#Japan #Tokyo #Craft Beer #RACINES MICRO BREWERY #Baked Apple Ale

Experience the Cozy Taste of Baked Apple Amber Ale

The RACINES MICRO BREWERY, part of Grip Second Co., based in Toshima City, Tokyo, will launch its much-anticipated Baked Apple Amber Ale for the winter season starting December 25, 2025. This craft beer, a seasonal highlight, promises to deliver an exquisite taste experience reminiscent of baked apples. However, it will be available only in limited quantities until supplies last, expected around the end of January 2026.

A Unique Amber Ale Inspired by Baked Apples

The Baked Apple Amber Ale is crafted to evoke the warm, inviting flavor of baked apples. With an ABV of 5.5%, it combines the caramel-like richness, fruity notes of apples, and a hint of cinnamon spice perfectly balanced to create a comforting beverage ideal for enjoying during chilly winter days. This heightened alcohol content is slightly above the brewery’s regular saison, RACINES FIRST SEASON, which typically has an ABV of about 4.8%.

Enhanced Recipe and Brewing Techniques for the Second Season

For the 2025 season, the brewery has upgraded both the ingredients and brewing methods to enhance the ale’s flavor profile. The quantity of apples used has increased from 12 kg to 15 kg, allowing for more intense fruity notes. The roasting process has also been revised: apples are now roasted at lower temperatures, which helps maintain their original flavors, leading to a more aromatic finish in the final product.

Additionally, the timing of the apple puree's introduction during fermentation has been adjusted, increasing its specific gravity to ensure a vibrant aroma in the beer.

Sustainability with a Purpose: Utilizing ‘Off-Standard’ Ingredients

Continuing its commitment to sustainability, Grip Second Co. embraces the ‘Except for A’ philosophy, utilizing off-standard produce. The apples come from the Eguchi Apple Orchard in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, specifically the “Akagi” variety, which is known for its rich sweetness and full-bodied flavor. Although these apples may be deemed unfit for retail due to their size or appearance, careful processing and brewing techniques allow their characteristics to shine.

In this ale, these specially selected apples are roasted and pureed, delivering that rich baked apple flavor, alongside a delightful blend of fruity acidity and sweetness. By showcasing the value of these ingredients, the Baked Apple Amber Ale embodies the spirit of minimizing waste in food production.

The Balance of Flavor: Hops and Yeast

The ale features Slovenian Styrian Goldings hops, known for their low bitterness, which pairs exquisitely with cinnamon, enhancing the ale’s spiciness. For fermentation, the brewery uses WLP077 Tropical Blend yeast, achieving a well-rounded flavor profile that is juicy and vibrant.

Message from Head Brewer Maiko Tsuji

Head Brewer Maiko Tsuji, who has been crafting this second season’s Baked Apple Amber Ale, shares her insights: “We've made significant improvements based on feedback from last season. The aim was to create a brew that captures the essence of winter even more deeply. I invite everyone to enjoy this limited-time offering during the colder months.”

About Maiko Tsuji

• - Birthday: November 1984
• - Joined Grip Second Co.: 2010, starting in the service team at their GRIP location in Minami Ikebukuro.
• - **Manager of