Chuo Line Beer Works Celebrates 1st Anniversary! Limited-Edition Craft Beer Inspired by Koganei City's Chestnuts Launches with Special Events

Note: As of July 14, 2026, 'Kuri Amber Ale' is still in production; the beer image shown may differ from the final product.

Chuo Line Beer Works, the first directly operated craft brewery by the JR East Group, operated by JR Chuo Line Community Design Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hachioji City, Tokyo / President & CEO: Yu Ozawa), will celebrate its 1st anniversary on Sunday, August 30, 2026. We sincerely thank all our customers for their warm support.

〇 The 1st anniversary craft beer, 'Kuri Amber Ale,' will be available for a limited time starting Saturday, August 29. As the first brewery in Koganei City, this original craft beer uses 'chestnuts' to honor the city's long-standing history as a renowned chestnut-producing region.

〇 To commemorate this milestone, special anniversary events will be held at the taproom on Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30, including a lottery for original merchandise and coupons.

〇 From Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, August 30, various customer appreciation campaigns will be held, including novelty gifts and store visit promotions, as part of the 1st anniversary celebration.

〇 Chuo Line Beer Works aims to promote the charm of the Chuo Line area through craft beer that grows together with the local community.

Sales Overview of 1st Anniversary Craft Beer 'Kuri Amber Ale' [Sales Start: Saturday, August 29, 2026]

Product Name: Kuri Amber Ale

ABV: 5.0%

IBU: 21

Beer Style: Amber Ale

Category: Carbonated Alcoholic Beverage

To mark its first anniversary, we have brewed an amber ale using chestnuts, inspired by the city's history. Enjoy a smooth, rich flavor where the gentle sweetness and aroma of malt blend harmoniously with the mild depth of chestnuts.

Ingredients: Barley malt (manufactured in the UK and Germany), chestnut paste, flavoring, hops, carrageenan / carbon dioxide

Price: Regular (290ml) 900 JPY / Pint (490ml) 1,200 JPY / Can (350ml) 700 JPY

*Prices include consumption tax and are for direct sales at our taproom. Prices may vary at events.

Sales Location: Chuo Line Beer Works Taproom

*From September onward, canned versions will gradually be available at select NewDays and Kinokuniya stores along the Chuo Line.

Sales Period: Limited quantity; ends when sold out (approximately 2,500L to be brewed)

[The Story Behind 'Kuri Amber Ale']

The 1st anniversary craft beer from Chuo Line Beer Works, Koganei City's first brewery, pays tribute to the city's historical reputation as a chestnut-producing region since the Edo period, when chestnuts from Koganei were offered to the shogunate. The label design, illustrated by Koganei-based artist Kaoru Yamasaki, features chestnut illustrations with a tasteful touch of 1st anniversary commemoration.

*While inspired by the region's chestnut heritage, chestnuts used in the ingredients are not sourced from Koganei City.

1st Anniversary Event [Saturday, August 29 & Sunday, August 30, 2026]

A two-day anniversary celebration will be held at the Chuo Line Beer Works taproom.

Event Hours:

August 29 (Sat): 13:00–21:00 (Last Order 20:30)

August 30 (Sun): 13:00–21:00 (Last Order 20:30)

① Two-Day Exclusive! For the first time, all taps will feature only in-house brewed craft beers, including the new staple 'Pilsner' and 'Kuri Amber Ale'

While the taproom usually serves craft beers from Tama-area and partner breweries, this time all taps will be taken over exclusively by Chuo Line Beer Works' own brews, including the new 'Pilsner' and 'Kuri Amber Ale'.

*Availability may vary depending on daily sales; subject to stockout.

[New Staple Product: Pilsner]

In addition to the three existing staples (Golden Ale, Weissbier, American IPA), 'Pilsner' has been added as a new staple product starting in July.

Product Name: Pilsner

ABV: 5.0%

IBU: 21

Beer Style: Pilsner

Category: Carbonated Alcoholic Beverage

A pilsner featuring the elegant aroma of Czech Saaz hops and a light, dry finish. With mild bitterness, it's a refreshing lager you can enjoy repeatedly.

Ingredients: Barley malt (manufactured in the UK and Germany), hops, carrageenan / carbon dioxide

② No-Loser Fun Lottery

Customers who spend a total of 2,000 JPY or more (tax included, cumulative) at the Chuo Line Beer Works taproom during the designated period will be eligible for a no-loser lottery, winning original merchandise or taproom coupons. Please present your receipt from the eligible period when claiming your prize.

*Prize redemption limited to first 200 customers; ends when supplies last.

Eligible Receipt Period: Taproom business days from July 16 (Thu) to August 30 (Sun)

Prize Redemption Period: During taproom business hours on August 29 (Sat) and 30 (Sun)

③ Snack Coupon Gift (Exclusive to Purchasers of In-House Craft Beer Cans)

Customers who purchase three or more cans of the following eligible products will receive a '500 JPY or less snack item exchange coupon' redeemable at the taproom!

Eligible Products (Cans): Golden Ale / Weissbier / American IPA

*Limited to first 100 customers; ends when supplies last.

*Any combination of three cans is acceptable.

*Please consult staff for eligible snack items when using the coupon.

1st Anniversary Campaign [July 16 (Thu) – August 30 (Sun), 2026]

To express our gratitude, special campaigns will be held on business days at the Chuo Line Beer Works taproom.

① Novelty Gift Campaign (First 300 Customers)

During the campaign period, customers who spend a total of 2,000 JPY or more (tax included, cumulative) at the taproom will receive an original eco-bag as a gift. Please present your receipt when claiming.

*Limited to first 300 customers; ends when supplies last.

② Double Points for Taproom Visit Stamp Card via 'Living with the Chuo Line' App

During the campaign, double points will be awarded for visits to Chuo Line Beer Works through the 'Living with the Chuo Line' app. Normally 1 point per visit, now 2 points!

③ 1st Anniversary Set Discount Campaign

A limited 1st anniversary set featuring three in-house craft beer cans and an original cooler bag will be sold. Get three craft beer cans and a cooler bag together for just 3,000 JPY (tax included)!

Contents: Three in-house craft beer cans (Golden Ale, Weissbier, American IPA) + One original cooler bag

*Limited quantity; ends when sold out.

[Related Event: Hosted by Higashi-Koganei Station! Hop & Beer Science Workshop]

A parent-child experiential event will be held at Chuo Line Beer Works, deepening community ties through hops grown by station staff.