IWAI Lager – A Beer Crafted to Pair Perfectly with Food

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a thick cut of simply grilled meat—the kind that fills your mouth with a smoky, caramelized aroma the moment you take a bite. The savory richness builds with each chew, and just when it reaches its peak, you wash it down with a cold, crisp beer. The lingering flavor of the meat meets the bitterness of the hops, and the two dance in perfect harmony. But have you ever had a beer that was specifically made to enhance that moment—a beer designed not to steal the spotlight, but to lift every flavor on the plate?
That’s exactly what you’ll find in IWAI Lager, the flagship beer brewed with care at IWAI BREWERY, HUGE’s very own microbrewery in Katsunuma, Yamanashi.
Poured at every HUGE location, this beer was crafted to complement a wide variety of cuisines—Spanish Italian, New American, Asian, Mexican—you name it. IWAI Lager naturally pairs with any dish, revealing new layers of flavor depending on the food it’s served with. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this one-of-a-kind beer so special—and how you can enjoy it even more with the perfect food pairing.

As the name suggests, IWAI Lager is brewed using a bottom-fermentation method known for producing that crisp, clean profile we all associate with a classic lager. Lagers are known for their refreshing sharpness and clean finish—qualities that have made them the “go-to beer” in Japan for generations. But when it comes to craft beer, lagers are actually a rare find. Why? Because of the brewing method.
There are two main types of fermentation in beer: top-fermentation (used for ales) and bottom-fermentation (used for lagers). Ales ferment quickly at higher temperatures and tend to be fruity and complex. Lagers, on the other hand, ferment slowly at lower temperatures, resulting in a cleaner, more neutral flavor.
Many Japanese craft breweries choose to make ales because the shorter fermentation time and stronger flavor profiles are better suited to small-batch production. Meanwhile, major breweries tend to produce lagers because they’re easier to scale while maintaining consistency.

That’s why, when most people think of “Japanese beer,” they think of lager.
But HUGE wanted something different.
“At HUGE, we’re restaurant people. We wanted a beer that wouldn’t overpower the food, but would instead shine when enjoyed alongside it.
On its own, IWAI Lager might seem simple—but when paired with a meal, it reveals a depth of flavor that brings out the best in every dish.”
– Takuya Yanai, Head Brewer at IWAI BREWERY

While IWAI Lager was crafted to pair well with just about anything, it truly comes alive when served with grilled dishes. Simple grilled meat or seafood—something HUGE does exceptionally well—brings out the depth of the beer’s flavor. At Osteria IL VIAGGIO, for example, you’ll find dishes grilled over an open fire. The smokiness of the wood adds an earthy richness to the meat, and when paired with IWAI Lager, a gentle “woodsy aroma” rises on the finish—tying together the flavors in a beautiful way.
That aroma comes from a very special ingredient: Sorachi Ace, a rare hop variety grown in Hokkaido. Known for its gentle yet aromatic scent reminiscent of Japanese cypress, it gives IWAI Lager its distinctive signature.
But balance is key.

“If the hop aroma is too strong, it competes with the food. So we carefully adjusted the brewing process—tweaking the timing and boiling stages over and over—to find that perfect balance.
Even now, when Sorachi Ace isn’t available, we blend other hops to recreate the same impression.”
– Yanai

Another secret to IWAI Lager’s complexity is lime, which helps amplify the hop’s bright notes and opens the door to pairings with other cuisines—like Spanish, Mexican, or Asian dishes rich in herbs and spices.

“The lime really expanded what the beer could do. Suddenly it wasn’t just a great match for grilled foods—it also worked beautifully with everything from ceviche to spicy Asian dishes.”
– Yanai

And here’s another thoughtful detail: the ABV is 4.5%—a touch lighter than most mainstream lagers. That means you can sip it throughout your meal without feeling overwhelmed. Before you know it, both your glass and your plate are clean.

IWAI Lager is now served across all of HUGE’s restaurants in Japan. It’s become our signature beer—the one we recommend to start your meal. Because it’s intentionally light and refreshing, it makes an ideal starter. But it’s also designed to shift and change depending on what you’re eating—something you’ll notice when pairing it with standout menu items from each restaurant.

At RIGOLETTO, start with a carpaccio. The fresh citrus and olive oil notes complement the hop’s subtle wood aroma, leaving a clean and fragrant finish. Then move on to something richer—like a juicy steak or a chargrilled hamburger patty. IWAI Lager cuts through the fattiness and refreshes your palate after every bite.
It also pairs beautifully with anything green and vibrant. Try guacamole at one of our Mexican restaurants—the lime-splashed avocado brings out the citrusy freshness in the beer. 
Or go for a herb-forward salad with citrus dressing—where the herbal notes of the dish harmonize with the beer’s subtle, woodsy character.

IWAI Lager may be a flagship beer—but in the eyes of its brewer, it’s still a work in progress.
“I’m still experimenting with the hop combinations and proportions. Sorachi Ace is the anchor, but I want to keep evolving the recipe so it continues to grow—always with the goal of pairing beautifully with grilled dishes.”
– Yanai
This is what happens when a restaurant group brews a beer not for shelves, but for tables. IWAI Lager is more than just a drink—it’s part of the experience. A beer that was made to meet the food on your plate and say, “Let’s make this unforgettable.”
Next time you dine with us, we hope you’ll raise a glass of IWAI Lager—and taste the passion behind every pour.