Echigo Koshihikari Lager Takes the Spotlight as October's Best-Selling Sake!

Echigo Koshihikari Lager dominated the sales charts in October, and it's easy to see why. Revered in the rice lager category, this unique brew combines tradition, premium ingredients, and a pioneering spirit that sets it apart from the crowd. Not only is Echigo Japan’s original microbrew, but it also paved the way for craft beer in the country.

The story of Japanese craft beer began in 1994 when an amendment to Japan’s Liquor Tax Law lowered the minimum production requirements, opening the doors for small breweries to obtain licenses and experiment with new flavors. Echigo Brewery led the charge, establishing the nation’s first brewpub and introducing a craft beer experience to Japan. Their flagship, Echigo Koshihikari Lager, remains a tribute to this trailblazing history and has since become a favorite among beer enthusiasts around the world.

Located in the beautiful Niigata Prefecture, Japan’s top rice-growing region, Echigo Brewery sources the prized Koshihikari rice, a short-grain variety known for its purity, quality, and rich flavor. The brewery is meticulous about selecting only the finest Koshihikari rice, a commitment that elevates their flagship lager with a smooth, nuanced taste profile that’s both refreshing and complex.

Echigo Koshihikari Lager has a distinctive character that sets it apart from typical rice lagers. It offers a delicate, sweet aroma reminiscent of freshly steamed rice, balanced by a light hoppy fragrance. With a clean, crisp finish and a refreshing mouthfeel, this lager is all about a subtle intensity that lingers. Brewed with high-quality German malts and Hersbrucker hops, the lager showcases the brewery’s skillful blend of Japanese and European brewing techniques.

Using the traditional Decoction method, Echigo Brewery masterfully brings out the full potential of both rice and malt flavors. This results in a fine, persistent carbonation and a taste that’s bright and subtly layered. Each sip of Echigo Koshihikari Lager offers a taste of Japan’s brewing legacy—a product of regional pride, artisanal care, and a bold leap into Japan’s craft beer scene.