Matsumoto Entamepunk : Background
Matsumoto Entamepunk is a 4.5% hoppy lager from Matsumoto Brewery based in Matsumoto, Nagano created in connection with the 2026 Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival. The name, エンタメパンク, combines the Japanese abbreviation for “entertainment” with “punk”, giving the beer a deliberately playful name that fits the brewery’s close relationship with Matsumoto’s cultural scene. While Matsumoto Brewery has published detailed information about some of its regular beers, the specific malt, hop varieties and brewing process used for Entame Punk have not been widely documented.
At A Glance
- ABV : 4.5%
- Style : Hoppy lager
- Hops : –
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU :
Sale Information
- Availability : Limiteed
- On Sale : From June 2026
- Size : 330 ml
Matsumoto Entamepunk : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Matsumoto Entamepunk poured a light straw colour with a large frothy white head on top that consisted of some small to medium sized bubbles. Though there was some haze to the beer, that was more than likely a chill haze as the beer had just come out of the fridge. However, that frothy head didn’t last long and collapsed to a thin layer on top, before leaving some streaks down the side of the glass.
In terms of aroma though, it didn’t have the aroma of your typical German lager. Instead, Matsumoto Entamepunk was more citrusy than expected, with a large nose of grapefruit and lemon first, alongside a light touch of pineapple as it warmed up. Underpining all of this was a light malt sweetness, of some pilsner malt aroma, and a touch of biscuity aroma coming through as the beer warmed.
With the style being labelled as “hoppy”, I’m always weary about if these beers are trying to be more like an extra pale ale or a session IPA. However, Matsumoto Entamepunk didn’t pack that same kind of punch, though there was a bitterness to it that was more potent than a regular lager. The hops brought along a citrus body of flavour, once again with grapefruit and lemon being the flavours coming to the forefront.
The body was light and crisp, which helped accentuate the hoppy flavours somewhat, helping them to last throughout drinking into the aftertaste. Add a touch of malt sweetness in the form of pilsner and biscuit body, and you’ve got an easy-drinking beer that’s gone too quickly.
Matsumoto Entamepunk : The Bottom Line
It’s a shame that Matsumoto Entamepunk may not be seen again as I thought it was a solid beer that is probably misstyled as a hoppy lager when in fact it’s got more in common with a session IPA or an extra pale ale. Definitely worth trying if you can find it.
Matsumoto Entamepunk : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
