#Japan #Japanese Craft Beer #Wano Mugishusai #Sake Yeast #Osaka, Tokyo, Shizuoka, Aichi, Ehime, Shimane

Discover the Uniqueness of Japanese Sake Yeast

From February to April, craft beer enthusiasts will have the opportunity to engage in a one-of-a-kind event known as "Wano Mugishusai," spreading across approximately 10 different locations in Japan. Organized by around 10 breweries from various regions, this circuit event will showcase craft beers brewed using Japanese sake yeast—a unique fermentation method that diverges from conventional brewing practices.

Celebrating the Essence of Japanese Sake Yeast

Japanese sake yeast is not commonly used in beer production, as traditional brewing typically employs beer-specific yeast strains. This makes the application of sake yeast a challenging yet intriguing endeavor. The event aims to explore the untapped potential of sake yeast in crafting diverse flavors and styles of beer. It’s essential to note that utilizing sake yeast does not inherently lead to high-alcohol beers typical of sake; rather, through innovative recipes and fermentation management, breweries can create an array of exciting taste profiles. Attendees will have the chance to interact with brewers during the event, learning how they approach flavor expression.

A Journey into Unique Japanese Beer Styles

The beer world boasts over 150 different styles, each serving not just to identify flavors but also to preserve traditional brewing practices. In Japan, the craft beer industry is burgeoning, with an increasing number of breweries experimenting and crafting unique styles. While many beer styles originate from Europe and the West, the growth of local breweries is paving the way for original Japanese beer styles to emerge.

The first Wano Mugishusai, held in July 2024, focused on white koji, an ingredient traditionally used in shochu brewing, known for its high citric acid content. This event saw 14 breweries come together to offer their original craft beers that applied the unique acidity of white koji, tailoring them for enjoyment during the summer months. The success of this outdoor festival at Nara's "CHORYO BREWPARK" set the foundation for the upcoming Wano Mugishusai.

The Second Edition: Embracing Sake Yeast and Indoor Fun

The second installment of the Wano Mugishusai invites participants to enjoy an indoor circuit event themed around Japanese sake yeast, fostering exploration and creativity in brewing. The participating breweries will feature their special sake yeast beers, each crafted specifically for the event. With locations such as Osaka, Tokyo, Shizuoka, Aichi, Ehime, and Shimane confirmed, attendees can look forward to numerous unique offerings.

Participating breweries will span notable names like Matsue Beer Hearn (Shimane), REPUBREW (Shizuoka), Sakazuki Brewing (Tokyo), Y.MARKET Brewing (Aichi), DD4D Brewing (Ehime), NOM Craft Brewing (Wakayama), Derailleur Brew Works (Osaka), ONE’s Brewery (Osaka), Craft Beer Base (Osaka), and CHORYO Craft Beer (Nara).

Event Details and Schedule

The indoor circuit event will take place in the designated taprooms of the participating breweries across Japan. Official schedules for each brewery will be regularly updated via their social media channels and the event's official Instagram page @wanomugi_brewpark.

• - Event Locations: Various breweries’ taprooms across Japan
• - Event Dates: March to April, 2026
• - Participation Fee: None (additional costs for food and drinks)

For further inquiries, please contact Tatsuya Miyazaki at Choryo Sake Brewery ([email protected]). Don't miss this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan's craft beer culture!

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