Tanome Kikaku Co., Ltd., composed of Shiojiri City Hall employees and others, has launched an exclusive pre-order crowdfunding campaign for "Niagara Hop," a craft beer made from Niagara grapes.
Why turn Niagara, which is also popular in Nagano wine, into a craft beer...?
Here are the details.
The Current Situation of "Niagara"
The Kikyogahara area of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading wine-producing regions.
In particular, many wonderful wines are produced from Niagara, a variety loved by locals as a "regional resource."
However, in recent years, the number of Niagara growers and the planted acreage have been declining year by year, dropping by as much as 250 tons compared to six years ago.
The reasons include the fact that Niagara skins are thin and not suited for long-distance transport, and that it has an aroma called "foxy flavor," which is not very highly rated by wine connoisseurs.
Furthermore, due to high demand for premium table grape varieties such as Shine Muscat and Nagano Purple, the market price of Niagara has relatively declined.
Naturally, Niagara growers continue to run in the red, putting pressure on their businesses.
It is said that an increasing number of growers are in danger of discontinuing business or switching to other varieties due to unprofitable operations or an inability to pass on the business to successors.
Therefore, Tanome Kikaku Co., Ltd., together with local volunteers, brewed the craft beer "Niagara Hop" using "Niagara."
They have launched a crowdfunding campaign to add value through the medium of happoshu (low-malt beer) and redefine the value of Niagara.
Features of "Niagara Hop"
The newly created craft beer "Niagara Hop" is characterized by a slight cloudiness when poured into a glass, giving a visual sense of "Niagara" fruit juiciness.
Upon smelling it, the juicy aroma that is a major hallmark of Niagara remains distinct, alongside its characteristic gorgeous, sweet scents reminiscent of Muscat grapes, white peaches, and Western pears.
The taste is not overly sweet like wine, clearly expressing the refreshing feel of a happoshu.
It is crafted so that the bitterness of hops and malt can be tasted amidst the crisp freshness of fruit juice.
A happoshu to enjoy a slightly special touch in everyday life.
That is "Niagara Hop."
Rediscover its Charm with the Rare "Niagara Hop"!
There may be many who love Niagara sparkling wine.
Because Niagara is an attractive grape featuring pleasant effervescence, distinct flavor, and sweetness, there is no doubt it can be enjoyed deliciously as a beer as well.
Why not take this opportunity to check out "Niagara Hop"?
Reference
■ Product Overview
Niagara Hop (Happoshu)
Limited advance sales via crowdfunding starting from Friday, October 7 at 18:00
"Niagara Hop" Crowdfunding Page
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/612550