The 10th edition of “Off Trail” is Wheat Strong Ale aged for 17 months in oak and acacia barrels and blended with blackberry leaf tea.
Far Yeast Brewing (Head Office: Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan; President: Shiro Yamada) whose mission is to introduce original beers from Japan to the world, on 30th March released the 10th installment of the “Off Trail” brand: “Perfect TEN”: barrel-aged wheat strong ale. Perfect TEN is blended with blackberry leaf tea called “Ten cha” in Japanese.
In November of 2019, we welcomed “Off Trail” into our brand portfolio as our third brand alongside “Far Yeast” and “KAGUA.” The name “Off Trail” is inspired by our aim to innovate and experiment with every batch to discover new recipes and chart undiscovered territory in brewing. These unique brews often contain region-specific specialties or seasonal fruits such as grapes and peaches and are aged in wood barrels that were previously used for wine, sake, or whiskey.
The tenth Perfect TEN was aged 17 months in oak and acacia barrels and then blended with Ten Cha, i.e. blackberry leaf tea. The base beer, after the aging, was fruity, woody, funky, and malty. Still, Ten Cha’s addition gave it a deep earthy aroma, licorice spice, a hint of pipe tobacco, and the sweet taste characteristic of Ten Cha.
The TEN in Perfect TEN’s name is from a play on words with the TEN of the blended tee Ten Cha and the 10th installment of the Offtrail series. Last year, most of the beer competitions were canceled due to the COVID-19, so we could not send our Offtrail series of beers to any competition. So, we decided to evaluate it ourselves and say that it is perfect! So we decided to call it “Perfect TEN,” i.e., a perfect score of 10!
We would be pleased if everyone could taste this beer and rate it as “perfect!”
「Perfect TEN」は3月30日（火）より全国発売、当社オンラインストアでは3月23日（火）13:00より予約販売受付を開始します（出荷は3月26日（金）以降順次）。
【Product overview】
Perfect TEN
Product name: Perfect TEN
Sales start date: Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
Price: Open price
Ingredients: Barley Malt (produced overseas), Wheat Malt, hops, sugar, Ten Cha
ABV: 9.2%.
Category: Beer
Brewery: Far Yeast Brewing Genryu Brewery (Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Limited Collaboration Beer “Bicycle Coffee Saison” with Natural Roastery “BICYCLE COFFEE TOKYO” to release on Friday, March 26
On Friday, March 26, 2021, we released Far Yeast Bicycle Coffee Saison, a limited collaboration beer with BICYCLE COFFEE TOKYO, a natural roastery from San Francisco Bay Area.
Far Yeast Bicycle Coffee IPA was first released in collaboration with BICYCLE COFFEE TOKYO in 2017 and has been well received ever since.
For information on past collaboration beers, please click on the link below.
・2017：「Far Yeast BICYCLE COFFEE IPA」
・2018：「Far Yeast BICYCLE COFFEE IPA Medium Roast」「Far Yeast BICYCLE COFFEE IPA Dark Roast」
・2019：「Far Yeast BICYCLE COFFEE IPA 2019
・2020：「Far Yeast BICYCLE COFFEE IPA 2020」 「Bicycle Coffee Stout」
For this collaboration beer, we tried to make a coffee-flavored saison style beer for the first time, instead of an IPA style. This beer has a refreshing fruity and sour taste unique to the Saison style. And the fruity and sour taste with roast flavor from beans specially blended for this collaboration beer has excellent balance.
This beer is highly recommended for coffee lovers and beer lovers alike. At the official online store, we have sold a limited set with Saison Blend, a blend of beans, especially for this occasion.
About BICYCLE COFFEE
It was established in San Francisco Bay Area in 2009.
The company’s business concept is “We roast quality coffee grown by sustainable farms and deliver it by bicycle.”
BICYCLE COFFEE autonomously provides top quality and sustainable, fair trade coffees to customers by bicycles. BICYCLE COFFEE TOKYO is a branch and has been since 2013.
https://www.sun-west.co.jp/bicyclecoffee
【Product Summary】
Far Yeast Bicycle Coffee Saison
Release date: Friday, March 26th
Price: Open price
Ingredients: malted barley, hops, wheat, sugar, vanilla beans, coffee beans.
Style: Saison
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 30
Category: beer
Brewery: Far Yeast Brewing, Genryu brewery located in Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture
Specification: 350ml can, 15L keg
A big boom in American market! New style healthy liquor “Hard Seltzer” Far Yeast Brewing × Double Haven Brewing “Dragon Seltzer”released on March 26th (Fri.)
A Japanese craft beer maker Far Yeast Brewing, which sends beer full of originality from Japan to the world, has collaborated with Hong Kong craft beer maker Double Haven Brewing to make hard seltzer, a big booming in the United States. The new product “Dragon Seltzer”, which is the booming liquor “Hard Seltzer” will be on sale from March 26th (Friday). Pre-order sales will start on March 9th (Tuesday) at Far Yeast Brewing online store.
Four flavors of Dragon Seltzer will be released: Blackraspberry, Cucumber Watermelon, Yuko Ginger, Kuromame Yuzu. A new type of alcoholic beverage that is low in sugar, gluten-free, and enjoys fresh fruit flavors.
■Low-carbohydrate and gluten-free. New sensation alcoholic beverage “Hard seltzer”
Hard seltzer is a brewed liquor that is based on alcohol produced by fermentation with sugar derived from sugar cane, flavored with natural fruits, etc., and diluted with carbonated water. Speaking of carbonated alcohol beverage, chuhai can be imaged easily in Japan, but chuhai is different from hard selzer in that it uses distilled liquor such as vodka and shochu.
In the United States, it became a boom from around 2019, and its popularity will accelerate further in 2020. According to market research firm Nielsen, sales for the 15 weeks during mid-June 2020 were four times higher than in the year-ago quarter. Since the manufacturing method is similar to beer, major beer makers are entering the United States market one after another. It is also made and popular at craft beer breweries.
Low-carbohydrate, gluten-free, and low-calorie hard seltzer is highly favored by millennials, who are particularly health-conscious. The alcohol content is not too high, and it has a fruity taste but is not sweet too much and has a refreshing and light drinkability.
■ Collaboration between Japanese and Hong Kong craft beer breweries
In Japan as well, people’s interest in healthy alcoholic beverages is increasing, as sales of low-carbohydrate and zero-carbohydrate beer-based beverages are increasing in response to growing health consciousness due to the spread of Covid-19.
This time, we will sell a hard seltzer in collaboration with Hong Kong’s famous craft beer brewery Double Haven Brewing for the Japanese domestic market.
Double Haven Brewing manufactures not only beer but also the hard seltzer product, “Dragon Water” in Hong Kong and has been selling since 2020. This is the first time Far Yeast Brewing has worked on a hard seltzer.
We sell our own brand craft beer not only in Japan but also in 23 countries around the world (as of March 2021), and we have a track record of producing many collaborative beers with breweries all over the world. For the first time, we have teamed up with Double Haven Brewing to jointly develop hard seltzer products for the Japanese market.
■Double Haven Brewing – Mr.Tim Brantingham ’s comment.
Double Haven Brands (Hong Kong) and Far Yeast Brewing (Japan) are excited to announce a collaboration on a limited run of Spiked Seltzers for the Japanese market, to be released in mid-March as Dragon Seltzer. Four exotic flavors are on the docket, with a mix of Japanese and Asia-Pacific flavors. They are Cucumber Watermelon, Black Raspberry, Yuko Ginger, and Kuromame Yuzu.
Double Haven’s Dragon Water is the number one Spiked Seltzer brand in Hong Kong, and Far Yeast is one of Japan’s premier craft beer brewers, with….. This collaboration will be one of the first times low sugar, gluten-free, 4.5% ABV Seltzers have been brewed in Japan for Japan. And we can’t wait to crack one open under the mid-March Sakura blossoms.
Ganbei and Kanpei!
■There are 4 flavors of “Dragon Seltzer”
One of the features of Hard seltzer is that you can enjoy fresh fruit flavors.
There are four flavors of “Dragon Seltzer”: Brackraspberry, Cucumber Watermelon, YukoGinger, and Kuromame Yuzu. Of these, Yukou x Ginger and Yuzu x Kuromame are the original flavors developed using materials unique to Japan.
A Member of Double Haven Brewing visited “Far Yeast Brewing Headwaters Brewery” in Yamanashi and we tested the several aroma flavors and their ratios together, and decided each recipe.
Blackraspberry
Spiked with an energizing blast of Black Raspberry, Dragon Seltzer’s gluten free alcohol and natural flavors provide a berry satisfying punch of pure refreshment. Ready to drink as is, or pair with a hike up your favorite mountain trail for an exceptionally rewarding experience.
Cucumber Watermelon
Infused with gentle hints of Cucumber and Watermelon, Dragon Seltzer’s gluten free alcohol base and natural flavors provide the perfect way to turn any day into a spa day. Ready to drink as is, or garnish with fresh sliced cucumbers for that extra touch of calm serenity.
Yuko Ginger
Instilled with zings of Yuko and Ginger, Dragon Seltzer’s gluten-free alcohol and natural flavors provide the perfect clean citrusy end to a hard day’s work. Ready to drink as is, or shared with smiling friends under the sakura blooms.
Kuromame Yuzu
Mellowed with earthy hints of Kuromame and Yuzu, Dragon Seltzer’s gluten-free alcohol and natural flavors provide a wonderfully nostalgic taste of the Japanese countryside. Ready to drink as is, or enjoyed with a view of pine trees .and snow-capped mountains
【Product Summary】
Product name: Dragon Seltzer
Release date: March 26, 2021 (Friday)
Price: Open price
Package: 350ml can
ABV: 4.5%
Brewery: Far Yeast Brewing Headwaters Brewery (Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture)
[About Double Haven Brewing]
Double Haven Brewing is one of the leading craft beer breweries in Hong Kong .They produce high quality beer at the brewery in FO TAN, Hong Kong.In addition to beer, they also brew innovative drinks such as Dragon Water Spiked Seltzers.
▼Double Haven Brewing
https://doublehavenbrewing.com/
▼Dragon Water Spiked Seltzers
[About Far Yeast Brewing Co., Ltd.]
“Democratizing beer” – Developed under the mission to “re-establish the diversity and abundance of true beer culture, which has sadly been hidden by relentless over-commercialisation.” To achieve this goal, we enlist our Japanese flavored beer brand “Kagua,” Tokyo themed brand “Far Yeast,” and Innovative beer brand “Off Trail” to spread our distinctive beers to the world.
Far Yeast Brewing pioneers a new frontier of beer, creating an aroma like never before. Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA- On sale Wednesday, March 3rd.
Far Yeast Brewing (Head Office: Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan; President: Shiro Yamada), whose mission is to introduce original beers from Japan to the world, will release a new product, Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA- on Wednesday, March 3rd. We took the latest hop theory, applied it to the most advanced brewing methods in Japan, and challenged ourselves to explore the en vogue Juicy IPA style’s uncharted territory. Our new Juicy IPA is full of fruity and tropical aromas, made by maximizing the “aroma components” of hops using a scientific approach.
■Development Background
In recent years, Japan’s craft beer scene has been growing rapidly. As many breweries have sprung up across the country, new and freer beer styles have emerged and Japanese craft beer fans have begun to embrace them. Against this backdrop, Far Yeast Brewing continuously monitors new beer styles and brewing techniques worldwide, actively working with hop suppliers in Japan and overseas to apply cutting edge research to develop new products and set new standards in brewing.
In 2019, we were the only Japanese craft brewery to participate in the annual hop selection held by global hop supplier Yakima Chief Hops® (HQ: Washington, USA, CEO: Ryan Hopkins, hereinafter YCH). There, we deepened our relationships with hop growers by visiting hop harvesting and processing sites and by participating in seminars held by hop suppliers. As a result, we are now lucky enough to source the majority of our hops directly from YCH.
Through such efforts, we actively gather information from overseas and access the most advanced theories and technologies on the forefront of beer brewing. We put this knowledge into practice faster than anyone else in Japan. For example, in February of 2021, we were invited by YCH to co-develop a beer using YCH’s innovative new products, and have since released two collaboration beers that were well received by craft beer fans.
Combining the latest research and our brewing expertise, we have taken on the challenge of brewing beer based on the latest hop theory.
■A new standard product that delivers the “now” of craft beer
Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-1 uses a scientific approach to maximize the beer’s hop aroma. The Juicy IPA style’s low bitterness and juicy, fruity flavors have grabbed the attention of Japanese craft beer drinkers. Far Yeast Brewing’s two leading brands, “KAGUA” and “Far Yeast”, were launched in 2011 with our company’s founding and in 2017 when we began brewing at our production facility in Yamanashi respectively. “Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-” joins our Tokyo Series, originally conceived of in 2015 with “Tokyo IPA”, under the “Far Yeast” brand. This welcome addition to our brand portfolio marks the first new beer positioned as a core range product in 6 years. In addition to inheriting the core concepts behind the Far Yeast brand: built to exhibit a refined and sophisticated taste and quality that is appealing to both dedicated fans and craft beer beginners, the new “Hop Frontier” series also aims to deliver the “now” of craft beer, showcasing the latest trends in our ever-growing industry.
1: Juicy IPA
This style is defined as “Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale” in the Beer Style Guidelines by the US Brewers Association. The most remarkable feature of this beer style is that it focuses on bringing out the “juicy flavors” of the hops and has a cloudy, unfiltered appearance. The Juicy IPA style is currently one of the most sought-after beer styles among avid craft beer fans worldwide. Despite being recognized as a new beer style as recently as 2018, the Great American Beer Festival, the most prestigious beer competition in the United States, received the most entries in the Juicy IPA category in 2019 and 2020.
■ Bringing about “unprecedented fragrance” with “Survivables” and “Biotransformation”
The latest research on hops focuses on the analysis of aromatic compounds that are typically lost in the brewing process. Sensitive aromas are often driven off by heat while boiling, by off-gassing in active fermentation, or through yeast metabolism. The latest research aims to increase in quantity and quality of “Survivables”2, the aroma compounds that survive the brewing process. Correct and intentional handling of hops on the hot side of brewing can lead to big changes in hop aromatics in the final product.
In addition to three of our favorite hops, we added proprietary hop blend TRI-2304CR and the new Talus hop to maximize the impact of “survivables” in “Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-”. After several years of research on “survivables” Yakima Chief Hops created TRI-2304CR, a blend of hops selected for increased aromatic solubility to produce a hop-forward, highly fragrant beer. The new Talus hop is expected to produce dynamic, vibrant, and fruity aromas when used in combination with TRI-2304CR. To effectively extract the desired aroma compounds, the timing and ordering of hop additions were optimized at each stage of the brewing process.
Finally, we considered the potential for the beer’s survivable hop compounds to be altered through “biotransformation”3. We selected yeast that would favorably alter some but not all of the dissolved hop compounds into new aromas, producing a layered and elegant fragrance that is impossible to achieve with hops alone. By executing these carefully laid plans, we maximized aroma compounds that brewers have had difficulty producing in the past, creating an “unprecedented” aroma. The resulting beer is a Juicy IPA with a fruity, tropical aroma bursting with a creamy, juicy flavor.
2: What are Survivables?
Survivables are compounds that have a low sensory threshold and are relatively difficult to volatilize e.g. monoterpene alcohols, hop-derived esters, and thiols. These aroma compounds are characterized by their ability to “survive” the brewing process, contributing heavily to the beer’s aroma. Scott Janish introduces a methodology that effectively maximizes the use of Survivables to extract aroma on the hot side of the brewing process in his new book, “The New IPA: Scientific Guide to Hop Aroma and Flavor”.
3: What is biotransformation?
Biotransformation refers to the chemical changes that occur when yeast reacts with hops’ extracted ingredients during fermentation. As a result, new aroma components are generated that cannot be produced by hops alone.
■The first place to try Hop Frontier will be at our directly managed pubs and through limited can sales
“Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-” will be available at liquor stores and restaurants nationwide in Japan starting Wednesday, March 3rd. The Far Yeast Brewing online store will start taking pre-orders on cans at noon on Thursday, February 25. The beer will be on tap at all three of our directly managed stores on Saturday, February 27. However, regulars at Far Yeast Tokyo Brewery & Grill in Gotanda, Tokyo will have been able to taste a preview of the beer on tap starting in mid-February. A limited number of cans will be made available for sale at our directly managed stores when the beer goes on tap.
<“Far Yeast Hop Fronter -Juicy IPA-” hits the taps on Saturday, February 27th>
The beer goes on tap at our directly managed stores, where you can taste the latest products before anyone else, according to the following schedule:
・Far Yeast Tokyo Brewery & Grill (Tokyo Brewery) in Gotanda
3:00 p.m. – Advance tap opening and advance sales of a limited number of
canned beers.
・Atami Yakiniku & Craftbeer (Den)
17:00～ Advance tap opening
・Fukuoka direct management store BEERHOLIC
12:00～ Advance tap opening
■ Design concept
The label design emphasizes three core concepts behind this beer: “experimental”, “science”, and “advancement”, reflecting the importance of the research and theory that went into the product development.
The label illustrates our efforts to pursue unknown flavors and aromas through the imagery of colorful liquids being mixed. The mixture of various shapes represents the complex and delicate taste of “Hop Frontier”.
In contrast, the symbol mark is simple and powerful, representing a new challenge. The symbol combines elements from the shape of hop cones and the appearance of the skeletal formula of organic compounds associated with beer aroma.
【Product Summary】
Product name: Far Yeast Hop Frontier Juicy IPA
Release date: Wednesday, March 3rd
Price: Open price
Ingredients: malted barley, hops, sugar, coriander
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 30
Category: beer
Style: Juicy IPA
Brewery: Far Yeast Brewing, Genryu brewery located in Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture
Specification: 350ml can, 15L keg
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