The 'Lager's Counterattack' Begins in Craft Beer: Shimanami Brewery Launches 'Smoke Lager' as First in New Series

Shimanami Brewery Inc. (Headquarters: Kubo, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture; CEO: Kazuto Matsuoka) released its new product, 'Lager's Counterattack 01 Smoke Lager,' on May 19, 2026.

The craft beer market in Japan has historically expanded with a primary focus on ales. Their glamorous aromas, unique flavors, and diverse styles have driven craft beer culture, firmly establishing the impression that 'craft beer equals ale.'

On the other hand, lagers are often described simply as 'clean,' 'easy to drink,' and 'familiar.' It cannot be said that their diversity and depth as craft beers have been sufficiently highlighted.

However, lager is fundamentally a beer style with a very broad range of expression. Beneath a clean mouthfeel, it can reflect the individuality of the malt, the delicate flavors born from low-temperature fermentation and aging, and the depth created by combining ingredients. It fascinates not with flashiness, but with precision. That is the unique appeal of a lager.

'Lager's Counterattack,' launched this time, is a craft lager developed to reintroduce the potential of lagers. The name embodies the expectation for a re-evaluation of craft lagers. 'Craft beer isn't just about ales.' 'We want people to know lagers as another main character in the world of craft beer, which tends to be discussed mainly around ales.' These are the thoughts put into it.

The first release, 'Smoke Lager,' is a fragrant lager made with German smoked malt. When brought close to the glass, a subtle smoky aroma rises. Upon sipping, the soft sweetness and roasted flavor derived from the malt spread across the palate.

The base is a blend of Pilsner malts from Canada and Germany. Finished in a slightly deep golden color, it aims for a light mouthfeel characteristic of lagers, where the aftertaste pulls away cleanly while still allowing you to feel the unique character of the smoke.

Normally, smoked beers have a strong personality and can be perceived as an acquired taste. However, 'Lager's Counterattack 01 Smoke Lager' is designed with a balance that leaves a lingering roasted flavor without becoming too heavy. It's a glass where you feel the unique aroma in the first sip, and the light, lager-like character emerges as you continue drinking.

It pairs widely with food, matching perfectly not only with roasted dishes like BBQ, bacon, and sausages, but also with casual meals like hot sandwiches, baguettes, and hamburgers. It's a craft beer that can be enjoyed naturally in everyday life, not just for special pairings.

Through the 'Lager's Counterattack' series, Shimanami Brewery will continue to propose new ways to enjoy craft lagers.

[Product Overview] - Name: Lager's Counterattack 01 Smoke Lager - Style: Smoke Lager - Alcohol: 5.5% - Volume: 370ml - Ingredients: Malt (manufactured in Germany, Canada), Hops - Shelf Life: 6 months - Storage: Refrigerated

[Characteristics of Shimanami Brewery's Craft Beer] The characteristic of Shimanami Brewery's craft beer is the 'pure, off-flavor-free deliciousness' achieved through the brewer's experience and strict temperature control.

[Shimanami Brewery's Standard Products] The standard lineup includes 'Strike Pilsner,' brewed with the concept of a quintessential lager, and 'First Lager,' designed specifically for the first drink. Both are pilsners packed with the experience cultivated by brewer Matsuoka. The malts used in the two standard products are a blend of German malt, known for its strong wheat umami, and Canadian malt, which has strong enzymatic power for a clean finish.

[Standard Product Wins Top Award at World Beer Awards for Two Consecutive Years] At the global beer competition 'World Beer Awards 2024' and 'World Beer Awards 2025,' the standard product 'Strike Pilsner' won the COUNTRY WINNER award in the Classic Pilsner category.