AFURI and Y.MARKET BREWING Launch Collaborative Yuzu Pale Ale "THE PIONEERS"

Starting March 5, 2026, AFURI and Nagoya-based craft brewery Y.MARKET BREWING have released a collaborative Yuzu Pale Ale called "THE PIONEERS." The beer is available at AFURI restaurants, the AFURI official online store, and select retail locations, with draft versions on offer at select dining establishments and Y.MARKET BREWING-owned stores.

The Story Behind the Collaboration

The seeds of this partnership were planted four years ago when the AFURI team first tried Y.MARKET BREWING's "Yuzu HAZY IPA." The encounter left a strong impression — the way the yuzu was expressed as layered aromas, rather than a simple flavoring, closely aligned with AFURI's own philosophy of "designing memorable aromas." From that point, Y.MARKET BREWING became one of the breweries that inspired AFURI BREWING as it accumulated experience toward eventually establishing its own brewery.

The relationship deepened when the two brands crossed paths at a beer festival and exchanged their shared vision. With Y.MARKET BREWING resonating with AFURI's approach, the collaboration became a reality.

Y.MARKET BREWING brewery

The Meaning Behind "THE PIONEERS"

The name "THE PIONEERS" carries the meaning of "those who carve a path where none exists." It reflects the spirit of both brands — ramen and craft beer each blazing their own trail and forging a unique journey. The name also speaks to the hope that this beer will give a push to anyone stepping forward on their own path. THE PIONEERS is billed as an ale raised to all who keep moving forward.

Product Details

Name: THE PIONEERS
Style: Yuzu Pale Ale
Alcohol: 4.5%
Volume: 370ml can
Brewed by: Y.MARKET BREWING (Nagoya, Aichi)
Availability (can): AFURI restaurants, AFURI official online store, select retailers
Availability (draft): Select dining establishments, Y.MARKET BREWING-owned stores
On sale: From March 5, 2026 (while supplies last)

Taste and Aroma

Hop character and yuzu flavors come together with a gentle yeast nuance for a light, easy-drinking finish. Rather than using yuzu peel alone, the beer incorporates a purée that includes juice — the same yuzu used in AFURI's ramen — bringing bitterness, aroma, and acidity to the glass. This results in a new expression of yuzu character that goes beyond what a peel-only approach could achieve.

THE PIONEERS Yuzu Pale Ale

About Y.MARKET BREWING

Y.MARKET BREWING is a craft beer brewery based in Nagoya. Since its founding in 2014, the brewery has actively pursued regular releases, limited editions, and collaborations, developing a wide range of beer styles. With a spirit of creative freedom and solid technical skill, it has become a leading presence in Japan's craft beer scene.

Y.MARKET BREWING