A Beer Sommelier Explains the Appeal of Schmatz x Baeren Brewery's "Kanpai Lager"
A thorough analysis of "Kanpai Lager," a collaboration beer between Schmatz and Baeren Brewery.
A beer sommelier details the taste of this dry-hopped lager, featuring the rare hop "Hüll Melon," and its exquisite pairings with our signature German cuisine.
Table of Contents
◯ Introduction: How one beer can create the "ultimate beer experience"
◯ 【Beer Sommelier's Explanation】The secret to the taste and aroma of the collaboration beer "Kanpai Lager"
・Style: "Dry-Hopped Lager"—A fusion of tradition and innovation
・Hüll Melon hops evoke notes of melon and pear
・Surprisingly dry and clean: The secret to an "ideal balance" that never tires the palate
◯ Our dedication to "Cheers" imbued in this beer
◯ Enjoy with Schmatz's proud menu! Pairing suggestions for ultimate bliss
・Classic! Crispy and juicy "Assortment of 3 Sausages"
・"German Potato Salad" harmonizes with a light acidity
・A luxurious main dish: Pairing with "Schnitzel"
◯ Bringing German beer culture to Japan: Schmatz's continued adherence to the "Reinheitsgebot" (German Beer Purity Law)
◯ 【Tips】Even more delicious! Tips for enjoying "Kanpai Lager" at the restaurant
◯ Summary: Experience the "sound of happiness" only available now at our restaurants
Are you familiar with the word "Schmatz"? In German, it refers to the "sound your tongue makes when you eat something delicious" or the "sound of happiness." We have developed restaurants where you can easily enjoy authentic German flavors, aiming to deliver this "sound of happiness" across Japan.
As 2026 begins, we have collaborated with Baeren Brewery, a prestigious name from Iwate, to create an extraordinary beer unlike any before. In our previous column, we shared the story of the encounter between Baeren Brewery, which preserves 100-year-old equipment, and Schmatz, and how we aimed for a "champagne-like, celebratory toast."
In this second column, we delve deeper, explaining from a beer sommelier's perspective the delicate flavors of "Kanpai Lager" and the food pairings we highly recommend you try at our restaurants. By the time you finish reading this article, you will surely want to raise your glass and shout "Prost!" at a Schmatz restaurant!
【Beer Sommelier's Explanation】The secret to the taste and aroma of the collaboration beer "Kanpai Lager"
Our collaboration beer, "Kanpai Lager," is not just any lager. It is truly a "hybrid" brew, combining the traditional backbone of German beer with the essence of modern craft beer.
Style: "Dry-Hopped Lager"—A fusion of tradition and innovation
This beer's style is "dry-hopped lager." While typical lagers are characterized by a crisp, clean finish and malty flavors, we've incorporated the "dry-hopping" technique.
What is dry-hopping? Normally, hops are added during the wort boiling stage. However, with dry-hopping, hops are added during the final stage of fermentation. This method avoids heating the hops, thus suppressing bitterness while maximizing the extraction of fresh aromas.
With an alcohol content of 5.5%, it's standard, but the IBU (International Bitterness Units) is a modest 20. This design ensures a smooth, pleasant drinkability, even for those who prefer less bitter beers.
Hüll Melon hops evoke notes of melon and pear
The greatest characteristic of "Kanpai Lager" lies in its aroma. The main hop used this time is the rare German variety "Hüll Melon."
As you bring the glass to your nose, a sweet and elegant aroma of "honeydew melon" and "ripe pear" gently spreads, just as its name suggests. You might also detect subtle nuances of slightly ripe strawberries. This fruity top note gracefully enhances the toasting scene, much like champagne.
Surprisingly dry and clean: The secret to an "ideal balance" that never tires the palate
The beer has a pale golden color and is remarkably clear, with fine, persistent white foam. Upon tasting, a light to medium body spreads across the palate, but its most notable feature is its "dryness."
By using a highly fermentable yeast, we have minimized any residual sweetness from the wort.
This allows the vibrant aroma derived from Hüll Melon and the subtle bitterness from the bittering hop (Titan) to be distinctly perceived without any off-flavors.
The clean finish means you can enjoy two, three, or more glasses without tiring, resulting in a perfectly balanced lager.
Our dedication to "Cheers" imbued in this beer
As someone involved in the planning of this collaborative beer, I have a profound emotional attachment to this "Kanpai Lager."
During development, what we valued most were the voices of our restaurant staff. They observe the expressions of customers at their first sip closer than anyone else. Our staff strongly emphasized that "the delight of the first drink determines the quality of the entire day's experience."
We wanted to brighten the spirits of customers who visited Schmatz during the lingering cold of January and February. With this in mind, we chose this lager, which possesses a "radiant elegance" rather than a heavy winter beer. This proud masterpiece is the culmination of Baeren Brewery's proven expertise and our vision.
Enjoy with Schmatz's proud menu! Pairing suggestions for ultimate bliss
Here are some pairing suggestions with Schmatz's signature German dishes that best highlight the dry and fruity characteristics of "Kanpai Lager." We invite you to experience these three sommelier-selected pairings at our restaurants.
Classic! Crispy and juicy "Assortment of 3 Sausages"
When it comes to German beer, sausages are, of course, indispensable. Schmatz's sausages feature a juicy flavor based on authentic German recipes.
＊Pairing Highlights:
The rich meat juices and saltiness of the sausages are refreshingly cleansed by the dry finish of "Kanpai Lager." The melon-like aroma of the hops adds a vibrant touch to the meat's umami, making each subsequent bite even more delicious.
"German Potato Salad" harmonizes with a light acidity
Crisp roasted potatoes and the savory aroma of bacon make this a popular Schmatz menu item.
＊Pairing Highlights:
The subtle acidity unique to German potato salad and the clean, fermentation-derived crispness of the beer match exquisitely. The beer's fruitiness enhances the potatoes' sweetness, creating a carefully calculated marriage.
A luxurious main dish: Pairing with "Schnitzel"
Schnitzel, a German-style cutlet, is a hearty dish of thinly pounded meat, fried until crispy.
＊Pairing Highlights:
The compatibility of fried foods and lager beer is self-evident, but the dry-hop-derived aroma of this "Kanpai Lager" creates a wonderful resonance with schnitzel, especially when squeezed with lemon. Its light body allows you to enjoy even a large cutlet without feeling heavy.
*Beer lineup and stock vary by store. Please contact the store directly for details.
Bringing German beer culture to Japan: Schmatz's continued adherence to the "Reinheitsgebot" (German Beer Purity Law)
All beers offered by Schmatz are carefully brewed based on the "Reinheitsgebot" (German Beer Purity Law) enacted in 1516, using only water, malt, hops, and yeast as ingredients.
This "Kanpai Lager" also strictly adheres to that tradition, brewed with Iwate's abundant water and Baeren Brewery's historic equipment. To carry on the spirit of Bavarian breweries in Japan is not merely about selling beer; it is about the mission of delivering Germany's "proud culture."
【Tips】Even more delicious! Tips for enjoying "Kanpai Lager" at the restaurant
Finally, here are a few tips to help you enjoy this special beer even more.
"Kanpai Lager" is a highly aromatic beer, and its delightful Hüll Melon aroma is best appreciated when not overly chilled (around 6-8°C). From the moment it's served perfectly cold at the restaurant, take your time to savor the evolving aromas as the temperature slowly changes.
Summary: Experience the "sound of happiness" only available now at our restaurants
"Dedicated to those who appreciate authenticity," the Schmatz x Baeren Brewery collaboration beer, "Kanpai Lager." This brew, combining traditional German beer techniques with the vibrant elegance of rare hops, offers a truly "unforgettable" experience unlike any other.
Gather with dear friends and family and raise a glass at a Schmatz restaurant. The "sound of happiness" (Schmatz) that rings out will surely make your everyday life a little more special.
Our entire staff eagerly awaits your visit, ready to serve you the perfectly crafted "Kanpai Lager"!
◯ Experience authentic German flavors! Click here for a list of Schmatz locations
◯ Enjoy Schmatz at home. Check out our online shop for gifts
Why not celebrate the new season with our collaboration beer, infused with the passion of "authentic German brewing"? We look forward to toasting with all of you at your nearest Schmatz restaurant, enjoying our beer sommelier's selected pairings!
