Anderson Valley Adding Koji Sake Style Lager

This morning brings an intriguing new release fromAnderson Valley Brewing Company, based in Boonville, California. The brewery is preparing to launch Koji Lager, a unique sake-style lager that blends traditional Japanese brewing techniques with modern American craft beer sensibilities.

Koji Lager is brewed using koji mold, a key ingredient in sake fermentation, which imparts delicate umami notes and a subtle sweetness. The result is a clean, crisp lager with a nuanced flavor profile that sets it apart from typical American lagers. Designed for drinkability and flavor exploration, Koji Lager will land at a sessionable 5.3% ABV, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather sipping or pairing with sushi, grilled seafood, and light fare.

This innovative lager will be packaged in 12-oz cans, featuring artwork that reflects Anderson Valley’s rustic charm and its commitment to pushing boundaries in craft brewing. The release continues the brewery’s tradition of blending global inspiration with local craftsmanship, offering something fresh for fans of both lager beers and sake-style brews.

A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Anderson Valley Brewing has long been known for its creative approach to beer, from its classic Boont Amber Ale to its wild ale program and seasonal releases. With Koji Lager, the brewery taps into the growing interest in Asian-inspired craft beers, bringing a sake-influenced twist to the American lager category.

The use of koji fermentation introduces a layer of complexity rarely found in lagers, offering a smooth mouthfeel, subtle rice character, and a dry finish that echoes traditional Japanese brewing. It’s a bold move that speaks to Anderson Valley’s reputation for innovation and its willingness to explore new flavor territories.

What to Expect from Koji Lager
Style: Sake-style American lager
ABV: 5.3% (sessionable)
Packaging: 12-oz cans
Flavor Profile: Crisp, clean, lightly sweet with umami undertones
Release Date: TBA — stay tuned for full release details and tasting notes

As Anderson Valley Brewing prepares to roll out Koji Lager, craft beer fans can look forward to a refreshing, globally inspired addition to the 2026 lineup. Whether you’re a lager lover, a sake enthusiast, or simply curious about new brewing techniques, Koji Lager promises to be one of the year’s most distinctive releases.

Stay tuned for more updates, including Koji Lager release dates, distribution info, and tasting room availability from Anderson Valley Brewing in Boonville, California.

Label Text Anderson Valley Brewing Koji Lager:

“Koji Lager Ancient technique meets modern craft. Koji mold unlocks subtle umami and delicate sweetness from the grain, finishing clean and refreshing with hints of melon and rice. A bridge between brewing traditions, East meets West in every sip of this Sake Style Lager (SSL).”

About Anderson Valley Brewing:

Founded in 1987 in Boonville, California, Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC) is a pioneering craft brewery recognized as the world’s first solar-powered brewery. Known for sustainability and quality, they produce a diverse range of ales, lagers, and sours, including the flagship Boont Amber Ale and popular Blood Orange Gose. 

Key Facts About Anderson Valley Brewing:
Location & Facilities: Situated in Boonville, the brewery features a 26-acre campus, a 100-barrel brewhouse, a tasting room, a beer garden, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Sustainability Pioneer: As the first brewery to use solar power, they operate a self-contained water system, use a nitrogen generator to reduce 
$$ usage by 80%, and repurpose spent grains to feed local cattle.
History & Growth: Established in 1987 in the lower level of the Buckhorn Saloon, it was among the first 20 craft breweries in the U.S..

Distribution & Products: Their beer is available in 39-40 states. Popular offerings include:Boont Amber Ale: The original, iconic ale.

Blood Orange Gose: A tart, refreshing, and highly popular sour.

Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout: A highly-rated stout.
Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale: A popular, malty holiday brew.

Experience: The facility is known for being family and dog-friendly, hosting tourists and locals on its “lounge lawn” and at the taproom. 

Under current ownership, the brewery continues to focus on craft innovation despite challenging market conditions, maintaining a reputation for high-quality, sustainably produced beer. 

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