MISHIMA, Shizuoka — Two craft breweries in central Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture have collaborated to release a pair of high-alcohol beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing.
Numazu-based Repubrew and Hansharo Beer Brewing, located in Izunokuni, have introduced their “Heaven’s Door” series, featuring brews with alcohol contents of 24.5% and 19.5% by volume, respectively. Rather than crafting beers for casual drinking, the breweries aimed to showcase the diverse appeal and innovation possible within the craft beer scene.
Achieving such high alcohol levels was made possible through the use of specially developed yeast strains from U.S. companies, known for their strong alcohol tolerance, along with a malt content five times higher than that used in standard beer recipes.
Repubrew’s version of “Heaven’s Door” is a brown, bitter brew, characterized by fruity and hoppy aromas. A 330-milliliter can is priced at 3,300 yen (approximately $23). Due to Japanese regulations, which classify beverages exceeding 20% alcohol by volume as spirits rather than beer, the product is officially categorized as a spirit.
“This is a beer that really hits the mark,” said Shoma Hata, the 34-year-old president of Repubrew. “It’s a taste I’d love people to experience.”
Meanwhile, Hansharo Beer Brewing’s “Heaven’s Door” offers a darker brew with a robust hoppy scent and a malty sweetness beneath the bitterness. A 330-milliliter bottle is available for 2,800 yen (around $19.60).
“It’s a richly expansive beer with sweetness intertwined with its bitterness,” commented head brewer Junpei Yamada.
Both versions are being sold in limited quantities of 100 units each, available through the companies’ respective websites. Repubrew’s “Heaven’s Door” is also offered at their Numazu and Mishima locations.
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