Hokkaido Has A New Beer Made From Local Hops

Hokkaido, long famous for sake and recently famous for its wine and spirits, is about to have a new local beer.

The Pacific Coast onsen (Japanese hot spring) resort city of Noboribetsu, an hour and 20 minute drive from Niseko, is releasing a beer on 9 December made with 100% Noboribetsu-cultivated hops.

As The Hokkaido Shimbun reported, the “Noboribetsu Pale Ale” story started in 2018 when brewers and the city began collaborating to grow hops, which were already growing wild in the city.

Despite challenges, including from hungry deer eating the hops, over the last several years, a sizable enough hop harvest this year allowed 1,700 litres – 5,000 bottles – to be produced, which are available in select stores in the town.

Hokkaido, with its pristine water and distinct seasons has emerged in recent years as a grape cultivating region and an attractive place to brew a wide variety of alcoholic beverages in addition to sake, for which it has long been known.

Niseko is no exception, with its Niseko Distillery having recently attained international acclaim for its gin and its own microbrewery called Niseko Beer.

Source:
The Hokkaido Shimbun – 2 December 2023

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