Echigo Beer Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; President: Makoto Abe) will release a new limited-edition craft beer, "Citrastrata Resort Traveler," on Friday, July 10, 2026. The brew features hop-forward citrus aromas, refreshing lemon accents, and a light, easy-drinking finish.
Background
"Citrastrata Resort Traveler" is the fourth installment in Echigo Beer's limited-edition "Citrastrata" series, which uses two hop varieties — Citra and Strata. This latest entry builds on earlier releases by adding fruit to further boost drinkability. Based on the popular craft-beer style Session IPA (Session India Pale Ale), the beer is designed to be approachable for craft beer newcomers and easy to pick up on a whim.
Product Features
The beer combines the citrusy character of the Citra hop with the tropical notes of the Strata hop, then layers in lemon juice, lemon peel, and a touch of honey as a secret ingredient. The result is a bright, refreshing beer with the pleasant bitterness of a Session IPA, vivid lemon aroma and acidity, and a subtle sweetness from the honey. At 4.5% ABV, it's a perfect choice for hot summer days — a truly refreshing drink for a wide range of beer fans to enjoy during moments of relaxation.
Product Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | Citrastrata Resort Traveler |
| Category | Beer |
| Ingredients | Malt (foreign-produced), hops, honey, concentrated lemon juice, lemon peel |
| Alcohol content | 4.5% |
| Volume | 350 ml can |
| Price | Suggested retail price ¥324 (tax excl.) / ¥356 (tax incl.) |
Package Design
Throughout the Citrastrata series, the packaging has featured a pair of tigers racing around the world. This time, the tigers are relaxing at a camp in Nasu Highlands. The background depicts the Echigo Beer Nasu Factory and the majestic Chausudake volcano with its white plume of smoke. A cuckoo — designated as "the bird of Nasu Town" — is shown flying with a stalk of wheat in its beak.
What Is a Session IPA?
The IPA (India Pale Ale) style dates to the late 18th century, when large quantities of hops were used to preserve beer during the long voyage from Britain to colonial India — giving the style its signature bold bitterness. A "Session" IPA lowers the alcohol content to make the beer more sessionable, and Session IPAs have grown increasingly popular among craft beer fans in recent years.
