Okinawa in a can

Nago Shimaku White Ale

Brand: Orion

Price: 300 yen

Place of purchase: Belx Supermarket

Rating:

I always look forward to the periodic and seasonal beers offered by Orion Brewery based in Okinawa. In autumn 2025, Orion offers two beers in their Nago craft beer line. One is Nago Shimafu Beer Suna, and the other is Nago Shimaku White Ale. I went with the latter. Nago Shimaku White Ale pours clear with a golden colour and a foamy head. It's got a juicy citrus fragrance, wheaty flavour, and low bitterness. The Orion product website has a "flavour map". This beer is described as refreshing, light, and fruity. I'd have to agree.

Orion Brewery's Nago Shimaku White Ale is premium-priced, but it's worth a try to see if it appeals to you. I'm glad I tried it once. I get the impression that this mildly-flavoured beer is aimed not at craft-brew fans, but Okinawa fans. The ingredients are mostly derived from Okinawa, including wheat, hops, and citrus flavouring. A side note is that Okinawa's University of the Ryukyus based in Naha City developed a hop variety for Orion. The label design captures the colours and motifs of Bingata textiles. This one is for Okinawa fans.