park Miyakoji, and is working hard to promote local industries. Its craft beer, made with locally grown hops, has a unique and memorable flavor

The beer can be purchased in bottles online or at retail stores within the prefecture, but you can also enjoy fresh beer at Green Park Miyakoji, which has an attached campground, as well as at two tap rooms in the prefecture (Koriyama City and Iwaki City). If you're visiting Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to check them out

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