A new premium lager beer called "Beer Maestro" is set to launch across Japan starting March 2, 2026. Brewed in collaboration with a major Vietnamese brewery, this beer offers the crisp refreshment characteristic of lagers combined with a balanced aroma from two types of aroma hops.
Kawasho Foods Corporation has announced the release of Beer Maestro, a new beer product designed to provide authentic beer taste at an unprecedented price point in the market. The launch comes ahead of the scheduled October 2026 liquor tax reform, which is expected to accelerate consumer preference toward beer products.
Product Concept: Authentic Quality for Everyday Tables
Beer Maestro aims to deliver "genuine quality with no compromise for everyday dining." The product name "Maestro," meaning "master" or "virtuoso," reflects the commitment to brewing expertise and quality standards, while maintaining affordability for regular consumption.
Premium Ingredients
The beer is made with 100% malt using European and American hops paired with Australian and European malt. This ingredient selection provides a foundation for the beer's distinctive taste profile.
Taste Profile Designed for Japanese Palates
The beer features a moderate aroma and bitterness level tailored to Japanese taste preferences. Two varieties of aroma hops create refreshing citrus and tropical fruit notes, while the bitterness level is adjusted to match domestic Japanese beer standards for enhanced drinkability.
The brewing achieves a harmonious balance between the aroma and bitterness of European and American hops with the umami and richness from French malt.
Product Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Beer Maestro |
| Category | Beer |
| Container & Volume | 330ml (can) / 6-can pack / 6-can × 4-pack case |
| Alcohol Content | 5% |
| Ingredients | Malt, Hops |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam |
| Launch Date | March 2, 2026 onwards |
| Retail Price | Open pricing |
Official Website
The dedicated website opened on February 16, showcasing the product concept and highlighting features such as "accessible pricing" and "pleasantly aromatic lager." The site includes recipes by culinary researcher Ryuta Kijima featuring dishes that pair perfectly with Beer Maestro.
Website: https://www.kawasho-foods.co.jp/beer-maestro/
Launch Campaign
To celebrate the Beer Maestro release, culinary researcher Ryuta Kijima has developed special recipes titled "Dishes That Make Beer Taste Even Better." These recipes utilize Nozaki's Corned Beef and Nozaki's Pork products, both handled by Kawasho Foods, to create dishes with excellent compatibility with Beer Maestro.
Featured Recipes by Ryuta Kijima
The recipes include creative dishes using Nozaki's Corned Beef and Nozaki's Pork. One recipe incorporates broccoli, which becomes a designated vegetable in April, creating a dish called "Corned Beef and Broccoli Beer-Steamed," where steaming with Beer Maestro doubles the umami.
Recipe details are available on the official website: https://www.kawasho-foods.co.jp/beer-maestro/
Corned Beef Cheese Rillette
Simply mix with cream cheese for this rich, luxurious French-style appetizer.
Corned Beef and Broccoli Beer-Steamed
Broccoli and corned beef make an excellent pairing, with beer steaming enhancing the umami flavors.
Town Chinese-Style Chive Pork Stir-Fry
Stir-fried pork with chives and bean sprouts creates an easy Chinese restaurant-style dish that serves well as a main course.
Fried-Free Cheese Pork Cutlet
Pork piccata topped with sautéed breadcrumbs creates an easy-to-make fry-style dish.
About Culinary Researcher Ryuta Kijima
Kijima brings original recipes and clear explanations from a male perspective, proposing cooking methods accessible to younger generations. He regularly appears on NHK's "Kyō no Ryōri," NHK's "Asaichi," and CBC's "Kewpie 3-Minute Cooking," and contributes recipes to web and magazine publications, culinary classes, and events. He has authored numerous cookbooks.
Official YouTube Channel: Kijima Gohan [Culinary Researcher Ryuta Kijima Official Channel]
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoKFbpjl1NtoxQ9O6CqvrOA
