hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Tokyo Craft Pale Ale

Tap to rate

Tokyo Craft Pale Ale is the year-round flagship of Suntory's Tokyo Craft range, first released in February 2017 and brewed only at the Musashino brewery in Fuchu. The original recipe relied on Cascade hops added late in the boil. A 2023 revision reworked the grain bill and brought in Mandarina Bavaria. Citrus leads the nose, with mandarin and orange peel over a light grapefruit edge, followed by a clean, lightly biscuity malt base, a pleasant bitterness and a fresh, lingering finish.

ABV
5.0%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
citrusyorangeclean
citrusy
orange
clean
malty
bready
hoppy
Aroma
The nose leads with vibrant citrus notes, primarily mandarin and orange peel, layered over a subtle grapefruit backdrop that adds dimension without overwhelming.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Tokyo Craft Pale Ale

◎ Appearance

Tokyo Craft Pale Ale presents a bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent head that leaves delicate lacing on the glass. The carbonation is crisp and visible, with a steady stream of small bubbles rising through the body. The beer displays the characteristic pale amber tones typical of the style, inviting and clean.

golden, clearfine head retentionwell-carbonated

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with vibrant citrus notes, primarily mandarin and orange peel, layered over a subtle grapefruit backdrop that adds dimension without overwhelming. A clean, lightly toasted malt foundation anchors the bouquet, allowing the hop character to shine. The overall impression is fresh and balanced, with no harsh or oxidized edges.

citrus-forwardmandarin, orange peelclean malt base

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and refreshing, with bright citrus flavors following through immediately. The mid-palate reveals a light, biscuity malt sweetness that provides structure without heaviness, complemented by a measured bitterness from the Cascade and Mandarina Bavaria hops. The finish transitions smoothly from malty to dry, with lingering citrus notes and a pleasant hoppy bite.

citrus-drivenlight biscuitbalanced bitternessclean finish

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and lingering, with citrus and mild hop bitterness persisting gently on the palate. A dry, refreshing aftertaste invites another sip without clinging heavily to the mouth.

lingering citrusdry, refreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
78
Appearance
80
Finish
74
Serve at 7–10°C

Cold enough to sharpen the hop aroma without numbing the palate. Around 7–9°C keeps the citrus and pine vivid without losing bitterness definition.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Drink fresh — hop aroma fades fast. Best within 3 months of canning or bottling.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Tokyo Craft Pale Ale

More from Suntory

Perfect Suntory Beer
Perfect Suntory Beer
Pale Lager
5.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Perfect Suntory Beer Amber Ale
Perfect Suntory Beer Amber Ale
Amber Ale
5.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Suntory Nama Beer
Suntory Nama Beer
Pale Lager
5.0%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
The Premium Malt's
The Premium Malt's
Pale Lager
5.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
The Premium Malt's Black
The Premium Malt's Black
Schwarzbier
5.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
The Premium Malt's Kaoru Ale
The Premium Malt's Kaoru Ale
Golden Ale
6.0%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
The Premium Malt's Master's Dream
The Premium Malt's Master's Dream
Czech Premium Pale Lager
5.0%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →

About Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Pale Ale?

India Pale Ales are hop-forward ales with ABV typically 5.5–7.5% and IBU 40–70+. Bold citrus, pine or tropical aromas alongside firm bitterness and a clean dry finish.

Finding a similar Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same citrusy, orange, clean character as Tokyo Craft Pale Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Japan beers →