SanktGallen's Pineapple Ale — a Spring/Summer Seasonal Beer Using 600kg of Golden Pineapple

SanktGallen Brewery (Atsugi City, Kanagawa) has released Pineapple Ale — a spring/summer limited fruit beer using approximately 600kg of Golden Pineapple per batch. Available from April 24, 2026 (Friday), with sales planned through the end of September.

Juicy Pineapple Flavor That Reaches All the Way to the Foam

Pineapple Ale is crafted using Golden Pineapples grown on Del Monte's managed farms and hand-cut at a factory in Yokohama. The hand-cutting process minimizes stress on the fruit, resulting in less loss of juice and aroma — allowing the pineapple's natural, vibrant flavor to carry through into the finished beer.

Golden pineapple used in the brewing of Pineapple Ale

Hand-cut Golden Pineapple prepared for brewing

The fruit is added directly to the wort (unfermented liquid malt) before fermentation begins. By fermenting the sugars of both the wort and the fruit together, the pineapple flavor permeates not just the aroma when poured, but even the foam — giving it a subtly sweet pineapple character.

Wort and pineapple fermenting together in the brewing process

Brewing process for Pineapple Ale at SanktGallen

A Brut IPA Base Designed to Highlight the Fruit

The base beer is a Brut IPA — an uncommon choice for fruit beers. Inspired by the dry finish of champagne, this style delivers a bright hop aroma while remaining light and crisp on the palate. By deliberately dialing back the malt richness, the juicy, refreshing character of the pineapple takes center stage.

Pineapple Ale poured into a glass, showing the beer's color and foam

SanktGallen Pineapple Ale in glasses

Why It's Labeled "Happoshu" Instead of Beer

Under Japan's Liquor Tax Law, when fruit is used as an adjunct in beer, the quantity is limited to no more than 5% of the malt weight. Pineapple Ale uses fruit equivalent to 30% of its malt weight — well beyond that threshold — so it is officially classified as happoshu (発泡酒 / sparkling liquor) rather than beer. That said, the malt content remains high, meaning the actual tax rate applied is the same as for beer.

Product Details

Pineapple Ale bottle

Product Name: Pineapple Ale (Happoshu / Sparkling Liquor)

Sales Period: April 24, 2026 (Friday) – End of September (Spring/Summer Limited)

Alcohol Content: 5%

Volume: 330ml

Suggested Retail Price: ¥539 (tax included)

Where to Buy: SanktGallen's official online shop, select department store liquor sections, and other locations listed on the official website.

Enjoy on Draft at the Tap Room

Pineapple Ale is also available on draft at SanktGallen's directly operated tap room in Atsugi.

SanktGallen Tap Room in Atsugi, Kanagawa

SanktGallen Tap Room

A directly operated bar located just outside the north exit of Hon-Atsugi Station, serving up to 20 varieties of SanktGallen beers on draft — from regulars to seasonal releases. Stone-oven pizzas, made fresh to order with hand-stretched dough, are available as well.

Address: 2-2-1 Nakamachi, Atsugi City, Kanagawa (Hon-Atsugi Milord 2, 1F — right outside the north exit of Hon-Atsugi Station)

Phone: 046-230-7017

Hours: