[Craft Beer Ranking] A Lineup of Evolution Beers with a Focus on Brewing Methods! Which One is Recommended for Enjoying Authentic Flavor at Home?

Investigation into recommended craft beers for this summer!

Over the past year, major manufacturers have launched new beer products, one after another becoming hits. This time, we have ranked a total of 50+ beers. On PR TIMES, we introduce the TOP 10 in the craft beer category. Reading this will surely help you find a beer you'll want to repurchase this summer!

Evaluation criteria are as follows▼

Taste: out of 10 Sharpness: out of 10 Richness: out of 10 Aroma: out of 10 Smoothness: out of 10 Bitterness: out of 10

What is MONOQLO Gourmet?

MONOQLO Gourmet was launched in 2024 by the product review magazine 'MONOQLO'. Editorial staff and culinary professionals test and evaluate gourmet foods. Products that the editorial team 'truly recommends' based on strict, honest evaluations with no favoritism, staging, or advertising are awarded the 'Gold Award' mark.

Top 10 'Craft Beers' with a Focus on Evolution

A world-class pale ale representing Japan

[1st Place] Gold Award: ISEKADO Pale Ale Actual price: 396 yen This is a pale ale representing Japan, crafted by Ise Kadoya Beer. The grapefruit-like citrus aroma bursts forth, harmonizing beautifully with the bitterness. It has a well-balanced and refined taste, embodying everything one seeks in a craft beer. Taste: 10/10 Sharpness: 9/10 Richness: 8/10 Aroma: 10/10 Smoothness: 9/10 Bitterness: 9/10

A creamy, juicy, aromatic hazy IPA powerhouse

[2nd Place] Silver Award: ISEKADO Hazy IPA Actual price: 600 yen Ise Kadoya Beer's hazy IPA takes 2nd place. It features citrus aromas and a fine texture, masking its relatively high alcohol content of 6.5%. It's fruity like a rich apple juice, making it a dangerously drinkable beer. Taste: 9/10 Sharpness: 7/10 Richness: 9/10 Aroma: 10/10 Smoothness: 8/10 Bitterness: 9/10

Balancing the drinkability of a lager with the bitterness of hops!

[3rd Place] Bronze Award: COEDO BREWERY COEDO Kyara Actual price: 283 yen An IPL (India Pale Lager) with plenty of hops and malt added to a lager. It has a citrus-like bitterness and umami, and despite a heavier mouthfeel, it's mysteriously easy to drink! Taste: 9/10 Sharpness: 9/10 Richness: 9/10 Aroma: 7/10 Smoothness: 7/10 Bitterness: 8/10

A high cost-performance product appearing in the hazy IPA boom!

[Tied for 3rd Place] Bronze Award: Yoho Brewing Uchoten Aliens Actual price: 365 yen It has a juicy flavor that mixes banana and citrus. Despite its thick texture, it has a fresh sweetness, making it drinkable like juice. Taste: 8/10 Sharpness: 8/10 Richness: 9/10 Aroma: 9/10 Smoothness: 7/10 Bitterness: 8/10

Bitterness that cuts through! A beer dedicated to IPA fans

[5th Place] A Rating: Yoho Brewing India no Aooni Actual price: 330 yen An IPA that extracts the bitterness of hops to the limit. By intentionally suppressing the richness, it achieves a crisp taste with a distinct bitterness. With a 7% alcohol content, it's a satisfying beer highly recommended for those who like bitter brews. Taste: 9/10 Sharpness: 8/10 Richness: 7/10 Aroma: 7.5/10 Smoothness: 7/10 Bitterness: 10/10

For those not satisfied with regular beer!

[6th Place] A Rating: Kirin Beer SPRING VALLEY BREWERY Hojun Lager 496 Actual price: 270 yen A lager made with darker malt. It feels more like a robust beer than a craft beer. Its solid body and richness truly shine when paired with strongly flavored meat dishes. Taste: 9/10 Sharpness: 7/10 Richness: 10/10 Aroma: 7/10 Smoothness: 6/10 Bitterness: 9/10

Light on alcohol but strong on hop bitterness!

[7th Place] COEDO BREWERY COEDO Marihana Actual price: 283 yen Despite a light 4.5% alcohol content, the hop bitterness and citrus aroma are robust. It also features a rich foam and a refreshing mouthfeel. A craft beer you could drink endlessly, perfect as a summer staple. Taste: 7.5/10 Sharpness: 8/10 Richness: 7/10 Aroma: 8/10 Smoothness: 8/10 Bitterness: 9/10

A new sensation pilsner with added hop aroma!

[8th Place] ISEKADO WEST COAST PILSNER Actual price: 396 yen A new genre adding hop aroma to an easy-drinking pilsner. It has a fruity aroma reminiscent of green apples, with a mild bitterness. The fine bubbles and refreshing taste make it an excellent match with bread! Taste: 8/10 Sharpness: 8/10 Richness: 7/10 Aroma: 9/10 Smoothness: 9/10 Bitterness: 6/10

An aroma-focused pale ale you can choose like white wine

[9th Place] Kirin Beer SPRING VALLEY BREWERY JAPAN Ale Kaori Actual price: 245 yen A gorgeous aroma reminiscent of muscat grapes. It features the rare hop 'MURAKAMI SEVEN', and its taste is reminiscent of white wine. Despite being 6% alcohol, it goes down smoothly. Taste: 8/10 Sharpness: 7/10 Richness: 7/10 Aroma: 9/10 Smoothness: 7/10 Bitterness: 8/10

A gentle citrus aroma spreads softly

[Tied for 9th Place] Suntory Tokyo Craft Pale Ale Actual price: 236 yen A mild flavor among pale ales, with a soft citrus aroma. It has a firm bitterness but a crisp finish. Its affordable price makes it easy for craft beer beginners to try. Taste: 7/10 Sharpness: 7/10 Richness: 7/10 Aroma: 8/10 Smoothness: 8/10 Bitterness: 9/10

Check the detailed verification results for each product in the current issue of 'MONOQLO' July 2026!

We will continue to share rankings published in 'MONOQLO'. Stay tuned!

The 'Certification' mark is proof that the editorial team has approved the product!

As a result of strict 'user-centric' testing, products that the editorial team deems 'truly recommendable' are given the certification mark. This mark, which cannot be obtained regardless of payment, is used by winning companies for product promotion.

★Inquiries regarding the certification mark should be directed to the Marketing Division listed at the end of this release.

What is 'MONOQLO'? Celebrating its 17th anniversary in 2026! It is an all-genre review magazine for men that tests a wide range of products and services, from daily necessities and fashion to insurance and credit cards, from a user's perspective. It delivers 'honest evaluations' focused solely on the user.

[Media Overview] Media Name: MONOQLO Publication Date: 19th of every month Publisher: Shinyusha Co., Ltd. (1-12 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)