Far Yeast Brewing pioneers new beer territory with the release of "Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-," a unique aroma never before seen.

Far Yeast Brewing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture; CEO: Shiro Yamada), a craft beer maker that distributes original Japanese beers to the world, was one of the first in Japan to put the latest hop theory and advanced brewing techniques into practice, and will release a new product, "Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-," on Wednesday, March 3rd, which challenges new territory in the trendy Juicy IPA style. This Juicy IPA is bursting with fruity and tropical aromas, and maximizes the aromatic components of hops using a scientific approach.

■ Development Background

The craft beer scene has been changing rapidly in recent years, with many breweries emerging and new, free-spirited beer styles emerging, all of which are becoming increasingly popular among craft beer fans.

In this environment, we have been constantly monitoring new beer styles and brewing techniques, actively communicating with hop suppliers both in Japan and overseas, and conducting extensive research in order to create beers that will set new standards for the future.
In particular, since 2019 , they have been the only Japanese craft beer brewery to participate in the hop selection of the global hop supplier Yakima Chief Hops® (Headquarters: Washington State, USA; CEO: Ryan Hopkins; hereafter referred to as YCH) . They have deepened their relationships with producers by visiting hop harvesting and processing sites and participating in various seminars, and now they also purchase directly from producers.

Through these efforts, we have gained access to cutting-edge theories and technologies related to beer brewing, enabling us to put them into practice faster than anyone else. In February of this year, we were approached about jointly developing a beer using YCH 's innovative new products, and we released a collaborative beer.
Utilizing the knowledge and discoveries gained through research and practice, we have now taken on the challenge of brewing beer based on the latest hop theory .

A new standard product that delivers the latest in craft beer

"Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-" is a Juicy IPA *1 that takes a scientific approach to maximizing hop aroma . Juicy IPAs are a beer style that is rapidly gaining popularity in Japan's craft beer scene due to their fruity and juicy flavor with little bitterness.
Our company has long released two main brands: the "KAGUA" series, which was born at the time of our founding in 2011, and the "Far Yeast" Tokyo series, which began production at Genryu Brewery in Yamanashi Prefecture in 2017.
"Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA-" is positioned as a new product under the "Far Yeast" brand, and is the first beer developed with the aim of becoming a regular product in six years since "Far Yeast Tokyo IPA" was launched in 2015. While inheriting the core of the "Far Yeast" brand - a clean, refined taste and quality that satisfies both beer fans and novices - the brand aims to be a new standard beer that delivers the latest trends in craft beer to many people, allowing them to enjoy it easily .

*1 Juicy IPA:
This style is defined as "Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale" in the American Brewers Association's Beer Style Guidelines. It focuses on bringing out the "juicy flavor" of hops and is characterized by its cloudy appearance. It is currently one of the most popular styles among avid craft beer fans around the world. Despite being a new beer style defined in 2018, it was the category with the most entries in both 2019 and 2020 at the Great American Beer Festival, the most prestigious beer tasting event in the United States.

■ Using " Survivables " and "Biotransformation" as keys to creating "unprecedented fragrances"

Recent research has advanced the analysis of the aroma compounds (compounds) found in hops. Normally, much of the aroma compounds in hops are lost during brewing due to heat, the fermentation process, and contact with yeast. However, the latest research focuses on " survivables " * 2 , compounds that survive the brewing process and contribute to the aroma of the finished beer. Hot-side hopping has been shown to be important as a method for maximizing the extraction and retention of these aroma compounds.
"Far Yeast Hop Frontier -Juicy IPA- " focuses on these " survivables " and carefully selects the hop varieties used . Four types of hops and one hop product are used, centered around TRI-2304CR, a new hop product developed by YCH after several years of research into survivables, and the latest hop variety, Talus. TRI-2304CR is a hop product that maximizes solubility (ease of dissolving in liquid) and delivers a powerful aroma impact. Tarus, a variety developed at YCH's hop farm, is expected to deliver a dynamic and fruity aroma when combined with TRI-2304CR.
To effectively extract aromatic compounds, we optimized the timing of hop addition at each brewing stage.

We also focused on the chemical change that occurs when hop extracts come into contact with yeast, known as "biotransformation." *3 We selected yeast with high enzymatic activity in the hope of producing more unique aroma and flavor components that cannot be produced by hops alone.

Through these challenges, we have maximized the various aromatic components that have been considered difficult to achieve until now, resulting in a Juicy IPA that "enjoys an aroma never before seen." You can enjoy fruity and tropical aromas and a creamy, bursting with juiciness.

*2 What is Survivables?
These compounds, such as monoterpene alcohols, hop-derived esters, and thiols, have a low sensory threshold and are relatively resistant to evaporation. They remain strong in the final beer product even after the brewing process, delivering a powerful aroma impact. Scott Janish, author of "The New IPA: Scientific Guide to Hop Aroma and Flavor," has introduced a methodology that maximizes the use of survivables to effectively extract aromas on the hot side, drawing attention.

*3 What is biotransformation?
This is a chemical reaction that occurs during fermentation when yeast reacts with hop extracts, resulting in the production of new aroma compounds that cannot be produced by hops alone.

■Pre-opening and pre-canned product sales at Far Yeast Brewing directly managed stores

"Far Yeast Hop Fronter -Juicy IPA-" will be available at liquor stores and restaurants nationwide from Wednesday, March 3rd. Pre-orders will begin on the online store from 12:00 on Thursday, February 25th.
All three of our directly managed stores will be opening the bottles at the same time on Saturday, February 27th.

Additionally, Far Yeast Tokyo Brewery & Grill in Gotanda, Tokyo, began selling the beer in mid-February. At the same time as the early release, a limited number of canned products will also be sold in advance.

The early opening times at each store are as follows. You can enjoy the new products earlier than anywhere else.

<February 27th (Sat) "Far Yeast Hop Fronter -Juicy IPA-" Early Opening Time>

・Far Yeast Tokyo Brewery & Grill, Gotanda Direct Store (Tokyo Brewery)
15:00～ Pre-opening and limited quantity pre-sale of canned products

・Atami Directly Managed Store Yakiniku & Craftbeer Den
17:00～ Pre-opening

・Fukuoka Directly Managed Store BEERHOLIC
12:00~ Pre-opening

■Design concept

The label design was created with the keywords "experimental," "science," and "advanced" in mind, to match the product, which reflects the results of scientific analysis of hop flavor and research and theory.
To express this attempt to create a new flavor, we adopted the image of colorful liquids being mixed together. The mixture of various shapes represents the complex and delicate flavor of " Hop Frontier."
In contrast to the delicate visuals, the symbol mark is simple and powerful, symbolizing new challenges. The design is based on the chemical formulas of the "aroma components" that we focused on this time, and is also reminiscent of the shape of a hop.

[Product overview]

Product name: Far Yeast Hop Frontier Juicy IPA
　　　  (Far East Hop Frontier Juicy IP A)
Sales start date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Ingredients: Malt, hops, sugar, coriander
Alcohol content: 6.5%
IBU: 30
Item: Beer
Style: Juicy IPA
Brewery: Far Yeast Brewing (Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Specifications: 350ml can, 15L barrel

Purchase from our online store here:
[EC Exclusive] Hop Frontier Juicy IPA 6-Bottle Set
[EC Exclusive] Hop Frontier Juicy IPA 12-Bottle Set [Free Shipping]