Sorachi Ace Series

Our Hakata Series range sees us brewing seasonal beers for Hakata Ramen restaurant and bar in Bermondsey to pair with their menus. We brew the Rice Lager with them year-round, then the Red Ale for Autumn, and the Pale Ale for Spring. All three beers (to varying degrees) showcase Sorachi Ace—a unique Japanese hop variety developed in the 1970s—which brings bright notes of lemon verbena on the nose, followed by delicate hints of coconut and dill on the palate.

Hakata Pale Ale 4.9%

Bursting with vibrant hop character, it showcases Sorachi Ace, Citra, and Columbus. Alongside Sorachi Ace, Citra and Columbus add further layers of citrus, balanced by resinous pine and a full, rounded mouthfeel.

Rice Lager 4.9%

The Rice Lager has subtle, delicate floral notes of coconut, lemongrass, dill, and coriander from the Sorachi Ace hop, which add a creamy, fragrant backbone to this refreshing and unique lager. Torrefied flaked rice and cooked Vietnamese Japonica rice were added to the mash, providing a soft sweetness, medium carbonation, and a light body. 

Hakata Red Ale 4.9%

Deep red in colour, this hoppy red ale has a malty, caramel base with an abundance of hop character. Sorachi Ace hops provide hints of coconut, dill and a touch of oak, with the Citra hops delivering a hit of grapefruit citrus and a bitter finish.  

We adjusted the water profile to produce a brewing liquor high in carbonate and phosphoric acid, with a slight alkaline edge to complement wheat-based ramen noodles.