Kikumasamune Sake Brewery, headquartered in Higashinada, Kobe, is releasing its first craft beer (happoshu) lineup starting Monday, April 13, 2026. The three new varieties — "Xross Yoshino Cedar IPA," "Xross SAKE PALE ALE," and "Xross Hyogo Yuzu Ale" — will be available exclusively through the Kikumasamune Online Shop (official e-commerce site) and the Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Memorial Museum.
The "Xross" series was born out of the "Kikumasa Craft Brew Project," an initiative launched under the brewery's new vision of "brewing and delivering excitement — with unwavering spirit and a playful heart." Drawing on over 360 years of sake brewing expertise, the brewery has fused tradition with a spirit of playfulness to produce craft beers that reflect the unique character of the Kobe Nada sake-brewing region.
The label design features a bold "X" as its centerpiece. A vivid, free-flowing brushstroke in the design conveys the warmth and individuality characteristic of handcrafted products.
Three Varieties
Xross Yoshino Cedar IPA
An IPA-style beer combining the bitterness and fruity aroma of hops with the distinct woody fragrance of Yoshino cedar, derived from sake barrels.
Xross SAKE PALE ALE
A pale ale style in which sake yeast has been optimized for fermenting wort. It features a banana-like aroma and a crisp finish.
Xross Hyogo Yuzu Ale
An ale style using rare yuzu citrus from Kamikawa-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, characterized by a refreshing aroma.
Product Details
- Packaging: Case of 24 bottles
- Category: Happoshu (sparkling liquor)
- Release date: Monday, April 13, 2026
- Available at: Kikumasamune Online Shop (https://www.kikumasamune.shop/) and Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Memorial Museum
Prior to the official release, a crowdfunding campaign is planned to run on Campfire from Tuesday, March 17 through Sunday, April 12, 2026. Supporters can receive first-batch sets of three bottles each variety, as well as original coasters made from repurposed Yoshino cedar barrel materials, among other rewards.
