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📋 Fact Check Note: This article is based on publicly available data from the official website, Untappd, BeerAdvocate, and other sources as of March 2026. Business hours, beer lineups, etc. are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
- What is Embolden Beer Co.? A San Diego Brewery Inspired by Japanese Culture
- 📍 Brewery Overview
- 🍺 The Founding Story — From Kombucha to Beer
- ⚔️ The “Shogun” Series — Where East Meets West
- 🏆 Top 5 Beers (Beyond Shogun)
- 📊 Web Ratings & Awards
- 🛒 How to Buy in Japan
- 🌴 San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene and Embolden’s Position
- 📍 Access & Google Maps
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Summary — An Innovative San Diego Brewery That Respects Japanese Food Culture
What is Embolden Beer Co.? A San Diego Brewery Inspired by Japanese Culture
Hi there! I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast. Today I’m introducing Embolden Beer Co. from San Diego — the innovative brewery that created the “world’s first matcha Hazy IPA”! Using Uji matcha from Kyoto, ube (purple yam) from the Philippines, yuzu from Okinawa, and hojicha — their “Shogun” series shows deep respect for Japanese food culture. It’s a completely different approach from Dank IPA or DDH, pushing the boundaries of what craft beer can be. You can even buy them in Japan through Antenna America!
📍 Brewery Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Embolden Beer Co. (New Motion Beverages & Embolden Beer Co.) |
| Address | 8655 Production Ave, Ste A, San Diego, CA 92121 (Miramar district) |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Andy Sist & Kyle Pool (Co-founders & CEO) |
| Facility | 10,000 sq ft (former 32 North Brewing location) |
| Styles | Hazy IPA / Matcha IPA / Hojicha Lager / Yuzu Blonde / Stout / West Coast IPA |
| Phone | (858) 265-6216 |
| Website | newmotion-embolden.com |
| @emboldenbeerco | |
| Untappd | Brave the Haze 3.9/5 (2,674 ratings) — highest rated |
| BeerAdvocate | Broken Record 83 points (8 ratings) |
| Yelp | 75 reviews / 224 photos |
🍺 The Founding Story — From Kombucha to Beer
Embolden Beer Co. was founded in 2020 by Andy Sist and Kyle Pool in San Diego’s Miramar district. The two were former roommates at San Diego State University, and their fascination with San Diego’s craft beer scene after graduation sparked the idea for the brewery.
Andy has deep knowledge of Japanese beer culture, including experience working at breweries in Japan such as Tokyo Aleworks. Together with Kyle, he spent 4 years developing kombucha, becoming a finalist at the Brewbound Pitch Slam in 2018, building a track record in the beverage industry.
In September 2020, they took over the former 32 North Brewing location (10,000 sq ft) which had operated for 6 years, expanding the patio space to twice its size. They transformed it into one of San Diego’s premier alfresco brewery experiences. Along with their sister brand New Motion Beverages, they offer a wide range of drinks including craft beer, hard tea, kombucha, and seltzer.
Co-founder Andy actually worked at Japanese breweries! That’s why the “Shogun” series’ respect for Japanese ingredients is the real deal. A brewery born from college roommate friendship — pretty cool story, right?
⚔️ The “Shogun” Series — Where East Meets West
What put Embolden Beer Co. on the global map is their “Shogun” series, which generously uses Japanese ingredients. It started as a small-scale collaboration with Matcha Cafe Maiko, a long-established San Diego cafe, and has grown into one of the most unique lineups in craft beer.
The ingredients include matcha (stone-ground tencha), hojicha, yuzu, and ube (purple yam). All are high-quality ingredients sourced from Matcha Cafe Maiko, resulting in a masterful fusion of American craft brewing techniques and Japanese food culture.
🌙 Midnight in Tokyo — The World’s First Matcha Hazy IPA
| Item | Specs |
|---|---|
| Style | Matcha Hazy IPA |
| ABV | 7.5% |
| Hops | Citra / Mosaic / NZ Cascade |
| Malt | 2-Row / Oats / Wheat |
| Adjunct | Uji Ceremonial Grade Matcha |
| Untappd | 3.7/5 (278 ratings) |
The flagship of the “Shogun” series, known as the world’s first matcha Hazy IPA. Using the highest grade Uji matcha supplied by Matcha Cafe Maiko, the citrus-floral aroma of Citra, Mosaic, and NZ Cascade hops creates an exquisite balance with matcha’s earthy bitterness. The distinctive green hue evokes nights in Tokyo — a revolutionary beer that every Hazy IPA fan should try at least once.
🌅 Dusk in Kyoto — The World’s First Hojicha Lager
| Item | Specs |
|---|---|
| Style | Hojicha Rice Lager |
| ABV | 4.5% |
| Adjunct | Hojicha (roasted green tea) |
| Untappd | 3.6/5 (106 ratings) |
Inspired by Kyoto’s beautiful sunsets, this is the world’s first hojicha lager. Built on a Japanese-style rice lager base, the toasty and nutty flavors of hojicha spread gently across the palate. Subtle chocolate nuances add depth, while the low 4.5% ABV makes it a perfect food pairing beer.
🌸 Spring in Okinawa — Yuzu Blonde Ale
| Item | Specs |
|---|---|
| Style | Yuzu Blonde Ale |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Adjunct | Yuzu |
| Untappd | 3.7/5 (186 ratings) |
Evoking the gentle spring of Okinawa, this yuzu blonde ale adds zesty acidity and citrus aroma of yuzu to a malt-forward blonde ale base. Refreshing and light, with a slightly tart finish that conjures warm tropical breezes.
🌄 Dawn in Ube — Ube Hazy IPA
| Item | Specs |
|---|---|
| Style | Ube Hazy IPA |
| ABV | 6.8% |
| Adjunct | Ube (purple yam) |
| Untappd | 3.7/5 (67 ratings) |
A striking purple Ube Hazy IPA. Ube — a Philippine-origin purple yam widely used in East Asian desserts — brings sweet, creamy flavors that fuse beautifully with tropical hop fruitiness. A crisp bitter finish ensures the taste matches the visual impact.
❄️ Winter in Hokkaido — Matcha Stout
| Item | Specs |
|---|---|
| Style | Matcha Stout |
| ABV | 5.5% |
| Adjunct | Matcha |
A matcha stout themed around Hokkaido winters. The roast character of dark malt harmonizes with matcha’s earthy bitterness, presenting the dark side of matcha beer in contrast to “Midnight in Tokyo.” Released in February 2026, it was served at the Miramar, Kearny Mesa, and North Park locations.
The “Shogun” series has 5 varieties! Matcha, hojicha, yuzu, ube, and matcha stout. Because the respect for Japanese food culture is genuine, these aren’t “fake Japanese” beers — they’re authentically delicious. The serious collaboration with Matcha Cafe Maiko makes all the difference!
🏆 Top 5 Beers (Beyond Shogun)
| Beer Name | Style | ABV | Untappd | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brave the Haze | Hazy Double IPA | 8.0% | 3.9/5 (2,674) | Citra/Mosaic/NZ Cascade hops. Silky, juicy flagship DIPA |
| Broken Record | West Coast IPA | 6.8% | 3.7/5 (1,013) | Classic West Coast style. BeerAdvocate 83 pts |
| Dark as Day | Horchata Golden Stout | 6.0% | 3.8/5 (876) | Collab w/ SouthNorte. Horchata x cold brew x cinnamon |
| Beyond Borders | Baja Lager | 5.0% | 3.6/5 (1,044) | Mexican lager. Light and crisp everyday beer |
| Clear Intentions | American IPA | 6.5% | 3.8/5 (1,943) | Crystal-clear American IPA. Pursuing hop transparency |
Brave the Haze is Embolden Beer Co.’s flagship Hazy Double IPA. The explosive tropical fruit aroma from Citra, Mosaic, and NZ Cascade hops is its hallmark, and its Untappd 3.9/5 is the brewery’s highest rating. Its juiciness, achieved through DDH (Double Dry Hop) techniques, should appeal to fans of Trillium Brewing and Hop Butcher For The World.
Dark as Day is a unique collaboration with San Diego neighbor SouthNorte Beer Co.. It blends the traditional Mexican sweet drink “horchata” into a golden stout base, finished with Mexican cold brew and cinnamon.
📊 Web Ratings & Awards
| Platform | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Untappd | Brave the Haze: 3.9/5 | 2,674 ratings. Consistent high marks in DIPA category |
| Untappd | Clear Intentions: 3.8/5 | 1,943 ratings. American IPA category |
| Untappd | Dark as Day: 3.8/5 | 876 ratings. Unique Horchata Stout |
| BeerAdvocate | Broken Record: 83 pts | 8 reviews. West Coast IPA category |
| Yelp | 75 reviews / 224 photos | High marks for atmosphere and beer quality |
| SD Brewers Guild | Member | Official San Diego Brewers Guild member |
Despite being a relatively young brewery that opened in 2020, Brave the Haze has amassed over 2,600 ratings on Untappd, steadily growing their fan base. While no GABF or World Beer Cup awards have been confirmed yet, the innovation of the “Shogun” series has been featured in media outlets like San Diego Beer News and American Craft Beer, and industry attention continues to grow.
🛒 How to Buy in Japan
Embolden Beer Co.’s beers are available in Japan through Antenna America, a specialty American craft beer importer.
| Beer Name | Volume | Price (tax incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shogun – Midnight in Tokyo Matcha IPA | 473ml | ¥1,556 |
| Shogun – Dawn in Ube Hazy IPA | 473ml | ¥1,455 |
| Shogun – Winter in Hokkaido Matcha Stout | 473ml | ¥1,455 |
| Shogun – Dusk in Kyoto Hojicha Lager | 473ml | ¥1,285 |
| Shogun – Spring in Okinawa Yuzu Blonde | 473ml | ¥1,235 |
| Brave the Haze Hazy DIPA | 473ml | ¥1,353 |
| Broken Record West Coast IPA | 473ml | ¥1,353 |
| Dark as Day Horchata Golden Stout | 473ml | ¥1,336 |
| Beyond Borders Baja Lager | 473ml | ¥1,183 |
| Lite House Blonde | 473ml | ¥997 |
Where to buy:
- Antenna America Online Store — nationwide shipping
- Antenna America Kannai (Yokohama) & Yaesu (Tokyo) — in-store purchase available
- Embolden Shogun 3-Pack (Midnight in Tokyo + Dusk in Kyoto + Spring in Okinawa) also available — great for first-timers
*Stock levels fluctuate. Please check Antenna America’s product page for the latest availability.
Antenna America carries 13 varieties! They have a Shogun 3-Pack, so if it’s your first time, I’d recommend starting with the set. A tasting flight of matcha IPA, hojicha lager, and yuzu blonde — how amazing is that?
🌴 San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene and Embolden’s Position
San Diego is called the “Capital of Craft,” home to over 150 breweries — one of America’s premier craft beer cities. On the foundation built by legends like Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, and Modern Times, new-generation breweries continue to emerge.
Embolden Beer Co.’s Miramar district is known as “Beeramar,” a brewery-dense area with 10+ breweries. In this competitive landscape, Embolden has carved out a unique position with their “Japanese culture x American craft” identity.
Notably, in 2024 they partnered with Matcha Cafe Maiko owner William Sutjiadi to open Rising Sun Collective on 30th Street in North Park. This multi-concept venue brings together Embolden Beverage Group drinks, Matcha Cafe Maiko sweets, Salt & Butter by Okayama Kobo food, and Sipz vegan fare — deepening the fusion of Japanese and American food culture even further.
📍 Access & Google Maps
Access: Just off I-15 at the Miramar Road exit. Ample parking available. Dog-friendly patio seating.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I buy Embolden Beer Co.’s beers in Japan?
A. Yes, you can purchase them through Antenna America (online store, Kannai flagship, Yaesu branch). Over 13 varieties are available including the Shogun series, with nationwide shipping. The Shogun 3-Pack (Midnight in Tokyo + Dusk in Kyoto + Spring in Okinawa) is recommended for first-timers.
Q. What is the “Shogun” series?
A. A craft beer series inspired by Japanese food culture. It started as a collaboration with Matcha Cafe Maiko and features 5 beers using Japanese ingredients like Uji matcha, hojicha, yuzu, and ube. “Midnight in Tokyo” is notably the world’s first matcha Hazy IPA.
Q. What’s Embolden’s best beer?
A. For first-timers, the Untappd 3.9-rated flagship “Brave the Haze” (Hazy DIPA, 8.0%) is recommended. If you’re interested in the Japanese theme, try “Midnight in Tokyo” (matcha Hazy IPA, 7.5%). For something lighter, “Dusk in Kyoto” (hojicha lager, 4.5%) is very drinkable.
Q. Is the taproom dog-friendly?
A. Yes, the outdoor patio area is dog-friendly. It’s one of San Diego’s largest alfresco spaces where you can enjoy craft beer with your furry friend. The indoor tasting room is also spacious.
Q. What does the name “Embolden” mean?
A. “Embolden” means “to give courage” or “to make bold.” It represents the brewery’s approach of respecting San Diego’s craft beer traditions while bravely forging new paths. The “Shogun” series with Japanese ingredients is the perfect embodiment of this philosophy.
Q. What is Rising Sun Collective?
A. A multi-concept venue that Embolden Beer Co. opened in North Park (30th Street) in partnership with Matcha Cafe Maiko’s owner. It features Embolden drinks, Matcha Cafe Maiko sweets, Salt & Butter by Okayama Kobo food, and Sipz vegan cuisine — a celebration of Japanese-American food culture fusion.
Summary — An Innovative San Diego Brewery That Respects Japanese Food Culture
Embolden Beer Co., though founded just in 2020, has created the world’s first matcha Hazy IPA and hojicha lager through their innovative “Shogun” series. The co-founder’s real-world brewery experience in Japan and the authentic collaboration with Matcha Cafe Maiko deliver genuine quality — not “fake Japanese” flavors. Available through Antenna America for delivery in Japan, whether you’re a Hazy IPA fan or someone who loves Japanese food culture, give these a try!
Related articles:
- Hop Butcher For The World Complete Guide
- Trillium Brewing Complete Guide
- What is Dank IPA?
- DDH (Double Dry Hop) Complete Guide
- The World of Hazy IPA
*This article contains no affiliate links. All ratings are based on actual data from public platforms (Untappd, BeerAdvocate, Yelp). Drinking under the legal age is prohibited by law. Drinking and driving is prohibited by law.
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